Guatemala is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. It should be at the top of your travel list. In this travel cost guide, we'll break down everything you need to plan your trip's budget. From accommodation to food to sightseeing and transportation, we'll give you the details you need to enjoy every moment of your trip without overspending.
How much does it cost to travel to Guatemala?
You should plan to spend around $58 (Q450) per day on your vacation in Guatemala. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $23 (Q178) on meals
- $8.92 (Q69) on local transportation
- $33 (Q256) on hotels
A one week trip to Guatemala for two people costs, on average, $810 (Q6,300). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$405
Q3,150
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$810
Q6,300
-
One Month
Per person
$1,737
Q13,500
-
One Week
For a couple
$810
Q6,300
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,621
Q12,600
-
One Month
For a couple
$3,473
Q27,000
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Guatemala cost?
A one week trip to Guatemala usually costs around $405 (Q3,150) for one person and $810 (Q6,300) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Guatemala on average costs around $810 (Q6,300) for one person and $1,621 (Q12,600) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Guatemala will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Guatemala on average costs around $1,737 (Q13,500) for one person and $3,473 (Q27,000) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Guatemala expensive to visit?
Guatemala is a reasonably affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its affordability. If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.
Within Central America, Guatemala is very affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in Central America for its affordability. Very few countries in the region are as affordable as Guatemala.
No matter your travel style or budget, Guatemala has plenty of sights, activities, and places to stay that will meet your needs. Hostels in Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala City, and Flores provide budget accommodation, while luxury hotels cater to those who prefer something more upscale, and there are mid-range hotels ideal for families or couples.
Guatemala offers a luxury experience, but you can still keep your spending in check with strategies like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $23 (Q178) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $58 (Q450) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $148 (Q1,138) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Guatemala.
For more details, see Is Guatemala Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Guatemala?
The average Guatemala trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Guatemala travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Guatemala cost?
Guatemala on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$6.58
(Q51)
|
$16
(Q128)
|
$41
(Q315)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$3.50
(Q27)
|
$8.92
(Q69)
|
$23
(Q178)
|
|
Food 2
|
$9.11
(Q71)
|
$23
(Q178)
|
$57
(Q444)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$9.12
(Q71)
|
$22
(Q174)
|
$53
(Q408)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-5
(Q12-35)
|
$4-12
(Q30-90)
|
$10-30
(Q77-231)
|
Guatemala
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to manage your expectations when it comes to your travel budget. While many people like to see themselves as "budget" travelers on a shoestring budget, most find this type of travel uncomfortable. Think about what you enjoy and how you've traveled previously. Are you drawn to resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or do you prefer hostels, instead? How important is eating out to you? And what type of transportation do you prefer? Your answers to these questions will greatly affect your overall travel budget.
Who are Budget Travelers?
It's common to hear that a visit to Guatemala can cost just $23 a day, but unless you're willing to forgo many comforts, expect to spend significantly more.
Backpackers often find ways to stick to this tight budget, but it generally means staying in hostel dorms, grabbing meals at the cheapest spots or fast food places, relying on public transport or walking, and visiting only free attractions.
Fortunately, Guatemala is home to numerous hostels, and you'll find the largest number in Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala City, and Flores.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
For families and couples traveling for fun, staying in a mid-range hotel, eating at popular restaurants, and visiting famous museums and attractions with entry fees is typical. You'll want to visit the major attractions, sights, and landmarks. As you can expect, most of these experiences come at a price, so it's safer to plan for a trip budget around $58 per person each day.
With so many hotels and vacation rentals in Guatemala, you'll have no trouble finding a place that suits your needs. If you're splitting the cost with a partner, friend, or kids, you'll be able to reduce the daily per-person costs, too. You'll find plenty of family-friendly areas like Antigua Guatemala where hotels and restaurants cater to little ones. Consider staying at San Rafael Hotel in Antigua Guatemala or Casa Encantada in Antigua Guatemala for a kid-friendly experience. Find more hotel options for families and couples in our hotel costs guide for Guatemala here.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
For a lavish experience with the highest level of comfort and service, expect a price tag around $148. Booking five-star hotels, dining at top restaurants, splurging on once-in-a-lifetime excursions, and hiring private drivers will put you in the luxury travel tier. You'll be enjoying the good life in places like Guatemala City and Antigua Guatemala. Also, make the most of your time by booking a high-end multi-day tour such as Guatemala: The Table of The Mayans - 8 days - offered by Receptivo Aborigen Tours.
Accommodation Budget in Guatemala
Guatemala has a surprising range of hotel prices. During peak season, everything gets more expensive, so visit in the off-season for better deals. There's also a big gap between budget and luxury options, but booking early helps keep costs down.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Guatemala for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $33 (Q256). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $16 (Q128) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Guatemala? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Guatemala
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $8.92 (Q69) per person, per day, on local transportation in Guatemala. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Guatemala is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$8.92
Q69
Food Budget in Guatemala
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Guatemala can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Guatemala is $23 (Q178) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$23
Q178
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Guatemala is about $23 (Q178) per person. Previous travelers have typically spent from $9 to $58 per day. Generally, breakfast and lunch will cost less than dinner, but that will vary based on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Guatemala are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $7
- Lunch: $3 to $12
- Dinner: $8 to $18
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
In touristy areas you can find many different types of cuisines, but in the smaller towns your options will be limited to traditional Guatemalan dishes. Guatemalan cuisine is somewhat different than Mexican food in that it is not as spicy and prepared with somewhat different techniques.
Frijoles negros: This Guatemalan dish is similar to a thick soup and is made with black beans. It is generally flavored with salt, ham hocks, onions, garlic, tomatoes, cumin, oregano, chili peppers, vinegar and more.
Tamales: Tamales are a popular food throughout the country. The dish is made by filling corn meal with anything from meat and cheese to vegetables. They are wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until cooked through.
Churrasco: This is a popular dish throughout the country and is often served at family gatherings or during celebrations or festivals. The meat is grilled and served with chirmol on top. Chirmol is a red sauce that is made with chopped tomatoes and onions. Corn, guacamole, grilled potatoes, stewed black bean and rice or tortillas are often served on the side.
If you're eating out with children, seek out restaurants that provide a kids menu. This can significantly reduce your dining expenses, as those options are generally lower priced. Some places may not showcase their kids' meals, so it's always smart to ask the waiter before ordering.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Keep a water bottle with you instead of constantly buying drinks. It's a good way to help the environment as well.
When preparing for a tour, make sure you know in advance what meals are included. You might be responsible for paying for some food, which can raise your costs.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Guatemala. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Guatemalan Cooking Class & Market Tour for $85 details
- Street Food Tour Around Antigua for $75 details
- Cooking class/Pepian Workshop for $35 details
- Maya Cooking Class from Panajachel for $50 details
Food and meal prices in Guatemala, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
-
Lunch
Q60
-
Lunch
Q25
-
Coffee & Cake
Q35
-
Bread
Q5.60
-
Ice Cream
Q42
-
Hot Cocoa & Banana Bread
Q23
-
Ice cream
Q3.00
-
Cake
Q10
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Guatemala
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Guatemala typically cost an average of $22 (Q174) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$22
Q174
A nice way to explore destinations in Guatemala is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Tikal Private Day Tour Maya Adventure from Flores for $209 details
- Experience: Organic Coffee, Avocados, Honey & More! For $59 details
- Tikal Tour From Flores, airport and Tikal hotels in Guatemala for $95 details
- 4-hour Bike Tour Guatemala City South Center for $70 details
Listed below are some typical prices for attractions, activities, and entry fees in Guatemala, sourced from actual travelers. These costs give you an idea of how much you might spend. However, your personal expenses will depend on the activities you choose, the museums or landmarks you visit, and how frequently you opt for free or low-cost options.
-
Kayak for 2 Hrs (for 2)
Q40
-
Indian Nose Hike (for 2)
Q300
-
Railroad Museum (for 2)
Q12
-
Santa Maria Trek (for 2)
Q550
-
Coffee Tour (for 2)
Q54
-
Kayaking (for 2)
Q15
-
Canopy Tour (for 2)
Q300
-
Map of Tikal
Q25
Nightlife Budget in Guatemala
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $7.74 (Q60) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Guatemala per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$7.74
Q60
Cutting back on drinks while enjoying the nightlife can really help you save money on your trip.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Guatemala. A few favorites from other travelers include:
Listed below are typical prices for alcohol and nightlife in Guatemala, as reported by real travelers. These figures should give you an idea of what drinks cost. However, your actual expenses will depend on your nightlife activities and dining choices, how frequently you consume alcohol, and the quantity you order. If you're looking to save on your trip, reducing your alcohol consumption is one of the easiest ways to cut down on your budget.
Traveling in Guatemala
Old Town Antigua Guatemala
Guatemala has both history and natural beauty. The Mayan culture is prolific throughout the country, beyond the most famous ruins in Tikal. The national parks and beautiful landscapes are equally as mesmerizing. Guatemala is a diverse country with a lot to offer all types of visitors. The country can loosely be divided into five regions. The area around Guatemala City is the Central Highlands. The Western Highlands include Lake Atitlan and many of the modern Mayan villages. The Caribbean Coast has the hottest and most humid climate. There is also boat access to Belize from the Caribbean Coast. The Peten region in the north has the most impressive Mayan ruins. This is also the area with the most jungle environment. Finally, the Pacific Highlands provide the Pacific beaches and hot temperatures.
Whether you're visiting Guatemala for its rich history, impressive culture, beautiful environment, or adventure sports, you won't be disappointed. During one trip you can get lost in the history of this country, visit volcanoes, and meet with the vibrant people. Guatemala is truly a unique and culturally rich country.
Many people fly directly into the countries largest airport, La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. It is also possible to reach the country from its nearby neighbors. There are frequent bus connections from most countries and boat access is available from Belize.
At A Glance
- Bus travel in Guatemala is truly part of the experience. Referred to as "chicken buses," many of the intercity buses are old school buses that have been colorfully decorated. These are much cheaper than the other tourist oriented bus options and they can offer a fun adventure as well. On occasion the driver may try to raise the fare for foreign travelers. This is generally avoidable if you pay attention to how much others are paying and insist on paying the same fare.
- The local currency in Guatemala is the Quetzal. There are many places to exchange US dollars, particularly in touristy areas. It can be more difficult to exchange other types of currency so it is recommended that you travel with US dollars. ATMs are available in the larger towns, but if you're going to smaller communities make sure you carry enough cash with you. It can be difficult to find places to exchange travelers checks so this is not a reliable form of currency.
- If you're shopping for souvenirs in an outdoor market make sure you negotiate. There are some interesting handicrafts made in the country. Some popular options include fabrics and traditional textiles, clothing such as Mayan blouses or skirts, and jade. Other popular souvenirs include coffee, cardamom, and Ron Zacapa Centenario, which is Guatemala's prize winning rum.
- As with many countries around the world, internet is now widely available throughout the country. Even in the most remote areas you are likely to find an internet connection somewhere. In larger cities, WiFi is available in some restaurants and many hotels also offer it to their guests.
- Guatemala has a rainy season between the months of May and October. During these times it can be difficult to travel to some of the more remote areas. The hottest months are March and April, and in particular the low lying coastal areas can get uncomfortably hot. In the central and western highlands the temperature is usually mild and can even become cool at night.
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Top Tourist Attractions
While Guatemala has plenty of amazing sights and attractions, some of the highlights are below. The Mayan ruins that can be visitied in various locations (Tikal is the highlight) are a must-see. Also, the jungles are quite popular, as they are teeming with wildlife and natural beauty. For more ideas and suggestions, check out this 2-week backpacking itinerary of Guatemala. The beaches and colonial towns are also very popular destinations for obvious reasons. Finally, many of the volcanoes can be seen on a hiking trip.
Volcan Pacaya: This active volcano last erupted in 2010. It is located near Antigua and offers many hiking trails that are opened to the public. It can be a difficult hike, particularly if you plan to climb it, so be sure and come prepared with many supplies and plenty of time.
El Mirador: This was a major Mayan City during the 6th century BC and was later abandoned during the 9th century. Much of the ruins remain covered by jungle today. The closest village accessible by car is Carmelita and then it is about a five day hike to the ruins.
Chichicastenango Market: Often referred to as "Chichi", this market is a not to be missed shopping destination in Guatemala. It is located about two or three hours southwest of Guatemala City and has everything from local fabrics, masks, wood carvings, pottery and more available. The city also has many different festivals so if possible, try to overlap your visit with one of these events.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.