A pre-hispanic past
History of a pre-hispanic country, heritage of humanity and wonder of the modern world. At the beginning of the 16th century, the Spaniards arrived in what we know today as Honduran territory, upon their arrival they met with a large number of indigenous people who already inhabit the place. The islands, valleys and high mountains of Honduras already housed great civilizations such as the Lencas, Tolupanes, Misquitos and Chortís, all of them already established and developed with their own culture, history and traditions. Likewise, there were other groups, still with unknown names, that inhabited the jungles of Olancho and la Mosquitia. The first records of the presence of human beings in Honduras can be seen in La Cueva del Gigante (The Giant´s Cave) which is located very close to the city of Marcala in the center-west part of the country. Researchers say that nomadic hunters and gatherers used this rocky big space to rest and cook their food, starting in the Archaic period (10,000-4,000 BC) through th Formative period (1760-220 AD). The famous Copán Ruinas is the most important archaeological destination in the country and one of the most interesting in the region due to its majesty. This Mayan city lasted throughout the years (250 - 900 AD) thanks to its long dynasty of 16 rulers during the Classic period. So, they took on the task of building the most artistic and powerful Mayan city in the south.