Joya de Cerén: The Pompeii of the Americas
Step back in time at Joya de Cerén, a remarkably preserved Maya village offering a unique glimpse into daily life in Mesoamerica.
Joya de Cerén, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a unique glimpse into the daily life of a pre-Columbian Maya farming village. Buried by a volcanic eruption around 600 AD, the site's remarkably preserved remains provide invaluable insights into the lives of ordinary Maya people.
A brief summary to Parque Arqueológico Joya de Cerén
- Carr. San Juan Opico - Agua Escondida Km 32, SV
- +50324015782
- Visit website
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking on uneven ground.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat, as there is limited shade at the site.
- Visit the on-site museum to learn more about the history and significance of Joya de Cerén.
- Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby San Andrés archaeological site for a full day of exploring Mayan history.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From San Salvador, take the Ruta 201 bus (Seisabus) towards Santa Ana and get off at Puente Seco in Cd. Arce. From there, take a taxi for the remaining 10 minutes to Joya de Ceren. Alternatively, take bus route 101B from San Salvador towards La Libertad and get off at the Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site stop. The bus fare is typically around $0.50 USD.
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Taxi/Ride-share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in San Salvador. A direct taxi or Uber ride to Joya de Cerén from San Salvador takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic. The cost may range from $15 to $25 USD.
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Driving
From San Salvador, take the Pan American Highway (CA-1) northwest towards Santa Ana. Look for signs to San Juan Opico and then follow the signs to Joya de Cerén, which is located about 6 kilometers from San Juan Opico. The drive takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Parking is available at the site for a small fee of around $1 USD.
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