Can someone please tellme three historic sites in Hondorus?

Answer 1

Copán is one of the best Mayan sites in Central America. What it lacks in size (compared with Tikal or Chichén Itzá) it more than compensates for in craftsmanship. Diego García de Palacio, the first known European to see the ruined city in the sixteenth century, commented that it was built with "such skill that it seems it could never have been made by people as coarse as the inhabitants of this province".

Copán was first inhabited about 2000 years ago and grew slowly until its Golden Age between 553AD and 800 AD when a string of strong leaders expanded its military power and cemented its regional dominance. The greatest relics of the highly stratified and traditional Mayan culture were constructed during this period including the Hieroglyphic Stairway of the Great Plaza, the Acropolis and the Altar Q. The Mayan world began to decline in 900AD and by 1100AD Copán's rule was over.

Gracias

Gracias in western Honduras is a colonial city retaining much of its original atmosphere. It's situated in the department of Lempira - named after a Honduran hero famous for resisting the Spanish conquistadors in the sixteenth century. His exploits are commemorated every June with a lively city festival that includes a fair of local crafts and produce, traditional dances and parades.

A tripartite of churches (San Sebastian, Las Mercedes and San Marcos) give the city its central focus. There's little to actually do in town but somehow it captivates visitors with its timeless pace. Head up to the Fort of San Cristobal on a neighbouring hill for a great view of the city, surrounding valley and the Montana de Celaque, the highest peak in Honduras at 9000ft above sea level and part of the Celaque National Park. You can choose to spend several days in the park and hike your way to the virgin cloud forest that starts at 8000ft or opt for a quick sortie into lower level foliage and the neighbouring organic coffee farm to view orchids and colourful tropical birds including the ever popular quetzal.

La Mosquitia

La Mosquitia (Mosquito Coast), encompassing the whole north-east corner of Honduras, is like nothing else in the country - endless stretches of virgin rainforest, coastal marshlands and flat savannahs. Unsurprisingly, with only two peripheral roads and a minuscule population scattered across a few towns and villages, a trip into this forgotten fifth of Honduran territory really does entail leaving the beaten track.

The major attraction of this region is the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve, home to some of Central America's least touched rainforest and several ethnic groups including around 30,000 Miskitos who spoke a unique form of English until only a few generations ago. Palacios is the most accessible town in the area. From here you can arrange tour guides, collect supplies and launch yourself into the unknown. For many, this is the highlight of their Central American trip.