Chiantla is a municipality in Huehuetenango department with a population of 87,447 in the 2018 census (INE). Key highlights: Gateway to Cuchumatanes, Horseback riding, Virgin of Candelaria church. For department-level data, see Huehuetenango. Check the latest exchange rates and cost of living data.
Municipal Services
The Municipalidad de Chiantla 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 Huehuetenango, the capital of Huehuetenango department. For a complete guide to government procedures, visit our tramites guide.
How to Get There
Chiantla is approximately 130 km from Guatemala City in a straight line. Road distance is longer and varies by route; the main route goes through Huehuetenango 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 Huehuetenango department: Guatemala City to Huehuetenango.
- By car: Take the main highway through Huehuetenango. 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.
Iglesia de la Virgen de Candelaria
Chiantla’s municipal cultural policy, hosted by the Ministerio de Cultura y Deportes, identifies Iglesia de la Virgen de Candelaria as a visitor-interest site and describes its silver altarpiece (read 25 October 2026).
The ministry’s recurring fiesta patronal listing describes solemn masses, communal prayers and a procession with the image of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria through the town’s main streets. Our Chiantla feria page covers the festival.
Source: Chiantla municipal cultural policy and Ministerio de Cultura y Deportes, Fiesta Patronal de Chiantla, read 25 October 2026.
Local Festivals & Ferias
Chiantla celebrates 1 festival throughout the year:
- Fiesta de la Virgen de Candelaria — February 2 (main day)
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 Chiantla (Huehuetenango 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 Huehuetenango Department
Chiantla is one of the municipalities in Huehuetenango department. Explore nearby areas and compare data across the region.
Useful links:
- Huehuetenango 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