Jalapa is located in the eastern highlands, a transitional zone between highlands and lowlands. INE’s 2018 census counted 342,923 people in the department; population projections for later years differ from that count (2026 figures). It is known for its volcanic landscape, agriculture, and the Jumay volcano. The department capital is Jalapa.
What to Expect
Jalapa is one of those departments that rarely shows up on travel itineraries, but people who stumble into it tend to come back with stories about how pleasant it was. The elevation keeps the climate comfortable year-round – warm days and cool nights without the oppressive heat of the eastern lowlands or the bone-chilling cold of the western highlands. Jalapa city itself is a quiet departmental capital with a central park, a market that fills up on Sundays, and streets where you can still hear more Poqomam and Xinka influence in the local Spanish than you would in the capital.
The standout natural attraction is the Laguna del Hoyo, a crater lake formed in an old volcanic cone about 20 minutes outside of town. The lake sits in a forested depression and the water is a deep, still green – it is a peaceful spot for a picnic or a short hike around the rim. The Volcan Jumay also offers a solid day hike with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Neither attraction has much tourist infrastructure, so bring your own water and supplies. The roads to both are unpaved but manageable in a regular vehicle during the dry season.
Coffee production is central to life here, and you will see small fincas spread across the hillsides growing Arabica beans. The local economy also runs on vegetables – potatoes, carrots, and beans – much of which gets trucked to markets in Guatemala City. Jalapa is the kind of place where a full almuerzo at a comedor still costs under Q25 and the tortillas are made by hand right in front of you. If you are looking for authentic, unhurried Guatemala without any tourist polish, Jalapa delivers exactly that. The drive from the capital takes about two and a half hours via the CA-1 to Sanarate and then south through rolling green hills.
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.
Jalapa offers 5 notable attractions and 4 annual festivals that showcase its cultural heritage. Key highlights include: Rural, Agriculture, Quiet, Traditional. For more information about staying safe while exploring, visit our safety guide.
Nearby Departments
Eastern: Chiquimula | Jutiapa | Zacapa
Central Highlands: El Progreso | Guatemala
Pacific Coast: Santa Rosa
Explore More Data
- 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