Guatemala offers an incredible blend of ancient Mayan ruins, colonial architecture, and stunning natural beauty. From the towering temples of Tikal to the cobblestone streets of Antigua and the serene waters of Lake Atitlán, this Central American gem captivates travelers with its rich culture, colorful markets, and warm hospitality.
Local currency: Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ / Q).
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in Guatemala.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- $12-20 (dorm bed)
- Budget
- $25-50 (private room guesthouse)
- Midrange
- $80-150 (boutique hotel)
- Luxury
- $200-500+ (colonial luxury)
Food
- Street
- $2-4 (street tacos, chuchitos, elotes)
- Local
- $5-8 (comedor set lunch)
- Midrange
- $12-25 (restaurant main course)
- Fine
- $40-80+ (fine dining per person)
Transport
- Bus
- $0.13-1 (local bus or Transmetro)
- Taxi
- $5-15 (Uber or taxi within city)
- Airport
- $10-15 (airport to Guatemala City center)
- Daytrip
- $25-45 (tourist shuttle to Antigua or Lake Atitlán)
Activities
- Museum
- $5-10 (most Antigua and Guatemala City museums)
- Sites
- $10-25 (Tikal admission $25, Antigua sites $5-10)
- Tour
- $25-55 (Pacaya volcano guided tour)
- Excursion
- $50-100+ (Acatenango overnight, Chichicastenango tour)
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to Guatemala costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
$200-280/week (hostels, comedores, chicken buses, free/cheap activities)
Midrange traveller
$500-700/week (private guesthouse, restaurants, tourist shuttles, guided volcano tours)
Luxury traveller
$1,500-2,500+/week (boutique hotels, fine dining, private transfers, exclusive experiences)
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Eat lunch at local comedores — the Q25-35 ($3-5) set lunch (almuerzo del día) includes soup, rice, beans, tortillas, and protein; best value meal in Guatemala
Use chicken buses for inter-city travel — 3-5 times cheaper than tourist shuttles though less comfortable; good for Guatemala City to Antigua or shorter routes
Negotiate accommodation rates for stays of 3+ nights — guesthouses typically offer 10-20% discount for longer stays, especially in low season (May-October)
Buy Guatemalan coffee and chocolate directly from producers — Filadelfia Estate sells retail at wholesale prices; supermarkets (La Torre, Walmart) much cheaper than tourist shops
Cook your own breakfast — most hostels have communal kitchens; local markets sell fresh fruit and avocados for Q5-10 ($0.65-1.30) each
Take Transmetro BRT in Guatemala City rather than taxis — Q1 ($0.13) per ride connects major zones safely
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Parque Central Antigua
Antigua's beautifully maintained central plaza with fountain, colonial architecture, and mountain-framed views. Perfect people-watching spot at any hour with local artisans and flower sellers nearby.
Cerro de la Cruz Viewpoint
Short uphill walk from Antigua center to a hilltop cross with panoramic views over the colonial city and three volcanoes. Free admission, best at sunrise and golden hour.
Antigua Church Ruins (Exterior)
Many of Antigua's magnificent ruined colonial churches can be photographed from outside for free including La Merced, Convento Santa Clara, and the Cathedral facade. Pay entry only if going inside.
Chichicastenango Market (Browsing)
Simply walking and browsing Guatemala's famous Thursday and Sunday indigenous market is free — you only spend money if you buy. The spectacle of Mayan textiles, ceremonial items, and highland produce is extraordinary.
Kaminaljuyú Archaeological Zone
Free-entry ancient Maya mound site in Guatemala City's western suburbs. The small museum explains Guatemala City's 3,500-year-old history on this site.
La Aurora Zoo, Guatemala City
Well-maintained zoo in Guatemala City's La Aurora Cultural Park charges only Q45 ($6) admission — one of the best value activities in the capital, especially for families.
Lake Atitlán Lakefront Walk, Panajachel
Walk from Panajachel dock along the lakefront through gardens and viewpoints with spectacular volcano and lake panoramas. Public access and completely free.