Retalhuleu (Spanish pronunciation: [retaluˈleu]) is a department located in the south-west of Guatemala, extending from the mountains to the Pacific Ocean coast. It has an area of 1856 km². In 2002 the population of the Department of Retalhuleu was 241,411. The capital is the city of Retalhuleu.The largest Native American group in the state is the K'iche' (Quiché) Maya people. The department contains a number of Pre-Columbian ruins, including Takalik Abaj and San Juan Noj.