Follow the Maya trails and discover one of the most fascinating civilizations of all time on a full-day tour from San Salvador. Visit the modern city of Santa Ana then make your way to 3 archeological ruin sites: Joya de Cerén, San Andrés, and Tazumal.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 8 hours: Check availability to see starting times.

Highlights

See the Mayan ruins of Joya de Cerén; a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Admire the indigo pools in San Andrés
Walk through the well-preserved remains of Tazumal
Explore the city of Santa Ana and visit its Gothic cathedral and National Palace

Full description

Get to know the world of the Mayas who once lived in El Salvador on a full-day archeological tour from San Salvador. Visit the archaeological site of Joya de Cerén, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Pompeii of America. This site is unique in the world as it is the only archeological site where you can see the actual former dwelling places of the Mayas. Then visit the ruins of San Andrés, a political-ceremonial site where you can see the indigo pools in the area. This quick tour will take you back in time as you learn how the Mayas lived years ago. Later explore the city of Santa Ana with its Gothic cathedral, theater, and National Palace. After Santa Ana see the ruins of Tazumal, a sophisticated Maya settlement. The ruins of Tazumal are considered the most important and best preserved in El Salvador. Virtually untouched since the year 1200 when it was abandoned, this archeological site provides an amazing look into the Maya ceremonial architecture.

Includes

Private, air-conditioned transportation
Professional tour guide
Entrance fees
Drinks
Taxes
Donation to Association of Parents of Children with Cancer of Bloom Hospital

Transfers not mentioned
Personal expenses
Meals

Important information

Know before you go

Museums and archeological sites are closed on Mondays.
Pick-up at the airport is available for a charge of USD 29 that is payable directly to the supplier on the day of your tour.

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 4 reviews

Review summary

Value for money
4/5
Service
5/5
Organization
5/5

Sort by:

Excellent and impressive sites

We love anything to do with the Maya civilisation, and this tour compiles the very best of El Salvador has to offer, with Joya de Ceren the only example of its kind on how Maya people lived daily. For 1500 years the site remained covered under many layers of volcanic ash hence its preservation is immaculate. No wonder why it is nicknamed the Pompeii of the Americas. Completing the tour is San Andres with its unique Maya factory of blue pigment (sacred colour to the Mayas), and Tazumal. The visit to Santa Ana city was great as it is the only beautiful city and well worth it in El Salvador. Our guide was very friendly, kind and joy.

January 19, 2016

Eye opening journey into the past!

Between the amazing Joya de Seren - giving people today the most accurate look at everyday life back in Mayan times and the towering Tazumal it was a tour I will not soon forget. Benjamin, our guide, was knowedgeable and fantastic. Also - if you get the chance - visit the unbelievably colorful and diverse looking cemetary next to Tazumal. I've never seen a more 'happy' feeling place with the vivid teals and blues... it was a place commemorating life... not death. Lastly - near Tazumal as well - take in the 'indigo' demonstration.

April 21, 2013

From San Salvador: Archeological Route Full-Day Tour

From San Salvador: Archeological Route Full-Day Tour

About this activity

Experience

Select participants and date

Overall rating

Review summary

Sort by:

Traveler type:

Star rating:

Excellent and impressive sites

Eye opening journey into the past!