Joya de Cerén

DECLARED BY UNESCO A WORLD HERITAGE SITE IN 1993

Countries
El Salvador

Zones
Central

Themes
Archeology and History

The Joya de Cerén Archaeological Park preserves the memory of a pre-Hispanic settlement with an exceptional character. Due to the degree of conservation of the structures it is possible to make interpretations through various multidisciplinary studies such as archeology, anthropology or botany.

Joya de Cerén was discovered in 1976, when a tractor was removing dirt to build silos that would be used to store grains. While removing dirt from a hill, the tractor discovered part of a house. Fortunately, Dr. Payson Sheets of the University of Colorado investigated this house shortly thereafter and determined that it was at least 1,400 years old, and has since been protected and studied. The park was created on June 19, 1993, and the current building was inaugurated on December 12, 2003.

Declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site in 1993, Joya de Cerén provides insight into the daily life of a Mayan farming village from 1,400 years ago (7th century), and is the only one known in El Salvador. The site consisted of a small farm that was buried by five meters of volcanic ash during the eruption of the Caldera Lagoon, for what has been called the New Pompeii, and the Pompeii of the Americas. Its state of conservation is unbelievable.

GEOPOSITION

Open from Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays).

Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Entrance Fee:

  • Salvadorans $1.00
  • Central American $3.00
  • Foreign Residents $7.00
  • Non-resident foreigns $10.00
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RECOMMENDED TOURS

Mayan Triangle

On this tour, you will visit the most important Mayan remains of Central America: Joya de Cerén, Tazumal, Casablanca, Copán, and Quiriguá.

  • Central - North
  • Adventure - Agritourism - Archeology and History - Culture - Nature - World Heritage
  • El Salvador - Guatemala - Honduras
  • 10 - 13 days
See

Mayans and Surf City

The history and mysticism of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua in this tour loaded with culture and nature in Central America.

  • Central - North
  • Archeology and History - Culture - Nature
  • El Salvador - Guatemala - Honduras
  • 10 - 13 days - 14 - 18 days
See

Relaxation and culture in Central America

Move across the streets of La Antigua Guatemala, take the Route of the Flowers, and visit Joya de Cerén and Copán, through this 9-day tour.

  • Central - North
  • Archeology and History - Culture - Nature - World Heritage
  • El Salvador - Honduras - Nicaragua
  • 6 - 9 days
See

Mayan Roots and Living History

Discover the most beautiful Mayan sites in Central America during your visit to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.

  • Central - North
  • Agritourism - Archeology and History - Culture - World Heritage
  • El Salvador - Guatemala - Honduras
  • 6 - 9 days
See

All Luxury Jungle

Enjoy Honduras and Belize with luxury accommodations and activities, discovering Mayan ruins, and natural parks.

  • Central - North
  • Archeology and History - Culture - Nature - Sun and Beach
  • Belize - Guatemala - Honduras
  • 6 - 9 days
See