Picture of Copán: one of the stone macaw heads of structure 10, used in the ball game (Copán, Honduras)

Stone macaw head at structure 10, used in the famed ball game, Copán

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Deservedly the numer one attraction of Honduras, Copán is a testimony to the proud Mayan past of the country.
The best know site of Honduras, the ruins of Copan are a must-see for any visitor to the country, tucked away in the wilderness near the border with Guatemala. I planned an entire day for them, and needed it. Opening times are a little unfortunate, it is not possible to be there at sunrise or sunset, but I was anyway very early to make sure I could enter as the first visitor of the day. Entering through the main gate, with screaming, colourful macaws above my head, I soon came to the Great Plaza. While originally the ruins were all stone, and coloured, now the floor is deliberately covered with grass to protect it from the impact of visitors, and the colour has mostly disappeared. On some of the stelae on the Great Plaza, it can still be seen though. Walking through the complex all alone, enjoying the views of the morning clouds lifting off the temples and the canopy of the trees, talking here and there to caretakers who meticulously removed leaves and other things that didn't belong to the ruins themselves, was an experience in itself.
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birds crocodile Central&South America North America Copán Giudecca detail arches excavations monument Honduras Djibouti ruins museum stone roman

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