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| Hacienda San Lucas |
Our first day in mainland Honduras and Copan had been very busy so we were all eager to take a little time for ourselves before heading back up the mountain for dinner at the ecolodge,
Hacienda San Lucas. We wanted to be sure to arrive in plenty of time to relax and enjoy the Hacienda and especially view the sunset.
Hacienda San Lucas sits above Copan Valley and the Copan river which travels through it. It seems everyone enjoys the chance to cool off in the river as the afternoon turns to evening. We saw families and children swimming, fishing, and relaxing on the cool banks.
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| Copan River |
The Maya also used the river to bring water into their city with a vast and complex aqueduct system similar to what the ancient Romans devised. We saw remnants of the aqueducts in Las Sepulturas earlier in the day.
We traveled up the rocky dirt road as it wound around mountain until Hacienda San Lucas appeared before us. Several dogs eagerly greeted us and led the way up the stairs to the Hacienda.
The Hacienda is so unique, you feel it as soon as you arrive. It is such a tranquil spot, and the hacienda is a 100 year old hand built adobe renovated to solar power.
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| Reception Area |
When we arrived at the reception area, we were encouraged to enjoy the hacienda's 300 acre property. So we placed a drink order and headed down the hill to catch some quiet time as the sun went down. As we were waiting, one of the Maya staff started lighting candles throughout the hacienda.
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| So Charming |
We passed by the outdoor dining area where they were preparing for our dinner later in the evening.
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| The Dining Area |
The hillside below the hacienda slopes down toward the valley. Chairs were positioned to enjoy the view of the mountains, the river, Copan and the ruins. We settled in to relax and await sundown. As we waited, the quiet and peace of our surroundings enveloped us. Flocks of unusual birds and parrots flew in and landed
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| The Grounds in Front of the Hacienda |
in nearby trees. It was very magical. As the sun began to set, the mist rose through the valley...breathtakingly beautiful and surreal.
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| Copan Valley at Dusk from the Hacienda |
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| Sunset over the Copan Valley |
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| Oscar Polio, Musician and Healer |
After sunset, the path back to the Hacienda was lit by luminaries, and a flute player,
Oscar Polio, who treated us to magical tones as we made our way to our table were we would enjoy an authentic Mayan five course candlelight meal prepared in the traditional way.
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| Our lighted Path |
We dined on fresh fruit salad with "cuajada" a kind of soft cheese, pickled green papaya and a hibiscus flower vinaigrette. This was followed by fresh corn "atole" (cream) garnished with seasonal wild flowers of Copan. A fresh corn tamale filled with authentic Maya adobo sauce metate ground chicken and vegetables wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. The main course was a fire roasted chicken in oak wood, fresh squash and carrots, stewed black beans and fresh corn tortillas straight from the "comal". Dessert was papaya in light syrup and spices with a wedge of rum cake! Amazing and beautifully presented.
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| Michael and Emiliana |
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| Our Hostess for the evening Augie from Spain |
We enjoyed wonderful friendship and a magical experience. It was an evening to remember, one we will never forget. The hope is to return and stay overnight at Hacienda San Lucas to better experience this magical place..
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| Inside the Hacienda |
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