Pyramids of Copan, Honduras
From series “Top Survived Pyramids from Previous Civilizations”
The Pyramids of Maya can be found not only in Mexico, but also in Honduras. To the followers of the walks through the archaeological districts one can recommend the tiny town of Copán. Three thousand years ago, when the unique pyramids were built, Copán was one of the largest cities of the Mayan civilization. The city was on the crossroads of important trade routes. Modern archaeologists consider Copan's pyramids as a single complex with nearby buildings of a different purpose.
On the extensive territory, a lot of ancient objects have been discovered: the ritual accessories, the statuettes of the ancient gods and the ruler. The ancient pyramids were built for sacred and ritual purposes; the sacrificial altar was on the top of the largest pyramid. Within the reach of this pyramid, the archaeologists have discovered a kind of amphitheater where presumably the competitions took place. The fighters, ridden by the rivals, were sacrificed to the cruel gods of Maya.
Re-use of this article is allowed. A valid link to www.orangesmile.com is obligatory.
Pyramids of Copan - interactive map
Useful staff nearby
ATM bankomat: 'Banet' located in 25 km (
check the route on the map).
Nearest unique sightseeing spots to visit
124 km - El Cajon Dam
El Cajon Dam was built in Honduras in 1985. Its height is 226 meters and length 282 meters. This dam was built on the Comayagua River that has the wild and headlong stream. The dam had to minimize the threat of flooding of this area. Engineers from the whole world took …
From the series 'The Most Impressive Dams on Earth'
El Cajon Dam was built in Honduras in 1985. Its height is 226 meters and length 282 meters. This dam was built on the Comayagua River that has the wild and headlong stream. The dam had to minimize the threat of flooding of this area. Engineers from the whole world took …
144 km - Ilopango Volcano
The capital city of El Salvador is located near the famous Ilopango volcano. During the history it erupted twice. The first eruption, which occurred in the 5th century BC, was the most powerful and destructive. After the first destructive eruption, the whole territory …
From the series 'Volcanoes and Traps That Changed the Face of the Planet'
The capital city of El Salvador is located near the famous Ilopango volcano. During the history it erupted twice. The first eruption, which occurred in the 5th century BC, was the most powerful and destructive. After the first destructive eruption, the whole territory …
145 km - Guatemala Stone Head
The impenetrable jungle of Guatemala, inhabited by the Mayan tribes since ancient times, conceals one of the most mysterious artefacts on earth. Here, in the midst of the luxuriant thickets of the exotic trees, lies the huge sandstone statue discovered by the …
From the series 'Most Curious Artifacts of Extraterrestrial Origin'
The impenetrable jungle of Guatemala, inhabited by the Mayan tribes since ancient times, conceals one of the most mysterious artefacts on earth. Here, in the midst of the luxuriant thickets of the exotic trees, lies the huge sandstone statue discovered by the …
222 km - Hidden Valley Waterfall
Hidden Valley Falls is a legendary group of waterfalls in Belize, located on the territory of the Mountain Pine Ridge Nature Reserve. The height of the waterfall is 457 meters, it is incredibly beautiful, and in combination with the surrounding landscapes makes a …
From the series 'Most Fanciful Waterfalls of the Planet'
Hidden Valley Falls is a legendary group of waterfalls in Belize, located on the territory of the Mountain Pine Ridge Nature Reserve. The height of the waterfall is 457 meters, it is incredibly beautiful, and in combination with the surrounding landscapes makes a …
249 km - Samabaj
The ancient Mayan city of Samabaj had been regarded as a legend for many years, till its ruins have been found in one of the lakes in Guatemala. This important archaeological discovery occurred in 1996, and later, scientists were able to specify that Samabaj has sunken …
From the series 'Famous Sunken Towns'
The ancient Mayan city of Samabaj had been regarded as a legend for many years, till its ruins have been found in one of the lakes in Guatemala. This important archaeological discovery occurred in 1996, and later, scientists were able to specify that Samabaj has sunken …
285 km - Santa Maria Volcano
Early 18th century was also marked by a strong volcanic eruption. That year the disaster occurred in Guatemala. In 1902, the eruption of Santa Maria volcano happened there. It is considered one of the most violent eruptions of the 20th century. The incredibly powerful …
From the series 'Volcanoes and Traps That Changed the Face of the Planet'
Early 18th century was also marked by a strong volcanic eruption. That year the disaster occurred in Guatemala. In 1902, the eruption of Santa Maria volcano happened there. It is considered one of the most violent eruptions of the 20th century. The incredibly powerful …