Santa Cruz Verapaz is a municipality in Alta Verapaz department with a population of 33,181 at 1,406m elevation (temperate climate). The area has a safety score of 7/10 (generally safe with normal precautions), monthly living cost around $400. Key highlights: Near Coban, Highland climate, Poqomchi’ Maya culture. For department-level data, see Alta Verapaz. Check the latest exchange rates and cost of living data.
Municipal Services
The Municipalidad de Santa Cruz Verapaz 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 Alta Verapaz department capital Coban 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
SantaCruzVerapaz sits at 1,406m 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
SantaCruzVerapaz celebrates 3 festivals throughout the year:
- Rabin Ajau (Festival Folklorico Nacional) — July 1
- Fiesta de Santo Domingo (Coban) — August 1
- Festival de Orquideas — December 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 SantaCruzVerapaz (Alta Verapaz department):
- Gas price: Q32.77/gallon regular (Q33.92 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: 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 Alta Verapaz Department
SantaCruzVerapaz is one of the municipalities in Alta Verapaz department. Explore nearby areas and compare data across the region.
Useful links:
- Alta 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