How to Travel to Guatemala on a Budget

Volcano

Guatemala is a vacation destination that is often overlooked for more glamorous, tropical destinations. However, Guatemala is a great place to visit that is kind on the pocketbook, while being interesting, adventurous and even educational. As a backpacker, you can enjoy much of what Guatemala has to offer on the cheap.

Instructions

1. Look for airfare sales going to Guatemala online. Check into regional airlines that fly within Guatemala, that can get you to your interior destination after arriving on your international flight. That way, you can fly an international airline, including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines or United Airlines to Guatemala, and then choose a regional airline to get to your specific desired destination, which can save you money.

2. Look for hostels to stay in, rather than resorts or hotels. Hostels cater to those who are traveling on a budget, and cost less than $20 per night. Hostels are also a great place to meet others who are traveling on a budget. Some popular hostels in Guatemala are the Jungle Party Hostel, The Black Cat Inn and El Montanes, all which offer rates from $9 to $20 per night.

3. Stay away from large, tourist trap, resort attractions, which many large guided tours tend to take tourists to, and instead book a private tour guide who is a local and can give you a better deal. You may also find that a private, local guided tour gives you better exposure to all Guatemala has to offer in the ways of volcanoes, waterfalls, ruins and other sites. Turismo Adventure is a private, Guatemala-based group of tour guides who can offer inside looks at some of the most popular destinations and sites. (See Resources below for link.)

4. Shop the local market for souvenirs, food and goods to bring home. Market prices are notoriously cheap, and you'll save from not going to restaurants, or purchasing gifts and goods at tourist and resort gift shops. Chichicastenango and Solola are two regional markets that offer goods and are a must see if you are visiting Guatemala.

5. Check out the area you are staying in for Internet cafes. Not only can you grab a bite to eat, but Guatemalan Internet cafes charge only $1 for an hour of high-speed Internet access. You can use this to check in back home, or even make calls using a free Internet service like Skype. This will save you money over phone cards, or expensive wireless, which often isn't reliable.

References

• Budget Globetrotting

Resources

• Turismo Adventure