Guest post by Jacoby Scarborough, an Oregonian who has been continent-hopping for 6 years via "carry-on only" travel. Jacoby shares the best ways to travel easily on a budget, providing travel insights here for his trip to the Honduras.
When in Copán
Watching the sunrise is one of my favorite things to do while I’m traveling. I find it priceless; that excitement as I eagerly watch the sun slowly ascend to reveal a new, unfamiliar place. This particular morning was a special one indeed: It was the first time I’ve watched the sunrise while sitting atop Mayan ruins; here in Copán Ruinas, Honduras. I’ve been backpacking in Honduras for two weeks now, most of my time spent here in Copán. It is a quaint, picturesque town with colonial architecture, and iconic cobblestone streets that make it look straight out of a storybook. It has to be one of my favorite towns in Central America.
The Stories within the Mayan Ruins
The Mayan ruins here are incredible as well. It is a UNESCO world heritage site, and for good reason. The entire Copán site includes over 4,500 structures, and spans over 24 sq km. Copán’s most famous monument, the Hieroglyphic Stairway, consists of 63 large completely carved steps with over 2000 hieroglyphics that tell the history of the royal house of Copán. Archeologists are still studying the stairs to determine the whole meaning of these texts.
This site is also famous for the Stelae, 3 to 5 meter tall sculptural monuments that make Copan shine among other sites of the Mayan empire. They are portraits of the greatest rulers in the history of this city. In the “Great Plaza” it’s easy to explore for hours, especially around the ball court, which is the second largest court in all of the Central American Mayan sites. I’ve spent many days exploring this site, from the peaks of the buildings rising into the forest canopy, to the underground tunnels below used by archeologists to uncover the past of this amazing site. I can easily recommend you do the same.
Packing and Preparation
One of the things that has made this trip my best yet, is the fact that I came to Central America well-prepared. An important lesson I have learned from over 6 years of backpacking in Asia and Central America is that you can never be over-prepared for the unpredictable weather. Over the years I’ve tried many types of clothing, seeking apparel that dries fast, breathes well, and is durable for any situation. The shirts, shorts and pants that are always first into my travel pack are my favorite pieces from Quechua and Forclaz; which are always my go-to gear. I never travel without them, and first discovered Decathlon gear during my travels in southern China.
I’ve been using the Quechua shirts, shorts and pants for over four years of backpacking abroad now, and I couldn’t be happier. The Oxylane/Equarea* fabric has proven itself time and time again, and has kept me comfortable in some pretty intense climates and destinations. I recently upgraded to the Forclaz shorts and pants last year, and have loved traveling with them as well! The quick-drying breathable fabric is awesome, and they meet the demands of my adventure lifestyle without any compromise. I couldn’t be happier. They are the comfort I look for and the quality I need for all my adventures.
And remember, life’s about the journey, not just the destination.*Oxylane fabric for backpacking is specifically made with fabrics that are breathable, moisture-wicking, antibacterial (for odor elimination), or provide UV ray protection. Sustainability info is here.
Watch more of Jacoby's trip below, and his travels at his channel, Jacoby's Journeys!
About Jacoby
Jacoby is an avid adventurer and videographer from Oregon USA, who has been traveling solo country to country for the last 7 years. When he first started traveling, he sold most of his personal possessions and left on a backpacking trip abroad to “start fresh." Since then, he hasn't stopped. Now, he focuses on connecting deeper with the local culture of each destination, while creating video content to share these journeys with everyone. Follow his travels on Instagram too!
