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Chalchuapa may not be as popular as other cities in El Salvador, but
don’t let that fool you. Chalchuapa is a regional archeological power house
that anyone with a love of history should commit to visiting. Once a regional
epicenter for Mayan ceremonial sites, the archeological zone of Chalchuapa
exhibits over 2000 years of Mayan occupation. With eight individual sites
within this zone, there are two that stand out above the others; El Tazumal
and Casa Blanca.
What to Do
The two main attractions in Chalchuapa, El Salvador, are the Mayan
archeological sites of El Tazumal and Casa Blanca. Just a 20 minute drive from
Santa Ana, you can easily make Chalchuapa an enjoyable half-day trip.
El Tazumal
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El Tazumal is one of the best examples of a Mayan ceremonial center in
El Salvador. |
The more prominent of the two sites is El Tazumal. First settled around 1000
BC, the site became one of the major Mayan ceremonial sites in the region
until 250 AD when life there was interrupted by the eruption of a volcano.
Construction resumed again in the area around 500 AD, in which time
renovations and new buildings were constructed.
The site itself consists of a mostly excavated main pyramid, auxiliary
pyramid, ball court, and a small museum. There is also a covered excavation
plot for you to see a section of the lower level of the main pyramid, as well as carved stones on display. Although you are not allowed on the main pyramid,
you can climb the stairs of the auxiliary pyramid to get a different
view.
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One of the many artifacts on display in the museum at El Tazumal. |
The museum is well worth a visit while you are in the site compound (part of
your admission). The museum gives a timeline for Mayan construction in
Chalchuapa and displays many artifacts found at both El Tazmul and Casa
Blanca.
Cost: $3
Hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 4pm
Casa Blanca
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One of the pyramids at Casa Blanca. |
Casa Blanca is a very interesting site in Chalchuapa and is well worth a visit. This archeological site is not as excavated as El Tazmul, but it is a much larger site with a very informative museum and indigo exhibit. A stroll through the site leads you along a path, through a slightly forested compound, where you sill see two partially excavated pyramids, four mounds, and a large covered excavation site.
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| The museum at Casa Blanca explains the history of the Mayan civilization in El Salvador. |
The museum (part of your admission), is located just inside the entrance
and is a great place to learn about the history of the Mayan civilization in
Chalchuapa, El Salvador. This small museum has many plagues telling the story
of Mayan influence in the region, describing their culture, and relating the
ceremonial importance of the sites there. Along side the museum is also an
indigo exhibit where you can learn about the art and cultural importance
of indigo dyeing within the Mayan culture, as well as participate in
the production of or buy dyed artwork.
Cost: $3
Hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 4pm
Where to Stay
If you are wanting to stay in Chalchuapa there are a few hostels in town where
you can find a room. Being so close to Santa Ana, and only 1.5 hours from El
Salvador, you can easily stay in one of these larger cities where there are far
more options for accommodation. When I am looking for my hotel I always use
Agoda
to book my accommodation.
Get Around
If you are not renting a car, there is a bus stop nearby the entrance to both
archeological sites where you can disembark to see the sites or catch a bus to
your next destination. From one site to the next, it is a quick 20 minute walk
that will take you nearby Laguna Cuzcachapa (also of historical significance).
How to Get There
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Bus
From Santa Ana: Bus 218 is the best option as it can be boarded at Parque
Colón, in Santa Ana, and will drop you off near either of the archeological
sites. It leaves every 15 minutes, costs $0.20, and will take about 20
minutes to arrive.
From San Salvador: Take bus 202 from Terminal de Buses de Occidente, in
San Salvador, and ask to be dropped of at either of the archeological sites.
The bus will take about 1 hour 45 minutes and cost $1.00.
Car
From Santa Ana: Chalchuapa is a quick 18 minute drive west, down RN-13.
Casa Blanca is on the right as you enter the city. El Tazumal is just a few
minutes south of Casa Blanca on RN-13 W.
From San Salvador: The drive from San Salvador will take you 1 hour 15
minutes (barring any traffic). Simply take CA-1 north to Santa Ana and then
turn west on RN-13; where you can follow the directions above.
Which site did you like best in Chalchuapa?
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