Santa Catarina Barahona sits at 1,550m in the cool highlands of Sacatepequez department, with a population of 6,000. The climate is spring-like weather (15-22C). Known for small village and near antigua, it is part of one of Guatemala’s developing regions.
Safety & Connectivity: With a safety score of 6/10 (moderate), exercise normal caution, especially at night. Main concerns: tiny, no services, residential only. Internet is limited. 4G coverage is spotty. Plan for intermittent connectivity. Check our internet guide for detailed ISP coverage.
Cost of Living: Monthly costs range from $260 (budget) to $400 (comfortable) to $720+ (luxury). This is affordable compared to other areas in Guatemala. Check today’s exchange rate and our cost of living comparison.
Local Festivals: Feria de Santa Catarina Barahona (November 25) (patron: Santa Catalina de Alejandría). Guatemala’s feria season brings parades, live music, food stalls, and traditional dances. See our festivals calendar for dates across all departments.
For department-level data, see Sacatepequez. Check the latest exchange rates and cost of living data.
Municipal Services
The Municipalidad de Santa Catarina Barahona 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 Sacatepequez department capital Antigua Guatemala 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.
Climate & Weather
SantaCatarinaBarahona sits at 1,550m elevation in the temperate highlands (tierra templada). Typical temperatures range from 15-25C. Spring-like weather year-round. The most comfortable climate zone — no AC or heating needed.
For current conditions and forecasts, see our weather page.
How to Get There
SantaCatarinaBarahona is approximately 40 km from Guatemala City (60 minutes drive). The main route goes through Sacatepequez department.
From Guatemala City:
- By bus: Buses depart from the terminal in Zona 4 or Centra Norte. Expect to pay Q16-28 ($2-4 USD).
- By car: Take the main highway through Sacatepequez. Road conditions vary; check CONRED for updates.
- By shuttle: Tourist shuttles available from Antigua or Guatemala City to major destinations in Sacatepequez.
Check our transportation guide and today’s gas prices (currently Q31.62/gal regular in Sacatepequez).
Local Costs & Services
Key cost data for SantaCatarinaBarahona (Sacatepequez department):
- Monthly budget: $1400/month (comfortable single person in Sacatepequez)
- Gas price: Q31.62/gallon regular (Q32.74 premium)
- Internet: 30-50 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: 6/10 (Moderate). Exercise normal precautions. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in markets and bus terminals.
Emergency contacts:
- CONRED (disaster): 1566
- Police (PNC): 110
- Fire department: 122
- Ambulance: 128
- Tourist police (PROATUR): 1500
Read our full Guatemala safety guide for department-by-department data.
Explore Sacatepequez Department
SantaCatarinaBarahona is one of the municipalities in Sacatepequez department. Explore nearby areas and compare data across the region.
Useful links:
- Sacatepequez 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