Archaeological Sites in Central America

Nestled in the lush landscapes of the Department of Izabal in southeastern Guatemala, the Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quiriguá stand as a testament to the grandeur of Mayan civilization. Located along the lower Motagua River, this World Heritage site is a captivating archaeological treasure trove that unfolds the mysteries of an ancient city.

Founded in 1519, Panamá Viejo was the oldest European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas. It was abandoned in the mid-17th century and replaced by today's Historic District, which has preserved its original street plan, architecture, and an unusual mixture of architectural styles.

Chiquibul National Park is the largest national park in Belize. The park surrounds Caracol, an archaeological reserve that was once one of the most important regional political centers of the Maya Lowlands during the Classic Period. Chiquibul Forest Reserve is adjacent to the park.

Joya de Cerén is an archaeological site located in the Department of La Libertad, El Salvador. The site contains the remains of a pre-Hispanic farming village that was covered by a volcanic eruption in the seventh century AD. It is often referred to as the "Pompeii of the Americas."

Discovered in 1570, the ruins of Copán in western Honduras are one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilization. The ruined citadel and imposing public squares reveal the three main stages of development before the city was abandoned in the early 10th century.

The Ruins of León Viejo, located in northwestern Nicaragua on the shores of Lake Xolotlán, are the remains of the oldest Spanish colonial city founded in the Americas. Recognizing its historical and cultural significance, the Ruins of León Viejo are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The stone spheres of the Diquís are an assortment of over three hundred petrospheres located on the Diquís Delta and Isla del Caño in Costa Rica. The spheres, located in four archaeological sites, comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are a popular tourist destination.

Tak'alik Ab'aj is a pre-Columbian archaeological site located in southwestern Guatemala. The city was a commercial hub between the Guatemalan Highlands and the Pacific coast. It is one of several Mesoamerican sites with both Olmec and Maya features.

The Cultural Triangle: Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park is a multidisciplinary project involving archaeologists, architects, conservators, restorers, biologists, and workers. This archaeological multi-site is situated in Petén Department, Guatemala.

Guayabo de Turrialba, nestled amidst the lush wilderness of the Turrialba Volcano, is a testament to Costa Rica's rich pre-Columbian history, nestled amidst the lush wilderness of the Turrialba Volcano. As the largest pre-Columbian city discovered in Costa Rica, the Guayabo National Monument offers a glimpse into the lives of the people who once thrived in this ancient urban center.