Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $6–12 | $20–50 |
| Food | $4–10 | $12–25 |
| Transport | $1–5 | $8–15 |
| Activities | $5–15 | $20–40 |
| Entry Fees | $2–5 | $5–10 |
| Daily Total | $20–45 | $65–140 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Entry & Visas
- CA-4 agreement gives 90 days across Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua combined
- Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your stay
- Entry fees for ruins and parks are paid in GTQ — carry cash
Health & Safety
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation is essential — especially for volcano hikes
- Drink bottled or purified water only — tap water is not safe
- Antigua is one of Guatemala's safest cities but be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas and markets
Getting Around
- Antigua is entirely walkable — the cobblestone grid is compact and flat
- Chicken buses (retired US school buses) connect Antigua to Guatemala City and surrounding towns for a few quetzales
- Shuttle buses to Lake Atitlán, Semuc Champey, and the coast are bookable through hostels
Connectivity
- Buy a Tigo or Claro SIM card at any phone shop for affordable data — coverage is good in the city
- WiFi is reliable in hostels and cafés. Signal drops on volcano hikes and in rural areas
- WhatsApp is the primary communication app — use it for booking tours and transport
Money
- Currency: GTQ (Quetzal). USD accepted at many tourist businesses but change is given in quetzales
- ATMs on the central plaza and 5th Avenida — use bank-attached machines. Visa and Mastercard accepted at most restaurants
- Tipping 10% at restaurants. Tour guides: Q50–100 per person for day trips, more for multi-day hikes
Packing Tips
- Warm layers essential for Acatenango — temperatures drop below freezing at the summit
- Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones — flip-flops are impractical on Antigua's streets
- Rain jacket for afternoon showers in the wet season (May–Oct). Dry season evenings are cool but clear
Cultural tips
Respect Sacred Sites
Antigua's churches and ruins are both tourist attractions and active places of worship. Dress modestly when entering churches, speak quietly, and do not use flash photography during services.
Support Local Economy
Choose locally-owned restaurants, hostels, and tour operators over international chains. Buy coffee directly from cooperatives and textiles from artisan markets. Your spending has the most impact when it stays in the community.
Photography Etiquette
Ask permission before photographing indigenous people, especially women in traditional dress at markets. Many are happy to pose but it is disrespectful to photograph without consent.
Learn Spanish Basics
Antigua is one of the best places in the world to learn Spanish — even a few days of classes will transform your Guatemala experience. Greetings, please, and thank you in Spanish open doors everywhere.
Volcano Safety
Always use licensed guides for volcano hikes — Acatenango and Pacaya are active volcanoes with genuine risks. Never hike alone or leave marked trails. Follow your guide's instructions absolutely.
Guatemalan Time
Things move at a relaxed pace in Antigua — buses, tours, and meals may not run to strict schedules. Embrace the rhythm rather than fighting it, and your experience will be richer.
