Location Īrtistic conception of mayas at the Stela I and altar. It is thought likely that the ancient name of Copán was Oxwitik ( pronounced ), meaning the "Three Witiks", although the meaning of the word witik itself remains obscure. Īs one of the most important sites in Mayan history, and because of its outstanding, well-preserved architecture, Copán was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, and the site was designated a cultural monument by the Honduran Government in 1982. Ī significant portion of the eastern side of the acropolis was eroded away by the Copán River the river has since been diverted to protect the site from further damage. This unexpected defeat resulted in a 17-year hiatus at the city, during which time Copán may have been subject to Quiriguá in a reversal of fortunes. The city suffered a major political disaster in AD 738 when Uaxaclajuun Ub'aah K'awiil, one of the greatest kings in Copán's dynastic history, was captured and executed by his former vassal, the king of Quiriguá. ![]() Copán was a powerful city ruling a vast kingdom within the southern Maya area. The city has a historical record that spans the greater part of the Classic period and has been reconstructed in detail by archaeologists and epigraphers. The city developed a distinctive sculptural style within the tradition of the lowland Maya, perhaps to emphasize the Maya ethnicity of the city's rulers. Ĭopán was occupied for more than two thousand years, from the Early Preclassic period to the Postclassic. The city was in the extreme southeast of the Mesoamerican cultural region, on the frontier with the Isthmo-Colombian cultural region, and was almost surrounded by non- Maya peoples. It was the capital city of a major Classic period kingdom from the 5th to 9th centuries AD. This ancient Maya city mirrors the beauty of the physical landscape in which it flourished-a fertile, well-watered mountain valley in western Honduras at an elevation of 600 meters (1,970 feet) above mean sea level. The Sachichaj waterfall, located north of town, is also a good choice.Copán is an archaeological site of the Maya civilization in the Copán Department of western Honduras, not far from the border with Guatemala. Other popular options include the Quetzal Biotope, Chixim church, and Chicoy cave, all of which are south of Cobán. Some of the best include the Semuc Champey pools, a series of stepped limestone pools, and the Languín caves. There are a number of nearby attractions for travelers to explore. You’ll also be treated to a cup of tasty gourmet coffee. Visiting a working coffee farm is a great way to learn about the ins and outs of the planting, picking, roasting, and exporting process. Sights in Cobán include a Maya archaeological museum, orchid nursery, and church dating back to 1810.Ĭobán has some of the country’s best coffee, and while here you should try to tour a coffee plantation. Even so, there are still pieces of German influence scattered about the city. When World War II hit, the United States pressured the Guatemalan government to expel all Germans. During the 19th century, Cobán had a sizeable German population. This can make Cobán feel drab, but the natural wonders and occasional sunshine make it more than tolerable.Ĭobán is an important site for gourmet coffee production, and also produces allspice and cardamom for export. There is, however a rainy mist known locally as chipi chipi that is present throughout much of the year. This idyllic environment makes Cobán a favorite of nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts the town even has a small national park in the middle of town. The mountains surrounding Cobán are filled with evergreen forests, coffee plantations, and freshwater streams. However, Cobán quickly reveals its charms as soon as you set foot in the countryside. The town itself may seem unappealing at first, especially if you arrive in bad weather-the town center is nondescript and can see heavy traffic at times.
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