Report from Copan, Honduras & Rio Dulce, Guatemala

Here are a couple of shots from the Ruinas de Copan


This is the largest Mayan step structure of it's kind. Unlike other that are larger in size, each step on this one is carved with hieroglyphics... very ornate. The cover is to reduce erosion of the detail.


We hired a Tuk-Tuk for the return trip to town.


Highland community in Hinduras, close to Gracias and the Guatemala border

March 10/06

After a brief walk around Gracias and breakfast we headed out for Copan Ruinas. Once again smooth surfaced, winding, wide roads most of the way… motorcycle friendly. As mentioned before, the older roads down here suffer from deep hole-i-tice. Some parts are pock marked and a slalom technique between the potholes is required to maintain a smooth ride. Nice scenery too!

The town of Copan Ruinas is a very pretty town. It is located 1 kilometre from the ruins themselves. Hotels and restaurants are bountiful… especially hotels. Perhaps because of the competition, room are very reasonable. We found a nice place near the centre of town. Only $6. for a double room with a private bathroom and shower. Can’t beat that.

We walked to the ruins on a nice stone path from town. Admission to the site was $10. each. We could have hired a guide (for $25.) but decided to take the unescorted tour.

The site of the ruins dates to between 400 and 800 AD. It is thought that the Copan Dynasty and the area around Copan supported a population of 20,000 people in the middle of the 8^th century but by the 13^th century the area had succumbed to over population. Apparently, according to the available information, urban expansion and farming up the steep slopes surrounding the valley resulted in deforestation and flooding that further reduced the ability of the population to provide sufficient food. By 1200 AD the Copan valley and the city site were abandoned and gradually became over run by the jungle.

The site was “discovered” in the 1890s and work began then to uncover the ruins. Work is still in progress. Many parts of the ruins have been carefully reconstructed and new buildings are still being discovered. Well worth the visit.

After supper we walked to the town square where what appeared to be a local school / club band was practicing its routine. Unlike any band in Canada, this band consisted solely of percussion instruments and marched and danced to the rhythm. The instruments included a triple set of bongo type drums played with sticks, snare drums, base drums, cymbals, washboard type instruments and hand head xylophones, which were the only instruments to carry a tune. The kids were fun to watch and we appreciated the interesting rhythms.

March 11/06

Another border crossing this morning into Guatemala. The more accustom we have become with the procedures, the easier they are. Definitely early crossings are the answer. Also the less busy crossings are easier to deal with. The officials are friendlier and there is less distraction from people trying to make a buck by making things seem more difficult than they actually are. Certainly being able to communicate in Spanish is an asset and by now we have acquired the necessary, albeit basic, vocabulary to be able to ask questions and understand some of the answers… even joke with the officials.

From the border we had to take a round about route to eventually head north east around Lago de Izabal to our destination of Rio Dulce.

Lago de Izabal is a lake located about 50K inland from the Caribbean. It is connected to the Caribbean by a wide river and is a haven / hangout for sailing boats and yachts from around the world. Unfortunately we only have one night to spend here, but it looks like a place you could easily spend a few days (or more).

The roads up here were very good. Some of the best we have seen. The scenery and general appearance of the country side in this part of Guatemala is very pleasant. Clean and well kept. We planned to visit some folks that we had met in El Salvador who own a resort on the lake, but instead we opted to stay at the marina. Staying at the other resort required a 40 minute boat ride that would have precluded an early start in the morning. Tomorrow is another longish day to the Tikal ruins in eastern Guatemala.

By the way… We hear that it is a great snow year in Fernie this season. . . one of the best. We think that it is partly because we decided to take off for the winter. I was thinking that you folks in Fernie might want to start a collection to send us away again next year!

Actually, we are thrilled that is a good ski season... good snow is good for Fernie. Hope you are enjoying the powder. Save some for us in April.