Zacapa Department

Zacapa is an administrative department in eastern Guatemala, with the Motagua River creating fertile valleys that support agriculture. The Sierra de las Minas mountains rise to the north, framing these productive lands with elevated terrain.

The department was established on November 10, 1871, and took its current form through several territorial changes. In 1908, portions were separated to create the neighboring El Progreso Department.

The name Zacapa comes from Nahuatl words: zacatl meaning grass and apan meaning river, reflecting the waterways and vegetation that define the area. This naming shows how the landscape shaped the region's identity.

The area sits roughly 110 kilometers east of Guatemala City and links to the country's main transportation routes. As a trade and agricultural hub, it is easy to access and serves as a junction for regional pathways.

The region holds significant jade and marble deposits within the Sierra de las Minas, supplying Guatemala with valuable mineral resources. These minerals have been extracted for a long time and contribute to the area's economic importance.

Location: Guatemala

Inception: November 10, 1871

Capital city: Zacapa

Elevation above the sea: 220 m

Shares border with: Alta Verapaz Department, Izabal Department, Copán Department, Chiquimula Department, Jalapa Department, El Progreso Department

GPS coordinates: 14.97250,-89.52833

Latest update: December 17, 2025 09:06