Ciudad Vieja
Sitio Arqueológico Ciudad Vieja
The site of the first San Salvador, founded by the Spanish in 1528. The street layout and foundations of the city have been preserved, making it a rare remnant of an early colonial town in Central America.
The Ciudad Vieja site lies about 9 kilometres south of Suchitoto. Between 1528 and 1545, it was the first city of San Salvador established by Spanish colonial authorities in El Salvador. It was abandoned after the city was moved, and it was never covered by later buildings, so its plaza, street grid and house foundations survive. The park has a small visitor centre displaying excavated pottery and weapons, and very few visitors come here. Admission is about US$3, and the site is closed on Mondays. You need a car or a hired vehicle to get there, and it can be visited on the same day as the old town.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–16:00; closed Mondays
Nearby sights
- Suchitoto
- Iglesia Santa Lucía
- Indigo Dyeing Workshops of Suchitoto
- Centro Arte para la Paz
- Los Tercios Waterfall
- Guazapa Volcano
- Lake Suchitlán
- Cihuatán