Guatemala Budget Travel

Budget Travel Index

Currency Name: Quetzales “Q” (GTQ)
Average Rate: 1$ = 7 Q

Minimum Budget: 14$/Day

Comfortable Budget: 24$/Day

Chicken Bus: is simply a US school bus that has been “pimped-out,” is failing emission standards, and is used to transport everything from chickens to the elderly between towns and across countries. Prices range from 25 cents to 2-4$ depending on the distance.
Hitchhiking: varies significantly by region. In the Mayan highlands it’s often very difficult to find someone willing to stop. And those who do are looking for compensation. In the Caribbean north, hitchhiking attempts are often more successful. In general, hitchhiking in Guatemala is not impossible but more times than not you’ll end up paying a few dollars to ride with 40 others in the back of a truck.
Shuttle Bus: operators can be found in almost every Guatemalan city. These shuttles are specifically for tourists and have prices to match. However, they’re still pretty cheap and arguably the easiest way to get around the country. For example, from Antigua to Lake Atitlan takes around 3 hours and costs just 10$. For more info about getting around Guatemala , check out AtitlanLiving.com

Local Markets: offer the cheapest means of sustenance in Guatemala. 3 Avocados = 1$, 1 big papaya = 1$, 1 pound of Chia seeds = 3$.
Local Market Restaurants: Small restaurants located in the market area always serve up authentic local dishes at guaranteed local prices. If lots of locals are eating there, than it’s probably pretty safe to eat. Fried pork chop with rice, salad, tortillas and tamarind juice costs about 2.50$.
Street Food: isn’t that great in Guatemala. The friend chicken and french fries are generally soggy and taste of old oil. The tacos wrapped in corn tortillas are pretty sweaty as well. But for 2$, it’s a decent meal in a pinch.

Sleeping On The Street: is not recommended, especially in cities. If you decide to camp in the countryside, it’s a good idea to find an isolated location. Farmers and land owners generally won’t mind but it’s often better to stay out of sight.
Budget Hotels: offer the cheapest accommodation in most destinations. Private rooms are often very basic and average between 8-15$/night. You can search for budget hotels in Antigua and other cities on Agoda.
Hostels: Only the biggest cities like Antigua have hostels. Backpacker hostels often cost the same as budget hotels, with dorm beds for around 8$/night. Cheaper hostel dorms can be found for around 4$/night. You can find cool hostels in Antigua and other cities on Hostel World.
Couchsurfing: is growing in Guatemala. It’s not a bad way to get to know locals.
AirBnb: in Guatemala is filled with vacation rentals. Most listings are gringo owned. Still, it’s not a bad way to find a comfortable room in a private house. Sign up with AirBnb and get 25$ towards your first stay.