Retalhuleu is a municipality in Retalhuleu department with a population of 90,505 in the 2018 census (INE). Key highlights: Department capital with full services, Gateway to Xetulul and Xocomil parks, Colonial architecture in town center. For department-level data, see Retalhuleu. Check the latest exchange rates and cost of living data.
Municipal Services
Retalhuleu is the capital of Retalhuleu department, so all major government offices are located here:
- Municipalidad de Retalhuleu – 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
RetalhuleuCity is approximately 126 km from Guatemala City in a straight line. Road distance is longer and varies by route; the main route goes through Retalhuleu 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 Retalhuleu department: Guatemala City to Retalhuleu and the IRTRA parks.
- Latest bus read (26 October 2026): for Saturday 31 October 2026, Litegua’s booking system returned its RUTA TURISMO IRTRA at 05:00 from Guatemala City and 16:00 back from Retalhuleu, price band 140.00-280.00Q. Earlier dates and the boarding details are on the route page.
- By car: Take the main highway through Retalhuleu. 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.
Xejuyup park: what IRTRA names inside it
IRTRA’s Xejuyup page (irtra.org.gt/parques/?pid=93, read 26 October 2026) lists these attractions: El Sumpancazo, El Rugido del Jaguar, Trepe-monos, La Laguna de Coco, La Granja del Peregrino, El Guaca-molón, El Cobertizo and El Nido. The page gives no walking distance, duration, fee or fitness requirement for any of them, so we do not describe El Nido or the others as a hike. Card and non-card entry to the IRTRA parks is on our IRTRA card guide and Xocomil and Xetulul guide.
Local Festivals & Ferias
RetalhuleuCity celebrates 1 festival throughout the year:
- Feria de Retalhuleu (Immaculate Conception) — December 8
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 RetalhuleuCity (Retalhuleu 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 Retalhuleu Department
RetalhuleuCity is one of the municipalities in Retalhuleu department. Explore nearby areas and compare data across the region.
Useful links:
- Retalhuleu 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