The Ruins of Copán, Honduras

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My (first) experience of Honduras was short lived lasting less than 3 days before the charms of Guatemala would embrace me, one more time. I entered the country on its north-west at El Poy, El Salvador continuing to La Entrada (spending the night as the bus service concludes at about 7pm) on the way to the Copán Ruins the next day. The lengthy bus ride (the first half of which was spent standing in the isle due to over-crowdedness) with a group of illegal Honduran immigrants. They had left Honduras one week earlier in hopes of reaching the USA. After making it through Guatemala they were caught in Mexico and deported back to Honduras. The group seemed in good spirits. At least they were all safe and healthy. In another week they would leave again, they tell me (typically the fee paid to the coyote is contingent on arrival to the USA so if they are sent back they do not have to pay).

The ruins of Copán are impressive but in their own unique way. While Chizen Itza is renowned for the size of its pyramids, Palenque for the jungle setting, Tulum for the spectacular ocean view, Tikal for its size and the atmosphere amplified by surrounding howler monkeys, Copán displays sculptures with amazing detail and design. The site is much smaller and less spectacular but what gives it its appeal are the many faces, hieroglyphs and symbols hammered into the rock well preserved over the centuries.

The morning after I cross the border 15km away on my way to Rio Dulce, Guatemala.