Cihuatán
San Francisco Lempa, Cuscatlán, El Salvador
Early Postclassic (900–1000 AD)
About Cihuatán
Cihuatán ('Place of Woman' in Nahuatl) was El Salvador's largest pre-Columbian city and one of the few sites showing clear Toltec influence in Central America. Its large ceremonial center with a ball court and pyramid suggests a powerful city that was violently destroyed around 1000 AD.
Highlights
- Largest pre-Columbian city in El Salvador
- Ball court with rings — rare Toltec-style feature in Central America
- Pyramid E1-1 (main ceremonial mound)
- Evidence of violent destruction and burning circa 1000 AD
- Toltec warrior imagery and iconography
Best Time to Visit
November to April