Jalapa, city, southeastern Guatemala, located in a picturesque valley of the central highlands at an elevation of 4,469 feet (1,362 metres) above sea level. Jalapa functions as a commercial, manufacturing, and administrative centre for the fertile agricultural and pastoral hinterland. Because of its isolation the city has retained much colonial architecture and culture. Jalapa is connected to the Inter-American Highway in the south by a paved road, and it is connected in the north to the highway leading to Guatemala City. Pop. (2002) 39,301.