Thinking of visiting Guatemala? Here’s exactly what I spent, what was worth the money—and how to travel smart on any budget.
By Rebecca Moy
After three years of full-time travel and 29 countries under my belt, I like to think I’ve developed a sixth sense for value. Not cheapness—value. There’s a difference. And when I touched down in Guatemala for the first time, that’s exactly what I was chasing.
Hey, I’m Rebecca Moy—a 27-year-old digital nomad from England, currently based in Barcelona, and I spent 6 weeks in Guatemala as part of a longer 9-month trip through South America. While I wasn’t travelling on a shoestring (freelance life = slow travel perks), I was definitely conscious of my spend. Guatemala had been high on my list for a while, so I was keen to experience the magic without haemorrhaging money.
In this blog, I’ll break down exactly what I spent and where—highlighting what was really worth the money, how to cut costs, and what you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
Key Takeaways
- Yes, Guatemala is a cheap place to visit—but not the cheapest in Central America.
- Excursions and activities are the priciest part of your trip—but they’re worth it.
- Hostels and food are very affordable, especially if you cook or eat local.
- You can comfortably travel Guatemala on $40–$70 per day.
My Trip: Where I Went and What I Did
Let me paint the picture. I was solo, freelancing on the go, and very into the outdoors. I spent most of my time at Lake Atitlán, volunteering with Kayak Guatemala, which gave me the perfect base to explore. Outside of that, I hopped between Antigua (2 weeks), Semuc Champey/Lanquín (3 days), and Guatemala City (1 night before flying to Costa Rica).
While volunteering helped keep my costs low, I was happy to spend on experiences that truly felt worth it—like volcano hikes and traditional cooking classes. I picked up countless tips from fellow travellers, and now I’m passing those onto you.
Here's a breakdown of the main spending categories we’ll explore:
- ✈️ Flights
- 🏨 Accommodation
- 🚍 Transportation
- 🍲 Food & Drink
- 🏞 Activities & Tours
- 🧳 Travel Insurance
- 📱 SIM Card / Internet
- 🎁 Souvenirs & Extras
- 💸 Overall Trip Cost
(And yep—all prices are in USD unless otherwise stated.)
What I Spent (Rough Daily Average)
To make it easy before we get started, here’s a quick summary of the main costs you can expect in Guatemala:
| Category |
Budget Traveller |
Mid-Range |
Notes |
| Flights (round trip) |
$250–$400 |
$400–$600 |
Depends on time of year & departure city |
| Accommodation |
$7–$20 per night |
$40–$120 per night |
Hostels vs. private rooms/lakeside stays |
| Transport |
$1–$5 (chicken bus) |
$10–$30 (shuttle) |
Shuttle prices between tourist hubs |
| Food & Drink |
$5–$10 per day |
$10–$25 per day |
Street food vs. restaurants & groceries |
| Activities/Tours |
$0–$10 (DIY/day) |
$50–$150 per activity |
Volcano hikes, ceremonies, cooking etc. |
| SIM/Data |
$10–$20 total |
$10–$20 total |
For short trips with local SIM card |
| Travel Insurance |
~$45 (2 weeks) |
~$150 (2 weeks) |
Depends on provider & coverage |
| Souvenirs/Extras |
$10–$30 total |
$30–$80+ total |
Depends how much room you’ve got! |
Average Daily Spend:
- Budget travellers: $35–$50/day (hostels, street food, chicken buses)
- Mid-range travellers (like me): $60–$90/day (private rooms, shuttles, activities)
- Luxury travellers: $120+/day (boutique hotels, private tours, fine dining)
✈️ Flights: What It Costs to Get to Guatemala
Let's break it down by each cost category, explaining what I spent to give you an idea of how to budget for your Guatemala trip, starting with flights!
Flying into Guatemala is more affordable than you might think—especially if you’re coming from the U.S.
My flight (Colombia → Guatemala City): $250.23 (Avianca)
Exit flight (Guatemala → Costa Rica): $134.60 (Volaris Costa Rica)
That said, if you're planning a round-trip holiday rather than a full backpacking itinerary, your prices will likely look a little different.
Typical Flight Costs from the U.S. (Round-Trip)
To give you a better idea of what to expect, here's a quick breakdown based on averages:
- Budget range: $250–$400 (with stops, booked in advance)
- Average range: $400–$600 (non-stop or better timing)
- Peak season: $600–$800+ (Dec–Jan, Easter, Summer)
Flights are one of the few things that are hard to ‘budget-travel’ your way out of. But once you land, that’s when things start to feel more affordable.
My Top Booking Tips
Now, let's talk tactics. Booking flights is a game—and timing is everything.
- Google Flights or Skyscanner = your best friends.
- Watch for baggage fees—Spirit and Frontier are notorious.
- Cheapest flights often depart Tuesdays/Wednesdays.
- In my research (and obsessive flight-watching), these U.S. cities consistently had the cheapest fares: Houston (IAH), Miami (MIA), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Dallas (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX).
Now that you’ve landed, let’s talk about where you’ll be sleeping. Whether you’re a hostel hopper or craving lakeside luxury, there’s something for every type of traveller.
🏨 Accommodation: Hostels, Hideaways & Heavenly Views
Accommodation in Guatemala is surprisingly affordable across the board, and I found prices pretty consistent wherever I went. Here’s a look at what I paid, what I’d recommend—and what’s worth a splurge.
Let’s start at the top end.
Mid-Range Options: Nature, Comfort, and Worth Every Penny
Los Elementos Adventure Center
A gorgeous lakeside retreat in Santa Cruz La Laguna, run by Lee and Elaine (the same amazing people behind Kayak Guatemala). I stayed here while volunteering, and it was easily one of my favourite places in the country. You’re right on the lake, surrounded by hiking trails, and greeted by two friendly dogs every morning.
It’s quiet, it’s peaceful, and it feels a million miles away from the chaos of everyday life.
Budget Options: Hostel Prices I Actually Paid
These are real numbers from my trip in 2025. Perfect for solo travellers or anyone trying to keep things low-key:
If accommodation is the backbone of your trip, transport is the glue that holds it all together. Next up: how to get around Guatemala without losing your wallet (or your patience).
🚍 Transportation: Getting Around Guatemala on Any Budget
Transport in Guatemala is an experience in itself—sometimes bumpy, sometimes chaotic, but almost always affordable. You’ve got options, depending on your comfort level and Spanish skills.
Shuttle Buses: The Easiest Way Between Tourist Hubs
These are your go-to if you’re travelling between places like Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Lanquín, and Flores. They’re door-to-door, run daily, and are usually arranged through your hostel or local travel agents.
- Price per ride: $10–$30 USD, depending on the distance
- Booking: Through hostels or directly at local agencies—easy to sort the day before
It’s worth sorting your next shuttle as soon as you arrive in a new place, just so you’re not scrambling last minute.
Chicken Buses: Cheap, Chaotic, and for the Brave
If you want the real Guatemalan transport experience (and don’t mind loud music, squished seats, and no schedule whatsoever), hop on a chicken bus.
- Price per ride: $1–$5 USD depending on the distance
Personally, I wouldn’t recommend these if you’re travelling solo or don’t speak Spanish. They’re safe enough but can feel overwhelming, especially with luggage.
Car Rentals: Possible, but Not for the Faint-Hearted
If you really want to drive, it’s doable—but you’ll need patience (and decent Spanish).
- Rental cost: From $40–$80/day, plus fuel ($1.02/litre)
Between the mountain switchbacks and potholes, it’s not the most relaxing option. Also, parking in cities like Guatemala City can be a challenge.
Domestic Flights: Worth It for Long Distances
Flying from Guatemala City to Tikal (Flores) saves you 10+ hours on the road.
- Price: Around $90 USD one-way
If you’re short on time and want to see the ruins, this is absolutely worth the splurge.
Tuk-Tuks: The Local Way to Zip Around
In places like San Pedro or Panajachel (Lake Atitlán), tuk-tuks are the local taxis. No meters—just agree the price beforehand.
- Typical ride: $1–$3 USD depending on the distance
Next, let’s take a bite out of one of the most important (and delicious) budget categories—food and drink.
🍲 Food & Drink: Street Snacks to Homemade Meals
Food in Guatemala is where your budget gets to breathe. Whether you're cooking at your hostel, grabbing a taco from a roadside vendor, or treating yourself to a lakeside dinner—eating well here doesn’t need to cost a fortune.
Groceries & Cooking for Yourself
During my stay at Los Elementos, I had a private kitchen, so I cooked most of my meals. A weekly grocery shop cost me about $40 USD, and I quickly learned that buying local produce is far cheaper than anything imported.
Example? One time I had a craving for carbonara… Parmesan was $7 USD. Lesson learned.
Local markets are your best friend here—fresh veg, rice, beans, tortillas, avocados, all for cheap. Supermarkets are fine in a pinch, but they’ll eat into your budget quicker.
Eating Out: From Hostels to Restaurants
One of my favourite food spots was La Iguana Perdida in Santa Cruz. They do family-style dinners where everyone eats together (great for meeting people). It’s about 70Q (~$9 USD) per meal and includes BBQ night once a week.
Here’s a rough breakdown of average costs:
- Street food (tacos, pupusas, local plates): $1.25–$4.50 USD
- Restaurant meal (mid-range): $5–$11.50 USD
- Coffee (Americano): $0.90–$1.30 USD
- Fancy coffee (latte): $2–$3.50 USD
- Pastry/snack (local bakery): $0.40–$0.65 USD
- Imported beer: $2.60–$4.50 USD
- Glass of wine: $7.70–$12.20 USD
- Cocktail (bar/club): $6.30–$11 USD
Budget Tip
Stick to local meals and shop at the markets. Save the imported cheese and wine moments for special occasions (or if someone’s visiting from home and offers to bring snacks).
Coming up next: the part where your budget might wince a little—but trust me, it’s the best money you’ll spend. Let’s talk activities and tours.
🏞 Activities & Tours: Where Your Budget Meets Adventure
Guatemala isn’t just about affordability—it’s about unforgettable experiences. And while activities are where you’ll spend the most, they’re also where you’ll get the most value.
During my time volunteering with Kayak Guatemala, I was lucky to try some of their most iconic tours. Here’s what I did—and what I honestly think is worth every penny.
Traditional Guatemalan Cooking Class — $48 per person
Hands down, one of the most special cultural experiences I had. We cooked pepian de pollo, a dish traditionally made for births and celebrations, inside Alicia’s home. Alicia is a graduate of the NGO Amigos de Santa Cruz training program, and she guided us through the whole thing—in English!
The smells, the local kitchen, the fact we were chopping veg side-by-side with someone who’s lived in Santa Cruz her whole life… It felt personal and real, not like something staged for tourists.
👉 View Guatemala Cooking Class Tour
Zipline & Kayak Tour — $135 per person
Kayaking on Lake Atitlán at sunrise is something I’ll never forget. You’re gliding across this massive crater lake surrounded by volcanoes—it’s peaceful, surreal, and the light in the early hours is insane. Add a jungle zipline and it’s an adventure double-whammy.
Tip: This one’s great for couples or families—Kayak Guatemala can tailor it to your group.
👉 View Zipline & Kayak Tour
Mayan Fire Ceremony — $89 per person
I wasn’t sure what to expect… and ended up completely moved. The shaman used candles, sugar, eggs, and cigarettes in an ancient ritual to bless our health and lives. As the smoke filled the cave and he chanted prayers in K’iche’, I felt genuinely honoured to be part of it.
This is cultural immersion done right—raw, respectful, and very real.
👉 View Mayan Fire Ceremony Tour
Acatenango Volcano Hike — $150 per person
It snowed when I did this. Yep, snow. In Guatemala. Once a year it happens—and I got it.
We didn’t get to do the sunrise hike or reach Fuego’s edge due to icy trails, but I still sat on a mountain at 3,600m eating instant noodles while watching lava burst out of a volcano… surreal doesn’t even cover it.
This isn’t a walk in the park—it’s a proper overnight trek, and going with a reputable company like Kayak Guatemala makes all the difference.
👉 View Acatenango Volcano Hike Tour
Private Spanish Lessons — 10 hours for 400Q (~$52 USD)
I did these one-on-one lessons with Leticia, who came to my accommodation at Los Elementos. She was amazing. Friendly, clear, and patient—plus the price? Probably the cheapest you’ll find anywhere in the country.
Lee from Kayak Guatemala helped connect me with her, which made the whole process super easy.
Of course, these are just a handful of the activities I personally did—but there’s so much more to explore in Guatemala, depending on your interests and energy levels.
Here’s a quick glance at a few other popular options:
- Museum entrance (Antigua or Guatemala City): $2–$6 USD
- Walking tour in Antigua: $10–$20 USD (some hostels offer them for free with tips)
- Kayak or paddleboard rental (Lake Atitlán): $5–$15 USD per hour
- Yoga class: $8–$12 USD
- Entrance to Semuc Champey: $7 USD
There’s genuinely something for everyone—whether you're into nature, culture, adventure, or just wandering through colourful markets.
Next, let’s talk travel insurance—unsexy but essential. Especially when your laptop and phone both decide to die on the same continent…
🧳 Travel Insurance: The Thing You’ll Be Glad You Had
Look, insurance is the part of travel budgeting no one wants to think about—until something goes wrong. For me, it did. My phone broke. Then my laptop died. (Not even dramatic… just tragic.) Thankfully, I had decent coverage.
What I Paid
I used TravelInsurance4Medical—a UK provider that covered me worldwide (including the U.S. and Central America). For 8 months of travel, including gadget coverage, I paid:
And yes, I made a claim. And yes, they paid out. So I’d recommend them if you’re UK-based.
Typical Insurance Costs
If you’re going short-term or from the U.S., here’s what to expect:
- Basic coverage (1–2 weeks): $40–$70 USD
- Comprehensive coverage (1–2 weeks): $80–$150+ USD
- Longer stays (digital nomads, backpackers): ~$45/month via SafetyWing
What’s Usually Covered
- Emergency medical expenses
- Hospitalisation
- Trip cancellation/interruption
- Lost/stolen/delayed luggage
- Covid-related issues
- Evacuation or repatriation
- Adventure activities (check for volcano hiking!)
Top Providers to Check Out
- SafetyWing – Affordable and made for digital nomads
- World Nomads – Better if you’re doing risky activities like hiking, diving, or volcano treks
- TravelInsurance4Medical – UK-based and budget-friendly with gadget add-ons
Next up: staying connected. Here’s how I handled internet and SIM cards while living between lakes and volcanoes.
📱 SIM Card & Internet: Staying Connected in the Highlands
When you’re living out of a backpack and working online, staying connected is non-negotiable. For me, I kept things simple—I used my UK sim (O2) with an international data plan that covered most countries, including Guatemala.
- Monthly cost: £32 (~$43 USD)
This saved me the faff of buying local SIMs in every new country. But if you’re not set up with something like that, no worries—Guatemala’s got decent options.
Buying a Local SIM Card (Guatemala City Airport or in Town)
As soon as you land at La Aurora International (GUA), you’ll see kiosks selling local SIMs. Super convenient if you want data straight away.
- SIM cost: $5–$10 USD
- Data plans:
- $10 USD → 3–5 GB
- $15–$20 USD → 8–15 GB
- Validity: 7–30 days
Best Providers
- Tigo – Widest coverage (especially good in rural areas like Lake Atitlán)
- Claro – Great value packages and solid performance
- Movistar – Being phased out in many regions
Wi-Fi in hotels and hostels is usually decent in tourist hubs—but if you’re staying somewhere remote or working online, a local SIM can be a game-changer.
🎁 Souvenirs & Extras: What You'll Want to Bring Home
Guatemala is bursting with colourful markets, handmade textiles, and little treasures that make perfect souvenirs. If you’re the kind of traveller who likes to bring a piece of the place back with you (or just wants to support local artisans), here’s what to budget.
Popular Souvenirs
- Handwoven textiles (blankets, scarves, table runners): $8–$40 USD
- Jade jewellery: $13–$100+ USD
- Leather goods (bags, belts, wallets): $10–$50 USD
- Ceramics & pottery: $4–$20 USD
- Coffee (locally grown): $5–$15 USD per bag
- Cacao products (raw cacao, artisanal chocolate): $4–$10 USD
- Handmade backpacks or bags: $10–$40 USD
- Paintings or local artwork: $13–$65+ USD
Markets in Antigua and around Lake Atitlán are full of beautiful things you’ll want to cram into your backpack—so leave some space!
Final Thoughts: Is Guatemala a Cheap Place to Visit?
So, is Guatemala cheap? Compared to most destinations—absolutely. Especially when you consider the depth of culture, natural beauty, and variety of experiences you can have here.
That said, it’s not the cheapest country in Central or South America. I spent more here than I did in places like Colombia or Peru—but also got a lot more out of it in terms of activities, scenery, and overall vibe.
If you volunteer, cook for yourself, and choose tours wisely, you can stretch your money a long way. And when you do spend, it really feels worth it.
My Recommendation
If you’re heading to Lake Atitlán, I highly recommend booking with Kayak Guatemala. Every experience I had with them—from the volcano hike to the Mayan fire ceremony—was respectful, thoughtful, and just really well done.
They also offer custom travel packages if you email them directly: bookings@kayakguatemala.com
👉 Check out all their tours here.
Thanks for reading! I hope this budget breakdown helped you plan your adventure—and maybe even inspired you to add Guatemala to your list.
