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

Should you visit Antigua Guatemala or Rosario?

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

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

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.

Rosario

Rosario is the third largest city in Argentina. Located at the Parana river and known for its rich architectural heritage and beautiful riverside scenery, Rosario is the birthplace of the Argentinian flag as well as two of the nation's most famous icons, Che Guevara and Lionel Messi. Rosario is still an important river port but has done a great job of regenerating its center, which now has a vibrant cultural and night life. The abandoned buildings of the long riverbank have been converted into galleries, restaurants, skateparks and river beaches, which buzz with life in summer. Dynamic and confident without being showy, culturally rich and the best urban location to cool off in the boiling summers, Rosario is easily overlooked but not to be missed.

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 Tours for Seniors to Argentina, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Rosario 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 $74, while the average daily cost in Rosario is $61. 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 Rosario in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Antigua Guatemala $22
    Rosario $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Antigua Guatemala $44
    Rosario $94
Compare Hotels in Antigua Guatemala and Rosario

Looking for a hotel in Antigua Guatemala or Rosario? 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 Rosario


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 $13
    Rosario $3.12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antigua Guatemala

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

  • From Antigua: One way private transfer to Panajachel: $194
  • Private Transfer Antigua Guatemala to Semuc Champey or Coban: $182
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to Antigua: $90
  • Private transfer from Antigua to La Aurora Airport: $90
  • From Antigua: Transfer to Guatemala City: $85
  • Private Transfer Antigua Guatemala to Monterrico Beach: $85
  • One way shared transfer to Flores, Peten: $79
  • Private Transfer One Way Antigua Guatemala to El Paredon Beach: $75
  • Private Transfer:Antigua GuatemalaLake Atitlán(Any Town)OneWay: $74
  • Private Transfer From Antigua to Panajachel Atitlan: $70
  • Private Transfer from Antigua to the Airport: $70
  • Antigua: One way private transfer to Guatemala City: $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Antigua Guatemala or Rosario?

Prices for flights to both Rosario 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 $25
    Rosario $6.54
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Antigua Guatemala $15
    Rosario $26

Tours and Activities in Antigua Guatemala

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

  • ¡Pacaya Volcano Tour from Antigua!: $100
  • 2 - Days : Tour to Acatenango Volcano from Antigua: $150
  • 2-Day Kayak and Hike Adventure Package from Antigua: $219
  • 2-Day, 1-Night Tour of Volcano Acatenango from Antigua: $92
  • 2in1 Tour: Avocado Farm + Private Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $220
  • 3-Hour Chateau Defay Vineyard Tour in Central America: $170
  • 4 Hour Colonial Experience in Antigua Guatemala: $32
  • 4-Hour Colonial Experience in Antigua Guatemala: $25
  • 4WD Acatenango Volcano Tour & Fuego / All Inclusive !: $400
  • 4WD experience to Acatenango Volcano/Fuego Volcano from Antigua: $333
  • 4x4 Acatenango Volcano and Fuego Vistas 2 Day Shared Tour: $260
  • 4x4 tour from Antigua with a night camp in front of the Fuego volcano: $1,300

Tours and Activities in Rosario

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

  • Che Guevara Rosario Sightseeing Tour.: $58
  • Messi Experience. Guided tour of the places of his childhood: $60
  • Newell's Old Boys Football Match and Messi Tour: $100
  • Sucre: Night Tour with Drinks, Bars, and Local Culture: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Antigua Guatemala $12
    Rosario $7.48

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antigua Guatemala and Rosario, we can see that Antigua Guatemala is more expensive. And not only is Rosario much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Antigua Guatemala is in Central America and Rosario 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 Rosario would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rosario 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 Rosario.

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 Rosario Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Antigua Guatemala or Rosario?

Rosario has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Antigua Guatemala. When comparing the sizes of Antigua Guatemala and Rosario, 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.