Tazumal

archeological site in Chalchuapa, El Salvador

Tazumal is an archaeological site in Western El Salvador. It is a fairly small, but well maintained and easily visited site for what was once a major city-state. The site is near the southern extent of the Maya civilization and was likely settled around the late BC to early AD period. Most of the site's development occurred in the Classic period (between about 250 AD to 650 AD). The site features at least 2 large pyramid complexes and a number of unexcavated mounds that remain for future generations of archaeologists to explore.

Tazumal archaeological site

Understand

Main pyramid at Tazumal (Structure B1-1)

History

Tazumal was likely settled around the 1st century BC with a strong growth period during the Classic period (250 AD - 650AD) that was paused for a few generations when the nearby Ilopango volcano erupted in the 5th century. The city prospered until at least 1200 AD after which it appears to have been abandoned (like many Maya city-states of that time).

Metal artifacts from the site were dated from the 8th century, making Tazumal among the earliest Maya settlements to have metallurgy. A number of sculptures and ceramic pieces were recovered from the site and are displayed in the site museum, at the National Archaeological Museum and at other museums.

The site is administered for the federal government by the Consejo Nacional para la Cultura y el Arte (CONCULTURA).

A number of archaeological expeditions have explored and excavated the site beginning as early as the 19th century and continuing through today. In 1892, Santiago Barberena discovered the Virgin of Tazumal, which can be seen in the National Museum of El Salvador. A number of other artifacts are displayed in the site museum, which is named in honor of Stanley Boggs. Boggs was an archaeologist from Harvard University who led several expeditions to the site in the 1940s and 1950s. Boggs eventually moved to El Salvador where he became chairman of archaeology at the University of El Salvador and continued to write about Tazumal. In the 21st century, excavations and restorations continue under the leadership of CONCULTURA and archaeologists from the University of Nagoya in Japan.

Get in

By bus

Chicken bus is the best way to get to Tazumal. Frequent buses go to Tazamul from Santa Ana. On Calle 9a poniente (between Avenida 10a and 8a), take the bus for route 218 toward Tazumal. Buses that say "Directo" on the windshield will be 20 minutes faster than the local bus that stops everywhere. The bus stop for the ruins is on 7a Av. Sur. It is a 300-meter walk to the archaeological site entrance.

From towns along the Ruta de las Flores, you can take bus 249 tp Ahuachapan, then take the 202 bus to Chalchuapa, which is where the Tazumal ruins are.

By taxi

Taxis and Uber are available in Santa Ana. A one-way trip will cost about US$10. It may be possible to hire the driver for several hours and visit other nearby sites at the same time.

Fees and hours

The site is open from 09:00 to 16:00.

Entry costs US$1 for Salvadoran citizens, US$3 for citizens of neighboring Central American countries, and US$5 for most foreign visitors.

Local Mayan guides can optionally be hired at the visitor entrance though few of them speak English. The guides are very knowledgeable and well worth the small cost. They will show you things that a casual tourist would miss. Tips are greatly appreciated.

Get around

The site is small and relatively flat. Walk to see the ruins. It will take about 1 hour for a typical site tour.

See

Sculpture of the god Xipe Totec in the site museum at Tazumal

The largest structure at the site comprises the Great Platform with open areas, a west-facing entrance, a large pyramid, and the Temple of Columns, which is thought to have been a facade for the western entrance.

  • Site museum - The Stanley Boggs Museum displays general information about Tazumal and its history and architecture as well as showcasing a large number of artifacts found at the site
  • Great Platform (Structure B1-1) - is a large elevated platform measuring 73 by 87 meters.
  • Temple of Columns - served as the primary entryway (facing west) with additional portals facing east and south, the structure features square columns and two identically sized chambers.
  • Ballcourt - Structure B1-3 and B1-4 are the sides of a ballcourt where the Mesoamerican ballgame was played

Do

Buy, eat and drink

Anything you need to buy can be found in the town of Chalchuapa.

There are several yuquerias near the Tazumal archaeological site. These are restaurants that specialize in fried yucca, a traditional food of El Salvador. Be aware that local restaurants and street food vendors usually use tap water. Carrying your own bottled water may be prudent.

Sleep

Hotels and guest rooms are available in the town of Chalchuapa. A larger selection of lodging options is available in Santa Ana.

Stay safe

Go next

Archaeology travelers may want to spend a few days in Chalchuapa to explore other (smaller) nearby Maya sites including El Trapiche, Laguna Cuscachapa, Las Victorias, Casa Blanca, Laguna Seca, and Grupo Peñate.

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