José Cecilio Díaz del Valle (November 22, 1780 – March 2, 1834) was a philosopher, politician, lawyer, and journalist and one of the most important figures in Central America during the transition from colonial government to independence, displaying a wide-ranging expertise in public administration management.

In Guatemala City he attended the University of San Carlos where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1794.

Jose del Valle was the one who wrote the Act of Independence of Central America.

In 1822 Central America became part of the short lived Mexican Empire under Agustin de Iturbide.

After months in prison (February 1823), he was released and appointed Foreign Minister for the Mexican Government.

In January 1824 he returned to Guatemala where was part of the second triumvirate that governed the Provinces of Central America.

He died on the road that leads from the farm "La Concepción" to Guatemala City, on March 2, 1834.

His death was marked by national mourning and bells tolling throughout the Republic, as he was one of the few prominent figures respected by Liberals and Conservatives alike.

A later family member of Jose Cecilo was Jorge Del Valle Zamora and was ambassador of Honduras to Mexico in the 20th century.