Mid-Range Travel Guide: Guatemala
The sweet spot of travel - comfortable accommodations, diverse dining, and quality experiences without breaking the bank
Daily Budget: $90-230 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for mid-range travel in Guatemala
Accommodation
$35-85 per night
Private rooms in mid-range hotels, boutique guesthouses, hotels with private bathrooms
Food & Dining
$20-45 per day
Mix of local restaurants, tourist-oriented eateries, hotel breakfasts, occasional fine dining
Transportation
$10-30 per day
Tourist shuttles, occasional taxis, mix of public and private transport, tuk-tuks
Activities
$25-70 per day
Guided tours, archaeological sites, adventure activities, cultural experiences
Currency: Q Guatemalan Quetzal (though USD widely accepted in tourist areas)
Mid-Range Activities in Guatemala
Curated experiences perfect for your mid-range 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)