Tazumal and Mayan Route Description

Tazumal, Joya de Cerén and San Andrés, are the archaeological sites that you will discover in this route. El Salvador was part of Mesoamerica, the region where the Mayans settled and developed their civilization. One of the most important sites in the Mayan Route is Joya de Ceren. Joya de Cerén is the only UNESCO site in the country, here exist almost intact the remains of an agricultural village that existed more than 1400 years ago. This village was affected by the eruption of a volcano that covered and preserved the place with 14 layers of ash. In all the territory dominated by the Mayans this place is the only one where you can appreciate what life was like for ordinary Mayans people. The structures of Joya de Cerén were built with fragile materials such as bahareque, wood, grass. So its conservation is something that amazes visitors.

The San Andrés archaeological site is a complex of pyramids that functioned as a political and ceremonial center that dominated the Zapotitan valley. It is considered to have strong connections with the Copan archaeological site in Honduras. Here we will have access to the acropolis, the most exclusive part of the site during its occupation. Part of this archaeological tour includes visiting the beautiful Lake Coatepeque, here you can enjoy a delicious lunch with a breathtaking panoramic view.

An important part of the visit is Tazumal, with the largest pyramid in El Salvador. Tazumal is located in the center of Chalchuapa city. The structures of this archaeological site were the place of an important indigenous settlement. Among the constructions found there are tombs, water drainages, but what stands out most is the pyramid. The Tazumal pyramid is 24 meters high and has different construction stages influenced by Toltec, Copan and Teotihuacan culture. Tombs have been found with funerary offerings such as: earthenware vessels, necklaces, mirrors, rings, axes and other utensils. Tazumal is a fundamental part of archeology in El Salvador.