Discover the Ancient Wonders of Joya de Cerén
Explore Joya de Cerén, the 'Pompeii of the Americas,' and uncover the rich history of the ancient Maya in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Joya de Cerén, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in El Salvador, offers tourists a unique glimpse into the daily lives of the ancient Maya. This archaeological site, often referred to as the 'Pompeii of the Americas,' showcases remarkably preserved structures that were buried under volcanic ash nearly 1,400 years ago. Visitors can explore the remnants of homes, temples, and ceremonial spaces while learning about the rich cultural heritage of the Maya civilization.
A brief summary to Parque Arqueológico Joya de Cerén
- RJCR+V6R, Carr. San Juan Opico - Agua Escondida Km 32, Joya de Ceren, SV
- +50324015782
- Visit website
- Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
- Thursday 9 am-4 pm
- Friday 9 am-4 pm
- Saturday 9 am-4 pm
- Sunday 9 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter experience.
- Consider hiring a local guide for a more in-depth understanding of the site's history.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the terrain can be uneven in places.
- Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes and archaeological features.
Getting There
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Bus
From the Central Park in Santa Ana, walk to the bus terminal located at Calle 4ta between Avenida Independencia and Avenida San Salvador. Look for the buses headed to San Juan Opico. The fare is typically around $1. Board the bus and ask the driver to drop you off at the Joya de Cerén stop. The journey will take about 30-40 minutes. Once you get off, walk back along the main road for about 300 meters, and you will find the entrance to Parque Arqueológico Joya de Cerén on your right.
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Taxi
From the Central Park in Santa Ana, you can hail a taxi. It’s advisable to negotiate the fare beforehand; you should expect to pay around $10-15 for a direct ride to Parque Arqueológico Joya de Cerén. The journey will take about 20-25 minutes depending on traffic. Tell the driver to take you to 'Joya de Cerén' or provide them with the address RJCR+V6R, Carr. San Juan Opico - Agua Escondida Km 32.
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Walking
If you prefer to walk, start from the Central Park in Santa Ana. Head east on Avenida Independencia until you reach the intersection with Calle 4ta. Turn left onto Calle 4ta and continue until you reach the bus terminal. From there, take a bus to San Juan Opico as described previously. However, walking directly to Parque Arqueológico Joya de Cerén is not recommended due to the distance (approximately 17 km) and lack of pedestrian pathways.
Discover more about Parque Arqueológico Joya de Cerén
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