Chiquimula
The department of Chiquimula is located in the northeast of the country. It covers an area of approximately 2,376 km², and its departmental capital, Chiquimula, is located approximately 424 meters above sea level. It is located 175 km from the capital city. The departmental capital is located in a valley with a fairly warm climate, while the remaining municipalities, some of which have mountainous, icy, and humid terrain.
Chiquimula borders Zacapa to the north, the Republic of Honduras to the east, the Republic of El Salvador and the department of Jutiapa to the south, and Jalapa and Zacapa to the west. The main highways crossing the department are National Route 18, which runs from the capital and leads to Esquipulas; National Route 20, which originates in Zacapa and passes through Concepción Las Minas to the border; and Highway CA10, which passes through Esquipulas and reaches the border with Honduras.
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MAIN TOURIST PLACES
Cathedral Basilica of the Black Christ of Esquipulas, Chiquimula
This houses the venerated image of the Black Christ of Esquipulas, one of the most visited places in Central America by Catholic parishioners, being a favorite travel destination for visitors to the country of Guatemala, which takes place mainly on January 15, which is when the Lord of Esquipulas is celebrated, and others do so on March 9, the day that the arrival of the image to the city of Esquipulas is celebrated, an event that occurred on March 9, 1595.
Distance
56 km from the departmental capital of Chiquimula (estimated 1 hour drive)
231 km from the capital city (4 h 21 min estimated car trip from Zone 1)
 Basílica Esquipulas |  Basílica Esquipulas |
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 Basílica Esquipulas |
Ipala Volcano and Lagoon, Chiquimula
This natural wonder can be enjoyed near the departmental capital, at an altitude of 1,650 meters above sea level. The ascent to the volcano is fairly quick, but it's recommended to do so in the early hours of the day, as the climate at the base and flanks is very warm, varying at altitude to a cooler climate.
Distance
33 km from the departmental capital of Chiquimula (estimated 36 min drive to the base of the volcano)
203 km from the capital city (estimated 4 hours drive from zone 1, to the base of the volcano)
 Laguna de Ipala |  Laguna de Ipala |
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 Laguna de Ipala |
1 Gall, Francis. Geographical Dictionary of Guatemala. National Typography, 1976.