Copán

This UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980, the Maya ruins at Copán stand in a fertile mountain valley in western Honduras near the Guatemalan border. From the 5th to 9th centuries AD, this was the capital of a major Classic period kingdom, and its well-preserved architecture and distinctive sculptural tradition have made it one of the most studied sites in Maya history. The little modern town nearby has a café and restaurant scene that comfortably serves independent travellers visiting the ruins.

• Population6,336
• Nearest water0.9 km
• Nearest mountain3.5 km
• UNESCO within 50 km2