Jalapa Department

The Jalapa Department extends across varied elevations between 800 and 1720 meters, containing multiple municipalities including Mataquescuintla, Monjas, and San Pedro Pinula.

Following the Santa Marta earthquakes of 1773, officials considered relocating Guatemala's capital to Jalapa's valleys, but water scarcity prevented this plan.

Local farmers maintain traditional cultivation methods for coffee, corn, and tobacco production, contributing to Guatemala's agricultural heritage in the southeastern region.

The department capital connects to Guatemala City through two routes: a 96-kilometer path via Sanarate and a 168-kilometer route through Jutiapa and Santa Rosa.

The territory contains several water bodies, including the Colorado and Monjas rivers, plus the hidden Laguna Escondida and Laguna del Hoyo natural formations.

Location: Guatemala

Capital city: Jalapa

Shares border with: El Progreso Department, Zacapa Department, Chiquimula Department, Jutiapa Department, Santa Rosa Department, Guatemala Department

GPS coordinates: 14.63389,-89.98111

Latest update: May 27, 2025 07:05