Gualán is a municipality in Zacapa department with a population of 45,663 in the 2018 census (INE). Key highlights: Motagua River valley agriculture, Tomato and sugar cane production, Gateway to Sierra de las Minas. For department-level data, see Zacapa. Check the latest exchange rates and cost of living data.
Municipal Services
The Municipalidad de Gualán 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 Zacapa, the capital of Zacapa department. For a complete guide to government procedures, visit our tramites guide.
How to Get There
Gualan is approximately 134 km from Guatemala City in a straight line. Road distance is longer and varies by route; the main route goes through Zacapa 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. The transport hub lists every route we have checked against an operator’s own timetable.
- By car: Take the main highway through Zacapa. 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.
Local Festivals & Ferias
Gualan celebrates 1 festival throughout the year:
- Feria de Gualán (Virgen del Rosario) — May
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 Gualan (Zacapa 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 Zacapa Department
Gualan is one of the municipalities in Zacapa department. Explore nearby areas and compare data across the region.
Useful links:
- Zacapa 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