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Casa Blanca Archaeological Site: Echoes of the Maya

Discover El Salvador's Mayan heritage at Casa Blanca Archaeological Site: pyramids, artifacts, and ancient traditions in Chalchuapa.

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Explore the Casa Blanca Archaeological Site in Chalchuapa, El Salvador, a pre-Columbian Maya site with structures dating back to 500 BC. Discover pyramids, a museum showcasing Maya artifacts, and an indigo workshop, offering a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Casa Blanca Archaeological Site

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the archaeological site.
  • Bring water and sun protection, as the site offers limited shade.
  • Visit the indigo workshop to learn about traditional dyeing methods.
  • Combine your visit with nearby archaeological sites like Tazumal and El Trapiche.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From San Salvador, take a bus from Terminal de Occidente to Santa Ana (approximately $1 USD). In Santa Ana, find a bus to Chalchuapa (approximately $0.50 USD). From Chalchuapa, take a taxi or tuk-tuk to Casa Blanca, located at RN 13 W Km. 78 (approximately $3-5 USD). Alternatively, walk from the Chalchuapa bus station (about 20-25 minutes).

  • Car

    From San Salvador, take the CA-1 highway towards Santa Ana. Continue to the junction for RN 13 W and take the exit towards Chalchuapa. Follow RN 13 W for approximately 20 km; Casa Blanca Archaeological Site will be on your right at RN 13 W Km. 78. Parking is available at the site.

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Discover more about Casa Blanca Archaeological Site

The Casa Blanca Archaeological Site, located in Chalchuapa, El Salvador, offers a captivating journey into the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. The site's name originates from a coffee plantation that once operated here. Casa Blanca, along with El Trapiche and Tazumal, formed part of the larger Chalchuapa Archaeological Zone. Archaeological investigations reveal that the area was first occupied during the Late Preclassic period (500 BC – AD 250). The site features six structures, including three pyramids, set upon a large platform constructed around 100 AD. Structure 5, the largest at Casa Blanca, is a multi-tiered pyramid that has been partially restored. Visitors can explore the site's museum, inspired by colonial haciendas, which displays Maya ceramics and artifacts. The museum also houses the only known stela with Maya writing found in El Salvador, though the text was intentionally erased in ancient times. An archaeological window offers a glimpse into the site's stratigraphy, including a layer of volcanic ash from the 5th-century Ilopango eruption. The indigo workshop showcases traditional dyeing techniques. Casa Blanca provides a serene environment with lush vegetation and ancient trees. Knowledgeable guides offer insights into the site's history and significance.

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