Copan Ruinas is a small town nestled in the foothills of western Honduras, just 7 miles from the border with Guatemala. It's a spot with outstanding natural beauty, but it's not this particular attribute which has put Copan Ruinas on the map, rather the magnificent Mayan Ruins that sit half a mile away from the town. A designated World Heritage Site, the ruins are believed by archeologists to be all that remains of the main cultural centre of the entire Mayan world.
Copan Ruinas' fascinating culture is not just centred around its ancient Mayan heritage, though. Venturing just five minutes out of town, away from modern life, will take you to the heart of a pre-modern rural culture, where lifestyles and social practices aren't that far removed from those of centuries gone by and you can get a truly authentic insight into the culture of this beautiful part of central America.
