Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Guatemala
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $24-82 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Guatemala
Accommodation
$8-25 per night
Dorm beds in hostels, basic guesthouses, budget hotels with shared bathrooms
Food & Dining
$8-20 per day
Street food, local markets, comedores (local eateries), self-prepared meals
Transportation
$3-12 per day
Chicken buses, local buses, walking, occasional shared shuttles
Activities
$5-25 per day
Free walking tours, hiking, markets, occasional museum entries, budget group tours
Currency: Q Guatemalan Quetzal (though USD widely accepted in tourist areas)
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Guatemala
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at local comedores and markets instead of tourist restaurants (typically 60-80% cheaper)
Use chicken buses and public transport instead of tourist shuttles (usually 70-85% savings)
Book accommodation directly with properties to avoid booking fees (generally 10-15% savings)
Travel during rainy season for significantly lower prices on hotels and tours (typically 30-50% cheaper)
Join group tours instead of private tours (usually 50-70% less expensive)
Shop at local markets for snacks and water rather than tourist areas (typically 40-60% savings)
Stay in towns like Xela or Cobán instead of Antigua for similar experiences at lower costs (generally 30-40% cheaper)
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Only eating in tourist zones like Antigua's main square (typically 100-200% markup over local areas)
Taking taxis everywhere instead of learning the bus system (usually 300-500% more expensive)
Booking tours last-minute instead of shopping around (generally 20-40% higher prices)
Staying only in popular tourist towns without exploring cheaper alternatives (typically 50-100% price difference)