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Panzos, Alta Verapaz: Safety, Cost & Attractions (2026)

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Where is Panzos?

Panzos is located in the department of Alta Verapaz, 125.9 km from Guatemala City and 78.8 km from Cobán (department capital) .

Guatemala City
125.9 km
Cobán
78.8 km
View on map
15.3986°, -89.6420° →

Distances are straight-line. Coordinates from OpenStreetMap.

Key Stats

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Where to Stay in Panzos

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Panzos is a municipality in Alta Verapaz department with a population of 77,100 at 18m elevation (tropical lowlands). The area has a safety score of 5/10 (moderate safety; exercise increased caution), monthly living cost around $350. Key highlights: Polochic River valley, Historic significance, Tropical agriculture. For department-level data, see Alta Verapaz. Check the latest exchange rates and cost of living data.

Municipal Services

The Municipalidad de Panzos handles local government services including boleto de ornato (annual residence tax), IUSI (property tax), construction permits, and municipal business licenses.

For national government services, the Alta Verapaz department capital Coban has the nearest offices for:

  • RENAP – DPI (cedula/national ID), birth certificates, marriage records
  • SAT – NIT (tax ID), fiscal registration, import/export paperwork
  • PNC – police services, reports, background checks

For step-by-step instructions on any government procedure, see our complete tramites guide.

Climate & Weather

Panzos sits at 18m 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

Panzos celebrates 4 festivals throughout the year:

  • Fiesta Patronal — June 1
  • Rabin Ajau (Festival Folklorico Nacional) — July 1
  • Fiesta de Santo Domingo (Coban) — August 1
  • Festival de Orquideas — 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 Panzos (Alta Verapaz department):

  • Gas price: Q32.77/gallon regular (Q33.92 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 Alta Verapaz Department

Panzos is one of the municipalities in Alta Verapaz department. Explore nearby areas and compare data across the region.

Useful links:

FAQ

Where is Panzos located?

Panzos is located in the Alta Verapaz department of Guatemala. It is 125.9 km from Guatemala City and 78.8 km from Cobán, the department capital.

Is Panzos safe?

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

How much does it cost to live in Panzos?

Monthly living costs in Panzos are approximately $350. This is in Alta Verapaz department.

What is Panzos known for?

Panzos is known for polochic river valley, historic significance, tropical agriculture.

What government offices are in Panzos?

The Municipalidad in Panzos handles local services: boleto de ornato, IUSI property tax, and municipal licenses. For national services like RENAP (DPI/cedula), SAT (tax/NIT), and PNC, you will need to go to Coban (Alta Verapaz department capital). See our [complete tramites guide](/tramites/) for step-by-step procedures.

What are the main festivals in Panzos?

Every municipality in Guatemala celebrates its feria patronal (patron saint festival), usually lasting a week with parades, marimba music, traditional dances, and food stalls. Panzos also participates in national celebrations like Semana Santa, Independence Day (Sep 15), and local cultural events. Check our [ferias calendar](/ferias/) for exact dates.

Is there good internet in Panzos?

Internet in Panzos is limited. Tigo and Claro provide basic 4G coverage in the town center, but speeds are typically 5-15 Mbps. Fiber is generally not available in rural Alta Verapaz. A mobile hotspot is recommended as backup. See our [internet guide](/internet/) for coverage details.

What is the nearest hospital to Panzos?

The nearest hospital is the Hospital Nacional in Coban (Alta Verapaz department capital). Local health centers (Centros de Salud) in Panzos handle basic medical needs. For specialized or emergency care, Guatemala City hospitals (Roosevelt, San Juan de Dios) are the reference facilities.

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

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