Copán was one of the most important sites of the Maya civilisation.
Situated near the border with Guatemala, and buried beneath dense tropical jungle, it was rediscovered in the late 1800s and excavations begun. Airborne LIDAR has since identified around 4000 buried buildings, only a fraction of which have been recovered from the jungle and restored.
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Like all major Classic Period (250-900 ACE) Mayan sites, it was abandoned at its peak, likely due to a combination of climate change and social upheaval.
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It is every bit as impressive as other Mayan archeological sites I have seen at Xunantunich in Belize and Tikal in Guatemala. Construction materials differ due to location - volcanic rock was used here in Copán while a much softer limestone, less resistant to the elements, was used in Xunantunich and Tikal. Some of the stelae and temple reliefs still retain a hint of the striking red cinnabar pigment that adorned them.
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There are many stunningly beautiful bird species in this part of the world.
One of the best places to see them up close is the Parque de Aves y Reserva Natural Macaw Mountain, a bird rescue, rehabilitation, and care center located close by the Copan archeological site. For a modest entry fee it is a great way to flex one’s responsible travel credentials.
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The charming nearby town of Copán Ruinas has good accommodation, restaurants, cafes, bars and street vendors despite being small.
By sheer chance I am here for the annual Guacamaya Festival which celebrates the release back into the wild of rescued scarlet macaws (the national bird of Honduras). The cobblestone streets are filled with artisanal, agricultural, and culinary displays (including local cacao and coffee) and Honduran folk dancing and music continues late - and very loudly - into the night.
In this and some other parts of the country - away from drug and poverty fuelled gang violence - ordinary Hondurans are friendly and welcoming. They deserve a break.
A great initiative making a difference is the Adelante Foundation whose aim is empowering women in Honduras with small loans to start businesses, make a living and become self-sufficient.