A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antigua Guatemala vs. Copan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Antigua Guatemala or Copan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Antigua Guatemala or Copan, 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 Copan?

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.

Copan

If you are a lover of history, or just really want to tap into your inner Indiana Jones, a trip to Copan, Honduras is right up your alley. Located in western Honduras, the cobblestone lined streets and white adobe buildings topped with red roofs provide the beautiful backdrop to this once powerful city.

Occupied by the Maya for 2,000 years, Copan was the ruling city in the southern Mayan kingdom. Settled nicely in a fertile river valley among rolling hills, this city is absolutely fascinating and the perfect place to explore history.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Guatemala, The Best Eco Tours in Guatemala, The Best Adventure Tours to Honduras, and The Best Adventure Tours to Honduras.


Which place is cheaper, Copan 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Antigua Guatemala is $73, while the average daily cost in Copan is $102. 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 Copan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Antigua Guatemala $22
    Copan $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Antigua Guatemala $44
    Copan $44
Compare Hotels in Antigua Guatemala and Copan

Looking for a hotel in Antigua Guatemala or Copan? 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.

Hotels in Antigua Guatemala


Hotels in Copan


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Antigua Guatemala $12
    Copan $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antigua Guatemala

Also for Antigua Guatemala, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • One way private transfer to Panajachel: $214
  • One way shared transfer to Flores, Peten: $79
  • One way shared transfer to Panajachel: $39
  • One way shared transfer to Rio Dulce: $59
  • Antigua: One way private transfer to Guatemala City: $74
  • Antigua: One way shared transfer to Semuc Champey, Lanquin: $54
  • Antigua: Private Transfer to Guatemala City Airport: $25
  • From Antigua Guatemala One way shared transfer to El Paredon: $34
  • From Antigua: Transfer to Guatemala City: $75
  • From Panajachel: One Way Shared Transfers to Antigua: $23
  • Guatemala City Airport: Private Transfer to Antigua: $25
  • Guatemala City: One way Shared Transfer to Antigua: $24

Is it cheaper to fly into Antigua Guatemala or Copan?

Prices for flights to both Copan 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 day
    Antigua Guatemala $24
    Copan $36
Typical Food Prices in Antigua Guatemala

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Antigua Guatemala:


  • Lunch
    $3.22
  • Lunch
    $7.72

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: Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Experience with Locals: $50
  • Traditional Guatemalan Cooking Class with a Local Family: $60
  • Antigua: Cooking Class with Local Family: $74
  • Street Food Tour Around Antigua: $75
  • Local Street Food Tour of Antigua: $75
  • Market and Mayan Cooking Class: $80
  • Antigua: Private Evening Street Food Tour with Dinner: $84
  • Guatemalan Cooking Class & Market Tour: $85
  • Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class in Antigua: $90
  • Market food tour and tortilla workshop: $90
  • Guatemalan Cooking Class and Market Tour: $98
  • From Guatemala City: Guatemala Cooking Class Tour: $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Antigua Guatemala $15
    Copan $25

Tours and Activities in Antigua Guatemala

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Antigua Guatemala.

  • Half-Day Walking Tour: $20
  • From Antigua: Pacaya Volcano Tour in English/Spanish: $22
  • Antigua walking tour: Highlights, history, cultural.: $25
  • Antigua Walking Tour: $25
  • City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $25
  • La Antigua Horror Stories Night Walking Tour: $25
  • Antigua Walking Tour Morning and Afternoon: $25
  • Guided Walking Tour Legends of Antigua Guatemala: $25
  • Chocolate workshop; gastronomic experience of cocoa.: $28
  • Antigua: Marshmallows Roasting at Pacaya Volcano 6-hour Tour: $29
  • Antigua Sightseeing: Private Walking Tour Culture and History: $30
  • Coffee and Gastronomic Bike Tour in Antigua: $34

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Antigua Guatemala $11
    Copan $7.00


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antigua Guatemala and Copan, we can see that Copan is more expensive. And not only is Antigua Guatemala much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Antigua Guatemala would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Antigua Guatemala 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 Copan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Copan than you might in Antigua Guatemala.

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 Copan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Antigua Guatemala or Copan?

Antigua Guatemala has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Copan. When comparing the sizes of Antigua Guatemala and Copan, 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.