• Joya de Cerén (outside of San Salvador, El Salvador): Joya de Cerén isn't El Salvador's most visually stunning ruin, but it offers one of Central America's most accurate glimpses into the lives of the region's Maya ancestors in the form of the remains of a Maya village, frozen in time 1,400 years ago when the village was buried beneath the ash of a violent volcanic eruption. Still standing and preserved are the local shaman's house, a community sauna, and private sleeping rooms.
  • Tazumal (Santa Ana, El Salvador): El Salvador's most visually interesting and fully excavated set of Maya ruins has a temple pyramid, ball court, and other structures considered to be classic examples of Maya architecture. Though it's much smaller than better-known ruins in Guatemala or Honduras, Tazumal's exemplary Maya architecture makes it worth the drive.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.