Is Antigua Guatemala expensive to visit?
Antigua Guatemala is a small yet inviting destination that captivates travelers with a mix of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
While Antigua Guatemala can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $32 (Q244) per day, mid-range travelers spend $74 (Q568) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $175 (Q1,351) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Antigua Guatemala.
Within Central America, Antigua Guatemala is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Central America for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as David, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Puerto Viejo.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Antigua Guatemala Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Antigua Guatemala?
The average Antigua Guatemala trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Antigua Guatemala travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Antigua Guatemala cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Antigua Guatemala, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.
Antigua Guatemala on a Shoestring Budget?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $32 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Fortunately, Antigua Guatemala has plenty of hostels such as Tropicana Hostel, Maya Papaya, and The Purpose Hostel. At hostels like these, you can find cheap accommodation in a dorm as well as a social atmosphere, but with very little amenities.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. A trip to Antigua Guatemala wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $74 per person, per day.
In Antigua Guatemala, you'll find a broad range of hotels and vacation rentals. If traveling with companions, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or your children, helping to cut costs. Families will want to look for hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. San Rafael Hotel is a fantastic option for families, and Casa Encantada is also a great pick. Explore more family and couple-oriented hotels in our hotel guide for Antigua Guatemala here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you're looking for a luxurious getaway that offers top-notch amenities and exceptional service, you should budget around $175 per day. To enjoy a nicer hotel, dine at renowned restaurants, indulge in extravagant activities, and use taxis or private drivers to explore the destination, prepare for a luxury price tag. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private Tour of Antigua's Mountaintops - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Antigua Guatemala
In Antigua Guatemala, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $73 and peak season rising to an average of $136. Prices typically range from $45 to $226, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Antigua Guatemala for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $43 (Q335). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $22 (Q167) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Antigua Guatemala? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Antigua Guatemala include:
- San Rafael Hotel starting at $137
- Hotel Los Pasos starting at $120
- Camino Real Antigua starting at $118
- Hotel Palacio de Dona Beatriz starting at $79
- Good Hotel Antigua starting at $97
By avoiding the peak season and traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, you will be able to save on accommodation and avoid heavy tourist crowds.
Food Budget in Antigua Guatemala
For many, the local food is a significant part of the travel experience, so don't miss the chance to enjoy it.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Antigua Guatemala can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Antigua Guatemala is $25 (Q190) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$25
Q190
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Antigua Guatemala is around $25 (Q190) per person, with previous travelers spending from $10 to $62. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Antigua Guatemala are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $7
- Lunch: $4 to $10
- Dinner: $7 to $17
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
Being the most touristed place in Guatemala, Anitgua has plenty of restaurants and cafes for all tastes and budgets, including international fare and internationally-recognized fast food chains. If you seek some authentic flavors of the culture, Guatemalan cuisine prominently features corn, chilies, and beans as key ingredients as well as dishes with rice, pork, beef, chicken, cheese, and tortillas. Tamales are a common local favorite. They come in a variety of ways, but basically consist of a dish made of masa (or maize), which is steamed in a corn husk or banana leaf and usually filled with meat, fruits, and/or nuts. Other main dishes include a seafood soup with plantain slices called tapado, a variety of stews made with meat, vegetables, and spices, as well as a kind of stuffed pepper dish called chiles rellenos. Desserts typically consist of banana bread, a Spanish rice pudding called arrroz con leche, and chick peas in syrup, amongst many others. Be careful of what you eat in the city to avoid food poisoning, some places are not always up to code in cleanliness-watch out for salads and fresh vegetables, undercooked meat, and tap water.
Numerous hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, although others may charge you extra for it. The price and quality can vary from hotel to hotel. Being informed ahead of time can assist you in determining if you need to budget extra funds. The hotel buffet might be worth your money, or perhaps a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or cafe would suffice.
Take a water bottle with you to save on drinks. It's also an environmentally friendly option.
Be sure to check which meals are part of your tour before you go. You might be responsible for some of your own food costs, which could stretch your budget further.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Antigua Guatemala, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Guatemalan Cooking Class & Market Tour for $85 details
- Street Food Tour Around Antigua for $75 details
- Market food tour and tortilla workshop for $90 details
Food and meal prices in Antigua Guatemala, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Antigua Guatemala
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Antigua Guatemala typically cost an average of $15 (Q118) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$15
Q118
Amongst the world's best conserved colonial cities, Antigua is a destination renowned for its Spanish colonial buildings and monuments. Still intact are buildings like the city hall and the Captain General Palace which now houses the offices of Guatemala Institute of Tourisms, the city National Police headquarters, and the Sacatepequez Governor office, among others. Catholic buildings are also very prominent with structures like the Chapel of the Holy Cross and the Catedral de San Jose which was originally constructed in the mid-1500s, though it has since been rebuilt due to earthquakes. Others include the Church and Convent of Capuchins, San Francisco Church, Le Merced Church, Santo Domingo Monastery, and Nuestra Senora del Carmen Church. The Santa Catalina Arch built in the 17th century is another unforgettable landmark, located on 5th Avenue North. With all of this history, it's a must-visit destination on any Guatemala itinerary of 10-days or 2-weeks, as it offers so much to explore.
If you set your sights beyond the city, three large volcanoes loom on the horizon. To the south of the city, Volcan de Agua, or Volcano of Water stands as the most impressive of the three. The other two sit to the west of the city - Acatenango which last erupted in 1972 and Volcan de Fuego or Volcano of Fire.
Beyond exploring the city and its sights at your own leisure, you can also arrange a tour with any local agency for a more guided experience. Another activity is to walk up to the Hill of the Cross (El Cerro de la Cruz) for excellent views of Antigua from above. There is a market located a few blocks west of the city center, as well as artisan workshops which specialize in crafts from Jade, metal works, and textiles, amongst others. The ChocoMuseo is another unique place to visit, where you can learn how to make chocolate from cocoa beans in addition to the history of chocolate, cocoa plantations, and the industry of chocolate making.
If its outdoor adventure you seek, look towards the volcanoes. Acatenango is a strenuous hike which can be done in one day or overnight. If you camp overnight, you can watch explosions from the active Volcan de Fuego from the campsite. Guided tours are available for the journey, camping gear included. You can also go without a guide, but be sure to do your research on the trails ahead of time.
The Pacaya Volcano is another popular hike, though it is closer to Guatemala City than Antigua.
A nice way to explore destinations in Antigua Guatemala is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Tour Rural de Café/ Coffee Tour for $30 details
- Tour de Miradores en ATV for $55 details
- Experience: Organic Coffee, Avocados, Honey & More! For $59 details
Old Town Antigua Guatemala
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.