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Is Antigua Guatemala expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Antigua is cheap by North American and European standards, but the most expensive town in Guatemala, as the country's main travel base. Expect about Q310 a day per person on a tight budget, about Q860 mid-range and Q2,100 or more for comfort. Volcano hikes, coffee tours and hotel taxes are the main extras.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | Q120 | Q350 | Q1,000 |
| Food & drink | Q120 | Q250 | Q500 |
| Sights & tickets | Q50 | Q200 | Q450 |
| Local transport | Q20 | Q60 | Q150 |
| Per person, per day | Q310 | Q860 | Q2,100 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Antigua Guatemala day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Cup of local coffee | about Q15–25 |
| Set lunch at a comedor | about Q30–50 |
| Desayuno chapín (eggs, beans, plantains) | about Q40–60 |
| Main in a tourist restaurant | about Q80–150 |
| Convento de Capuchinas | about Q40–50 |
| Coffee tour in San Miguel Escobar | about Q150–300 |
| Pacaya volcano tour | about Q100–200 plus park fee |
| Acatenango overnight hike | roughly US$60–150 |
| Shared shuttle from Guatemala City airport | about Q100–150 |
| Mid-range hotel near Parque Central | about Q500–1,000 a night |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Rooms are the biggest share: hostels near the market cost about Q150–350, central hotels with courtyards Q500–1,000, and colonial mansions Q1,500–4,000, with about 10% tourism tax plus VAT on top in many places. Food is cheap at comedors and the market but tourist restaurants charge Q80–150 a main. Tours are the next cost: Pacaya, coffee farms, cooking classes and especially the Acatenango overnight hike. Shuttles to the airport and Lake Atitlán add up too.
When it is cheaper
The rainy season (May–October) usually brings lower rates and fewer visitors. Semana Santa (Holy Week) is by far the most expensive time, with hotels booked months ahead.
How to spend less
- Eat set lunches at comedors and the municipal market instead of tourist restaurants.
- Check whether hotel prices include the tourism tax and VAT.
- Book Acatenango with a reputable operator; the cheapest trips may skimp on warm gear.
- Join a small cooperative coffee tour rather than a large estate tour.
- Use shared shuttles for the airport and Lake Atitlán.
- Walk the compact centre instead of taking tuk-tuks.
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Common questions
Is Antigua Guatemala expensive?
Not by international standards, though it is the priciest town in Guatemala. Plan on about Q310 a day per person on a budget.
How much does the Acatenango hike cost?
Roughly US$60–150 including guide, tent and meals. Check what gear is included.
Do hotels in Antigua add taxes?
Many add about 10% tourism tax on top of VAT. Check whether quoted prices include taxes.