Escuintla is located along the Pacific coastal plain south of Guatemala City. INE’s 2018 census counted 733,181 people in the department; population projections for later years differ from that count (2026 figures). It is known for its sugar cane plantations, Pacific beaches, and the port of Puerto Quetzal. The department capital is Escuintla.
What to Expect
Escuintla is where most Guatemalans go when they want beach and heat. Drive south from Guatemala City on the highway toward the Pacific coast and within an hour the pine trees disappear, replaced by endless sugar cane fields and African palm plantations stretching to the horizon. The air turns thick and humid, and roadside stands start selling coconut water and fried fish. This is the agricultural backbone of the country – the sugar mills here produce most of Guatemala’s export crop, and during harvest season (November through April) you will see trucks loaded with cane clogging the two-lane roads between towns.
The main draw for visitors is the coast. Monterrico is the most popular beach destination in the country, famous for its dramatic black volcanic sand and sea turtle conservation programs. Between July and December, you can watch olive ridley and leatherback turtle hatchlings released into the Pacific at night – an experience worth the trip alone. Iztapa, a short drive east, is where Guatemalan sport fishing enthusiasts chase sailfish and marlin. For a more local scene, the beach at Hawaii (yes, that is actually its name) fills up with families from the capital on weekends, with marimba music and ceviche stands lining the shore.
Four of INSIVUMEH’s eight published Pacific wave-forecast points sit off this department – Puerto San Jose, Sipacate, Tecojate and the Monterrico point just across the Santa Rosa line – and today’s wave height, period and swell direction for all of them are on our Pacific marine forecast. Worth a look before a beach weekend: the swell here is driven by cold fronts arriving from the north, not by local weather.
Be prepared for the heat. Escuintla regularly hits 35-38 degrees Celsius and the humidity makes it feel worse. The roads from the capital are generally in decent condition, though the coastal highway between towns can flood during the rainy season from May through October. If you are visiting Monterrico, take the La Avellana route and cross the Chiquimulilla Canal by ferry – it is part of the adventure. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and cash, as ATMs outside the main towns are scarce.
The cost, safety and internet figures in the Key Stats section are our own map ratings and estimates, not official or sourced figures. For detailed cost comparisons across Guatemala, see our cost of living guide. Check the latest exchange rates and gas prices for budgeting.
Escuintla offers 8 notable attractions and 5 annual festivals that showcase its cultural heritage. Key highlights include: Pacific coast, Beaches, Port commerce, Hot climate. For more information about staying safe while exploring, visit our safety guide.
A palm-lined highway in Escuintla, April 2022. Photo: Estuardo Enriquez.
Nearby Departments
Pacific Coast: Santa Rosa | Suchitepequez
Central Highlands: Chimaltenango | Guatemala | Sacatepequez
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- Activities & Things to Do – Explore activities and tours
- Safety Guide – Read our detailed safety guide
- Exchange Rates – Today’s exchange rate
- Cost of Living – Compare living costs
- Remittances – Best remittance rates
- Gas Prices – Fuel prices by department
- Canasta Basica – Basic food basket costs
- Weather – Climate and weather data