Mayan Tour: Joya de Cerén UNESCO Site +Tazumal Ceremonial Center
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
The Mayan Civilization remains a vital part of Central America's heritage. To truly understand our identity, it is essential to explore its culture, daily life, sacred sites, traditions, and customs. At Joya de Cerén, you will discover the authentic life of Mayan commoners and farmers, gaining insight into their everyday world. Next, we visit Tazumal, a grand temple complex once used for important ceremonies.
To conclude our day, we will enjoy a delicious lunch at a recommended spot either overlooking the stunning panoramic lake or in the charming city of Santa Ana.
Join us and let the stories of our ancient cultures come alive!
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Small Groups
Air-conditioned vehicle
Entrances
Certified Tour Guide
Gratuities
Lunch
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Intercontinental San Salvador-metrocentro Mall By IHG
Boulevard De Los Heroes Y Avenue Sisimiles, Avenue Sisimiles San Salvador El Salvador
Best Western Plus Hotel Terraza
85 Avenida Sur Y Calle Padres Aguilar Colonia Escalon, Colonia Escalon San Salvador El Salvador
Courtyard by Marriott San Salvador
Esquina Calle 2 Y Calle 3, Centro de Estilo de Vida La Gran Via San Salvador El Salvador
Sheraton Presidente San Salvador Hotel
Avenida De La Revolucion, Col. San Benito San Salvador El Salvador
Barcelo San Salvador
Av Las Magnolias y Blvd del Hipodromo, Colonia San Benito San Salvador El Salvador
Holiday Inn San Salvador By IHG
Urb. Y Blvd. Santa Elena, Y Calle Pital Oriente San Salvador El Salvador
Hilton San Salvador
89 Av Norte y 11 Calle Poniente Colonia Escalon, Colonia Escalon San Salvador El Salvador
What To Expect
Joya de Ceren Archaeological Park
Joya de Cerén Archaelogical site is the only one world herritage in El Salvador, thats make it unique in Mesoamerica. Joya de Cerén was one of the Mayan villages that were located in the valley of Zapotitán when in the seventh century AD. erupted the volcano Loma Caldera and the site was covered by volcanic ash from the eruptive event, thus preserving the earth constructions and the artifacts of the place, here you can see the daily life of Mayas.
Tazumal
Chalchuapa was a place where the influence of Copán came, as well as the Teotihuacan and Toltec influence. It comprises a series of structures that were the scene of an important and sophisticated Mayan settlement that existed around 100 and 1200 AD. After a long occupation, whose greater development corresponds to the Classic horizon (250 to 900 d.C.), Tazumal was definitively abandoned around 1200 AD.
Options
Mayan Tour: Joya de Cerén UNESCO Site +Tazumal Ceremonial Center
Pickup included
Reviews
22 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
AMAZING SIGHTS, GREAT GUIDE, AWESOME PHOTO OPS
G8828DOjosht,
Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Diego was the BEST. He was so informative and had so much Salvadorian history knowledge. Ask him anything! Would definitely recommend. We were a group of 3 and he made the experience very personalized.
Jewels of Ceren and Tazumal
427estephanyt,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience with this agency was excellent, Diego was my guide, arrived very punctual before the agreed time and throughout the journey was very friendly and helpful. You have 100% with me when I travel with my family again we will contact you again 💕
Unmissable visit
Resort15062307157,
Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Josue was an excellent guide: Punctual, attentive and friendly. The tour is completely worth it, each place has a unique charm worth visiting.
Aventura Maya
184ver nicam,
Jul 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I did this private tour with guide Diego, he was pleasant from the first moment, he shared all his experience and knowledge in a quiet and detailed way. I advise you to take this excursion, since, you will understand more the Mayan and Olmec civilization... We took many beautiful photos and mainly memories in my memory of such spectacular places. Made us a sunny day
Perfect and surprising trip
kaixiangz2024,
Nov 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This trip has been absolutely fascinating! Visiting two incredible Mayan sites in one day—Joya de Cerén and Tazumal—was an unforgettable experience. At Joya de Cerén, walking through the remarkably preserved remains of daily Mayan life felt like stepping back in time. It’s amazing to think that this “Pompeii of the Americas” gives us such a vivid snapshot of how ordinary people lived centuries ago. Then at Tazumal, the towering pyramids and intricate ruins told a completely different story—one of power, ceremony, and the architectural brilliance of the Mayan civilization. What made the day even better was Gabriel, our tour guide. He’s such an interesting and engaging person, full of knowledge and enthusiasm. He knows the history inside and out, but what really stood out was the way he told it—so clear and easy to understand, even for someone like me who isn’t a history expert. He has this knack for turning facts into stories that really bring the past to life. And it’s not just that he’s knowledgeable—his joyful personality and sense of humor made the entire experience so much more enjoyable. It felt like more than just a tour; it was like exploring history with a friend who truly loves what he does.
Highly recommended experience
SheylaJafarova,
Apr 11, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Very friendly tourguide. The sights are well worth the visit and the lunch stop at lake after offers a breathtaking view.
Guide was excellent and...
Harry R,
Sep 23, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Guide was excellent and very knowledgeable. He was very versed in the history and geographical of the area. His English was also very good
Amazing tour
BAP1293,
Jun 3, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Josue is an amazing tour guide. He was very patient and made sure we had the optimal experience. He has a witty sense of humor and is mutable. I honestly don't think our group could've had a better time without his input and timing suggestions. We had a full and memorable experience from the history of El Salvador paired with Mayan and volcano knowledge to a full city tour to a mesmerizing volcanoes and lake experience with jet skis. Our group will remember this day for years to come. When we come back he'll be our tour guide again! Thank you again Josue! Mucho gusto!
Nice!
Kai H,
Jul 31, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00A great day trip. Enjoyed the places and the food was good. If you are interested of history and the country you will be pleased. Amazing guide.
A great tour for a fair price
ekaterinasZ5355VF,
May 31, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time! Our guide, Antonio, was very friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about the things he showed us, and we enjoyed our tour very much and learnt a lot. Unfortunately, due to weather conditions we weren't able to get close to Santa Ana volcano, so check the forecast before booking! (We were also kinda sad because the day we initially booked the tour for was sunny and perfect but it had to be rescheduled because there weren't enough people who signed up). But we had a good view of the volcano and Coatepeque Lake beneath it while having lunch (very inexpensive and delicious!) Overall, an amazing experience, I highly recommend!!
From US$125.00
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Operated by El Salvador Positive Tours