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

Should you visit Guatemala City or Copan?

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

Should I visit Guatemala City or Copan? 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 Copan?

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.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Guatemala City, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Guatemala, The Best Adventure Tours to Honduras, and The Best Adventure Tours to Honduras.


Which place is cheaper, Copan 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Guatemala City is $55, 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 Guatemala City and Copan in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Guatemala City 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 Guatemala City


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: Guatemala City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guatemala City $6.19
    Copan $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guatemala City

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guatemala City:

  • Antigua: One way shared transfer to Guatemala City: $24
  • From Guatemala City One way shared transfer to Semuc Champey: $49
  • From One way shared transfer to El Paredon: $59
  • Guatemala Airport Roundtrip Transfer to Antigua Guatemala: $56
  • Guatemala City Airport GUA to San Felipe de Lara-Arrival Transfer: $238
  • One way Shared Transfer to Antigua: $24
  • One way private transfer to Antigua: $64
  • La Aurora Airport (GUA): One-Way Private Transfer to Antigua: $25
  • Private Airport Transfer La Aurora airport to Guatemala: $23
  • Private Airport Transfer from Guatemala to La Aurora airport: $23
  • Private Airport Transfer to Antigua Guatemala: $25
  • Private Arrival Transfer: La Aurora International Airport to Antigua Hotel: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Guatemala City or Copan?

Prices for flights to both Copan 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Guatemala City $27
    Copan $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guatemala City

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guatemala City.

  • Cooking and class with Private Guatemalan Chef : $25
  • Cooking class/Pepian Workshop: $35
  • Antigua: Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class: $90
  • Small-Group Cooking Class in Antigua from Guatemala City: $120
  • Pacaya Volcano Vistas + Enjoy Pizza Cooked Under Volcanic Heat: $180
  • Antigua Market, Cooking Class and Choco Museum from Guatemala City: $188

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guatemala City $1.21
    Copan $24

Tours and Activities in Guatemala City

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Guatemala City are as follows:

  • Half Day Antigua Guatemala Tour: $17
  • Half Day Guatemala City Tour: $27
  • 2-Hour Culture and Historical Tour From Guatemala: $29
  • Guatemala city Walking Tour and public bus: $30
  • Half-Day Guatemala City Explorer Tour: $34
  • Graffiti Walking Tour in 4 Grados Norte Guatemala City : $35
  • Walking Tour: $35
  • Guatemala city walking tour on afternoon 14.00, 2 persons and up: $39
  • Private Tour in the Historic Center of Guatemala City: $45
  • UNESCO JEWELS: Antigua Half Day Tour from Guatemala City: $49
  • Private Night City Photo Tour in Guatemala: $50
  • Half Day Experience in Antigua Guatemala: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guatemala City $6.86
    Copan $6.97

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: $80


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

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 Copan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Guatemala City or Copan?

Guatemala City has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Copan. When comparing the sizes of Guatemala City 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.