Chisec is a municipality in Alta Verapaz department with a population of 84,553 in the 2018 census (INE). Key highlights: Candelaria Caves base, Lagunas de Sepalau, Bombil Pek painted cave. For department-level data, see Alta Verapaz. Check the latest exchange rates and cost of living data.
In short: Chisec is a municipality in Alta Verapaz department, population 84,553 (2018 census). 133 km from Guatemala City, 38 km from Cobán (department capital). Famous as the base for Candelaria Caves, Lagunas de Sepalau, and Bombil Pek painted cave (key destinations for eco-tourism in northern Guatemala). Nearest major hospital: Cobán’s Hospital Nacional. Verified May 2026.
Things to do: the Candelaria Caves, a national park of about 22 km of caves with five main entrances, open daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m. per the Ministry of Culture; no official page publishes an entry fee.
Municipal Services
The Municipalidad de Chisec 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 Coban, the capital of Alta Verapaz department. For a complete guide to government procedures, visit our tramites guide.
Local Festivals & Ferias
Chisec celebrates 1 festival throughout the year:
- Fiesta de San Pedro Apostol — June
Guatemala’s ferias feature traditional dances, marimba music, processions, food stalls, and community celebrations. See our complete ferias calendar for feria dates by municipality.
A cash machine listed in Chisec (2024 directory)
Banco Promerica’s 2024 directory of banking agencies and agents lists, among ATMs on the 5B network (Cajeros 5B), an Agromercantil point at Av. La Reforma Manzana 94 L.169 Chisec, Alta Verapaz (PDF, read 26 October 2026). The directory dates from 2024 and does not show whether the machine accepts foreign cards; confirm it is operating before you rely on it, especially on the way to the Candelaria Caves.
Local Costs & Services
Live price links for Chisec (Alta Verapaz 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 Alta Verapaz Department
Chisec is one of the municipalities in Alta Verapaz department. Explore nearby areas and compare data across the region.
Useful links:
- Alta Verapaz 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