World Heritage Site in Central America, Honduras – The Copán Mayan Ruins Known for Their Delicate Carvings

Scattered across Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador in Central America are the ruins of the once-flourishing ancient Maya civilization. Among these, along with Guatemala’s Tikal and Quiriguá ruins, one of the most famous Maya archaeological sites is the Copán Ruins in Honduras. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1980. Here, we will introduce the Copán Mayan Ruins.

What Are the Copán Mayan Ruins?

Located right near the border with Guatemala, along the banks of the Copán River, the Copán Ruins date back to the Copán Dynasty, which flourished during the Classic Period of the Maya civilization. These ruins are from a period spanning the 5th to the 9th centuries.

Unlike vast sites such as Chichen Itza or Palenque in Mexico, or Tikal in Guatemala, Copán is not massive in scale. However, it is famous for the artistic beauty of its delicate carvings found on features such as the hieroglyphic stairway and the standing stelae. This refinement offers a unique charm distinct from other large-scale Maya sites.

Highlight 1: Gran Plaza

Many of the main attractions of the Copán Ruins are concentrated in the Gran Plaza, which is the first area you encounter after entering the site. Similar to Guatemala’s Quiriguá Ruins, this spacious plaza is dotted with numerous stelae adorned with elegant decorations. Most of these stelae were commissioned by the 13th ruler, Waxaklajuun Ubaah K’awiil. At the southeastern end of the plaza, he also built a ball court, known as one of the largest and most finely constructed of the Maya Classic Period.

One of the most remarkable features is the Hieroglyphic Stairway, which stretches 30 meters in length with 63 steps, located on the way from the ball court to the Acropolis. Originally constructed by Waxaklajuun Ubaah K’awiil, it was later expanded by the 15th ruler, K’ak’ Yipyaj Chan K’awiil. The approximately 2,200 individual steps are each inscribed with hieroglyphs that record the history of the Copán Dynasty.

Highlight 2: Acropolis

Another key feature of the Copán Ruins is the Acropolis, which appears after passing the temple with the Hieroglyphic Stairway in the Gran Plaza. This was a special area for kings, nobles, and other elites to conduct ceremonies and administrative affairs. It consists of two main sections—the East Court (Patio Oriental) and the West Court (Patio Occidental)—with various temples surrounding the plazas.

Archaeological investigations have revealed that beneath Temple 16, located east of the West Court, are multiple layers of older temples. This temple has been reconstructed and its carvings are now displayed in the Sculpture Museum.

◎ Summary

The Copán Ruins in Honduras are a World Heritage Site that showcases the grandeur of the ancient Maya civilization. This remarkable archaeological site offers visitors a glimpse into the artistry, culture, and history of one of the most influential civilizations of the Americas.

At present, Honduras is often regarded as one of the more dangerous countries in the world due to high crime rates and widespread availability of firearms. Because of this, travelers are advised to exercise a high degree of caution and carefully assess safety information before planning a visit.

Still, the Copán Mayan Ruins remain a treasure of cultural and historical importance. Hopefully, the time will come when visitors can explore this site with complete peace of mind, appreciating its beauty and heritage without concerns about safety.

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World Heritage Site in Central America, Honduras – The Copán Mayan Ruins Known for Their Delicate Carvings