Which place is cheaper, Arequipa or Antigua Guatemala?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Antigua Guatemala or Arequipa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Antigua Guatemala or Arequipa, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Antigua Guatemala or Arequipa?
Antigua Guatemala
Before a disastrous earthquake in 1773, Antigua was the colonial capital of Guatemala. For 200 years it had reigned as so and today shows remnants of its glorious past with Spanish colonial buildings and other architectural landmarks still standing. Due to this large amount of preserved architecture, Antigua was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is now the most touristed city of Guatemala.
Arequipa
Sitting in the middle of the Misti, Chachani and PichuPichu volcanoes of Peru is the enchanting city of Arequipa. With 468 years of history, the city is full of Spanish colonial architecture. Known to locals as the "white city," the city center, Plaza de Armas, is quite the sight with buildings of sillar white stone made from the rocks of the surrounding volcanoes.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Guatemala City, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Guatemala, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Peru, and The Best Cultural Tours in Peru.
-
Antigua Guatemala Prices
Guatemala PricesArequipa Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAntigua Guatemala $74Arequipa $62
The average daily cost (per person) in Antigua Guatemala is $74, while the average daily cost in Arequipa is $62. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Antigua Guatemala and Arequipa in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAntigua Guatemala $22Arequipa $25
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAntigua Guatemala $44Arequipa $50
Compare Hotels in Antigua Guatemala and Arequipa
Looking for a hotel in Antigua Guatemala or Arequipa? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Antigua Guatemala Hotel Prices and Arequipa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Antigua Guatemala $13Arequipa $6.53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antigua Guatemala
Also for Antigua Guatemala, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One way shared transfer to Flores, Peten: $79
- One-Way Shared Van Transfer to Panajachel: $25
- Antigua: One way private transfer to Guatemala City: $69
- Antigua: One way shared transfer to Guatemala City: $24
- Antigua: One way shared transfer to Semuc Champey, Lanquin: $49
- Antigua: Private Transfer to Guatemala City Airport: $30
- From Antigua Guatemala One way shared transfer to El Paredon: $34
- From Antigua: One way private transfer to Panajachel: $194
- From Antigua: Transfer to Guatemala City: $85
- From Panajachel: One Way Shared Transfers to Antigua: $25
- Guatemala City Airport: Private Transfer to Antigua: $30
- Panajachel: One way shared transfer to Antigua: $25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Arequipa
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Arequipa are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride$1.47
-
Bus Ride$0.47
-
Taxi Ride$1.03
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arequipa
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Arequipa:
- Private Transfer From Arequipa To Puno With a 2 Hour Stop: $258
- 3 Day Trek Including Transfer to Puno / Colca Canyon: $214
- 2 Day Trek Including Transfer to Puno / Colca Canyon: $179
- 2-Day Colca Canyon Tour with optional transfer to Puno: $135
- 2 Days Colca Canyon Tour with Transfer to Puno: $115
- Colca Canyon + Transfer To Puno: $103
- Colca Canyon 2 days from Arequipa with final transfer to Puno: $85
- Colca Canyon full day tour with transfer to Puno: $80
- Koh Lanta any hotel to Krabi airport Private transfer: $79
- Colca Canyon Day Trip with Transfer to Puno: $65
- Full Day Tour to Colca including Transfer to Puno: $60
- Arequipa Airport Private Transfer: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Antigua Guatemala or Arequipa?
Prices for flights to both Arequipa and Antigua Guatemala change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayAntigua Guatemala $25Arequipa $26
Typical Food Prices in Antigua Guatemala
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Antigua Guatemala:
-
Lunch$3.27
-
Lunch$7.86
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antigua Guatemala
For Antigua Guatemala, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Antigua: Traditional Guatemalan Cooking Classes — Casa San Miguel.: $38
- Antigua Guatemalan Authentic Cooking Class Chef David Farfan: $38
- Cooking and pastry class in Casa San Miguel: $38
- Antigua: Traditional cooking lesson with a Guatemalan family: $48
- Cooking class and market tour/Pepian Workshop: $50
- Antigua: Guatemalan Cooking Class with a Local Family: $60
- Private Street Food Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $65
- Antigua Street Food Tour: $65
- Private Cooking Class of Typical Guatemalan Dishes: $70
- Antigua: Cooking Class With Wine, Transfer & Vegan Option: $72
- Local Street Food Tour of Antigua: $75
- Antigua: Cooking Class with Local Family: $75
Typical Food Prices in Arequipa
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Arequipa:
-
Coke$0.44
-
Lunch$3.09
-
Ice Cream$1.18
-
Fruit$0.88
-
Ice Cream$1.03
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Arequipa
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Arequipa.
- Peruvian Cooking Experience in Arequipa: $35
- Cooking Class at La Plantation: $36
- Peruvian Cooking Class: $63
- Arequipa : Food Tour and History (3 Restaurants and Market): $69
- Arequipa Food Tour: Ancestral Cuisine & City Tour: $79
- A 3-hour Guided Food Tour with 4 Iconic Restaurants of Arequipa: $79
- Arequipa Food Tour Experience: $115
- Food Tour Gastronomic Guided: $119
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Antigua Guatemala $15Arequipa $20
Tours and Activities in Antigua Guatemala
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Antigua Guatemala.
- Signature Lattes Tasting Experience in Antigua for Coffee Lovers: $13
- Half-Day Walking Tour: $20
- Historical and Cultural Walking Tour of Antigua Guatemala: $20
- Guided City Tour with Chef David Farfan: $20
- Express tour in Antigua: $20
- Cultural and Fun Walking Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $22
- Walking Tour with Local Guide: $23
- From Antigua: Pacaya Volcano Tour in English/Spanish: $23
- Guided Walking Tour with Coffee: $24
- Antigua Walking Tour: $24
- La Antigua Myths and Legends Stories Night Walking Tour: $25
- Antigua walking tour: Highlights, history, culture.: $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Arequipa
Here are a few typical costs in Arequipa for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Monastery Entry$2.94
-
Salsa Class$2.94
-
Movie Ticket$3.21
-
Hot Springs$2.94
Tours and Activities in Arequipa
Here are a few actual costs in Arequipa for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Day - Colca Canyon and Condor Tour from Arequipa, Peru - Group Service: $288
- 2 Day Tour to Colca Canyon: $43
- 2 Days Colca Living Experience Nature Culture and Tradition: $173
- 2 Days of Natural Experience in the Colca Canyon: $150
- 2 days 1 night Colca Canyon tour ending in Puno: $145
- 2-Day Group Tour to Colca Canyon from Arequipa: $230
- 2-Day Hiking Tour to the Colca Canyon: $120
- 2-Day Tour to the Magical Colca Canyon: $68
- 3-hour guided tour in Arequipa: $65
- 8-Hours Tour in Arequipa Laguna de Salinas with Pick-up: $30
- Añashuayco Quarries and Sillar Route Tour from Arequipa: $25
- Afternoon : Arequipa Walking tour: $55
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAntigua Guatemala $12Arequipa $17
Sample the Local Flavors in Antigua Guatemala
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Antigua Guatemala:
- Antigua Bar Crawl: $26
Typical Alcohol Prices in Arequipa
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Arequipa are as follows:
-
Beer$2.65
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antigua Guatemala and Arequipa, we can see that Antigua Guatemala is more expensive. And not only is Arequipa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Antigua Guatemala is in Central America and Arequipa is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Arequipa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Arequipa and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Antigua Guatemala would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antigua Guatemala than you might in Arequipa.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Antigua Guatemala Expensive? and Is Arequipa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Antigua Guatemala or Arequipa?
Arequipa has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Antigua Guatemala. When comparing the sizes of Antigua Guatemala and Arequipa, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.