Santa Cruz El Chol is a municipality in Baja Verapaz department with a population of 12,500 at 1,010m elevation (temperate climate). The area has a safety score of 6/10 (moderate safety; exercise increased caution), monthly living cost around $500. Key highlights: Quiet highland agricultural town, Traditional corn and bean farming, Cool highland valley setting. For department-level data, see Baja Verapaz. Check the latest exchange rates and cost of living data.
Municipal Services
The Municipalidad de Santa Cruz El Chol 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 Baja Verapaz department capital Salama 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
SantaCruzElChol sits at 1,010m 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.
Local Festivals & Ferias
SantaCruzElChol celebrates 4 festivals throughout the year:
- Rabinal Achí Performance (San Pablo) — January 1
- Feria de Cubulco (Santiago Apóstol) — July 1
- Feria de Salamá (San Mateo) — September 1
- Feria de San Jerónimo — September 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 SantaCruzElChol (Baja Verapaz department):
- Gas price: Q32.52/gallon regular (Q33.66 premium)
- 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 Baja Verapaz Department
SantaCruzElChol is one of the municipalities in Baja Verapaz department. Explore nearby areas and compare data across the region.
Useful links:
- Baja Verapaz 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