El Palmar Viejo is actually the remains of a village. This village was the centre for the whole farming community. Some eight years ago, the Rio Nima burst through its banks and swept through the whole village, forcing the villagers to evacuate. Today the remains of the village, called the Guatemalan Pompeii, will show you the immense trail of devastation that was wrought by the river back then. You will be able to experience the power of Hurricane Mitch by the aftermath left in its wake.

Sightseeing
The only attractive place here is the hourglass-shaped Laguna, bordered by milpas and rainforest. This place is very good for swimming and picnicking but you have to walk a bit from the main bridge and then across another smaller wooden bridge to reach a good spot.

Getting there
You can get to this town by taking the bus that travels between Retalhuleu and Quetzaltenanago. Ask the driver to drop you off at the turn for the village, which is then a walk of about three and half kilometres.