Joyabaj is a municipality in Quiche department with a population of 82,369 in the 2018 census (INE). Key highlights: Palo Volador tradition, Large K’iche’ Maya municipality, Traditional markets. For department-level data, see Quiche. Check the latest exchange rates and cost of living data.
Municipal Services
The Municipalidad de Joyabaj 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 Santa Cruz del Quiche, the capital of Quiche department. For a complete guide to government procedures, visit our tramites guide.
How to Get There
Joyabaj is approximately 51 km from Guatemala City in a straight line. Road distance is longer and varies by route; the main route goes through Quiche 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 Quiche department: Guatemala City to Chichicastenango.
- By car: Take the main highway through Quiche. 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
Joyabaj celebrates 1 festival throughout the year:
- Fiesta Patronal de la Virgen del Tránsito (Patron: Virgen del Tránsito) — August
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 Joyabaj (Quiche 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 Quiche Department
Joyabaj is one of the municipalities in Quiche department. Explore nearby areas and compare data across the region.
Useful links:
- Quiche 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