San Francisco El Alto is a municipality in Totonicapan department with a population of 57,894 in the 2018 census (INE). Key highlights: Largest indigenous market in the highlands (Fridays), Livestock market with every animal imaginable, Panoramic views from the hilltop. For department-level data, see Totonicapan. Check the latest exchange rates and cost of living data.
Municipal Services
The Municipalidad de San Francisco El Alto 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 Totonicapan department capital Totonicapan 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
SanFranciscoElAlto is approximately 106 km from Guatemala City in a straight line. Road distance is longer and varies by route; the main route goes through Totonicapan 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 Totonicapan. 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 Costs & Services
Live price links for SanFranciscoElAlto (Totonicapan 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 Totonicapan Department
SanFranciscoElAlto is one of the municipalities in Totonicapan department. Explore nearby areas and compare data across the region.
Useful links:
- Totonicapan 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