Santa Cruz Barillas is a municipality in Huehuetenango department with a population of 116,671 at 1,450m elevation (temperate climate). The area has a safety score of 7/10 (generally safe with normal precautions), monthly living cost around $350. Key highlights: Large northern municipality, Q’anjob’al Maya culture, Coffee and cardamom region. For department-level data, see Huehuetenango. Check the latest exchange rates and cost of living data.
Municipal Services
The Municipalidad de Santa Cruz Barillas 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 Huehuetenango department capital Huehuetenango 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
SantaCruzBarillas sits at 1,450m elevation in the warm transition zone (tierra caliente-templada). Typical temperatures range from 22-32C. Warm days, mild nights. Comfortable but warmer than the highlands.
For current conditions and forecasts, see our weather page.
How to Get There
SantaCruzBarillas is approximately 265 km from Guatemala City (7.6 hours drive). The main route goes through Huehuetenango department.
From Guatemala City:
- By bus: Buses depart from the terminal in Zona 4 or Centra Norte. Expect to pay Q106-186 ($14-24 USD).
- By car: Take the main highway through Huehuetenango. Road conditions vary; check CONRED for updates.
- By shuttle: Tourist shuttles available from Antigua or Guatemala City to major destinations in Huehuetenango.
Check our transportation guide and today’s gas prices (currently Q33.22/gal regular in Huehuetenango).
Local Festivals & Ferias
SantaCruzBarillas celebrates 3 festivals throughout the year:
- Fiesta de la Virgen de Candelaria (Chiantla) — February 1
- Feria Departamental de Huehuetenango — July 1
- Skach Koyl Horse Race (Todos Santos) — November 1
Guatemala’s ferias feature traditional dances, marimba music, processions, food stalls, and community celebrations. See our complete ferias calendar for dates across all 337 municipalities.
Local Costs & Services
Key cost data for SantaCruzBarillas (Huehuetenango department):
- Monthly budget: $450/month (comfortable single person in Huehuetenango)
- Gas price: Q33.22/gallon regular (Q34.39 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: 7/10 (Generally safe). Generally safe for visitors. Standard travel precautions apply. Tourist areas are well-patrolled.
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 Huehuetenango Department
SantaCruzBarillas is one of the municipalities in Huehuetenango department. Explore nearby areas and compare data across the region.
Useful links:
- Huehuetenango 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