Guatemala Travel Budget Guide: Daily Costs, Tips & Money-Saving Strategies

Introduction

Guatemala remains one of the most affordable destinations in Central America, offering travelers extraordinary value whether they are backpacking through highland villages or relaxing in a luxury boutique hotel overlooking Lake Atitlan. The country's currency, the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ), has stayed relatively stable against the US dollar, and the cost of living remains low compared to neighboring Costa Rica or Panama. This guide breaks down real daily costs so you can plan your Guatemala trip with confidence, no matter your travel style.

From the cobblestone streets of Antigua to the jungle ruins of Tikal, Guatemala delivers world-class experiences at prices that rarely strain your wallet. Street food costs as little as Q10 (roughly $1.25 USD), a comfortable mid-range hotel room can be found for $40-70 per night, and even premium experiences like guided Tikal tours come in well below what you would pay for comparable attractions elsewhere.

Average Daily Budget Breakdown

Here is what you can expect to spend per person, per day, depending on your travel style:

Category	Budget ($25-40/day)	Mid-Range ($50-90/day)	Luxury ($150-300+/day)
Accommodation	$6-12 (hostels, guesthouses)	$30-60 (boutique hotels, Airbnb)	$100-250 (luxury hotels, resorts)
Food	$5-10 (street food, comedores)	$15-25 (restaurants, cafes)	$40-80 (fine dining, hotel restaurants)
Transport	$3-6 (chicken buses, local transport)	$10-20 (tourist shuttles, shared vans)	$30-60 (private drivers, domestic flights)
Activities	$5-10 (markets, hiking, free sites)	$15-30 (guided tours, entrance fees)	$40-100 (private guides, exclusive experiences)
Miscellaneous	$2-5 (water, snacks, tips)	$5-10 (souvenirs, tips, SIM card)	$10-30 (spa, premium experiences)

These figures reflect 2026 prices based on typical traveler spending across the country. Costs tend to be higher in Antigua and around Lake Atitlan, and lower in less touristy areas like Quetzaltenango, Coban, and the Peten region outside of Tikal.

Accommodation Costs

Hostels and Budget Guesthouses

Guatemala has an excellent network of hostels, especially in Antigua, Lake Atitlan towns, Flores, and Semuc Champey. Dorm beds typically cost between Q40-80 ($5-10 USD) per night. Private rooms in budget guesthouses range from Q80-160 ($10-20 USD). Many hostels include breakfast, communal kitchens, and social spaces that help keep costs down.

In smaller towns and villages off the tourist trail, family-run hospedajes can cost as little as Q30-50 ($4-6 USD) per night. These are basic but clean, and staying in them puts your money directly into local communities.

Mid-Range Hotels and Boutique Stays

Guatemala's mid-range hotel scene is one of its strongest selling points. In Antigua, you can find beautifully restored colonial properties with courtyards, gardens, and pools for $40-80 per night. Around Lake Atitlan, lakeside hotels in Panajachel and San Pedro La Laguna offer rooms with volcano views for $35-65 per night.

In Guatemala City, business-class hotels in Zone 10 run $50-90 per night. In Flores, comfortable hotels near the lake cost $30-55 per night.

Luxury and Resort Properties

Luxury travelers will find outstanding options in Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and the Peten jungle. Expect to pay $120-250 per night at top-tier properties like Casa Santo Domingo in Antigua or Casa Palopo on Lake Atitlan. All-inclusive jungle lodges near Tikal range from $150-350 per night including meals and guided tours.

Food and Drink Costs

Street Food and Market Eating

Eating like a local is both delicious and incredibly cheap in Guatemala. A plate of rice, beans, a piece of grilled chicken, tortillas, and a drink at a comedor (local eatery) costs Q15-30 ($2-4 USD). Street food items like tamales, tostadas, and chuchitos run Q5-15 ($0.60-2 USD) each.

In the markets of Chichicastenango, Antigua, and Quetzaltenango, you can eat a full lunch for under Q25 ($3 USD). Fresh fruit smoothies and licuados cost Q10-20 ($1.25-2.50 USD).

Restaurants and Cafes

Antigua has the most developed restaurant scene, with international cuisine alongside Guatemalan specialties. A main course at a mid-range restaurant costs Q60-120 ($8-15 USD). In other cities, restaurant meals are even more affordable at Q40-80 ($5-10 USD).

Coffee is a highlight of Guatemala, given the country's world-renowned production. A cup of locally grown coffee at a cafe costs Q15-30 ($2-4 USD). Craft beer at a bar runs Q25-40 ($3-5 USD), and a local Gallo beer is Q15-25 ($2-3 USD).

Fine Dining

In Antigua and Guatemala City, high-end dining options exist at reasonable prices by international standards. Expect to pay Q200-400 ($25-50 USD) per person for a multi-course meal at a top restaurant, including wine.

Transportation Costs

Chicken Buses (Camionetas)

Guatemala's iconic repurposed school buses are the cheapest way to get around. Fares depend on distance but rarely exceed Q20-30 ($2.50-4 USD) for long journeys. A ride within a city costs Q1-3 ($0.15-0.40 USD). These buses are an experience in themselves, though they can be crowded and schedules are unpredictable.

Tourist Shuttles

Shuttle minivans connect the major tourist destinations and are the most popular option for travelers. Common routes and their approximate costs:

• Antigua to Lake Atitlan (Panajachel): Q80-120 ($10-15 USD)
• Antigua to Semuc Champey: Q150-200 ($19-25 USD)
• Flores to Tikal: Q60-80 ($8-10 USD)
• Guatemala City airport to Antigua: Q100-150 ($12-19 USD)

Domestic Flights

TAG Airlines operates small planes between Guatemala City and Flores (for Tikal). Round-trip tickets cost approximately $180-250 USD, saving you the 8-10 hour bus ride. Flights also connect to Quetzaltenango seasonally.

Tuk-Tuks and Taxis

In smaller towns, tuk-tuks are everywhere and charge Q5-20 ($0.60-2.50 USD) for short rides. Taxis in Guatemala City use meters or negotiate fares, with cross-city rides costing Q40-80 ($5-10 USD). Always agree on a price before getting in.

Activity and Attraction Costs

Guatemala offers remarkable experiences at accessible prices. Here are the most popular activities and what they cost:

• Tikal National Park entrance: Q150 ($19 USD) for foreigners
• Tikal sunrise or sunset tour (guided): Q250-400 ($32-50 USD) including transport from Flores
• Pacaya Volcano hike (guided): Q150-250 ($19-32 USD) from Antigua
• Acatenango Volcano overnight trek: Q250-400 ($32-50 USD) including camping gear and meals
• Lake Atitlan boat rides: Q25-35 ($3-4.50 USD) per crossing between villages
• Chichicastenango Market visit: Free (transport not included)
• Semuc Champey entrance: Q50 ($6.50 USD)
• Spanish language school in Antigua: Q800-1200 ($100-150 USD) per week, often including homestay and meals
• Cooking class in Antigua: Q150-300 ($19-38 USD)
• Coffee farm tour: Q100-200 ($13-25 USD)

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not as formalized as in the United States. A 10% tip at restaurants is standard if service charge is not included (check your bill). For tour guides, Q50-100 ($6-13 USD) per person is appropriate. Hotel porters appreciate Q10-20 ($1.25-2.50 USD) per bag. Tipping tuk-tuk or chicken bus drivers is not expected but rounding up is a nice gesture.

ATMs, Money, and Exchange

The Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ) trades at approximately Q7.8-8.0 per $1 USD. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist towns, though less common in rural areas. Banco Industrial, BAM, and Banrural ATMs accept international cards. Most charge a withdrawal fee of Q25-35 ($3-4.50 USD).

US dollars are accepted at some tourist businesses in Antigua and Flores, but you will get a worse exchange rate. Credit cards are accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants, and larger shops, but cash is essential for markets, street food, local transport, and smaller towns. Bring enough cash before venturing to remote areas like Semuc Champey or the Ixil Triangle.

Money-Saving Tips

1. Eat at comedores. These local lunch counters offer full meals for $2-4 and the food is fresh, filling, and authentic.
2. Take chicken buses for short distances. Save shuttles for long hauls and use local buses for trips under two hours.
3. Stay in homestays. Many Spanish schools and community tourism projects offer homestays for $15-25 per night including meals.
4. Visit free attractions. Many of Guatemala's best experiences, like exploring Antigua's streets, browsing markets, and hiking to mirador viewpoints, cost nothing.
5. Travel in shoulder season. June through August and November offer lower hotel prices and fewer crowds compared to December-March peak season.
6. Negotiate at markets. Friendly bargaining is expected at artisan markets. Start at about 60% of the asking price and work toward a fair deal.
7. Cook your own meals. If your accommodation has a kitchen, shop at local markets where fresh produce is incredibly cheap.
8. Buy a local SIM card. Tigo and Claro offer prepaid SIM cards with data for Q50-100 ($6-13 USD) for a month, far cheaper than international roaming.

Conclusion

Guatemala delivers exceptional travel value across every budget level. Backpackers can travel comfortably on $25-40 per day, mid-range travelers can enjoy boutique hotels and guided tours for $50-90 per day, and luxury seekers will find world-class properties and private experiences at a fraction of what they would cost elsewhere. With a little planning and a willingness to eat local and use public transport, your quetzales will stretch further than you might expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money should I bring for two weeks in Guatemala?

For a two-week trip, budget travelers should plan for $350-560 USD total ($25-40/day), mid-range travelers $700-1,260 USD ($50-90/day), and luxury travelers $2,100-4,200 USD ($150-300/day). These totals do not include international flights. Having a mix of cash and a bank card that works at ATMs is the best approach.

Is Guatemala cheaper than Mexico or Costa Rica?

Guatemala is significantly cheaper than Costa Rica and generally cheaper than most Mexican tourist areas. Accommodation and food in Guatemala cost roughly 30-50% less than in Costa Rica. Compared to Mexico, Guatemala is comparable to or slightly cheaper than southern Mexico (Chiapas, Oaxaca) and much cheaper than resort areas like Cancun or Cabo.

Can I use US dollars everywhere in Guatemala?

No. While some tourist-oriented businesses in Antigua and Flores accept US dollars, the local currency (quetzal) is needed for most transactions. ATMs dispense quetzales and are available in all cities and major towns. Always carry quetzales for markets, local transport, street food, and smaller establishments.

What is the best way to save money on Guatemala tours?

Book tours locally rather than through international agencies. In Antigua and Flores, dozens of local tour operators offer competitive prices for activities like volcano hikes, Tikal tours, and lake excursions. Group tours are cheaper than private ones, and booking the day before usually gets you the same rate as online pre-booking. Many hostels also arrange group tours at discounted rates.