Visit Suchitepequez

Suchitepequez

The department of Suchitepequez has the classic topographical territory of the departments which ends at the Pacific Ocean. It is located close to the coast on a wide-open region, between the Chuatroj and Parraxquim mountains in the department of Solola, which leaves the Zunil and San Pedro volcanoes as watchers of the Nahualate River.

Half of the territory is an abrupt one, which originates at the slopes of the San Pedro and Atitlan volcanoes. All the rivers run to the Pacific Ocean. Erosion and the mountainous soils have resulted in an amazing fertility of the lands. In spite of the fact that there are no volcanoes in Suchitepequez, it has a lot of volcanic material which comes from the highlands located at the northern side of the department.

Among the many rivers found in this region, we can mention Rio Bravo, Nahualate, Alto Coloyate, Ican, Secua, Chichoy, Pajoc, Ixtapaca, Seco, Alto Madre Vieja, among others. Rivers have fresh and reviving waters.

The municipiums of Patulul and San Juan Bautista have many water streams, small lagoons and large beaches along the Madre Vieja River. The municipium of Santa Barbara has them along the Nahualate River, as well as Chicacao and San Miguel Panam. Among the many rivers found in this region, we can mention Rio Bravo, Nahualate, Alto Coloyate, Ican, Secua, Chichoy, Pajoc, Ixtapaca, Seco, Alto Madre Vieja, among others. Rivers have fresh and reviving waters.

Places to visit in Suchitepequez:

Archaeological sites
In Cuyotenango, Cuyotenango and Trapiche Grande; in Chicacao, San Rafael Panam; in Patalul, San Jose Buena Vista; in San Antonio Suchitepequez, Palo Gordo; and, in San Bernardino, the San Bernardino archaeological site. Also, many beaches are located along the Pacific Coast. And perhaps, visitors will have the opportunity to meet one of the stories’ tellers who maintain old legends alive.

Local fairs: Mazatenango, Carnival celebration; Cuyotenango, January 15; San Francisco Zapotitlan, December 25; San Bernardino, May 20; San Jose El Idolo, March 19; Santo Domingo Suchitepequez, August 4; San Lorenzo, February 2; Samayac, December 8; San Pablo Jocopilas, January 25; San Antonio Suchitepequez, June 13; San Miguel Panam, September 9; San Gabriel, April; Chicacao, December 19; Patulul, January 25; Santa Barbara, December 4; San Juan Bautista, June 24; Santo Tomas La Union, December 21; Zunilito, November 25; Pueblo Nuevo, January 15; Rio Bravo, February 2.