The Guatemalan Pacific Coast, includes a territorial extension of approximately 250 kilometers in length, from the Suchiate River (Mexican border) to west of the Paz River (El Salvador border) in the east, and from the Pacific Ocean in the south to the Panamerican Highway CA-9 in the north.   (see: Maps)

This area includes parts of the Departments of San Marcos, Retalhuleu, Suchitepéquez, Escuintla, Santa Rosa and Jutiapa. The area of this system forms the Pacific Coastal Plain, which averages 50 kilometers in width, and is irrigated by numerous rivers.

Guatemala's Pacific Coast is characterized by the volcanic black sand beaches found there. These are much like the beaches found on many South Pacific atolls. The best known of these beaches are found in the departments of Retalhuleu, Suchitepéquez, Escuintla and Santa Rosa. Among these beaches are La Empalizada, El Semillero, Zipacate, Hawai and LAS LISAS.

The main tourist attractions in the region are the Las Lisas sand beaches, the mangroves and
their flora and fauna, aquatic activities, and the important archaeological sites of the Olmeca culture, which include La Democracia, El Baul, Monte Alto and Abaj Takalit.

Traditional fishing activities are well developed in this area.