As of November 12, 2026, Guatemala is cheaper than Colombia for travelers: a mid-range day costs about $72 in Guatemala against $96 in Colombia, a gap of 32.3%. Over the past year Guatemala has moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor (+0.9% after inflation, against −14.4%). Both sit at US advisory Level 3. Colombia is the easier of the two to travel.
| Measure | Colombia | Guatemala |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $96 | $72 |
| Lean day | $41 | $33 |
| Comfortable day | $233 | $166 |
| Real change, 12 months | −14.4% | +0.9% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | −12.4% | +0.2% |
| Versus 5-year average | −28.3% | 0.0% |
| US advisory | Level 3 · Reconsider travel | Level 3 · Reconsider travel |
| Ease of travel | 3.9 · Well set up | 3.2 · Workable |
| Index score | 37 | 55 |
| Best months | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Jul, Aug | Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Shoulder months | Jun, Sep | May, Oct |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
Mountains, Caribbean coast and coffee country, with a peso that rewards timing.
The catchThe advisory reflects crime and kidnapping risk that is strongly regional. Stick to established routes and never accept drinks from strangers.
Volcanoes, a highland lake and Maya ruins on a backpacker budget.
The catchViolent crime is the reason for the elevated advisory. Use tourist shuttles, not chicken buses, and do not travel after dark.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.