Copan

Copan is located in western Honduras near the border of Guatemala. It is a valuable archaeological site of one of the earliest known human civilizations, Maya civilization. This city served as a capital city of many ancient kingdoms that reigned Honduras between 5th-9th centuries AD. Now this city is inhabited by a petite population of 3000 people, a winding road and a small airport.

This city nestles amidst a fertile river valley and rolling hills. The ruins of Mayan civilization are located 1.6 kilometers from Copan Ruinas which is a modern village. The floor of Copan valley was swampy, undulating because it was often flooded and eroded by the Copan River during the earlier preclassic period. This was the prime reason of various constructions done by people of Mayan civilization. These constructions were done to level the floor of valley and protect the fertile soil from erosion. To protect this important archeological site from the floods and erosion, Copan River has been diverted away from it.

This city is known for its rich historical past that spans a greater part of classic period. Copan was a powerful city which came under the southern province of Mayan civilization. This city has many ancient scriptures and sculptures that were intricately designed and carved on rocks by artisans of Mayan civilization with the help of small and archaic tools. The innumerable sculptures and ancient temples of Mayan deities have attracted many explorers and discoverers to this city. Travelers and explorers who like to delve into ancient civilizations and ruins often visit this city.