West of the bustling capital Tegucigalpa, lies a tranquil region of colonial towns and villages nestled in an expanse of fertile split valleys with pine clad mountains and cascading waterfalls. Many local villages are home to the descendents of those who fought alongside Lempira against Spanish Conquistadors in the early 16th century. Life within these Lenca communities has remained virtually unchanged for generations. Expect a genuinely warm welcome and observe traditional farming methods and a production of quality handicrafts such as pottery and straw woven goods. The town of Copan Ruinas is noteworthy not only for its steep cobblestone streets and numerous hiking trails, but also for Honduras's premier Mayan archaeological site, Copan, which was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.