Escuintla, Guatemala
Region: Escuintla
Geographic Coordinates: 14.297800, -90.786900
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 30.0°C (68°F to 86°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with rainy season from May to October and dry season from November to April.
Population: 170280
Language: Spanish
Escuintla is a stunning city located in the southern part of Guatemala and serves as the capital of Escuintla department. The city is situated approximately 50 kilometers from Guatemala City, Making it easily accessible by car or bus. With a population of around 100, 000 people, Visitors can expect a unique blend of history, Culture, And natural beauty. One of the main attractions in Escuintla are its gorgeous beaches. As it lies on the Pacific coast, Visitors can enjoy some of Guatemala’s most beautiful stretches of sand such as Playa El Semillero which has crystal-clear waters and soft white sand.
Monterrico Beach is another popular spot for beachgoers which lies just south-east from Escuintla. The city also boasts several historic sites that are worth exploring such as La Democracia Archaeological Site which dates back to pre-Columbian times when it was home to one of Mesoamerica’s most important civilizations known as Olmec culture. Visitors can explore this fascinating archaeological site where they can see ancient pyramids, Sculptures depicting jaguars & other animals as well as many other artifacts.
For families looking for fun activities during their stay in Escuintla, Parque Acuático Xocomil is an enormous water park that features over 20 attractions including wave pools, Water slides & lazy rivers among others making it perfect for all ages. Visitors looking to immerse themselves in local culture should explore markets like Mercado Central where they can purchase traditional Guatemalan handicrafts like textiles or try out delicious street food like tamales or pupusas at affordable prices.
but not leastly , The climate in Escuintla remains warm throughout the year with average temperatures ranging between 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F), Making it perfect for those looking to escape colder climates or simply enjoy a tropical vacation. whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or explore ancient ruins, Escuintla is a city that offers visitors an incredible mix of natural beauty, Cultural heritage & modern attractions.
- Volcan de Fuego is an active volcano that attracts visitors for hiking and sightseeing.
- Takalik Abaj is an ancient Mayan archaeological site featuring impressive stone sculptures and ruins.
- Sipacate-Naranjo National Park is a protected area renowned for its beaches, mangroves, and diverse wildlife.
- Monterrico Beach is a popular beach destination with black sand, surfing opportunities, and sea turtle conservation efforts.
- La Democracia Archaeological Site is another Mayan ruin site with impressive stone carvings and structures to explore.
- Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa Archaeological Site may be lesser-known but still boasts pyramid-like structures worth seeing.
- Las Lisas Beach offers a secluded escape known for its clear waters and coral reefs to admire snorkeling or diving.
- San Lucas Sacatepéquez Church dates back to the colonial era with beautiful architecture and artwork to appreciate inside the building’s walls.
- Los Esclavos Waterfall located in the mountains of Escuintla offers breathtaking views of nature’s beauty in cascading water form over rocks below it.
- Zoológico Minerva houses many species of animals including lions, tigers, monkeys, reptiles among others making it an exciting place to visit in Escuintla for animal lovers!
- 1. Agriculture (particularly sugar cane, coffee, and bananas)
- 2. Fishing
- 3. Tourism (due to its beaches and proximity to the Pacific Ocean)
- 4. Textile manufacturing
- 5. Construction
- 6. Growing commercial sector with shopping centers and supermarkets
- The ancient Mayan city of Iximche: Located near the town of Tecpan, Iximche was one of the four main political centers of the Mayan civilization in Guatemala. It served as a capital for the Kaqchikel Maya until it was conquered by Spanish conquistadors in 1524.
- The eruption of Volcán de Fuego: In June 2018, this active volcano erupted and caused widespread devastation in Escuintla and surrounding areas. More than 190 people were killed and thousands were displaced.
- General Rafael Carrera: Born in Escuintla in 1814, Carrera became a prominent military leader who played a key role in Guatemala’s independence from Spain. He later became president of Guatemala and is considered one of its most important historical figures.
- Coffee production: Escuintla is known for its coffee production, which has been an important part of the region’s economy since colonial times.
- The coastal town of Monterrico: This popular tourist destination is located on the Pacific coast near Escuintla and is known for its black sand beaches and sea turtle conservation efforts.
- Jorge Ubico: Born in Escuintla in 1878, Ubico served as president of Guatemala from 1931 to 1944 during a period marked by authoritarian rule and repression.
- The Battle of La Arada: In February 1851, Guatemalan forces led by Rafael Carrera defeated an invading force from El Salvador at La Arada near Esquintla, cementing Carrera’s position as a national hero.
- Maximon (San Simon): A revered figure among many indigenous communities throughout Central America including those around Lake Atitlan; he represents both good (he can bring prosperity) or bad (he can bring harm) depending on how he is treated. The town of Santiago Atitlan, located near Escuintla, has a famous shrine to Maximon where people come to make offerings and ask for blessings.
- Museo de Arqueología y Etnología de la Costa Sur: This museum showcases the history and culture of the indigenous people of the southern coast of Guatemala.
- Catedral de Escuintla: The cathedral is a beautiful example of colonial architecture and is an important religious site in Escuintla.
- Parque Acuático Xocomil: This water park is a popular destination for families and offers a variety of water attractions, including slides, pools, and lazy rivers.
- Mercado Central: This bustling market is a great place to experience local culture and buy souvenirs or fresh produce.
- Finca El Pilar Nature Reserve: This nature reserve offers hiking trails through lush forests with stunning views of volcanoes and coffee plantations.
- Monumento al Agricultor: This monument honors the hard work of farmers in Guatemala’s agricultural industry.
- Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre Maya (Museum of Nature and Mayan Man): This museum features exhibits on natural history, archaeology, anthropology, and more related to Mayan civilization.
- Volcán Pacaya National Park: Visitors can hike up this active volcano for incredible views or take guided tours to learn about its geology and history.
- Casa K’inich Children’s Museum: A fun educational center where kids can learn about science, art, music, literature in an interactive way.
- Parque Nacional Las Victorias : A national park that has hiking trails through dense forest with many species endemic from Guatemala like Quetzals or Toucans among others wildlife species that are native from Mesoamerica region.
- Festival de la Candelaria y San Blas: This festival is celebrated in February and involves a procession of the patron saints of the town.
- Feria de Escuintla: This fair is held in July and includes traditional dances, music, food, and games.
- Semana Santa: Holy Week is celebrated with processions and religious ceremonies throughout the city.
- Día de los Muertos: The Day of the Dead is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd with colorful altars, parades, and offerings to honor deceased loved ones.
- Fiestas Patronales de San Vicente Pacaya: This festival takes place in January to celebrate the patron saint of San Vicente Pacaya with traditional dances, music, food, and games.
- Festival del Maíz y la Yuca: Held in August or September to celebrate two important crops for the region with traditional dishes made from maize and cassava.
- Feria del Marisco: A seafood festival held in November that features fresh seafood dishes from local fishermen along with live music performances.
- Pepián de Pollo – a traditional Guatemalan chicken stew with a spicy sauce made from ground pumpkin seeds, served with rice and tortillas.
- Churrasco – grilled steak usually served with rice, beans, and salad.
- Tostadas – crispy corn tortillas topped with refried beans, meat (usually chicken or beef), lettuce, tomato, cheese and avocado.
- Rellenitos de Plátano – mashed plantains stuffed with sweetened black beans then fried until crispy.
- Restaurante El Bodegón – known for their seafood dishes such as ceviche and shrimp cocktail.
- Restaurante La Cabaña del Chef – offers traditional Guatemalan dishes such as pepian de pollo and churrasco.
- La Piscina – a restaurant located near the beach that serves fresh seafood like fish fillets or prawns cooked to order.
- Taquería Los Cebollines – a fast-food chain that offers Mexican-style food like tacos al pastor or burritos filled with carne asada or chicken.
- Parque Acuático Xocomil is a water park featuring various slides, pools, and attractions.
- Parque Central de Escuintla is a central park in the city of Escuintla that features a fountain and a playground.
- Parque Ecológico Los Pocitos is an ecological park with hiking trails, natural swimming pools, and camping areas.
- Finca El Pilar is a coffee plantation that offers tours and tastings of their coffee.
- Playa El Semillero is located on the Pacific coast near Escuintla and offers beach activities.
- Volcán de Pacaya National Park includes the active Pacaya volcano, hiking trails, and scenic views.
- Laguna de Ayarza is located near Escuintla and offers fishing and boating activities on its lake.
- Reserva Natural Atitlán is an ecological reserve with hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and panoramic views of Lake Atitlán.
- Finca Santa Marta Coffee Tour provides tours of their coffee farm’s production process for visitors to enjoy.
- La Aurora Zoo Guatemala City Zoo takes just over an hour to drive from Escuintla but it remains one of Guatemala’s most popular recreational activities for families to enjoy together!
Some popular restaurants in Escuintla include:
