Copán Ruinas is a Mayan Ruin site located in western Honduras. Copán is a UNESCO site, one of the most important Mayan ruin sites in the world, and home to the longest known Mayan inscription (over 1,250 glyphs!). Copán was discovered in 1570, and the city was abandoned in the early 10th century.
For me, the best part of Copán Ruinas was the lack of people there. It was so empty, it was possible to wander around the site for hours and feel as if you were alone. I saw maybe, maybe 15 people the entire time. Worlds away from the horrid crowds of Chichen Itza or Tulum; you could actually enjoy the ruins!
The site is incredible and very well preserved, which is because it was “swallowed” by the jungle for quite some time until it was discovered and subsequently unearthed. The jungle covering helped keep it protected for centuries.
At Copán Ruinas you are still allowed to climb on the ruins (!). This privilege was taken away long ago at some more popular sites, due to damage being incurred by tourists. You can walk up the stairs or most buildings in copan, go inside little passageways, and actually experience properly. Note: you can also get eaten alive by mosquitos. Pretty amazing.
