Don't worry about having a tourist guide because you can always ask anyone participating in the excavations--they are usually friendly and willing to inform you.

Tazumal Ruins is located in the town of Chalchuapa about 78 kilometers to the West from San Salvador. This site is considered to be one of the most significant Mayan ceremonial centers. It was built by Mayans about 1500 years ago. Tazumal's Ruins features step pyramids, one of which contains a ball court where a game known as "tlatchli" was played. Unfortunately, the captain of the losing team was sacrificed! Another pyramid contains a temple in which were found 23 tombs. Some of the items found inside the tombs include clay vases, jewelry, mirrors, and other precolumbian pieces which can be appreciated at the small museum located at the entrance to the ruins. There are also other small ruins located in this town such as Casa Blanca, El Trapiche, and Las Victorias.

San Andres is located at the valley of Zapotitan about 32 kilometers from San Salvador. This area was inhabited by Mayans and another group of precolumbian people known as Pipils. The ruins consist of a small symmetrical square pyramid and shows a relation to other Mayan cities, particularly the Tazumal Ruins