Copan

This archaeological center, called Athens and Alexandria of the ancient Maya Empire, is in Honduras. Copan has been a major source of information regarding the ancient Maya civilization and has always been referred to as the most artistically advanced and elaborate of all the Maya cities. Copan was declared a heritage of humanity site in 1980 by UNESCO and continuous study of the city by archaeologists for over a century make it the most studied city of the Maya. The beautiful attractions in the park are: The ball court, considered the social center of the city, this is by far the most artistic ball court in Mesoamerica; unique to it are the markers on the side walls, resembling macaw heads. The great plaza, is famous for its stelae and altars due to the elaborated detail that ornate them.

The hieroglyphic stairway is a unique temple holding the longest known text left to us by the ancient Maya civilization; unfortunately, the glyphs can not be read because the steps had all fallen out of place; archaeologist rebuilt the temple but had no way to knowing where each piece belonged. The discovery of "Rosa Lila Temple or Temple of the Sun" has helped archaeologists to understand how Copan actually looked in its days of glory. The legacy of the Maya can also be found throughout the Copan valley. "Las Sepulturas" is a small site which has been most important in understanding how the Mayan elite lived during the days of glory before the collapse of Copan.