An ancient history of a still surviving Mayan population and Spanish occupation with a background of active volcanoes, stunning white sand beaches to chill out on and rainforest for hiking through make this a popular spot for budget travellers.
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Accommodation in Guatemala
Budget hotels are a little tricky to come by and when you do find them they will certainly be basic - take your own toilet paper. Cheaper are the pensions and if you plan on staying a week or so it can be worth getting an apartment, check on the noticeboards in the towns.
A Traveller's Budget for Guatemala
Around US$25 should see you through the day for your accommodation, food and travel. There is an extensive bus network which should get you to where you want to be and you can either go by chicken bus which tends to be a little unreliable and overcrowded or spend a little more and take a Pullman coach, still not that expensive. Make sure you find out the fare before you get on and try to give the driver the correct money, they sometimes try and charge tourists more than the locals.
Cycle touring is an excellent way to get about if you can cope with the hills, if you do get too knackered you can always flag down a passing bus and stick your bike on the roof.
Otherwise you could catch a lift with a truck driver who'll charge you a little, or by pick up truck in more remote areas. Be aware of the risks of doing this though and make informed decisions.
To eat cheaply shouldn't be hard, there are traditional central American snacks and meals like burritos and tortillas available everywhere. Stuffed chillies are a local dish, filled with meat or vegetables or both.
Activities on a Budget
Check out the colonial architecture in Antigua
Explore ancient Mayan cities
Volcano climbing, there are plenty of them to choose from
Mountaineering in the Cuchumatanes mountains
Mountain biking across the country, it's a growth industry
Diving in Lake Atitlán or off the Caribbean coast
Whitewater rafting - organise it in advance, the more people, the cheaper the cost.
