Planning a trip to Guatemala? Understanding the local costs is essential for crafting the perfect itinerary. While Guatemala remains one of the most affordable destinations in Central America, your budget will vary based on your travel style, seasonal timing, and the unique experiences you choose to pursue.
From navigating local "chicken buses" to savoring traditional Mayan-inspired cuisine, this guide breaks down the essential expenses for accommodation, food, transportation, and tours. Whether you are seeking luxury boutique hotels or budget-friendly local adventures, discover how to manage your finances effectively for an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Mayan world.
Accommodation
There are all different types of accommodation options in Guatemala. A 3-star accommodation is around the $150usd mark for a double room. A 4-star or boutique option is around the 250 USD to 400usd mark and a luxury hotel is anything from USD 500 and upwards. Bear in mind that a high price does not always guarantee good quality so it is always best to book with a local expert.
Food
Guatemalan cuisine leans heavily on traditional Mayan foods with a strong influence from Spain (the Spanish arrived here in 1524). Traditional foods use a lot of corn, chilies, avocados, and beans. Popular dishes include tamales, seafood soup, and meat stews (usually chicken or beef), which are readily available and generally quite affordable. Gallo en perro (spicy stew), tapado (seafood soup with green plantain and coconut milk), and fried rice are other popular dishes.
If you’re on a budget, you can get a large meal of beans, rice, corn, and meat for around 40 GTQ from a comedor (local eateries that usually offer large portions). Another local favorite is a tortilla with beans and eggs with sour cream and fried plantain on the side, which usually cost the equivalent of just a couple of dollars. Lunch is the main meal of the day here, and many restaurants offer affordable set menus. These usually include soup and grilled meat.
Pre-made plates of food (usually chicken or beef, rice, and tortillas) are often sold on the buses during stops for about 25-30 GTQ. Street food, like hot dogs or tamales, can be found for less than 15 GTQ. A three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant with a drink costs around 250 GTQ. Mexican-style dishes like tacos or enchiladas are a popular evening choice (since dinner is usually a lighter meal). Fast food like McDonald’s costs around 45 GTQ for a combo meal. For a meal at a Western restaurant (think burger and fries or pizza), expect to pay at least 100 GTQ. A beer costs 15 GTQ, bottled water is 6 GTQ, and a cappuccino/latte costs around 19 GTQ
Cost to Get Around Guatemala
Public Transportation
The main method of transportation in Guatemala is las camionetas (“chicken buses”). They are old-school buses from North America and are the most inexpensive way to get around. Expect to pay around 10 GTQ for a 1-2 hour journey. Shorter journeys can cost as little as 5 GTQ.
If you are traveling between places like Antigua and Lake Atitlan, shuttle buses are the most common form of transport for travelers. Travel between Antigua and Guatemala City costs around 150 GTQ on a shuttle bus. On a chicken bus, it costs considerably less. All multi-day tours should include all ground transport in the cost of the tour so check with your tour operator.
Tours in Guatemala
In Guatemala, you can do many activities independently. Two excursions are relatively expensive but well worth it. The visit to Tikal costs $70 and the Acatenango Volcano $97. There are plenty of other activities you can do, such as taking cooking classes, taking a city tour of Antigua, kayaking in Lake Atitlan, and tubing in Semuc Champey.
If you need more information about Guatemala's travel costs, contact us here!
