Mayan settlement in the area of Tazumal probably dates back as far as 100 A.D. In the 10th century A.D., when a number of important Mayan sites were mysteriously abandoned in the area, the city likely fell under the influence of invading groups from central Mexico -- with strong Toltec influences still visible in many of the buildings in the city. The site was abandoned around 1200 A.D. and was not formally excavated until the 1940s. Today, excavations and restoration efforts are ongoing.
Tazumal includes several buildings typical of Mayan cities, such as ceremonial ball courts, stepped pyramids and engraved stone markers. Perhaps the most notable structure is the large pyramid in the center of the site -- known to archaeologists as Structure 1 -- featuring a broad stone staircase and a temple with square columns at the top. The site is also surrounded by other archaeological finds, including a smaller Mayan settlement in the area known as Casa Blanca and much older, engraved Olmec stones.
Reaching Tazumal is not difficult. Chalchuapa is about 50 miles west of the capital city of San Salvador, accessible by car or public bus. Once in Chalchuapa, you can walk to the site, which is next to the city cemetery. Tourists pay a small fee to enter the archaeological park, which includes the sites of Tazumal, Casa Blanca and the site museum. The park is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from early morning to sunset. Although the site is in a forested area, the trees surrounding many of its buildings have been cut down, so you'll need both sun block and mosquito repellent.
If your visit to Tazumal has peaked your interest in Mayan Archaeology, or you simply want to get a bit of context before your visit, head to the Dr. David J. Guzman National Museum of Anthropology in San Salvador. The museum includes good background information on the pre-Hispanic history of El Salvador and many of the artifacts found at Tazumal, including a life-size statue of Xipe-totec, the Nahua god of fertility and war. The museum is located on Avenida de la Revolucion in central San Salvador and is open Tuesdays to Sundays.
