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Guazacapán, Santa Rosa: Safety, Cost & Attractions (2026)

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Where is Guazacapán?

Guazacapán is located in the department of Santa Rosa, 63.3 km from Guatemala City and 24.1 km from Cuilapa (department capital) .

Guatemala City
63.3 km
Cuilapa
24.1 km
View on map
14.0725°, -90.4185° →

Distances are straight-line. Coordinates from OpenStreetMap.

Key Stats

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Where to Stay in Guazacapán

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Guazacapán is a municipality in Santa Rosa department with a population of 15,000 at 195m elevation (tropical lowlands). The area has a safety score of 4/10 (moderate safety; exercise increased caution), monthly living cost around $350. Key highlights: Xinka indigenous culture, Lowland agriculture, Hot climate. For department-level data, see Santa Rosa. Check the latest exchange rates and cost of living data.

Municipal Services

The Municipalidad de Guazacapán 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 Cuilapa, the capital of Santa Rosa department. For a complete guide to government procedures, visit our tramites guide.

Climate & Weather

Guazacapán sits at 195m elevation in the tropical lowlands (tierra caliente). Typical temperatures range from 25-38C. Hot and humid year-round. AC recommended. Rainy season (May-Oct) brings heavy afternoon showers.

For current conditions and forecasts, see our weather page.

Local Festivals & Ferias

Guazacapán celebrates 5 festivals throughout the year:

  • Fiesta de Chiquimulilla — May 1
  • Festival de la Tortilla y el Maiz — August 1
  • Fiesta de San Miguel Arcangel — September 1
  • Turtle Release Season — October 1
  • Feria de Cuilapa — 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 Guazacapán (Santa Rosa department):

  • Gas price: Q31.98/gallon regular (Q33.1 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: 4/10 (Below average). Exercise heightened caution. Avoid traveling at night and stay on main roads. Keep valuables out of sight.

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 Santa Rosa Department

Guazacapán is one of the municipalities in Santa Rosa department. Explore nearby areas and compare data across the region.

Useful links:

FAQ

Where is Guazacapán located?

Guazacapán is located in the Santa Rosa department of Guatemala. It is 63.3 km from Guatemala City and 24.1 km from Cuilapa, the department capital.

Is Guazacapán safe?

Guazacapán has a safety score of 4/10. Moderate safety; exercise increased caution.

How much does it cost to live in Guazacapán?

Monthly living costs in Guazacapán are approximately $350. This is in Santa Rosa department.

What is Guazacapán known for?

Guazacapán is known for xinka indigenous culture, lowland agriculture, hot climate.

What government offices are in Guazacapán?

The Municipalidad de Guazacapán 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 Cuilapa, the capital of Santa Rosa. See our [tramites guide](/tramites/) for step-by-step procedures.

What are the main festivals in Guazacapán?

Like all Guatemalan municipalities, Guazacapán 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 Guazacapán?

Internet in Guazacapán 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, Cuilapa has better infrastructure. See our [internet guide](/internet/) for details.

What is the nearest hospital to Guazacapán?

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

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

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