Copán Department, Administrative department in western Honduras.
Copán Department is an administrative division in western Honduras comprising 23 municipalities with Santa Rosa de Copán as its administrative center. The landscape consists of mountainous terrain that shapes the region's rural character and land use patterns.
The territory separated from Lempira Department in 1869 when Honduras Congress established it as an independent administrative division. This administrative reorganization reflected broader changes in how the nation managed its territorial structure.
Maya-Chortí communities historically inhabited the northern and western areas, while Lenca peoples settled in the southern regions. Visitors can still observe these cultural roots reflected in local crafts, traditions, and place names throughout the region.
The region is predominantly rural with mountainous roads that can be narrow and winding, particularly during the rainy season. Travelers should anticipate longer journey times and consider vehicles suited to local road conditions.
The name originates from Copán Galel, a military leader who resisted Spanish conquest during the colonial era in this territory. This historical figure continues to be part of local identity and memory in the region.
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