Budget to visit Guatemala

Guatemala Trip Cost Summary: A Quick Overview

Guatemala is one of the most affordable and rewarding travel destinations in Central America. Whether you’re a backpacker counting every quetzal or seeking a more comfortable journey, you’ll find the country offers incredible value. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect to spend per day, not including pre-trip expenses like flights and travel insurance.

How Much Does a Trip to Guatemala Cost?

These daily estimates are based on a solo traveler’s average expenses. If you’re traveling as a couple, your per-person costs for accommodation will likely be lower.

• Backpacker Budget: $25 – $40 USD per day
• Mid-Range Budget: $50 – $80 USD per day
• Luxury Budget: $100+ USD per day

What’s Included in These Estimates?

These figures represent your daily, on-the-ground expenses for accommodation, food, local transportation, and activities. They provide a framework for planning, allowing you to see how your travel style directly impacts your total trip cost.

• The Backpacker Budget typically covers a dorm bed in a hostel, meals from street food stalls and local markets (comedores), travel exclusively on public “chicken buses,” and participation in mostly free activities with one or two major paid sights like Tikal.
• The Mid-Range Budget allows for a private room in a guesthouse or budget hotel, a mix of street food and meals at casual restaurants, transportation via more convenient tourist shuttles, and the flexibility to enjoy more guided tours and paid attractions.
• The Luxury Budget includes stays at boutique hotels or high-end eco-lodges, dining at top-rated restaurants, using private transfers or domestic flights for transport, and booking private guides for a more personalized experience at all major sites.

Pre-Trip Expenses for Your Guatemala Budget

Before you even step foot on Guatemalan soil, several key expenses will shape your overall trip budget. Factoring in flights, insurance, and any necessary fees ahead of time ensures you have a clear picture of your total spending and can avoid unpleasant surprises upon arrival.

International Flights

Airfare will likely be the largest single purchase for your trip. Prices fluctuate significantly based on your point of departure, the time of year, and how far in advance you book. The primary international gateway is La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City.

• From North America: Expect to pay between $300 and $700 USD for a round-trip ticket. Direct flights are available from major hubs like Miami, Houston, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, which tend to be more affordable.
• From Europe: Round-trip flights typically range from $600 to $1200 USD. Most routes will involve at least one layover, often in the United States or a major European hub like Madrid or Amsterdam.

To secure the best price, consider these tips:

• Book in Advance: Aim to book your flights 2 to 4 months before your travel dates for the best balance of price and availability.
• Be Flexible: Flying on a weekday is often cheaper than on a weekend. Use flight search engines with flexible date calendars to spot the lowest fares.
• Travel in the Shoulder Season: Airfare is generally lower during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) compared to the peak dry season (December-March).

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not just a recommendation; it’s an essential pre-trip expense for Guatemala. The country’s healthcare system can be challenging to navigate, and out-of-pocket costs for medical emergencies can be substantial. Furthermore, many of Guatemala’s best experiences involve adventure activities that carry inherent risks.

For a one or two-week trip, a comprehensive policy will typically cost between $40 and $80 USD. When choosing a plan, ensure it includes:

• Medical Coverage: Look for a high coverage limit for emergency medical expenses and hospitalization.
• Emergency Evacuation: This is crucial for covering the cost of transportation to a suitable medical facility, especially if you are in a remote area.
• Adventure Sports Coverage: If you plan to hike volcanoes like Acatenango or Pacaya, or go caving at Semuc Champey, verify that your policy covers these activities.
• Theft and Lost Baggage: Protection for your belongings provides valuable peace of mind.

Visas and Entry Fees

Guatemala is quite welcoming to tourists, and for many nationalities, the entry process is straightforward and free. Most tourists, including citizens of the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union, do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. You will simply receive a stamp in your passport upon arrival.

However, it is imperative to always check the latest entry requirements with the official Guatemalan embassy or consulate in your country before you travel, as regulations can change. Understanding safety in Guatemala is also key before your trip.

It’s also important to understand the Central America-4 (CA-4) Border Control Agreement. This agreement between Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua means that the 90-day entry stamp is valid for the entire region combined. For example, if you spend 30 days in Guatemala and then cross the border into El Salvador, you will have 60 days remaining for your stay within the CA-4 zone, not a fresh 90 days.

Daily On-the-Ground Costs in Guatemala

Once you’ve landed in Guatemala, your daily expenses will be determined by your travel style. The country offers a wide spectrum of options, from ultra-budget local experiences to luxurious comfort. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect to spend each day on accommodation, food, transport, and activities.

Accommodation Costs

Your choice of lodging will be one of the biggest factors in your daily budget. Guatemala has everything from social backpacker hostels to serene lakeside boutique hotels.

• Hostels (Dorms and Private Rooms): The backbone of the backpacker scene, hostels are plentiful in popular destinations. A bed in a shared dormitory typically costs between $8 – $15 USD (Q60 – Q115) per night. For more privacy, a private room in a hostel will generally run from $20 – $40 USD (Q155 – Q310).
• Budget to Mid-Range Hotels (Guesthouses and Posadas): For a step up in comfort, local guesthouses (posadas) and budget hotels offer excellent value. Expect to pay $30 – $60 USD (Q235 – Q470) for a clean, comfortable private room with an ensuite bathroom. These are often family-run and provide a more local feel.
• Boutique and Luxury Hotels: In places like Antigua and Lake Atitlán, you’ll find stunning boutique hotels and high-end resorts. Prices for these accommodations start around $90 USD (Q700) and can go well over $200 USD (Q1550+) per night for premium amenities, beautiful architecture, and top-tier service.

Food and Drink Budget

Guatemalan cuisine is delicious, hearty, and incredibly affordable. From street stalls to fine dining, you can eat well on any budget. For more on this, check out our guide to Guatemalan gastronomy.

• Street Food and Local Eateries (Comedores): This is where you’ll find the most authentic and budget-friendly food. A simple meal of grilled meat, rice, and beans from a local comedor can cost as little as $3 – $5 USD (Q25 – Q40). Street food snacks like tostadas or tamales often cost less than a dollar.
• Mid-Range Restaurants: A meal at a sit-down restaurant in a tourist area will cost more but offers a wider variety of dishes. Expect to pay $8 – $15 USD (Q60 – Q115) for a main course.
• Cost of Local Beer (Gallo) and Coffee: Guatemala’s national beer, Gallo, is ubiquitous and cheap, costing around $2 – $3 USD (Q15 – Q25) at a bar. As a world-renowned coffee producer, you can get an exceptional cup of locally grown coffee for $2 – $4 USD (Q15 – Q30) at a specialty café.
• Grocery Shopping and Cooking for Yourself: Many hostels have communal kitchens. Shopping at local markets is a great way to save money and experience the culture. A few days’ worth of basic groceries (eggs, bread, fruit, vegetables) can be purchased for around $15 – $20 USD.

Transportation Within Guatemala

Getting around Guatemala is an adventure in itself. Your choice of transport will be a balance between cost, comfort, and speed.

• Chicken Buses (Camionetas): These are brightly painted, decommissioned American school buses and are the primary mode of transport for Guatemalans. They are incredibly cheap, with most journeys costing only a few dollars. For example, the three-hour trip from Guatemala City to Panajachel might cost around $4 USD (Q30). While not the most comfortable or direct, they offer an unforgettable cultural experience.
• Tourist Shuttles and Private Transfers: For direct, comfortable, and safer travel between major tourist hubs (e.g., Antigua to Lake Atitlán, or Lake Atitlán to Lanquín), shared tourist shuttles are the most popular option. They are significantly more expensive than chicken buses, with a typical 3-4 hour journey costing $20 – $30 USD (Q155 – Q235) per person. Private transfers offer maximum convenience for a much higher price.
• Ride-Sharing (Uber in major cities): Uber is available and reliable in Guatemala City and Antigua. It offers a safe and fairly priced way to get around these cities, especially when arriving at the airport or traveling at night.
• Domestic Flights: To cover long distances quickly, particularly from Guatemala City to Flores (for Tikal), a domestic flight is the best option. While it’s the most expensive transport choice (around $100 – $200 USD one-way), it can save you a 10-12 hour bus journey.

Activities and Entrance Fees

From ancient Mayan ruins to active volcanoes, the cost of activities can add up. It’s wise to budget for the key attractions you don’t want to miss. For a comprehensive look at what to do, see our guide to the best things to do in Guatemala.

Major Attraction Costs

• Tikal National Park Entrance Fee: The standard daytime entrance for foreign visitors is Q150 (approx. $20 USD). Sunrise or sunset tours require a separate ticket and are more expensive.
• Semuc Champey Entrance Fee: Entry to the stunning natural limestone pools costs Q50 (approx. $6.50 USD). This does not include the 4×4 transport to get there from Lanquín.
• Pacaya Volcano Hike Tour Cost: Most people visit Pacaya on a guided tour from Antigua. Expect to pay $15 – $25 USD (Q115 – Q195) for the tour, which typically includes transport and a guide but not the park entrance fee of Q100 (approx. $13 USD).
• Lake Atitlán Boat Taxis (Lanchas) and Activities: Public boats, or lanchas, connect the villages around the lake. A one-way trip between neighboring villages costs around Q15 – Q25 (approx. $2 – $3 USD).

Other Common Costs

• Spanish School: Guatemala is a famous destination for learning Spanish. A week of one-on-one lessons (around 20 hours) in Antigua or San Pedro La Laguna typically costs between $150 – $250 USD, often with an option to include a homestay for a full immersion experience.
• Museum Entrance Fees: Most museums in cities like Antigua or Guatemala City have modest entrance fees, usually in the range of $5 – $10 USD (Q40 – Q80).
• Guided Tours and Excursions: Costs vary widely. A coffee plantation tour might cost $25 USD, while a multi-day Acatenango volcano trek can range from $60 – $100+ USD depending on the company and inclusions.

Sample Guatemala Travel Budgets

To give you a clearer picture of how these daily costs translate into a real trip, here are three sample travel styles. These budgets are per person and cover accommodation, food, local transport, and activities, but exclude pre-trip expenses like flights and insurance.

The Backpacker Budget: $25 – $40 Per Day

Traveling Guatemala on a shoestring is not only possible but also an incredibly rewarding experience that immerses you in the local culture. This budget is for the traveler who prioritizes experiences over comfort and is happy to embrace the local way of life. It’s a great way to truly understand the Mayan culture.

• Accommodation: You’ll be staying in shared dormitories in hostels, which typically cost between $8 and $15 per night. This is a fantastic way to meet other travelers and share tips.
• Food: Your diet will consist mainly of delicious and cheap street food like tostadas and pupusas, filling lunches at local comedores (especially the menu del día), and cooking your own meals in hostel kitchens.
• Transport: You will become an expert at navigating the chicken bus system. It’s the cheapest way to get around the country, and while not always comfortable, it’s a quintessential Guatemalan adventure.
• Activities: This budget allows for plenty of free activities like wandering colonial streets, hiking to viewpoints, and swimming in lakes. You’ll need to be selective with major paid attractions, perhaps choosing one or two must-sees like Tikal or the Acatenango volcano hike.

The Mid-Range Traveler Budget: $50 – $80 Per Day

This budget offers a significant step up in comfort and convenience without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for travelers who want a bit more privacy and are willing to pay for more direct transportation and a wider range of activities. This budget allows for more flexibility in exploring the diverse biodiversity of Guatemala.

• Accommodation: You can afford a private room in a hostel or a comfortable room in a budget-friendly guesthouse or posada. This provides a quiet space to recharge after a day of exploring.
• Food: You’ll have the flexibility to mix it up. Enjoy an affordable lunch at a comedor, then treat yourself to a nice dinner at a well-regarded restaurant with a local Gallo beer or a glass of wine.
• Transport: For longer distances, you’ll likely opt for tourist shuttles. They offer door-to-door service between popular destinations like Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Lanquín, saving you time and hassle. You might still take a chicken bus for a short, scenic journey.
• Activities: With this budget, you can comfortably afford entrance fees to major sites like Tikal and Semuc Champey, hire a local guide for a more insightful experience, take a Spanish class for a week, and enjoy guided tours and excursions.

The High-End Traveler Budget: $100+ Per Day

For those seeking a journey defined by comfort, style, and efficiency, Guatemala offers incredible value for a luxury experience. This budget allows for premium accommodation, fine dining, and private, curated experiences. It’s also a great budget for photographers wanting to capture the country’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.

• Accommodation: Your stays will be in beautifully designed boutique hotels in Antigua, serene lakeside lodges at Lake Atitlán, or high-end eco-resorts near natural attractions. Expect excellent service and amenities.
• Food: You can dine at the best restaurants in the country, exploring Guatemala’s emerging fine-dining scene, enjoying gourmet coffee, and sampling craft cocktails.
• Transport: Convenience is key. You’ll use private transfers for comfortable road journeys, take domestic flights to connect distant locations like Guatemala City and Flores quickly, and use Uber for easy city transport.
• Activities: This budget opens up a world of possibilities, from private guided tours of Tikal at sunrise to multi-day, fully-catered volcano treks. You can indulge in high-end yoga retreats, specialized workshops, and any attraction that piques your interest without a second thought.

Cost Breakdown by Popular Guatemalan Destinations

While Guatemala is affordable overall, costs can fluctuate significantly depending on where you are. A Quetzal goes much further in a small highland village than in the cobblestone streets of Antigua. Here’s a look at what to expect in the country’s most popular destinations.

Budgeting for Antigua

As Guatemala’s most polished and popular tourist destination, Antigua is predictably the most expensive place for travelers. Its colonial charm, world-class restaurant scene, and accessibility from the capital mean you should budget a little extra for your time here. Accommodation and food costs are noticeably higher than elsewhere in the country.

Your major expenses in Antigua will likely be activities. The city is a hub for learning and adventure, which comes at a price:

• Volcano Hikes: A day trip to hike the Pacaya volcano typically costs between $20 and $30 USD. The more strenuous, overnight trek up Acatenango for incredible views of the erupting Fuego volcano is a much larger investment, ranging from $50 to $100+ depending on the tour operator’s quality and inclusions.
• Spanish Schools: Antigua is one of the best places in Latin America to learn Spanish. A week of one-on-one lessons (around 20 hours) often costs between $150 and $250 USD. Homestays, which include meals, can be added for an additional fee.
• Dining: While you can still find budget-friendly comedores, Antigua is known for its high-end restaurants and international cuisine, where a main course can easily cost $15-$25 USD, a price comparable to many Western cities.

Budgeting for Lake Atitlán

The cost of visiting Lake Atitlán depends entirely on which of its dozen-plus villages you choose as your base. Each village has a distinct personality and price point. Panajachel is the main transport hub with a wide range of hotels and restaurants, while San Pedro La Laguna is a backpacker favorite with plentiful budget hostels and bars. San Marcos La Laguna, the lake’s spiritual center, has more boutique hotels and vegan cafes, leading to slightly higher daily costs.

Key costs to factor into your Atitlán budget include:

• Lancha Boat Taxis: Public boats, or lanchas, are the primary way to get between villages. A one-way trip typically costs between 15 GTQ and 30 GTQ ($2 – $4 USD) depending on the distance. These small costs add up if you plan on exploring multiple villages.
• Wellness and Activities: Drop-in yoga classes are common and affordable (around $10-$15 USD). However, multi-day yoga retreats or specialized workshops can be a significant expense. You can also find weaving co-ops offering demonstrations or multi-day classes.

Budgeting for Tikal and Flores

The main reason to visit this northern region is to see the magnificent Mayan ruins of Tikal. The charming island town of Flores on Lake Petén Itzá serves as the primary base for exploring the area. Your biggest single expense here will be visiting the park itself.

Plan your budget around these key items:

• Tikal Entrance Fee: The standard daytime entrance for foreigners is 150 GTQ (about $19 USD). If you want to experience a sunrise or sunset tour from within the park, you’ll need to purchase an additional ticket for around 100 GTQ.
• Transportation: A round-trip tourist shuttle from Flores to Tikal costs about 80-100 GTQ ($10-$13 USD). A private taxi will be considerably more.
• Tour Guide: While optional, hiring a guide is highly recommended to understand the history and spot wildlife. A group tour guide costs around $30-$40 per person, often including transport.
• Accommodation: Flores offers a great selection of budget-friendly hostels and mid-range hotels. For a more immersive (and expensive) experience, you can stay at one of the jungle lodges located just outside the park entrance, which offers the unique benefit of being there before the crowds arrive.

Budgeting for Semuc Champey and Lanquín

Reaching the stunning turquoise pools of Semuc Champey requires a significant investment of both time and money. The journey itself, usually an 8-10 hour shuttle ride from Antigua or Flores, is a major part of the cost. The nearby town of Lanquín is where most travelers stay, in rustic jungle lodges and hostels.

The primary costs associated with this remote paradise are:

• Getting There: The long-distance shuttle is the first major cost. Once in Lanquín, you must take a 4×4 pickup truck for the final bumpy 45-minute ride to the park entrance. This transport is often included in a day tour package arranged by your accommodation for around 150-200 GTQ ($19-$25 USD).
• Entrance and Tours: The entrance fee to the Semuc Champey monument itself is 50 GTQ. Most visitors opt for a full-day tour that includes the park entrance, a visit to the viewpoint, and an adventurous candle-lit tour of the nearby K’an Ba water caves.

Top Money-Saving Tips for Guatemala

Guatemala is already one of the most affordable destinations in Central America, but with a few local insights, you can stretch your quetzales even further. Adopting some local habits not only saves money but also enriches your travel experience, connecting you more deeply with the country’s vibrant culture.

Eat the Menu del Día

One of the best ways to enjoy a delicious, filling, and incredibly cheap meal is to look for signs advertising the “menu del día” or “menu of the day.” Offered for lunch at countless local eateries, known as comedores, this set meal provides tremendous value. For a fixed price, you typically receive a bowl of soup, a main plate with a choice of chicken, beef, or fish accompanied by rice, a small salad, and tortillas, plus a natural fruit drink (agua fresca). It’s an authentic taste of home-style Guatemalan cooking and a complete meal that will often cost you less than a coffee in a tourist café.

Master Public Transportation

While tourist shuttles offer door-to-door convenience, they come at a premium. To truly travel on a budget, you must embrace Guatemala’s public transportation network, headlined by the famous “chicken buses” (camionetas). These colorfully decorated, decommissioned American school buses are the lifeblood of the country, connecting nearly every town and village. The journey is an experience in itself—vibrant, a little chaotic, and shared with locals. More importantly, the savings are immense; a trip that costs $20 via shuttle might only be $2-3 on a chicken bus. For short to medium distances, they are an unbeatable option.

Travel During the Shoulder Season

Timing your visit can have a significant impact on your budget. The high, dry season runs from November to March, bringing perfect weather but also peak prices and crowds. Consider traveling during the shoulder seasons—specifically April to May or September to October. During these months, the heavy tourist traffic subsides, leading to lower prices for accommodation and tours. While it is the beginning or end of the rainy season, the weather is often still very pleasant, typically with clear mornings and short-lived afternoon showers that won’t disrupt your plans.

Negotiate (Respectfully) at Markets

Shopping for colorful textiles, handicrafts, and souvenirs at local markets is a quintessential Guatemalan experience. In these settings, prices are often flexible, and a bit of friendly bargaining is expected. It’s important to approach it with the right attitude—not as a contest, but as a polite interaction.

• Be polite and friendly. A smile and a simple “buenos días” go a long way.
• Have a fair price in mind. Observe what others are paying and decide what the item is worth to you.
• Don’t accept the first price. The initial quote is usually a starting point. A reasonable counteroffer is often around 60-70% of the asking price.
• Buy multiple items. Vendors are more likely to give you a better deal if you purchase several things from them.
• Know when to walk away. If you can’t agree on a price, it’s perfectly acceptable to politely thank the vendor and walk away. Sometimes, this will prompt a better offer.
• Always be respectful. Remember that a few quetzales may mean very little to you but can be significant for the artisan and their family. The goal is a fair price for both parties.

Choose Your Base Wisely

Where you decide to sleep can dramatically alter your daily spending. In popular destinations, staying just outside the main tourist center can unlock significant savings. Lake Atitlán is a perfect example. While Panajachel is the main transport hub and San Marcos is famous for its wellness scene, accommodation and food in these villages are more expensive. By basing yourself in a smaller, more traditional village like San Juan La Laguna or Santa Cruz, you’ll find more affordable guesthouses and local eateries while still having easy access to all the lake has to offer via the public boats (lanchas).

Currency, ATMs, and Payments in Guatemala

Navigating payments in a new country can be daunting, but Guatemala’s system is straightforward once you know the basics. While modern conveniences are available in tourist centers, the country largely operates on a cash basis. Here’s how to manage your money effectively during your travels.

The Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)

The official currency of Guatemala is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ), named after the country’s beautiful national bird. All prices you see will be in Quetzales, often denoted with a “Q” before the number (e.g., Q20).

While exchange rates fluctuate, it’s helpful to have a general idea of the value. At the time of writing, the rate is approximately Q7.75 to $1 USD. It is always best to check the current exchange rate just before your trip for the most accurate budgeting.

You will encounter the following denominations:

• Banknotes: Q1, Q5, Q10, Q20, Q50, Q100, and Q200 (though the Q200 is less common).
• Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos, as well as a Q1 coin.

It’s always a good idea to carry a mix of smaller bills (Q5, Q10, Q20) for daily purchases like street food, bus fares, and market goods, as larger notes can sometimes be difficult to break in small establishments.

Using ATMs and Avoiding Fees

ATMs, or cajeros automáticos, are widely available in major cities and tourist towns like Antigua, Guatemala City, Panajachel, Xela, and Flores. You’ll find them inside banks, supermarkets, and pharmacies. However, in smaller, more remote villages, ATMs can be scarce or unreliable, so it’s wise to withdraw enough cash before heading off the beaten path.

To keep withdrawal fees to a minimum, consider these tips:

• Inform Your Bank: Before you leave, let your bank know your travel dates and destinations. This prevents them from flagging your international transactions as fraudulent and freezing your card.
• Use Fee-Reimbursing Cards: Some travel-focused bank accounts or credit unions offer cards that reimburse all international ATM fees. This can lead to significant savings over a longer trip.
• Withdraw Larger Sums: Local Guatemalan banks often charge a flat fee per transaction (around Q30-Q45). To minimize the impact of these fees, withdraw larger amounts less frequently rather than making small, daily withdrawals.
• Decline the Conversion: If an ATM offers to convert the transaction into your home currency, always decline. This is called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), and the exchange rate offered is almost always much worse than your own bank’s rate. Always choose to be charged in GTQ.

Credit Cards vs. Cash

Guatemala is predominantly a cash-based economy. While you can use credit cards in certain situations, carrying cash is absolutely essential for the majority of your daily expenses.

Credit cards (primarily Visa and MasterCard) are generally accepted at:

• Large, international hotel chains and high-end boutique hotels.
• Upscale restaurants and cafes in major tourist areas like Antigua.
• Major supermarkets.
• Established tour agencies for booking flights or expensive multi-day treks.

Be aware that some businesses add a surcharge of 5-7% for credit card payments to cover their processing fees. Always ask beforehand if there is an extra charge (“¿Hay un recargo por pagar con tarjeta?”).

Cash is king for almost everything else, including:

• Street food stalls and local eateries (comedores).
• Purchases at local markets.
• Fares for chicken buses, tuk-tuks, and boat taxis (lanchas) on Lake Atitlán.
• Entrance fees for most ruins, parks, and museums.
• Stays at budget guesthouses and hostels.

For a smooth and budget-friendly trip, your best strategy is to rely on cash for daily spending and keep a credit card on hand for larger purchases and as a backup.