Ipala is a municipality in Chiquimula department with a population of 22,413 in the 2018 census (INE). Key highlights: Volcán de Ipala with stunning crater lake, Popular weekend hiking destination, Agricultural town with cattle ranching. For department-level data, see Chiquimula. Check the latest exchange rates and cost of living data.
Municipal Services
The Municipalidad de Ipala 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 Chiquimula, the capital of Chiquimula department. For a complete guide to government procedures, visit our tramites guide.
How to Get There
Ipala is approximately 95 km from Guatemala City in a straight line. Road distance is longer and varies by route; the main route goes through Chiquimula 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. Our sourced route guide for Chiquimula department: Guatemala City to Esquipulas.
- By car: Take the main highway through Chiquimula. 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
Ipala celebrates 2 festivals throughout the year:
- Feria de Ipala (Santiago Apóstol) — July 25
- Feria de 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 Ipala (Chiquimula 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 Chiquimula Department
Ipala is one of the municipalities in Chiquimula department. Explore nearby areas and compare data across the region.
Useful links:
- Chiquimula 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