Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán sits at 2,550m in the high altitude of Solola department, with a population of 55,000. The climate is cool to cold (8-18C, cold mornings). Known for highland indigenous town and k’iche’ culture, 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: very cold, far from lake, no tourist services. 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 $227 (budget) to $350 (comfortable) to $630+ (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 Ixtahuacán (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 Solola. Check the latest exchange rates and cost of living data.
Municipal Services
The Municipalidad de Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán 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 Solola department capital Solola 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
SantaCatarinaIxtahuacan sits at 2,550m elevation in the cold highlands (tierra fria). Typical temperatures range from 8-18C. Cool to cold year-round. Frost possible at night. Pack warm layers.
For current conditions and forecasts, see our weather page.
How to Get There
SantaCatarinaIxtahuacan is approximately 140 km from Guatemala City (4.0 hours drive). The main route goes through Solola department.
From Guatemala City:
- By bus: Buses depart from the terminal in Zona 4 or Centra Norte. Expect to pay Q56-98 ($7-13 USD).
- By car: Take the main highway through Solola. Road conditions vary; check CONRED for updates.
- By shuttle: Tourist shuttles available from Antigua or Guatemala City to major destinations in Solola.
Check our transportation guide and today’s gas prices (currently Q32.14/gal regular in Solola).
Local Costs & Services
Key cost data for SantaCatarinaIxtahuacan (Solola department):
- Monthly budget: $800/month (comfortable single person in Solola)
- Gas price: Q32.14/gallon regular (Q33.26 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: 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 Solola Department
SantaCatarinaIxtahuacan is one of the municipalities in Solola department. Explore nearby areas and compare data across the region.
Useful links:
- Solola 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