Things To Do
in Zacapa

Classic town square scenes—people, street vendors, the municipal buildings and church facades are excellent for street photography and portraits.

Riverside landscapes, fishing activity, and agricultural scenes along the Motagua Valley provide a working-landscape feel and golden-hour light.

Indoor and outdoor market stalls with colorful produce, textiles, and vendors are ideal for candid cultural shots.

Lookouts above the valley for panoramic views at sunrise or sunset—good for wide landscapes and capturing the dry valley contrasts.

Corn masa wrapped in banana leaves and steamed—found at market stalls and local comedores for breakfast or dinner.

Must-Try!

A rich, spiced meat stew served with rice and tortillas; home-style comedores in town serve seasonal variations.

Fried green or ripe plantains, a ubiquitous side or snack sold at markets and food carts.

Locally available rum and mixed drinks—look for tastings and bottles in specialty shops and bars.

The central market where vendors sell fresh produce, tamales, atol, grilled meats, baked goods, and snacks—ideal for sampling street food and local breads.

Street stalls around the main plaza in the mornings and evenings offering quick breakfasts, empanadas, and sweet breads.

A polite 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes' and a handshake are standard when entering shops or meeting people—using basic Spanish phrases is appreciated.

Show deference to older people and community figures; polite manners and modest dress in churches and public offices are expected.

Bargaining is normal at markets for non-fixed-price items—do so politely and with a smile; respect vendors and avoid aggressive haggling.

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in smaller communities and inside markets; some may prefer not to be photographed.

In restaurants a 10% tip is customary if service charge is not included; small tips for taxi drivers, hotel porters (Q5–Q20), and tour guides are appreciated. For very casual street food, tipping is not required but rounding up is polite.

Guatemala's currency is the quetzal (GTQ). Cash is king in Zacapa—many places do not accept cards. U.S. dollars may be accepted in tourist-oriented shops but expect change in quetzales. ATMs are available but can be limited; carry sufficient cash for rural excursions.

The most popular sport—local teams and informal pickup games in open fields and parks are common, and matches draw community interest.

Played at schools and local courts; you’ll find casual games in community spaces.

Vegetarian options are available but limited; order dishes based on beans, rice, plantains, salads, and vegetable soups. Communicate clearly (in Spanish if possible) and ask vendors if dishes contain meat stocks.

More challenging—stick to fruit, beans, rice, fresh vegetables, and street fruit stalls. Bring snacks as dependable vegan options can be scarce in small town comedores.

Corn tortillas are a staple and naturally gluten-free; avoid wheat-based breads and ask about batter or sauce thickeners if you have celiac disease.

Use bottled water for drinking, choose busy food stalls with high turnover, and avoid raw salads or unpeeled fruit if you have a sensitive stomach.