Country Travel Budget - Central America
Plan your Central America travel budget with estimated daily costs for all 7 countries in the region. Select your destination, travel style, and trip length for a realistic estimate.
Costs by Country (per person, per day)
Guatemala
- Backpacker: ~$28 USD/day
- Mid-range: ~$90 USD/day
- Luxury: ~$215 USD/day
Guatemala is one of the most affordable destinations in the region. Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and Tikal are must-sees.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is the most visited destination but also the most expensive. The national parks and biodiversity make it worthwhile.
Nicaragua
Nicaragua offers the best value for money. Leon, Granada, and Ometepe Island are popular destinations for just a few dollars a day.
To find the best accommodation deals in the region, visit hotelescentroamerica.com where you can compare hotel prices across all Central American countries.
Daily Cost Comparison (mid-range)
| Country | Accommodation | Food | Transport | Activities | Total | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | Guatemala | $35 | $25 | $15 | $15 | $90 | | Honduras | $30 | $20 | $12 | $12 | $74 | | El Salvador | $35 | $22 | $12 | $12 | $81 | | Costa Rica | $55 | $35 | $20 | $25 | $135 | | Panama | $50 | $30 | $18 | $20 | $118 | | Belize | $60 | $35 | $20 | $25 | $140 | | Nicaragua | $28 | $18 | $10 | $10 | $66 |
Money-Saving Tips
- Low season (May-November): Accommodation prices up to 40% cheaper
- Local food: Eat at local eateries and markets instead of tourist restaurants
- Public transport: Chicken buses in Guatemala cost a fraction of tourist shuttles
- Accommodation: Hostels and Airbnb offer better prices than hotels
Guatemala uses the Quetzal (Q), Honduras the Lempira (L), Costa Rica the Colon (₡), Nicaragua the Cordoba (C$), Belize the Belize Dollar (BZ$). El Salvador and Panama use the US dollar.
It depends on the country and style. Backpackers need $23-48 USD/day. Mid-range travelers need $66-140 USD/day. A 2-week backpacking trip through Guatemala costs approximately $400 USD.
Generally yes, with normal precautions. Costa Rica, Panama, and Belize are the safest. Guatemala and Nicaragua are safe in tourist areas. Always research current conditions before traveling.
The dry season (November-April) is most popular. However, the rainy season (May-October) offers lower prices and fewer tourists. Rain usually falls in the afternoon.
El Salvador and Panama use the US dollar as their official currency. In Guatemala, Belize, and Costa Rica, many tourist places accept dollars, but you'll get a better exchange rate with local currency.
Internal flights cost $80-200 USD per leg. International buses are much cheaper ($15-50 USD) but take more time.