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Chicacao

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City
—°1
Chicacao (Guatemala)
ℹ️

Practical info — Chicacao

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The climate on the coastal plain is hot and humid, so wear light, breathable clothing.
  • This is a coffee and rubber growing region; mornings see heavy agricultural traffic.
  • In the rainy season, heavy downpours can occur in the afternoons, so plan outdoor activities for the morning.
  • Use the small tuk-tuks for short trips within town to beat the heat.

🍽 Food

🍽
Ceviche

Thanks to its relative proximity to the coast, you can find excellent ceviche in the eateries around the market.

🍽
Fresh Papaya and Bananas

Buy the sweetest local fruits directly from street vendors.

🍽
Kak'ik

Though from a different region, this traditional turkey soup is often offered on weekends in family diners.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Local Coffee

Being a coffee region, you can buy unroasted or freshly roasted beans directly from small shops.

🛍
Market Day

Visit the open-air market to see inexpensive tropical produce and agricultural tools.

🧘
Parque Central

Find a spot under the giant Ceiba trees to escape the afternoon heat.

🧘
Coffee Fincas

A walk on the outskirts of town will take you past lush, shaded coffee plantations.

Chicacao is a prominent municipality in the Suchitepéquez Department, located in a region renowned for its exceptional soil fertility. While its roots trace back to the colonial era, it was officially elevated to the status of a municipality on March 5, 1889. The geography of Chicacao is diverse, spanning from the highland foothills down to the tropical coastal plains, which allows for a vast array of agricultural production. The economy is primarily driven by the cultivation of coffee, sugar cane, rubber, and various tropical fruits. A defining characteristic of Chicacao is its large indigenous Mayan population, particularly the Tz'utujil and K'iche' groups, who have preserved their native languages and customs. The town serves as a vital commercial hub for the surrounding rural communities and large plantations. The annual festival in honor of Saint Michael the Archangel in September is a cultural highlight, blending religious devotion with local traditions. Despite modernization, agriculture remains the primary livelihood and the foundation of the town's social identity.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212223242423232322222121
Rain mm461864231317234292346302618

Geography

Population
60,735 (2023)
Coordinates
14.50000, -91.35000

Facts

  • Chicacao was officially established as a municipality on March 5, 1889.
  • The town sits at an elevation of approximately 500 meters above sea level.
  • Major export products include coffee, rubber, and sugar cane.
  • A significant portion of the population is of Mayan Tz'utujil descent.
  • The patronal feast is held every year on September 29.
  • The municipality was originally part of the Sololá Department.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Chicacao (1)

Centro de Agricultura Tropical Bulbuxyá📍 landmark

Research and training center for tropical agriculture in Chicacao.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the city called Chicacao?
The name derives from 'cocoa', as the region was historically a center for cocoa cultivation.
What is grown there today?
Besides cocoa, today coffee, rubber, and cardamom are important products.
What is the view like?
There is a spectacular view of the Sierra Madre volcanic chain.
When is market day?
On Thursdays and Sundays, many traders from the area gather.
What is the culture like?
A bustling mix of Maya traditions and agricultural heritage.
Chicacao: where is it located?
Chicacao is located in Guatemala.
Chicacao: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Chicacao: why is it worth visiting?
Chicacao is a prominent municipality in the Suchitepéquez Department, located in a region renowned for its exceptional soil fertility.
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