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Casa Blanca Archaeological Site: Echoes of the Maya

Discover El Salvador's Mayan heritage at Casa Blanca: pyramids, artifacts, and indigo traditions await in Chalchuapa.

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Explore the Casa Blanca Archaeological Site in Chalchuapa, El Salvador, a window into the ancient Maya civilization. Wander through partially restored pyramids, explore the museum's artifacts, and learn about indigo dyeing traditions in this historically rich location.

A brief summary to Casa Blanca Archaeological Site

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the site's uneven terrain.
  • Bring water and sun protection, as the site offers limited shade.
  • Visit the indigo workshop to learn about traditional dyeing methods.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From San Salvador, take a bus from the Terminal de Occidente towards Santa Ana. The bus fare is approximately $1. From Santa Ana, take another bus to Chalchuapa for about $0.50. Once in Chalchuapa, you can take a taxi or tuk-tuk to Casa Blanca Archaeological Site for around $3-$5. Alternatively, you can walk from the Chalchuapa bus terminal to the site in about 20-25 minutes.

  • Taxi

    From Chalchuapa, a taxi to Casa Blanca Archaeological Site costs approximately $5-$10. Ensure to agree on the price before starting the journey.

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Discover more about Casa Blanca Archaeological Site

Casa Blanca Archaeological Site, located in Chalchuapa, El Salvador, offers a captivating glimpse into the region's rich pre-Columbian past. The site, whose name translates to "White House," derives from a former coffee plantation. Casa Blanca was once a significant Maya center, with evidence of continuous occupation dating back to 1200 BC. The site's strategic location on the fringes of the Highland Maya area led to influences from various Mesoamerican cultures, including the Olmec, Kaminaljuyu, and Teotihuacan. The archaeological park spans 15 acres and features six pre-Hispanic structures, including three pyramids. Structures 1 and 5 have been partially restored, allowing visitors to appreciate the architectural skills of the ancient Maya. Structure 5, the largest at Casa Blanca, is a multi-tiered pyramid showcasing different phases of construction. An archaeological window displays layers of natural and cultural strata, including ash from the Ilopango volcano eruption in the 5th century AD. The site museum exhibits artifacts from Casa Blanca's most important period, including the only known stela with Maya writing in El Salvador. Casa Blanca also offers a unique opportunity to learn about indigo production, a significant aspect of the region's cultural heritage. The indigo workshop demonstrates traditional dyeing techniques. The site is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm.

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