Wondering how much a trip to Guatemala really costs? Here is a clear, no-fluff breakdown of daily travel costs in Guatemala for 2026 — across backpacker, mid-range, and luxury styles — plus sample trip budgets, what your money actually buys, and where to save. All figures are per person per day in US dollars and cover on-the-ground costs (not international flights).
Typical mid-range cost
$45 – $90 / day
A typical week in Guatemala runs about $472 per person, mid-range style.
How much does Guatemala cost per day?
Daily costs in Guatemala depend heavily on your travel style. Here is what each tier looks like:
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See the Travel Cost Index 2026
Daily travel budgets for 200 countries, ranked cheapest to priciest across three travel styles.
Backpacker
$12–$25/day
hostels, street food, public transport, free sights
Mid-range
$45–$90/day
3-star hotels, restaurant meals, the occasional taxi and paid tour
Luxury
$180–$350/day
4-5 star stays, fine dining, private transfers and premium experiences
What you spend on each day (mid-range)
Here is how a typical mid-range daily budget of around $68 breaks down in Guatemala:
| Category | Per day | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $27 | 40% |
| Food & drink | $18 | 27% |
| Local transport | $8 | 12% |
| Activities & sightseeing | $11 | 16% |
| SIM, tips & extras | $3 | 5% |
| Total | $68 | 100% |
Sample Guatemala trip budgets
| Trip length | Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $56 | $202 | $795 |
| 1 week | $130 | $472 | $1,855 |
| 2 weeks | $259 | $945 | $3,710 |
Per person, excluding international flights. Add a 10-15% buffer for souvenirs and the unexpected.
Money tips for Guatemala
- Currency: Guatemala uses the GTQ. Withdraw from bank ATMs for the best rates and avoid airport currency-exchange counters.
- Cards vs cash: Cards are widely accepted in cities; carry cash for markets, small towns, and tips.
- Tipping: Tipping 10-15% is customary in restaurants in much of the region.
- Save money: Travel in shoulder season, eat where locals eat, use public transport, and book accommodation 4-8 weeks ahead to lock in lower rates.
- Capital & hub: Guatemala City is usually the most expensive part of Guatemala — costs drop noticeably in smaller towns and rural areas.
Plan your Guatemala trip
Guatemala travel cost FAQ
How much does it cost to travel to Guatemala?
A mid-range trip to Guatemala costs roughly $45-$90 per person per day, covering a comfortable hotel, restaurant meals, local transport, and activities. Backpackers can travel on $12-$25 per day, while luxury travelers spend $180-$350 or more.
How much does a week in Guatemala cost?
A one-week trip to Guatemala costs about $472 per person mid-range, $130 for backpackers, and $1,855-plus for luxury travelers. These figures cover accommodation, food, local transport, and activities but exclude international flights.
Is Guatemala expensive to visit?
Guatemala is considered budget-friendly for travelers. Your biggest costs are accommodation and food; you can cut both significantly by traveling in shoulder season, eating local, and using public transport.
What currency is used in Guatemala?
Guatemala uses the GTQ. Cards are widely accepted in cities, but carry some cash for markets, small restaurants, and rural areas. Withdraw from bank ATMs for the best exchange rates.