El Palmar is in Quetzaltenango department, with a population of 29,132 in the 2018 census (INE). Known for pacific lowlands and agriculture.
Safety & Connectivity: The safety score in the Key Stats section is our own map rating, not an official figure. Main concerns: very hot, rural, no tourist services. We have no sourced internet speed data for this town; check Tigo and Claro coverage for your exact address. Check our internet guide for detailed ISP coverage.
Cost of Living: The monthly cost in the Key Stats section is our own map estimate with no published source. Check today’s exchange rate and our cost of living comparison.
Local Festivals: Feria de El Palmar (July 25) (patron: Santiago Apóstol). Guatemala’s feria season brings parades, live music, food stalls, and traditional dances. See our festivals calendar for dates across all departments.
For department-level data, see Quetzaltenango. Check the latest exchange rates and cost of living data.
Municipal Services
The Municipalidad de El Palmar 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 Quetzaltenango, the capital of Quetzaltenango department. For a complete guide to government procedures, visit our tramites guide.
Local Festivals & Ferias
ElPalmar celebrates 1 festival throughout the year:
- Feria de El Palmar (Patron: Santiago Apóstol) — July 25
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 ElPalmar (Quetzaltenango 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 Quetzaltenango Department
ElPalmar is one of the municipalities in Quetzaltenango department. Explore nearby areas and compare data across the region.
Useful links:
- Quetzaltenango 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