Izabal Department

The department extends across 9,038 square kilometers, featuring Lake Izabal, tropical forests, and access to the Caribbean Sea through multiple ports.

The Spanish constructed Fort San Felipe in the 16th century at the junction of Lake Izabal and Rio Dulce to protect against pirate invasions.

The region contains a diverse population of Ladino, Q'eqchi', Garifuna, and Afro-Caribbean communities, each maintaining distinct traditions and languages.

Puerto Barrios serves as the department capital and main commercial center, connecting Guatemala to international maritime trade routes through its port facilities.

The Maya archaeological site of Quirigua preserves stone monuments and sculptures that earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage location.

Location: Guatemala

Capital city: Puerto Barrios

Shares border with: Petén Department, Toledo District, Copán Department, Santa Bárbara Department, Cortés Department, Zacapa Department, Alta Verapaz Department

GPS coordinates: 15.73333,-88.60000

Latest update: May 27, 2025 08:40