Champerico is a municipality in Retalhuleu department with a population of 32,815 in the 2018 census (INE). Key highlights: Quiet Pacific beach alternative to Monterrico, Former important commercial port, Fresh seafood and ceviche. For department-level data, see Retalhuleu. Check the latest exchange rates and cost of living data.
Municipal Services
The Municipalidad de Champerico provides local government services including boleto de ornato (annual municipal tax), IUSI (property tax payments), and basic civil registry services. For national-level procedures such as obtaining a DPI (national ID) at RENAP, tax filings at SAT, or police reports at the PNC departmental headquarters, residents typically travel to Retalhuleu, the capital of Retalhuleu department. For a complete guide to government procedures, visit our tramites guide.
How to Get There
Champerico is approximately 156 km from Guatemala City in a straight line. Road distance is longer and varies by route; the main route goes through Retalhuleu department.
From Guatemala City:
- By bus: This page does not name a bus operator, terminal or fare: we print those only from an operator’s own timetable. Our sourced route guide for Retalhuleu department: Guatemala City to Retalhuleu and the IRTRA parks.
- By car: Take the main highway through Retalhuleu. Road conditions vary; check CONRED for updates.
- By shuttle: The transport hub lists the shuttle routes we have checked against the sellers’ own timetables.
Check our transportation guide and today’s gas prices.
On the beach: surf lessons, a lifeguard tower and the wave forecast
The municipality’s tourism directory (a PDF on munichampe.gob.gt with no printed publication date, read 26 October 2026) has two beach listings:
- COLOSURF Y CHINOPOF, under recreation, offering “Clases de surf, kayak, salvavidas” (surf and kayak lessons; salvavidas can mean lifeguards or life jackets, and the listing does not say which). The listing gives no price and no lesson language, and it does not show whether the business still operates.
- Torre de Salvavidas IGSS, Playa Champerico, phone 5512-5899. A directory listing does not show that the tower is staffed on the day you go, and it does not make the sea safe to swim.
For the sea itself, INSIVUMEH’s wave-forecast page includes a Champerico point, “Champerico, Pacífico (14.25°N, 91.90°O)”, among its Pacific forecast locations (read 26 October 2026). Open it on the day and check the issue date; our Pacific marine forecast page explains the warnings.
Sources: Municipalidad de Champerico tourism directory (PDF) and INSIVUMEH wave forecast, read 26 October 2026.
Local Festivals & Ferias
Champerico celebrates 2 festivals throughout the year:
- Feria de San José — date not confirmed by an official source
- Feria de Navidad — date not confirmed by an official source
Guatemala’s ferias feature traditional dances, marimba music, processions, food stalls, and community celebrations. See our complete ferias calendar for feria dates by municipality.
Local Costs & Services
Live price links for Champerico (Retalhuleu department):
- Current fuel prices: see our gas prices page.
- Exchange rate: Check today’s live rate
Compare remittance rates and check the cost of living calculator for detailed budgets.
Safety Overview
The safety score in the Key Stats section above is our own map rating, not an official figure.
Emergency contacts:
- CONRED (disaster): 119
- Police (PNC): 110
- Fire department: 122
- Cruz Roja (Red Cross): 125
- Tourist assistance (ASISTUR, INGUAT): 1500
Read our full Guatemala safety guide for department-by-department data.
Explore Retalhuleu Department
Champerico is one of the municipalities in Retalhuleu department. Explore nearby areas and compare data across the region.
Useful links:
- Retalhuleu department overview
- Exchange rates — updated daily
- Remittance comparison — find the cheapest way to send money
- Weather forecast — current conditions
- Guatemala safety map — department-by-department