Escuintla, city in southern Guatemala, capital of Escuintla Department, on the Guacalate River, near Guatemala City. Escuintla is a trade center in an agricultural area with rail connections to the capital and to Puerto San José. Cotton ginning and sugar and paper milling are the chief industries. Cotton, sugarcane, coffee, bananas, coconuts, and corn are grown in the area. The city has mineral springs and is a winter resort. Escuintla is named after the ancient Maya city of Yxcuyntepeque (Iscuintepeque), believed to have been situated nearby. Population (1995 estimate) 69,532.
