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.
In short: Puerto Barrios is the capital of Izabal department and Guatemala’s main Caribbean port — population 100,000 at 2 m elevation (tropical lowlands), 238 km from Guatemala City. Safety 3/10 — higher crime rates; stay alert. Cost of living ~$500/month. Gateway by lancha to Livingston (30 min, Q35-50). Has the departmental Hospital Nacional, all major government offices (Municipalidad, RENAP, SAT, PNC). Internet limited to 5-15 Mbps 4G. Tropical climate 28-35°C year-round. 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.
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 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: Buses to Izabal depart from the terminal in Zona 4 or Centra Norte. Fares are cash, set by the operator, and are not published centrally – ask at the terminal.
- 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 Q38.43/gal regular in Izabal).
Local Festivals & Ferias
PuertoBarrios celebrates 4 festivals throughout the year:
- Semana Santa in Livingston — March
- Feria de Puerto Barrios — May 19
- Dia Nacional del Garifuna — November
- Yojoa Festival (Livingston) — December
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: Q38.43/gallon regular (Q40.37 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): 119
- 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