Left: After
our great experience using a guide in Tikal we decided to do it again
in Copan. Juan chose us as we entered the park. Here we see Juan
describing some of the Mayan inscriptions. The site of the Mayan
Ruins of Copan was not as large as Tikal, nor were the structures as
large. It was still a very impressive place. Juan did a great job for
us and
was quite the comedian. He reiterated that the rulers were often
not of the soundest of minds due to the ingestion of certain plants.
They were probably seeing all kinds of cool colors and little men
and things.
Right:
The reamins of 3450 structures have been discovered in this area. This
temple is one of the largest in Copan. It took us approximately 3 hours
to walk the site.
Left:
Another of the more impressive structures in the principal site. During
its peak, around the 8th century over 20,000 people inhabited the area.
Above Right: A Mayan version of a sports arena. The ball court, Juego de
pelota, is the second largest in Central America. We understand that once a year the best players would be summoned for a tournament. The winner would then be sacrificed. It doesn't always pay to be the best does it?
Left:
Now this was impressive. These 63 steps are inscribed with hieroglyphics providing a history of the Royal House of Copan.