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

Should you visit Antigua Guatemala or La Ceiba?

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

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

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.

La Ceiba

La Ceiba is the third largest city in Honduras, situated on the north Caribbean coast. The city has a population of about a quarter million people. Many people who visit this city do so before heading into Pico Bonito National Park. It hasn't had the best infrastructure for tourists in the past but is developing fast. It is about 200 kilometers from San Pedro Sula, another large city in Honduras.

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, La Ceiba or Antigua Guatemala?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Antigua Guatemala is $63, while the average daily cost in La Ceiba is $65. 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 La Ceiba in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Antigua Guatemala $22
    La Ceiba $24
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Antigua Guatemala $44
    La Ceiba $48
Compare Hotels in Antigua Guatemala and La Ceiba

Looking for a hotel in Antigua Guatemala or La Ceiba? 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 La Ceiba


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 La Ceiba Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Antigua Guatemala $12
    La Ceiba $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antigua Guatemala

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

  • From Guatemala City: One-way Shared Transfer to Antigua: $20
  • Private Ground Transfer From Antigua To Guatemala City Airport: $23
  • Guatemala: Antigua and Lago Atitlan Shuttle Transfer: $25
  • Private Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to Puerto Quetzal Port: $27
  • Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to La Aurora Airport: $30
  • Transfer from Antigua to the Airport: $80
  • Transfer Guatemala City to Aurora to Antigua Guatemala: $130
  • Transfer from La Antigua Guatemala to Monterrico (One Way): $260

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Ceiba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Ceiba:

  • Private Transfer from Goloson Airport (LCE) to Banana Coast Port: $78
  • Private Transfer from La Ceiba hotels to Banana Coast Cruise Port: $78

Is it cheaper to fly into Antigua Guatemala or La Ceiba?

Prices for flights to both La Ceiba 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 $14
    La Ceiba $18
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:

  • Make your own Mayan Pepian - Cooking class: $69
  • Antigua: Cooking Class with Local Family: $74
  • Street Food Tour Around Antigua: $75
  • Market food tour and tortilla workshop: $79
  • Market and Mayan Cooking Class: $80
  • Guatemalan Cooking Class & Market Tour: $85
  • Foodie & street food tour: $85
  • Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class in Antigua: $90
  • Private Cooking Class of Typical Guatemalan Dishes: $95
  • Guatemalan Cooking Class and Market Tour: $98
  • From Guatemala City: Guatemala Cooking Class Tour: $110
  • Pacaya Volcano Luxury Sunset Horseback Riding Tour/ Dinner Cooked by-Lava Chef: $295

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Antigua Guatemala $15
    La Ceiba $22

Tours and Activities in Antigua Guatemala

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

  • Historical and Cultural Walking Tour of Antigua Guatemala : $20
  • Half-Day Walking Tour: $20
  • City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $20
  • La Antigua Horror Stories Night Walking Tour: $20
  • Express tour in Antigua: $20
  • Guided Walking Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $20
  • Walking Tour of the Wonders of La Antigua Guatemala: $20
  • Guided Walking Tour Legends of Antigua Guatemala: $20
  • Antigua Walking Tour: $23
  • Antigua Walking Tour Morning and Afternoon: $25
  • Colonial Antigua Afternoon Walking Tour: $25
  • Antigua Market Culture and Cuisine Tour: $27

Tours and Activities in La Ceiba

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Ceiba are as follows:

  • ATV Tour : $110

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Antigua Guatemala $11
    La Ceiba $5.16

Sample the Local Flavors in Antigua Guatemala

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Antigua Guatemala:

  • Macadamia Chocolate and Wine Tour on ATV or UTV: $85


When comparing the travel costs between Antigua Guatemala and La Ceiba, we can see that La Ceiba is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Central America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 La Ceiba Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Antigua Guatemala or La Ceiba?

La Ceiba has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Antigua Guatemala. When comparing the sizes of Antigua Guatemala and La Ceiba, 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.