Mayan ruins and tropical walks in Honduras

The Central American country of Honduras has some fantastic opportunities for those looking for active holidays.

Whether you want to go on an eco-adventure, scuba dive, kayak, hike or discover the country's wildlife, there are lots of tours available.

As well as lots to do that will get your heart racing, the country also offers a chance to trace the heritage of the ancient Mayan civilisation, most notably at the site of the Copán Ruinas.

A world heritage site since 1980, the Copan Ruinas were not discovered until 1570, and were not excavated until the 1800s.

At the site holidaymakers can see a citadel with public squares, tunnels, monuments, sculptures, artworks and ancient scripts.

The Mayan civilisation that occupied the citadel is thought to have peaked in the seventh century, before the city was abandoned three centuries later.

The main archaeological sites are located around half a mile from the town of Copán Ruinas, and can be reached on foot by following a nature trail by the Copán River through the forest.

It is also possible to travel on horseback to the park, with horses available to rent in town.

As well as the park itself, there are also two museums in the area, one dedicated to sculpture - which features Mayan sculpture – and an archaeological museum. Separate admission charges apply to all three of these attractions. The mysterious and subterranean heritage of the Mayans can also be experienced by heading to the tunnels, located outside of the archaeological park (a separate admission charge applies).

Holidaymakers interested in Honduras' wildlife should also add the Macaw Mountain Bird Sanctuary to their itinerary. The sanctuary features many tropical birds that have been donated or rescued, including macaws, owls, toucans and hawks.

Many tropical birds can live for a long time (some may live to be up to 100-years-old), so caring for them over such a long period of time can be difficult.

If you are looking for an atmospheric place to stay in the town, the colonial-style Hotel Marina Copán is a good hub from which to explore the ruins as well as other attractions in the area, and the hotel can organise tours to all the main attractions in the area.

For more information on visiting the Copán ruins see www.copanhonduras.org or the Honduras tourist board website.