This morning, we’ll journey west toward the heart of the Maya world. Our first stop is Joya de Cerén, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called “The Pompeii of the Americas.”
Over 1,400 years ago, the Caldera Volcano erupted suddenly, blanketing this small agricultural village in ash and preserving it in remarkable detail. Unlike Pompeii, no human remains were found, suggesting the villagers had just enough warning to escape. Today, this site offers a rare and intimate window into daily Maya life. You’ll walk among ancient homes, sleeping mats, crop fields, and even saunas, perfectly frozen in time. The on-site museum brings the story to life with artifacts and reconstructions that make history feel close enough to touch.
Next, we’ll continue to Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where three majestic volcanoes, Izalco, Santa Ana, and Cerro Verde, stand guard over the shimmering Coatepeque Lake, which fills the crater of an ancient volcano.
Here, nature and legend intertwine. Izalco, born in the 1700s, once erupted so brightly that sailors called it “The Lighthouse of the Pacific.” Santa Ana, thousands of years older, still breathes through its fumaroles, whispering reminders of the power beneath the earth. At Cerro Verde, we’ll stroll around its extinct crater, surrounded by cool mountain air and panoramic views of the volcanoes and lake below.
Our next stop is a nearby eco property nestled between the three volcanoes, where a hands-on pupusa workshop awaits. A local cook will arrive with a basket of fresh ingredients and show you how to craft El Salvador’s beloved national dish. Warm corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, beans, and tradition, before enjoying them fresh off the griddle for lunch.
By mid-afternoon, we’ll continue along the Ruta de las Flores, a region of lush coffee plantations and mountain towns where every curve of the road reveals new colors, scents, and surprises waiting to be discovered.
Accommodation: You’ll stay at Casa de Graciela or a comparable hotel, depending on availability. We’ll confirm your hotel before booking.