Is Guatemala expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Guatemala is good value: cheaper than Mexico's resort areas or Costa Rica, though Antigua is pricier than the rest of the country. A budget day is about Q380 per person (roughly US$50), mid-range about Q1,050, and the main costs are tourist shuttles, a domestic flight to Flores and Antigua hotels.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | Q120 | Q400 | Q1,100 |
| Food & drink | Q120 | Q250 | Q500 |
| Sights & tickets | Q60 | Q150 | Q350 |
| Local transport | Q80 | Q250 | Q600 |
| Per person, per day | Q380 | Q1,050 | Q2,550 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Guatemala day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Tuk-tuk ride in Antigua | about Q10–20 |
| Shuttle airport–Antigua | about Q100–150 |
| Shuttle Antigua–Panajachel | about Q100–150 |
| Public lancha across Lake Atitlán | about Q25–30 |
| Pepián in a courtyard restaurant | about Q60–90 |
| Tikal entry for foreigners | Q150, sunrise ticket separate |
| Flight Guatemala City–Flores | often Q900–1,800 one way |
| Colonial hotel in central Antigua | about Q600–1,100 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation in Antigua is the biggest cost for mid-range travellers, and prices triple during Semana Santa. Transport is the next big item: tourist shuttles are convenient but add up, and a domestic flight to Flores is the costliest single trip. Food in local comedores and markets is cheap, while restaurants in Antigua charge more. Tours, guides and park fees (Pacaya, Tikal, Rostro Maya) are moderate. Hotels add about 22% VAT and tourism tax, sometimes included.
When it is cheaper
The rainy season, May to October, brings lower hotel rates; avoid Semana Santa and Christmas–New Year if you want low prices.
How to spend less
- Eat at comedores and markets, where a set lunch (menú del día) costs much less than Antigua restaurants.
- Take the overnight bus or a shared shuttle to Flores instead of flying if time allows.
- Use public lanchas on Lake Atitlán rather than private boats.
- Stay in San Pedro La Laguna for the cheapest lake accommodation.
- Book shuttles through your hotel the day before and compare prices.
- Visit Antigua outside Semana Santa, when rooms are much cheaper.
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Common questions
Is Guatemala expensive?
No, it is good value. Antigua costs more than the rest of the country, but local food and transport are cheap.
How much does a day in Guatemala cost?
About Q380 per person on a budget, Q1,050 mid-range and Q2,550 in comfort.
How much is Tikal?
Q150 for foreigners, with a separate ticket for the sunrise visit.