The city of Jalapa was built in a valley, surrounded by the Jumay volcano and the mountains of Alcoba and Arluta and Jalapa. For this reason and its altitude, 1700metres , the inhabitants enjoy excellent, mild weather. It is never too cold and never too hot. It's a bit out of the way but if you have the patience and the energy then it's well worth the trouble. The scenery is simply stunning and because of the isolation it's a refreshing break from the tourist route.

Getting there
Direct buses run from Jutiapa to Jalapa, passing around the edge of the Tahaul volcano and then through a deep valley filled with tobacco plants, maize and sugarcane. There are also regular buses from Guatemala City.