Artist's concept of the Petroglyph Staircase at Copán, as it could have looked like between 400 and 850AD
Copan Ruins
Copan Ruins are located in the western part of Honduras, Central America. Copan is the archeological city located just one mile south of the whole geographic area, and it is where the great Mayan Civilization developed and flourished. It is a modern town which was founded during the last century and at present is called Copan Ruins or Ruinas de Copan. It has a population of about 3,000 inhabitants and has a decidedly colonial aspect. The town has a good electric service, good drinking water and hotels.
Copan Ruins Archeological Site
The archaeological site at Copán Ruins in extreme western Honduras is one of the most renowned within the Mayan realm. It has been called the "Paris of the Mayan World" due to its intricately carved stelae, hieroglyphic stairway, and other sculptures that have preserved so well since the kingdom's collapse more than 1,000 years ago. It remained unknown to the outside world until it was found in 1576 by a Spanish explorer.
Copan Ruins Diversity
The area surrounding Copán is biologically diverse because various ecotones come together in close proximity. Lowland, mid-elevation, and cloud forests are found here, along with pine/oak and semi-deciduous forests. Being close to the Continental Divide also lends to a mixing of Caribbean and Pacific slope biota. The bird list has passed 400 species (and counting) and makes Copán one of the more well-studied areas in the country. Its orchid and butterfly diversity are also being studied and are proving to be just as rich.
