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

Should you visit Guatemala City or Humahuaca?

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

Should I visit Guatemala City or Humahuaca? 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 Humahuaca?

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.

Humahuaca

Located in the northwest region of Argentina, Humahuaca is a town nearly 3000m high in elevation, found on the border of the rio Grande. It is the largest settlement with the biggest population along the famous quebrada de Humahuaca gorge, but it has managed to keep its authenticity with its cobblestoned streets, adobe houses, quaint plazas filled with inhabitants of Andean traits and handicraft shops. If you have the chance to visit Humahuaca in February, during the carnival, you will appreciate how traditions are kept alive in this part of Argentina. Humahuaca has become a popular tourist destination in Argentina because of its beautiful setting next to the spectacular SerranĂ­a de Hornocal (colored mountains). While most visitors rapidly make their way through Humahuaca before continuing to the other two main Quebrada towns, Pumamarca and Tilcara, some enjoy spending a night or two there. Indeed, the town offers a perfect starting point to visit the region and has a few interesting landmarks not to miss, such as the historic church and Soto Avendano's Independence Monument. If you decide to stay in Humahuaca, remember that nights get chilly and ask the tourist office for any information (in the Cabildo, on the main square, opened Monday to Friday from 7h to 21h and Saturday from 9h to 12h and 13h to 16h and only Sunday mornings).

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Guatemala, The Best Adventure Tours to Guatemala, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Argentina, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Humahuaca 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 $56, while the average daily cost in Humahuaca is $56. 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 Humahuaca in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guatemala City $24
    Humahuaca $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guatemala City $48
    Humahuaca $86
Compare Hotels in Guatemala City and Humahuaca

Looking for a hotel in Guatemala City or Humahuaca? 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 Humahuaca


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 $6.25
    Humahuaca $3.51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guatemala City

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guatemala City:

  • Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Panajachel or Atitlan: $254
  • Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Puerto Quetzal Port: $209
  • Private Transfer - Guatemala Airport (GUA) to Puerto Quetzal Port: $209
  • Private Transfers from Guatemala city to Panajachel: $200
  • Guatemala City Airport (GUA) to Quetzaltenango-Arrival Transfer: $167
  • Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Coban: $161
  • Private Transfer from La Aurora Airport to Antigua Guatemala: $120
  • Transfer from Airport to Antigua: $90
  • Private Ground Transfer Guatemala City To Panajachel, LakeAtitlan: $80
  • Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Antigua: $74
  • Private Transfer From La Aurora AirPort to Panajachel Atitlan : $67
  • Private transfer from Airport to Panajachel: $65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Humahuaca

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

  • From Salta: 2-Day Cachi and Humahuaca Tour with Transfer: $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Guatemala City or Humahuaca?

Prices for flights to both Humahuaca 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
    Humahuaca $4.82

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guatemala City

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

  • PRIVATE MAYAN COOKING CLASS WITH CHEF EN Guatemala City: $65
  • Small-Group Cooking Class in Antigua from Guatemala City: $120
  • Pacaya Volcano Vistas + Enjoy Pizza Surrounded by The Volcano: $175
  • Antigua Market, Cooking Class and Choco Museum from Guatemala City: $188

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guatemala City $1.22
    Humahuaca $24

Tours and Activities in Guatemala City

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

  • 2-Hour Culture and Historical Tour From Guatemala: $29
  • 2in1 Tour: Avocado Farm + Private Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $195
  • 3 Days Tour in Acatenango Volcano: $240
  • 3-Day Antigua Guatemala and Pacaya Volcano Adventure: $256
  • 3-Hour Bike Tour Guatemala City: $60
  • 4-Hour Bike Tour Guatemala City: $70
  • Antigua + Guatemala City Full Day Tour - History Lovers Favorite: $245
  • Antigua City Tour from Guatemala City: $78
  • Antigua Guatemala & Guatemala City Tour: $65
  • Antigua Guatemala , Full-Day Shared Tour from Guatemala City: $75
  • Antigua Guatemala Full Day Tour: $65
  • Antigua Guatemala Stopover Tour: $75

Tours and Activities in Humahuaca

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

  • Hornocal: Full-Day Tour to the Hill of Seven Colors: $65
  • Tilcara: Humahuaca Tour + Hornocal + Quebrada de las Señoritas (Triple Combo): $95

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guatemala City $6.93
    Humahuaca $5.71

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


When comparing the travel costs between Guatemala City and Humahuaca, we can see that Humahuaca 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 Humahuaca 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 Humahuaca Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Guatemala City or Humahuaca?

Guatemala City has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Humahuaca. When comparing the sizes of Guatemala City and Humahuaca, 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.