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El Tumbador, San Marcos: Safety, Cost & Attractions (2026)

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Where is El Tumbador?

El Tumbador is located in the department of San Marcos, 155.6 km from Guatemala City and 19.9 km from San Marcos (department capital) .

Guatemala City
155.6 km
San Marcos
19.9 km
View on map
14.8635°, -91.9341° →

Distances are straight-line. Coordinates from OpenStreetMap.

Key Stats

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Where to Stay in El Tumbador

Find accommodation in El Tumbador — from hotels to entire homes.

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El Tumbador is a municipality in San Marcos department with a population of 53,896 at 900m elevation (temperate climate). The area has a safety score of 5/10 (moderate safety; exercise increased caution), monthly living cost around $400. Key highlights: Coffee-producing piedmont town, Moderate elevation and climate, Agricultural commerce center. For department-level data, see San Marcos. Check the latest exchange rates and cost of living data.

Municipal Services

The Municipalidad de El Tumbador 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 San Marcos, the capital of San Marcos department. For a complete guide to government procedures, visit our tramites guide.

Climate & Weather

ElTumbador sits at 900m elevation in the warm transition zone (tierra caliente-templada). Typical temperatures range from 22-32C. Warm days, mild nights. Comfortable but warmer than the highlands.

For current conditions and forecasts, see our weather page.

Local Festivals & Ferias

ElTumbador celebrates 5 festivals throughout the year:

  • Feria Nacional de San Marcos — April 1
  • Feria de San Pedro Sacatepéquez — June 1
  • Feria de Tajumulco — July 1
  • Feria de Tacaná (Asunción) — August 1
  • Feria de Malacatán (Virgen de Guadalupe) — December 1

Guatemala’s ferias feature traditional dances, marimba music, processions, food stalls, and community celebrations. See our complete ferias calendar for dates across all 337 municipalities.

Local Costs & Services

Key cost data for ElTumbador (San Marcos department):

  • Gas price: Q32.58/gallon regular (Q33.73 premium)
  • Exchange rate: Check today’s live rate

Compare remittance rates and check the cost of living calculator for detailed budgets.

Safety Overview

Safety score: 5/10 (Average). Exercise normal precautions. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in markets and bus terminals.

Emergency contacts:

  • CONRED (disaster): 1566
  • Police (PNC): 110
  • Fire department: 122
  • Ambulance: 128
  • Tourist police (PROATUR): 1500

Read our full Guatemala safety guide for department-by-department data.

Explore San Marcos Department

ElTumbador is one of the municipalities in San Marcos department. Explore nearby areas and compare data across the region.

Useful links:

FAQ

Where is El Tumbador located?

El Tumbador is located in the San Marcos department of Guatemala. It is 155.6 km from Guatemala City and 19.9 km from San Marcos, the department capital.

Is El Tumbador safe?

El Tumbador has a safety score of 5/10. Moderate safety; exercise increased caution.

How much does it cost to live in El Tumbador?

Monthly living costs in El Tumbador are approximately $400. This is in San Marcos department.

What is El Tumbador known for?

El Tumbador is known for coffee-producing piedmont town, moderate elevation and climate, agricultural commerce center.

What government offices are in El Tumbador?

The Municipalidad de El Tumbador handles local services like boleto de ornato, IUSI (property tax), and civil registry basics. For national government offices such as RENAP (DPI, birth certificates), SAT (tax matters), and PNC headquarters, you need to travel to San Marcos, the capital of San Marcos. See our [tramites guide](/tramites/) for step-by-step procedures.

What are the main festivals in El Tumbador?

Like all Guatemalan municipalities, El Tumbador celebrates its feria patronal (patron saint festival) with traditional dances, marimba music, processions, fireworks, and community events lasting several days. Other common celebrations include Semana Santa (Holy Week), Dia de los Muertos (November 1), and local agricultural fairs. See our [ferias calendar](/ferias/) for specific dates across all 337 municipalities.

Is there good internet in El Tumbador?

Internet in El Tumbador is moderate. Tigo and Claro offer cable internet (10-30 Mbps) in the town center, and 4G mobile data works in populated areas. Speeds may slow during peak hours. For faster options, San Marcos has better infrastructure. See our [internet guide](/internet/) for details.

What is the nearest hospital to El Tumbador?

The nearest major hospital is the Hospital Nacional in San Marcos, the capital of San Marcos department. El Tumbador has a Centro de Salud (health center) for basic medical attention, vaccinations, and minor emergencies. For serious medical situations, patients are typically transferred to San Marcos or Guatemala City. In emergencies, call 128 for an ambulance.

Data from locations.json, government sources, and field surveys

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