What budget to travel Guatemala? Money and currency

What budget for activities and outings Guatemala?

While entrance fees for parks, reserves, museums, monuments and religious buildings are fixed and clearly indicated, those for tours and excursions vary according to the season and the number of visitors. This is why, as with shuttle trips, it's best to compare the packages offered by youth hostels, hotels and tour operators.

Although it is not uncommon to see runners in Guatemala City, physical exercise is not particularly widespread in the country. This does not mean that the inhabitants are inactive, only that they exercise differently than in France. For example, here, walking is inevitable, especially in rural communities.

Thus, most of the sports offered by hostels, hotels and tour agencies are exclusively for tourists, both domestic and foreign. One of the most popular sports is yoga, which has developed a cult following in San Marcos La Laguna, on the shores of Lake Atitlan, and is becoming increasingly popular on the Pacific coast, especially around El Paredon. The latter region is also popular with sport fishing and surfing enthusiasts. In addition, rafting possibilities are numerous in the Highlands, rich in waterways. Finally, hiking is a must, whether it is trekking to the top of the Acatenango and Tajumulco volcanoes or expeditions in the Petén, to discover remote Mayan sites such as El Mirador. Whatever the activity, the prices are relatively affordable, but climb according to the duration: a night in a camp will cost a few hundred quetzals.

If one prefers to bubble, the thermal springs of the surroundings of Quetzaltenango constitute an interesting option. More expensive - but still less expensive than in France - massages offered everywhere in the country, in salons as well as in youth hostels and hotels, offer a nice moment of relaxation.

It's simple: in Guatemala, everything is cheaper than in France. Nevertheless, items sold in boutiques are more expensive than those found on market stalls. While the quality of products is fairly equal throughout the country, it's best to focus on the place of production to ensure the "authenticity " of the handicrafts sold. Local markets - such as the huge one in Chichicastenango - and cooperatives are preferable to touristy areas, especially as many vendors have credit card terminals.

The rule is the same everywhere: drinks are more expensive in nightclubs or at festivals. Nevertheless, when they organize a party, party hostels and hostel bars often offer two cocktails for the price of one.

What budget to eat Guatemala?

The price range is quite wide. In "comedores", a kind of convivial local canteen, a good roast chicken and its accompaniments cost around Q40, while a dish can cost Q90 in a restaurant in the "strict" sense of the term.

Westernized and designed for affluent Guatemalans or tourists, the places to take a gourmet break are not cheap. Depending on the location, you can expect to pay between twenty and thirty quetzals for a slice of cake or a pastry. On the other hand, the price of beers - usually sold in bottles - and cocktails is bound to be higher in a hostel bar than outside. On average, for all establishments, you should expect to pay around 20 quetzales for a Gallo, the national beer. Most bars have ahappy hour, which traditionally offers a discount on the second drink purchased.

What is the budget for accommodation Guatemala?

In addition to the nature of the establishments, accommodation prices vary according to the period: they will be higher in high season and during events such as Semana Santa. As a general rule, beware of taxes when booking: they are not always included in the price and can considerably inflate it.

For those on a budget, we recommend friendly youth hostels - better known as"hostels " - which are becoming increasingly popular in Guatemala. You can stay in a dormitory or in a room with private bathroom. There are two different price ranges: the "classic" budget hostels, where a bed in a dormitory will cost between Q75 and Q100, and the more "chic" hostels, often with a nice view, swimming pool and bar, where rates can climb to Q150.

Youth hostels and small, comfortable hotels offer double rooms at relatively similar prices, ranging from Q200 to Q500, depending on the quality of the service. In this case, Airbnb can be an interesting alternative. On the other hand, spending the night in a beautiful posada or luxury hotel involves a hefty sum, up to Q2,000. In remote areas, where there are no ATMs, accommodation providers are not above taking a substantial commission on credit card payments.

Finally, whatever type of establishment you choose, take into account its geographical location: being too out of the way will certainly force you to take an Uber or cab after dark.

Travel budget Guatemala and cost of living

With an average monthly salary set at around Q2,849.50 - €335 - you'd be forgiven for thinking that Guatemala is a cheap country. Not so, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic. Without skipping out on excursions, but spending your nights only in dormitories and limiting the number of restaurants, you should expect to spend an average of around thirty euros a day. A more comfortable budget can easily climb to €80. More affluent visitors will spend between €100 and €120 per day. Of course, these figures are subject to change depending on the time of year: it's more expensive to explore the region during the high season and during popular events such as Semana Santa.

To save money, don't hesitate to bargain for all the tourist services on offer, especially in low season, when customers are scarce. That said, if you use a quality tour operator that works with local communities and ensures that the professionals it employs are remunerated commensurate with their work, it's normal to pay more.