Zacapa Department
Driest/hottest region; Motagua Valley. Zacapa rum gains recognition; cattle and melon production. By 2026, rum exports and transit economy grow; climate extremes intensify.
Dry eastern corridor—Zacapa's Motagua Valley experiences Guatemala's lowest rainfall and highest temperatures. The arid climate limits agriculture but supports cattle ranching and melon production. Zacapa rum (distilled here) gains international recognition.
The department's position on route from capital to Caribbean coast provides transit economy. The Motagua fault zone creates earthquake hazard; the 1976 earthquake devastated the region. Recovery from that disaster shaped contemporary infrastructure.
Cross-border trade with Honduras supplements local economy. Mining operations (chromite, marble) provide employment. The department's climate distinctiveness within Guatemala creates niche agricultural opportunities.
2026 trajectory: Rum production and export expands with brand recognition. Transit economy benefits from Caribbean trade growth. Climate extremes intensify agricultural challenges.