Joya de Cerén
DECLARED BY UNESCO A WORLD HERITAGE SITE IN 1993
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
Los Volcanes National Park
Iximche
Santa Rosa de Copán
Panajachel
RECOMMENDED TOURS
Mesoamerican highlights
Discover the heritage of the colonial cities, the National Parks, and the pre-Columbian ruins of Copán in Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala.
The Magical Guatemala
A journey through the architectural gems, the indigenous communities, the natural spaces, and the most important archaeological zones of Guatemala and Honduras.
From Mayan Cities to World Class Snorkeling
Mayan ruins, nature, and the most beautiful beaches surround you in this tour through Guatemala and Belize.
Nature in Costa Rica, and Colonial Cities in Nicaragua
Nature, culture, and history and mysticism are the keys of this tour through Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Will you join us?
Mayans and caribbean feel
Discover the Mayan ruins of Copán in Honduras, and Quiriguá in Guatemala, and immerse yourself in the indigenous cultures of Río Dulce.
