Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site
Location: Central El Salvador
Year of Inscription: 1993
Criteria: (iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared; (iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates significant stages in human history
Overview: Joya de Cerén is a pre-Columbian Mayan farming village that was buried by volcanic ash in the 6th century AD. Due to the suddenness of the eruption, the site provides a rare and exceptional glimpse into the daily life of the Mayan people during this period.
Prominent Features: Joya de Cerén is a well-preserved site that provides insight into the daily life of the Mayan people. Some of the most notable features include:
History: Joya de Cerén was a small Mayan farming village that was buried by volcanic ash in the 6th century AD. The ash preserved the site and provided an exceptional insight into the daily life of the Mayan people during this time. The site was rediscovered in 1976 and has since become an important archaeological site in the region.
Fun Fact: Joya de Cerén is often referred to as the "Pompeii of the Americas" due to the suddenness of the eruption and the well-preserved state of the site.
Family-Friendly Activities: Participate in workshops that allow you to learn about traditional Mayan crafts and skills such as pottery making, weaving, and cooking.
Entry Fees: The fee is $3 USD for Salvadorans and residents, and $8 USD for foreign visitors.
How to reach it: The site is located approximately 30 kilometers from San Salvador, and public transportation options include buses and taxis.
Buses leave from the Terminal de Occidente bus station in San Salvador and go to the town of San Juan Opico, which is near the archaeological site. From San Juan Opico, you can take a taxi or a local bus to Joya de Cerén. It's also possible to hire a taxi from San Salvador directly to Joya de Cerén, which may be more convenient but more expensive.
Alternatively, you can join a tour that includes transportation from San Salvador to Joya de Cerén and other nearby attractions. This option may be more expensive but can offer a more comfortable and hassle-free experience.
It's worth noting that the journey can take around an hour or more depending on traffic conditions.
Where to Stay: There are a number of hotels and guesthouses located in the nearby city of San Salvador, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury accommodations.
Next Stop: Maya Site of Copan Honduras
To reach Copan from San Salvador, you can take a direct bus or shuttle service from San Salvador to Copan. The journey takes approximately 5-6 hours, depending on the traffic and border crossing.
Several companies offer shuttle services and buses from San Salvador to Copan, such as Hedman Alas, Pullmantur, and Transportes del Sol. You can check their schedules and book tickets online or at their offices in San Salvador.
Alternatively, you can take a bus from San Salvador to Santa Ana, then transfer to a bus that goes to the border crossing at El Poy. From there, you can cross the border on foot and take a taxi or a bus to Copan. However, this option can be more time-consuming and less convenient than taking a direct shuttle or bus service.
Year of Inscription: 1993
Criteria: (iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared; (iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates significant stages in human history
Overview: Joya de Cerén is a pre-Columbian Mayan farming village that was buried by volcanic ash in the 6th century AD. Due to the suddenness of the eruption, the site provides a rare and exceptional glimpse into the daily life of the Mayan people during this period.
Prominent Features: Joya de Cerén is a well-preserved site that provides insight into the daily life of the Mayan people. Some of the most notable features include:
- The House of the Long Porch: A large building that was likely used for communal gatherings and events.
- The Kitchen: A small building with a hearth and a number of storage vessels that was used for food preparation and storage.
- The Sauna: A small building with a bathing area that was used for ritual purification.
- The Burial Site: A small structure that was used for burials.
History: Joya de Cerén was a small Mayan farming village that was buried by volcanic ash in the 6th century AD. The ash preserved the site and provided an exceptional insight into the daily life of the Mayan people during this time. The site was rediscovered in 1976 and has since become an important archaeological site in the region.
Fun Fact: Joya de Cerén is often referred to as the "Pompeii of the Americas" due to the suddenness of the eruption and the well-preserved state of the site.
Family-Friendly Activities: Participate in workshops that allow you to learn about traditional Mayan crafts and skills such as pottery making, weaving, and cooking.
Entry Fees: The fee is $3 USD for Salvadorans and residents, and $8 USD for foreign visitors.
How to reach it: The site is located approximately 30 kilometers from San Salvador, and public transportation options include buses and taxis.
Buses leave from the Terminal de Occidente bus station in San Salvador and go to the town of San Juan Opico, which is near the archaeological site. From San Juan Opico, you can take a taxi or a local bus to Joya de Cerén. It's also possible to hire a taxi from San Salvador directly to Joya de Cerén, which may be more convenient but more expensive.
Alternatively, you can join a tour that includes transportation from San Salvador to Joya de Cerén and other nearby attractions. This option may be more expensive but can offer a more comfortable and hassle-free experience.
It's worth noting that the journey can take around an hour or more depending on traffic conditions.
Where to Stay: There are a number of hotels and guesthouses located in the nearby city of San Salvador, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury accommodations.
Next Stop: Maya Site of Copan Honduras
To reach Copan from San Salvador, you can take a direct bus or shuttle service from San Salvador to Copan. The journey takes approximately 5-6 hours, depending on the traffic and border crossing.
Several companies offer shuttle services and buses from San Salvador to Copan, such as Hedman Alas, Pullmantur, and Transportes del Sol. You can check their schedules and book tickets online or at their offices in San Salvador.
Alternatively, you can take a bus from San Salvador to Santa Ana, then transfer to a bus that goes to the border crossing at El Poy. From there, you can cross the border on foot and take a taxi or a bus to Copan. However, this option can be more time-consuming and less convenient than taking a direct shuttle or bus service.