Ciudad Vieja, Archaeological site in Suchitoto, El Salvador.
Ciudad Vieja is an archaeological site in Suchitoto that covers a large area with the foundations of ancient structures and the street layout of early Spanish colonial buildings. The stone bases and remains show the construction methods and the planned grid design that organized this early settlement.
The settlement was founded in 1528 as La Bermuda and served as one of the earliest Spanish colonies in Central America before being abandoned in 1545. Its brief occupation of around 17 years marks it as a key witness to the early conquest period.
The site holds the remains of residential areas, public buildings, and places of worship that show how Spanish colonial society was organized in the 16th century. Walking through the layout, you can see how different social functions and groups were separated within this early settlement.
The site is reached through Suchitoto and the grounds are fairly open, but expect uneven terrain and few marked paths. It is helpful to find a local guide or check conditions in advance, as access can sometimes be limited.
The stone foundations form one of the most complete examples of early Spanish urban planning in Central America from the conquest period. This pattern of organized city structure was innovative and became a model for many other Spanish settlements that followed across the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
