Visit these ancient ruins in Honduras

Honduras is a beautiful Central American country everyone should have on their bucket list. Throughout this tiny coffee-growing country, you can experience lush rainforests, exotic animal life, and the exquisite Mayan Ruins. The southernmost Mayan ruins reside in Copan, Honduras. The city of Copan is small and tightly packed with a community of friendly craft makers. You can see their many crafts for sale along the main streets. Beautiful handmade tapestries, jewelry, and pottery can be found here, but the real gem lies beyond the streets in the Copan Ruins.

Copan Ruins 1200 B.C.

Once you've arrived, walking across the flat land, you may see giant rodents and pacas running about. The sounds of the jungle are alive in the silent ruins. You will undoubtedly hear the sounds of distant tropical parrots and monkeys. Seeing one is quite a treat. The Mayan royalties kept these animals for personal use, often for later consumption. Today, they are served as a delicacy in neighboring countries. There is archeological evidence that the Copan ruins were around as early as 1200 B.C. It is believed that more than 20,000 Mayans lived in this sector of the ruins.

The Copan Ruins, though not the largest Mayan city, is the largest learning center within the ruins. The ruins boast archeological extravagance, hieroglyphics, intricate sculptures, and advances in astronomy more so than any other Mayan civilization. 

The Mayan Calendar

During 749 AD, the hugely famous Hieroglyphic Stairway was created by King Smoky Shell. The stairway was built to show the success and strength of the kingdom. The inscription found on the hieroglyphic staircase is the longest inscription found in the Mayan world. Initially, it was believed the hieroglyphs found in Copan were of astronomical and calendar calculations. Further investigations show that the script refers to the life and times of the Mayan rulers. The stairway is essential because their successors destroyed many monuments of previous rulers. This stairway provides the rulers' names and dates and narrates these leaders' battles.    

Within the valley, you will see the Great Plaza. The huge football stadium plaza is famous for its stelae and ritual altars. In addition to the park, two museums contain more artifacts and information about the Mayan civilization. One museum is housed at the archaeological site, and the other is in the town of Copan.

You will not be let down no matter where you go within the Copan Ruins. The sky is beautiful and clean, the earth around you lush with beauty and vibrant colors. This is one time you will not want to forget your camera.