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9 Amazing Historical Sites in Central America

Central America is steeped in ancient history, with a number of state-led battles and wars, rival settlements from Asia and Europe, and numerous natural disasters adding to the unique mix. Here are a number of the key historical sites that should top the itinerary of any budding traveller.

Stone spheres, Costa Rica

Known as Las Bolas to the locals, these mysterious spheres are recognized as being from the Diquís culture, which existed in Costa Rica from around 700 C.E. to 1530 C.E. They’re extremely famous in Costa Rica, where there are a number throughout the country. Many myths surround the spheres, including that they came from Atlantis.

Nohmul, Belize

Although discovered around 900 A.D., Nohmul, which has never been accessible to tourists, was recently bulldozed by a road construction crew. John Morris, associate director of research at Belize's Institute of Archaeology, said: "The Institute of Archaeology is going to use this opportunity to really embark on a national awareness campaign for the preservation and protection of the country."

Tikal, Guatemala

UNESCO World Heritage Site Tikal, which dates back to the 4th century B.C., is one of the largest Mayan archaeological sites, boasting a wide range of temples, structures, sculptures, tombs and statues.

Copan Ruinas, Honduras

Copan Ruinas is a popular tourist attraction for people seeking Mayan architecture, sculptures and, most famously, the hieroglyphic staircase (pictured above). The Copan Ruinas area has been subject to much study in Central America.

Howler monkey statue, Copan, Honduras

Howler monkeys are famous in ancient Mayan culture, where they were thought of as gods. This well-preserved statue in the Copan is one of the best known examples. American explorer John Lloyd Stephens described them as: “Grave and solemn, almost emotionally wounded, as if officiating as the guardians of consecrated ground.”

Tazumal, Chalchuapa, El Salvador

Literally translating as ‘the pyramid (or place) where the victims were burned’, Tazumal offers some of the most significant and best preserved ruins in the whole of Central America. It has been estimated that there were settlements on this site as far back as 5000 B.C. Many artefacts have been discovered here, including a life-size statue of Xipe Totec, a Nahuatl god.

Mask Temple, Lamanai, Belize

The Mayan temple of Lamanai is covered in stone masks, which share many similar characteristic with Olmec iconography. Another wall of the Mask Temple, which was discovered by archaeologists in 2011, displayed identical patterns – a trait typical of Mayan architecture.

Compañía de Jesús, Panama City, Panama

Built around 1741, and used as a religious school, church and university, this ancient structure fell into neglect after a fire in 1781 and then an earthquake in 1882. Restoration work began in 1983 and it’s hoped it will be available for public access in due course. This should be at the top of the list for any exchange student learning Spanish in Panama.

Olmec Colossal Heads, Guatemala (and Mexico)

These incredible heads from the Olmec civilisation of ancient Mesoamerica, of which around 17 are in known existence, date from around 900 B.C., if not earlier. The majority of them are situated in present-day Mexico – in Tabasco and Veracruz – while one head lies in Central America, in Takalik Abaj, Guatemala.

About the Author: Dave Thomas is a freelance writer and lifelong traveller from the UK. He has spent time living abroad in many different countries and enjoys writing about his experiences.

Image source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

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