Guatemala Travel Budget: Daily Costs and Money Tips

How much does Guatemala cost?

Guatemala is one of Central America's best-value destinations. Prices are in Guatemalan quetzals (GTQ), and roughly 7.7 to 8 quetzals equal one US dollar. Most travelers find their daily spend depends heavily on transport and whether they cook or eat out.

Daily budgets

• Backpacker: 200 to 350 GTQ per day (25 to 45 USD). Hostel dorm, street food, chicken buses.
• Mid-range: 400 to 800 GTQ per day (50 to 100 USD). Private room, restaurant meals, the odd shuttle or tour.
• Comfort: 1,000 GTQ and up (130 USD plus). Boutique hotels in Antigua, private drivers, guided volcano hikes.

Sample prices

• Hostel dorm bed: 60 to 120 GTQ
• Private double room, mid-range: 250 to 500 GTQ
• Comedor lunch (menu del dia): 25 to 40 GTQ
• Restaurant dinner in Antigua: 70 to 150 GTQ
• Local beer (Gallo): 15 to 25 GTQ
• Cup of Guatemalan coffee: 12 to 25 GTQ
• Chicken bus across town: 3 to 10 GTQ
• Shuttle Antigua to Lake Atitlan: 80 to 150 GTQ
• Acatenango volcano overnight trek: 350 to 600 GTQ
• Tikal entrance fee: 150 GTQ

Money and cards

Cash is king, especially in markets, comedores and small towns. Carry small bills. ATMs (5B, Banrural, BAC) are widespread in cities but charge fees of around 25 to 50 GTQ per withdrawal, so take out larger amounts. Cards work in upscale hotels, supermarkets and Antigua restaurants, but expect cash-only almost everywhere else. Tell your bank you are traveling and keep a backup card.

Saving tips

• Eat the menu del dia at a comedor for a filling, cheap meal.
• Use chicken buses for short hops; they cost a fraction of tourist shuttles.
• Shop at markets like Chichicastenango for produce and crafts, and haggle politely.
• Travel in the dry season but book Semana Santa (Holy Week) early, as Antigua prices spike.
• Drink local coffee and Gallo beer rather than imported brands.
• Group volcano and lake tours to split shuttle and guide costs.

Budget travelers can comfortably explore for two weeks on around 5,000 GTQ excluding flights.

Stay connected in Guatemala

A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online for maps, translation and last-minute bookings across Antigua, Lake Atitlan and Tikal, with no roaming bills.