Which place is cheaper, Arequipa or Guatemala City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Guatemala City or Arequipa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Guatemala City or Arequipa? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Guatemala City or Arequipa?
Guatemala City
Referred to by the locals as "Guate," Guatemala City is the largest and most modern city in Guatemala, as well as its capital. While the atmosphere of the place is big, dirty, and dangerous with city fumes and skyscrapers, it is the hub of the country. It is the place where travelers first step foot into Guatemala and, though it is a place of modern chaos, it does have some of the best galleries and museums as well as a selection of bars, cafes, and restaurants.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Guatemala, The Best Adventure Tours to Guatemala, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Peru, and The Best Cultural Tours in Peru.
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Guatemala City Prices
Guatemala PricesArequipa Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuatemala City $56Arequipa $61
The average daily cost (per person) in Guatemala City is $56, while the average daily cost in Arequipa 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 Guatemala City and Arequipa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuatemala City $25Arequipa $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuatemala City $50Arequipa $50
Compare Hotels in Guatemala City and Arequipa
Looking for a hotel in Guatemala City 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: Guatemala City Hotel Prices and Arequipa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guatemala City $6.28Arequipa $6.42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guatemala City
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guatemala City:
- Airport Transfer for Large Groups – Private Bus: $195
- From Guatemala City One way shared transfer to Semuc Champey: $49
- From One way shared transfer to El Paredon: $59
- Guatemala Airport (GUA) to San Felipe de Lara - Arrival Transfer: $179
- Guatemala Airport Roundtrip Transfer to Antigua Guatemala: $56
- Guatemala City Airport (GUA) to Quetzaltenango-Arrival Transfer: $160
- One way Shared Transfer to Antigua: $24
- One way private transfer to Antigua: $69
- One way shared transfer to Panajachel: $44
- Private Museums Tour with Transfers: $225
- La Aurora Airport (GUA): One-Way Private Transfer to Antigua: $32
- PRIVATE TRANSFER From Airport/Guate City to ANTIGUA or Vice-versa: $42
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Arequipa
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Arequipa are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$1.45
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Bus Ride$0.46
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Taxi Ride$1.01
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arequipa
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Arequipa:
- Arequipa Airport Arrival Transfer: $13
- Arequipa Airport Departure Transfer: $19
- Private Transfer from Alfredo Rodríguez Ballón Airport to Hotel: $20
- Arequipa Airport Private Transfer: $38
- Colca Canyon Day Trip with Transfer to Puno: $65
- Koh Lanta any hotel to Krabi airport Private transfer: $78
- Colca Canyon full day tour with transfer to Puno: $80
- Colca Canyon 2 days from Arequipa with final transfer to Puno: $85
- Colca Canyon + Transfer To Puno: $103
- 2 Days Colca Canyon Tour with Transfer to Puno: $138
Is it cheaper to fly into Guatemala City or Arequipa?
Prices for flights to both Arequipa and Guatemala City 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
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Food Meals for one dayGuatemala City $27Arequipa $25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guatemala City
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guatemala City.
- Guatemala: Wine and Pizza Tasting Experience: $35
- Antigua: Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class: $80
- Small-Group Cooking Class in Antigua from Guatemala City: $120
- Food Tour Zona 4: Dinner Date Experience: $125
- Antigua Market, Cooking Class and Choco Museum from Guatemala City: $188
- Pacaya Volcano Vistas + Enjoy Pizza with Great Volcano Views: $205
- Pacaya Volcano. Tour and pizza making on Volcanic Heat: $275
- Puerto Quetzal: Private Tour Pacaya Volcano 4x4 and Pizza: $550
Typical Food Prices in Arequipa
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Arequipa:
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Coke$0.43
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Lunch$3.04
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Ice Cream$1.16
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Fruit$0.87
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Ice Cream$1.01
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
- Arequipa Nights Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Almuerzo Arequipa Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Peruvian Cooking Class: $63
- Arequipa : Food Tour and History (3 Restaurants and Market): $80
- Arequipa Food Tour Experience: $115
- Food Tour Gastronomic Guided: $119
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guatemala City $1.23Arequipa $19
Tours and Activities in Guatemala City
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Guatemala City are as follows:
- Graffiti Walking Tour in 4 Grados Norte Guatemala City: $20
- Historic Center Walking Tour; Art and History: $27
- Volcano-Grown Coffee Tasting Experience: $28
- Half-Day Guatemala City Explorer Tour: $34
- Walking Tour: $35
- Walking Tour of Guatemala City's Historical Center: $35
- Guatemala city walking tour everyday 2 persons and up: $39
- Half Day Antigua Guatemala Tour: $40
- Private Tour in the Historic Center of Guatemala City: $45
- Guatemala City Express: Half-day city tour: $45
- Antigua Guatemala Express Half Day Colonial Charm Tour: $45
- City walking tour Guatemala City and Relieff Map: $47
Typical Entertainment Prices in Arequipa
Here are a few typical costs in Arequipa for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Monastery Entry$2.89
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Salsa Class$2.89
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Movie Ticket$3.15
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Hot Springs$2.89
Tours and Activities in Arequipa
Here are a few actual costs in Arequipa for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Pedestrian Tour of the Historic Center of Arequipa: $5.00
- Route of the Sillar 4-Hour Tour: $10
- Walking Tour through the Historic Center of Arequipa: $10
- City tour Arequipa by foot: $10
- Arequipa Tasting Tour: $13
- Tour to La Ruta del Sillar and Culesbrillas in Arequipa: $15
- Chili River White Water Rafting Adventure with Pickup: $16
- Sillar Route Tour The best experience!!: $17
- Countryside Tour Arequipa: $18
- City Tour Arequipa: $20
- Koh Rong Tour: A Snorkeling, Fishing, Sunset, Plankton: $20
- Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon Full-Day Tour from Arequipa: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuatemala City $6.97Arequipa $17
Sample the Local Flavors in Guatemala City
Also in Guatemala City, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Guatemala City Legends Tour + Craft Beers at El Cadejo Brewery: $105
Typical Alcohol Prices in Arequipa
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Arequipa are as follows:
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Beer$2.60
When comparing the travel costs between Guatemala City and Arequipa, we can see that Arequipa 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. Even though Guatemala City is in Central America and Arequipa is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guatemala City Expensive? and Is Arequipa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guatemala City or Arequipa?
Guatemala City has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Arequipa. When comparing the sizes of Guatemala City 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.