Puerto Barrios is a municipality in Izabal department with a population of 100,593 in the 2018 census (INE). 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.
In short: Puerto Barrios is the capital of Izabal department and Guatemala’s main Caribbean port — population 100,593 (2018 census), 238 km from Guatemala City. Gateway by lancha to Livingston (30 min, Q35-50). Has the departmental Hospital Nacional, all major government offices (Municipalidad, RENAP, SAT, PNC). Verified May 2026.
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.
How to Get There
PuertoBarrios is approximately 238 km from Guatemala City in a straight line. Road distance is longer and varies by route; the main route goes through Izabal 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 Izabal department: Guatemala City to Puerto Barrios.
- By car: Take the main highway through Izabal. 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
PuertoBarrios celebrates 1 festival throughout the year:
- Feria de Puerto Barrios — May 19
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 PuertoBarrios (Izabal 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 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