Puerto Barrios is a municipality in Izabal department with a population of 100,000 at 2m elevation (tropical lowlands). The area has a safety score of 3/10 (higher crime rates; stay alert), monthly living cost around $500. Key highlights: Main Caribbean port, Gateway to Livingston, Commercial hub. For department-level data, see Izabal. Check the latest exchange rates and cost of living data.
Municipal Services
Puerto Barrios is the capital of Izabal department, so all major government offices are located here:
- Municipalidad de Puerto Barrios – boleto de ornato (annual residence tax), IUSI (property tax), construction permits, and municipal business licenses
- 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
PuertoBarrios sits at 2m 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.
How to Get There
PuertoBarrios is approximately 310 km from Guatemala City (8.9 hours drive). The main route goes through Izabal department.
From Guatemala City:
- By bus: Buses depart from the terminal in Zona 4 or Centra Norte. Expect to pay Q124-217 ($16-28 USD).
- By car: Take the main highway through Izabal. Road conditions vary; check CONRED for updates.
- By shuttle: Tourist shuttles available from Antigua or Guatemala City to major destinations in Izabal.
Check our transportation guide and today’s gas prices (currently Q33.06/gal regular in Izabal).
Local Festivals & Ferias
PuertoBarrios celebrates 4 festivals throughout the year:
- Semana Santa in Livingston — March 1
- Feria de Puerto Barrios — May 1
- Dia Nacional del Garifuna — November 1
- Yojoa Festival (Livingston) — 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 PuertoBarrios (Izabal department):
- Monthly budget: $550/month (comfortable single person in Izabal)
- Gas price: Q33.06/gallon regular (Q34.22 premium)
- Internet: 10-30 Mbps available (Tigo/Claro)
- Exchange rate: Check today’s live rate
Compare remittance rates and check the cost of living calculator for detailed budgets.
Safety Overview
Safety score: 3/10 (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 Izabal Department
PuertoBarrios is one of the municipalities in Izabal department. Explore nearby areas and compare data across the region.
Useful links:
- Izabal 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