Puerto San José is a municipality in Escuintla department with a population of 62,801 in the 2018 census (INE). Key highlights: Historic Pacific port town, Black sand beaches, Weekend escape from Guatemala City. For department-level data, see Escuintla. Check the latest exchange rates and cost of living data.
Municipal Services
The Municipalidad de Puerto San José 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 Escuintla department capital Escuintla 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.
How to Get There
PuertoSanJose is approximately 86 km from Guatemala City in a straight line. Road distance is longer and varies by route; the main route goes through Escuintla 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. The transport hub lists every route we have checked against an operator’s own timetable.
- By car: Take the main highway through Escuintla. 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.
Casa Vieja Lodge: guests with a reservation only
Casa Vieja Lodge, a sportfishing lodge that gives its address as Puerto San José, Escuintla, says on its FAQ page (read 26 October 2026; the answer carries no date): “Patrons are not allowed in the Lodge unless they have reservations.” You cannot drop in for a meal or a look around without one. The page does not say whether you can book a room without a fishing trip. The lodge’s terms sit beside the other operators’ prices on our sailfish fishing page; the bus from the capital is on Guatemala City to Puerto San José.
Source: Casa Vieja Lodge FAQ, read 26 October 2026.
Local Festivals & Ferias
PuertoSanJose celebrates 1 festival throughout the year:
- Feria de Puerto San José (San José) — March 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 PuertoSanJose (Escuintla 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 Escuintla Department
PuertoSanJose is one of the municipalities in Escuintla department. Explore nearby areas and compare data across the region.
Useful links:
- Escuintla 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