Costa Rica stone spheres
Wars and battles led by the state, rival settlements in Asia and Europe, and numerous natural disasters and tragedies, we can affirm that Central America is plagued with old history. Here are some of the top historical sites that should top any budding traveler's itinerary.
Costa Rica Stone Spheres
For the locals these spheres are Las Bolas, of mysterious origin, these spheres belong to the Diquís culture, which existed in Costa Rica since around 700 AD. Until the 1530 d. C. are tremendously famous in Costa Rica, where they exist in great numbers throughout the country. Many myths surround the spheres, for example that they came from Atlantis.
Nohmul in Belize
Tourists never had access to Nohmul, Although discovered around 900 AD. Nohmul was demolished by a road construction team. "The Institute of Archeology is taking this opportunity to launch a nationwide awareness campaign for the preservation and protection of the country," said John Morris, associate director of research at the Belize Institute of Archeology.
Tikal in Guatemala
UNESCO declared Tikal a World Heritage Site, it is an archaeological site and Mayan urban center dating from the XNUMXth century BC. C. Tikal houses numerous temples, structures, sculptures, tombs and statues.
Copan Ruins
Copan Ruins in Honduras
For lovers of Mayan architecture and sculpture, the Copán Ruins are a popular tourist attraction. Its most famous part is the Hieroglyphic Staircase (see photo). In the area of the Ruinas de Copán Ruinas many studies have been carried out in Central America.
Howler Monkey statue in Copan, Honduras
Howler monkeys are popular animals in ancient Mayan culture, where they were regarded as gods. This well-preserved statue of Copan is one of the best known examples. John Lloyd Stephens, an American explorer, described these primates as "serious and solemn, almost emotionally wounded, as if they officiated as the guardians of the consecrated land."
Tazumal, Chalchuapa in El Salvador
Tazumal means 'the pyramid (or place) where the victims were burned' and is home to some of the most important and best-preserved ruins in all of Central America. The settlements that occurred in this place date back to approximately 5000 BC. Numerous artifacts were discovered in Tazumal, including a life-size statue of the Nahuatl god Xipe Totec.
Temple of the Masks in Lamanai
Covered in stone masks, this Lamanaique Mayan temple shares many similarities with the iconography of the Olmec culture. Another wall of the Temple of the Masks discovered in 2011 by archaeologists also shows identical patterns, a typical feature of Mayan architecture.
Society of Jesus in Panama City
This building was used as a religious school, church and university. It was built around 1741 and fell into oblivion after a fire in 1781 and then an earthquake in 1882. Restoration work began in 1983 and is expected to be available to the public soon. Any exchange student in Panama should visit this place.
Olmec Colossal Heads of Guatemala
These incredible heads from the Olmec culture of ancient Mesoamerica date back to around 900 BC. C. The location of seventeen of them is known. Most are located in present-day Mexico -in the states of Tabasco and Veracruz-, although one head is in Central America, in Takalik Abaj, Guatemala.