BUDGETING
& EXPENSES
Expenses vary depending on accommodations, personal preferences, and how you spend your free time. The table below includes examples of local prices to help plan your budget. Please note, these are example prices only.
Participants should consider snacks, drinks, toiletries, medications, travel, tours, social activities, and emergencies. Please note that host families include meals, but not snacks.
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru, though small family-run stores and markets may not accept them. ATMs are very accessible in every country.
| Expenses | Guatemala | Peru | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meals – Dining Out (Lunch) | $3-$6/meal | $3-$6/meal | $5-$10/meal |
| Meals – Dining Out (Dinner) | $10-$25/meal | $10-$25/meal | $15-$30/meal |
| Meals – Groceries (Apartment stays) | $30-$50/week | $30-$50/week | $60-$90/week |
| Drinks – Bottled Water (2 Liters) | $1-$2/bottle | $1-$2/bottle | $2-$4/bottle |
| Drinks – Local Beer | $2-$4/beer | $2-$4/beer | $2-$4/beer |
| Drinks – Mixed Drink | $2-$4/drink | $2-$4/drink | $4-$7/drink |
| Toiletries – Shampoo | $4-$6/bottle | $4-$6/bottle | $5-$8/bottle |
| Toiletries – Toothpaste | $2-$3/tube | $2-$3/tube | $3-$5/tube |
| Laundry Service | $2-$4/kilo | $2-$4/kilo | $5-$8/kilo |
| Medical – Doctor’s Appointment | $20-$30/visit | $20-$30/visit | $50-$75/visit |
| Medical – Ibuprofen | $3-$5/10 Tablets | $2-4/10 Tablets | $6-$10/10 Tablets |
| Medical – Antibiotics | $10-$20/Rx | $8-$20/Rx | $40-$60/Rx |
| Transportation – Public Bus | Less than $1/ride | Less than $1/ride | $1-$2/ride |
| Transportation – Taxi | $2-$5/ride | $1-$2/ride | $3-$10/ride |
| Tours – Half-day Tours | $20-$70/tour | $20-$50/tour | $50-$100/tour |
| Tours – Full-day Tours | $70-$150/tour | $50-$350/tour | $100-$350/tour |
| Tours – Multi-day Tours | $100-$500/tour | $150-$500/tour | $200-$600/tour |
