Have you chosen Guatemala as your next travel destination? Good choice! Before you travel to Guatemala, it’s nice to get an idea of the costs in the country. In this article, you’ll read all about the costs for transportation, accommodations, tours, food and drinks, and we’ll provide an average daily budget for every type of traveler. We give price indications for backpackers, luxury travelers, and everything in between. This way, you won’t be surprised while traveling and you can estimate with which budget you can travel to Guatemala!
Good to know: For convenience, we have converted all prices in this article to dollars.
ATMs in Guatemala
In Guatemala, you pay with the Guatemalan quetzal. You can find ATMs in many places in Guatemala, and the ATMs of BAC Bank almost always accept foreign debit cards. During your travels in Guatemala, you still pay with cash at most places. Therefore, it’s wise to withdraw as much money as possible in one transaction because you pay a fixed commission per transaction.
Tip: Don’t forget to activate your debit card for worldwide use before departure.
Transportation Costs in Guatemala
Unlike most countries in Central America, the distances between destinations in Guatemala can be quite large. This results in higher transportation costs here. For short trips, you can take the local chicken bus, which costs only a few dollars for a ride of a few hours. If you need to cover a long distance, you can travel in a more luxurious bus or shuttle that takes you directly to your next destination. For example, the bus ride from Lanquin to Flores takes 9 hours and costs around $39.
Tip: In our articles about Guatemala, you can read about the best ways to travel to your next destination by bus.
Food and Drink Costs in Guatemala
You have full control over the costs of food and drinks. You can get a cheap meal at a street food stall for around $3 to $4. These are usually meals with rice, beans, and a piece of meat. If you eat at a local restaurant, the prices are a few dollars higher. Snacks like empanadas or sweets are very cheap at local shops, stalls, and bakeries. Prices at a well-reputed restaurant aimed at travelers are often slightly higher. You’ll pay between $7 and $9 for breakfast and around $10 to $13 for a main course. A cappuccino costs about $2, and a local beer at a cozy bar is $2.
Costs for Activities, Tours, and Entrance Fees
The costs for activities, tours, and entrance fees are generally not high in Guatemala. Most attractions can be easily visited on your own using public transportation without a guide. There are a few exceptions, such as the two-day hike to the summit of the Acatenango volcano. Many different organizations offer tours, and tour prices vary. The cheapest tour can be booked for around $45, but for a better experience, I would recommend booking the luxury tour for around $90. From Antigua, you can also book another tour where you’ll climb the Pacaya volcano in half a day. At the top, you can see the lava up close. This tour costs only $20 per person. A day ticket for the Tikal temples without a guide costs $19. If you want to see the sunrise or sunset at Tikal, you need to pay an additional $13.
Costs for Hotels and Hostels in Guatemala
If you’re a backpacker and choose to sleep in dormitories at nice hostels, you should budget $12 to $17 per night. A double room in a hostel costs between $28 to $56 per night. If you prefer to stay in a nice boutique hotel, prices are around $56 to $78 per night for a double room. To get an idea of the prices, you can check out our hostel and hotel recommendations.
Do you want to treat yourself to a special hotel for once? We’ve compiled a list of 9 unique places to stay in Guatemala. Sleep in a glamping tent with an amazing view of Lake Atitlan or stay in a beautiful eco-lodge in the middle of the mangrove. There are unique accommodations for every budget.
Average Daily Budget in Guatemala
It’s difficult to say what the average costs are for traveling in Guatemala. It entirely depends on your own preferences and travel style. If you’re a budget traveler, staying in dorms and eating at local restaurants, you can travel with a daily budget starting from $40. If you stay in popular hostels in double rooms and enjoy dining at trendy restaurants, expect an average daily budget of $50 to $70. If you stay in luxury hotels, then plan for around $78 to $90 per day.
