Plizio Visual Lab

Guastatoya

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

State capital

—°

ℹ️

Practical info — Guastatoya

▾

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

Prepare for intense heat; it is one of the driest and hottest regions in Guatemala.
The local water park is very popular on weekends; visit on a weekday for a quieter experience.
Drink plenty of bottled water to stay hydrated in the dry climate.
The town is hilly, so wear comfortable walking shoes for navigating the steep streets.

🍽 Food

🍽

Yuca con chicharrón

Cassava with fried pork, a hearty and filling snack found in the market.

🍽

Caldo de res

Beef broth that is surprisingly popular at local diners despite the intense heat.

🍽

Street cart ice cream

Artisanal fruit ice creams sold from small carts to help beat the heat.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍

Woven baskets and hats

Made from palm leaves, these are practical for the sun and found in the market.

🛍

Local sweets

Traditional candies made from tamarind or other regional fruits.

🧘

Parque Central de Guastatoya

Find a shaded bench under the trees to cool down from the sun.

🧘

Outskirts near the Motagua River

A short drive features peaceful natural spots along the dry riverbeds.

Guastatoya, the capital of the El Progreso Department, is situated in the Motagua River valley, one of Guatemala's most arid and sweltering regions. Known colloquially as 'Guastatoya la calurosa' due to its intense heat, the city has leveraged its challenging environment to become a hub of innovation and efficient administration. Historically, its growth was spurred by the arrival of the Northern Railroad, which connected the highlands to the Atlantic coast, turning this transit point into a major economic player. The department of El Progreso was formally established in 1908, with Guastatoya as its seat of power. Today, the city is famous throughout the country for its commitment to public recreation and cleanliness; the municipal water park is a landmark attraction that draws thousands of visitors, providing a cool sanctuary in the desert-like landscape. The local economy is multifaceted, driven by large-scale irrigated agriculture, producing melons and tobacco for international markets, and a thriving logistics sector due to its location on the CA-9 highway. Guastatoyan culture is celebrated with great fervor during the annual January fair, featuring traditional music, bullfighting, and regional cuisine. The city is also a center for education and healthcare for the eastern provinces. Its urban layout, characterized by well-maintained parks and modern public buildings, reflects a unique civic pride. As a gateway to the East, Guastatoya continues to bridge the gap between the rural agricultural heartland and the modern industrial corridors of Guatemala.

Location: Guatemala
Nearby: Lanquín (5 km)
Population: ~24.831 (2025)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	18	20	22	24	24	22	21	22	21	21	19	18
Rain mm	34	26	25	39	140	204	165	205	233	165	69	38

Geography

Population

24,831 (2025)

Coordinates

14.85000, -90.01670

Facts

Guastatoya is nicknamed the 'Heat Capital' of Guatemala.
It is located approximately 73 kilometers from Guatemala City.
The city's economy is heavily reliant on the transit of Atlantic-bound goods.
The local irrigation systems are among the most complex in the country.
The 'Parque Acuático Guastatoya' is a major source of municipal revenue.
Elevation is around 1,690 feet, contributing to the hot, dry climate.
The surrounding landscape is dominated by columnar cacti and scrub brush.
The city is recognized for its high standards of waste management and recycling.