This pre-Columbian site, located at the province of La Libertad, is unique in all Mesoamerica since it shows how indigenous people lived before the Spanish conquest. Joya de Cerén was discovered accidentally in 1976.

Visit its structures and experience everyday life of a Mayan farmers village that was forced to leave their homes because of a strong volcanic eruption in the year 250 AD.

Joya de Cerén is just 3 km from the San Andres an its probably one of the most important archaeological sites in Mesoamerica since it shows everyday life of a pre-Columbian town. Many call it “the Pompeii of America” in comparison to the archaeological site in Italy.

The route consists of three excavation areas where ten structures are displayed separately. You will see some bedrooms and kitchens a where they found pots with food remains, clay plates, and palnted crops with wooden fences.

There is also a structure where religious ceremonies where performed, this where directed by a shaman or community leader.

During your visit to Joya de Cerén you will learn more interesting facts of this archaeological site in the museum located at the entrance.

This invaluable site was declared a “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO in 1993 and its protected by The Hague Convention of 1954.

How to get there:

Address: Kilometer 35 at the highway that leads from San Salvador to San Juan Opico, province of La Libertad.

Drive on the Pan-American Highway (CA-1) towards Los Chorros, or Santa Ana, you will see the exit to Miramundo. Turn right and then left at the crossing to San Juan Opico and Tacachico. Continue and you will find the entrance to Joya de Ceren located on the left side of the road.

If transported by bus, you may board any route going to Santa Ana or Ahuachapán at the West Terminal (such as the route 201 or 202.) or you may board Route 108 from San Salvador bound to Opico. Ticket cost from US$ 1.50.

More:

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Rates:

- General Admission (Salvadoran and Central America): US$ 1.00

- Foreign: US$ 3.00

- Children under 8 years and senior citizens: FREE

- You may buy crafts and souvenirs at the shops located within the site, prices from US$ 0.75 to US$ 35.00.

Website:

http://www.cultura.gob.sv/temas/sitios-arqueologicos/museo-de-sitio-arqueologico-joya-de-ceren.html

Satellite Location

Elevation 1471 feet

N 13 ° 49,698 ‘

W 89 ° 21,376 ‘

Photogallery

AVISO