Mazatenango is a municipality in the Suchitepéquez department of Guatemala. It is the capital of Suchitepéquez department and is located 165 km from Guatemala City. Mazatenango lies significantly lower in elevation than Guatemala City or Quetzaltenango. In fact it sits on the coastal plain leading to the Pacific Ocean. Therefore, the climate is somewhat hotter and definitely more humid than that of the other cities in the upper elevations. However, it is usually no warmer than the southern region of Florida in the United States. Though it lies only 100 miles from Guatemala City as you look at it on a map, the mountainous terrain makes the trip much longer. In fact, the trip can take anywhere from three to five hours depending on traffic and travel conditions. The scenery along the way couldn’t be more beautiful however. With volcanoes, mountains, ravines, etc. The eye never is without something to behold in awe.
During the month of February, Mazatenango is famous for its eight day Carnival Feast. Locals and visitors alike look forward to the days of food, music, parades, games, etc. that bring the streets of the capital city to life. As one Guatemalan website states, “To mention the carnival of Mazatenango is to bring to mind moments of a happy and cordial party. In the eight days of this celebration's duration the local residents have kept alive the traditions of the Department.â€
Whether gold, silver, tile, fabric, and even furniture, is what a visitor is looking for, Mazatenango is a major producer of all these things. Though it is remotely located on the SÃs River in southwestern Guatemala, it is a major commercial center for the economy. From this region come many of the products tourists by at the markets they visit. Goods are shipped to other cities via the Pacific Coast Highway which runs through and is the lifeblood for this city. |
