Maya Ruins in El Salvador : Joya de Ceren, San Andres, Tazumal, Chalchuapa, Lake
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
The Ancient Maya Civilization remains one of Central America’s most captivating societies. El Salvador, nestled amidst lush landscapes, holds the southernmost remnants of this remarkable civilization. Embark on a journey through time as we delve into the heart of Mayan heritage.
Tour Highlights:
San Andres Ruins: Marvel at the ancient structures, intricate carvings, and sacred plazas that once buzzed with Mayan life.
Tazumal Ruins: Immerse yourself in history at Tazumal, the largest Mayan ruin in El Salvador.
Joya de Cerén: Discover the Pompeii of the Americas at Joya de Cerén. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a unique glimpse into the daily lives of Mayan villagers. Preserved by volcanic ash, it showcases their homes, workshops, and agricultural practices from over 1,500 years ago123.
Chalchuapa: Drive thru this colonial town.
Coatepeque Lake: As we journey, we’ll make a stop overlooking the breathtaking Coatepeque Lake, with free time for lunch (not included )
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
is a pre-Columbian site in El Salvador,[1] whose occupation began around the year 900 BC as an agricultural town in the valley of Zapotitá
See the colonial church of santiago apostol, Where native people worship the horse that the saint is riding.
What‘s Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off ( Make sure to write the hotel name at time of booking
Professional guide
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Pickup points
Courtyard by Marriott San Salvador
Esquina Calle 2 Y Calle 3, Centro de Estilo de Vida La Gran Via San Salvador El Salvador
Hyatt Centric San Salvador
Sergio Paz Avenue, Corner With El Pedregal St, Las Cascadas Shopping Center Antiguo Cuscatlan El Salvador
Barcelo San Salvador
Av Las Magnolias y Blvd del Hipodromo, Colonia San Benito San Salvador El Salvador
Hilton San Salvador
89 Av Norte y 11 Calle Poniente Colonia Escalon, Colonia Escalon San Salvador El Salvador
Options
Mayan Culture
Pickup included
Reviews
29 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
This is a must do tour
Dream752773,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It is a great tour, an excellent history lesson. The tour guide is very knowledgeable. We got to see another part of El Salvador outside of the city which is breathtaking
Mayan Pyramids
71shaqg,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was such an amazing and informative tour. Alex was awesome! He was cool as a cucumber no matter what arised. He kept the group relaxed, happy, and educated. We want to travel for fun with you Alex. You are good people and made our tour memorable. Muchas gracias
Great Tour
Explorer48603541964,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Mayan tour was amazing! Alex was an excellent tour guide, very knowledgeable and friendly. The Mayan sites were breathtaking and field with rich history. Definitely would recommend.
Excellent
stgomayra,,Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great day. Our guide Mr. Julius D was very respectful, attentive, helpful, with a lot of knowledge of the subject. It was a pleasure to pass the day, full of educational, healthy and beautiful experience.
What an AMAZING tour!!!!
emelithq,,Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was dreamy, we met a lot of the Mayan culture of El Salvador and finish at the lake with a view and spectacular food!!!!! Our host was Mr. Francisco, very friendly, 100% recommend
Mayan sites and a stunning view for lunch..
David H,,Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.003 great Mayan sites each offering different perspectives.. concluding with lunch at the stunning Lago de Coatepequ. Our guide was Alex .. friendly, funny and informative.
A step back in time
Matthew S,,Aug 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Oscar was a fantastic guide. Very knowledgable, and a genuinely friendly person. You can tell he loves what he does. I highly recommend this tour as you will learn a lot about the incredibly interesting history of El Salvador.
Good Tour
Giovanni J,,Apr 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Good tour. Me and my wife enjoyed it. The food at the restaurant was delicious. We will definitely do it again.
Wonderful experience with...
Bryan P,,Apr 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful experience with an amazing tour guide who is knowledgeable and friendly. Took this tour with my wife who was born in El Salvador and we both learned so much and took great pictures.
Ruins of West El Salvador
Sean N,,Mar 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an awesome tour, specifically the Joya de Ceren ruins. They call it the "Pompeii of South America" because everything was covered beneath layers of volcanic ash, so it's perfectly preserved. Because of this, you're able to see normal houses and living buildings, not just massive stone temples. After that we went and saw some other sites, the last one in Tazumal was really well preserved too, this is a huge stone temple. If you're into history and ruins, this is a great tour and our guide Roberto was very knowledgeable and spoke fluent English.
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Operated by Inter Tours