Depending on the location of your accommodation, it might not be accessible by car. When it comes to the type of shuttle buses used, they are typically full-sized passenger vans that can accommodate around 15 people, much better than the public transportation (chicken bus) in Guatemala which has over a hundred passengers at once. Renting your own car gives you freedom and flexibility. We are so excited and grateful for all the reviews and questions we've read on this forum. This is a great option to use to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan. Antigua TO Panajachel, shared Panajachel TO Antigua, shared Your luggage is also most likely going to be tossed on top of the bus. To & from Lake Atitlan See All Shuttles Private Transport Folder: Hikes. We personally chose this transport option for ourselves and highly recommend every person to take a shared van shuttle. The money will help run this site! But we are here to tell you that no matter where you are staying in Lake Atitlan, Panajachel is going to be where you get off. Depending on the time of year and company, shuttles will cost between 10-25 (100 Q 250Q) per person. From the moment he picked us up at the airport until he dropped us off 2 weeks later, we felt incredibly safe and well c", "Very well planned trip. You can simply book via WhatsApp as late as the day before your travels and pay in cash. Location: Panajachel, Solol. We offer efficient travel throughout the country . But if you dont, then no, its not as touristy! airport_shuttle Transport: Van for 10 passengers. However, keep in mind that Guatemala is full of winding mountain roads and aggressive drivers that dont exactly adhere to the rules. Happy reading . Guatemalans have painted and turned these school buses intopublic party buses. If yourebackpacking Guatemala,the most common, safest and easiest way to travel between Antigua and Lake Atitlan is by shuttle. Personally, I recommendSafetyWing. When Is The Best Time To Travel From Antigua to Lake Atitlan? This is Isabella, a serious case of wanderlust! They are: Shuttle bus (most popular backpacker option) Public bus ('chicken bus') Private transfer Its tough to fork out $42 a month on something you might not need. There are 10 ways to get from ANTIGUA TO PANAJACHEL Lake Atitlan by Shared Minivan, Private transfers, or Standard Car with 5 Local operators. Shuttle Lanquin to Panajachel Lake Atitlan Most taxis and Ubers will drop you off in the main towns, like Panajachel, San Pedro, or San Marcos. . Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. 8-34 Zona 1 Quetzaltenango, Guatemala +502 5729-6279. Thats why Ive done the hard work for you. Or what you can do is take down the number of an Uber driver that you have used in Antigua and you have particularly found trustworthy and ask them for a. It will still take three to three and a half hours under normal traffic conditions. Antigua to Lake Atitlan - Best Routes & Travel Advice | kimkim Its a hit and miss whether youll get a driver thats willing to go all the way to Lake Atitlan. When youre planning a trip to Guatemala, make sure you let me know over onInstagramor in the comments below! Yes, they do play loud 80s music as you travel! Duration: 3-4 hours minimum (traffic dependent). Book in advance, wait for your hotel pickup and be on your way to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. There are many different ways to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan, but for the best value-for-money option, a shared shuttle transport is the best option. Find out the best transportation options to get there, so you can choose one that suits your budget and preferences! Take the Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan Shuttle. Check out these amazing options below. We had a great experience with them they pick you up on time and you just have to wait for a blue van to come by. We visited Lake Atitlan in February and had a real mix of sunny days with blue skies, and grey clouds overcast on the lake and over the volcanoes. Shared Shuttles Antigua Guatemala to Panajachel and Lake Atitlan Theyre small but hold around 25 people and cost 2.50/$3 per one-way journey. Although the idea of riding in the back of an old American school bus all the way from Antigua to Lake Atitln might be an appealing one, the reality is that youll be in for a long, hot, cramped, and bumpy ride. person_pin Pick Up-Drop off: Hotel to Hotel. Youre better off getting a private transfer with the tourist shuttle companies since there are many options. The scenic drive takes you through the mountains and little villages in the highlands. The shuttle must be pre-booked via this website, your hostel, or a local travel agent. You can also make requests according to your specific wants and needs. Required fields are marked *. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. Most even pick you up from your hostel (ours in Antigua did!). person_pin Meeting Point: Centro de Salud in Lanquin to any Hotel Panajachel. Exactly what I was looking for. (2023), Quito To Cotopaxi: FULL Guide, Routes + Tips (2023), 10 Days In Ecuador: Route, Itinerary & Tips (2023), Chilmaltenango >Los Encuentros (70 minutes), The route from Antigua to Lake Atitlan via public bus. There are so many companies to choose from its pretty easy to find one and they are all relatively the same price. So, there you have it! CONTACT: Isabella @ boundlessroads.com | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube, Best Car Rental Deals w/ Free Cancellation, Compare & Save! It is about 80 kilometers between Panajachel and Antigua, and usually takes around 2.5 hours to 3 hours to get there thanks to the winding roads. They were so knowledgable about the culture and history of Guatema", Traveled to Guatemala as a group in January, 2024, "Our guide, Esteban, was incredible. The most comfortable and convenient way to get from Antigua to Lake Atitln is by private transfer. Antigua, Guatemala Save to Wishlist From $20.00 Lowest Price Guarantee Select Date and Travelers Check Availability Non-refundable You will not receive a refund if you cancel. A shared shuttle bus from Antigua to Lake Atitlan costs around 20 to 30 USD per person, depending on which tour company you get it from. Note: I dont recommend taking a chicken bus if you have back problems or want a ride that is chill and relaxing. Depending on the traffic, you might take longer around 4 hours but usually, this is the duration you can expect if you travel in the morning. Now you can find me travelling the world with my boyfriend, scoping out the best hidden gems, wildlife, culture and adventures (and misadventures) as we go. If you leave early in the morning then you will be able to take a boat trip around the lake, check out a few of the different villages and the three volcanoes, do a cultural tour, and still make it back to Antigua in time for dinner. Today, we slow travel full-time, run our business from our laptops and embrace life one adventure at a time. It may not be the most economical option for making the journey, but it will be a memorable one. Public buses can take much longer than shuttles and are a lot bumpier. Antigua To Lake Atitlan Guatemala: COMPLETE Guide (2023) - Jennie Wanders The travel is fairly easy from Antigua and thats what makes it a must-visit on any Guatemala itinerary! You can easily use the Google Translate app to write a message and/or read their messages in Spanish! It is safe, and efficient, and only costs about $25 to $35. Price of the service: The price is $30.00 per person. Travel time: 1 hour to Antigua, 2.5 to 3 hours to Chichicastenango, 1.5 to 2 hours to Lake Atitlan. WithSafetyWing, youre covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpackers price!). I recommend either staying in a social hostel or a hotel/apartment with a lake view. El Salvadors new president, Read More El Tunco El Salvador: COMPLETE Guide 2023Continue, A detailed guide to planning and booking a trip around Europe, whether youre travelling solo, in a couple or with a friend! But before they are ready to pick up passengers, they get a complete visual makeover. You can find private transfers in some of the tour agencies around Antigua. You can get to there for a fraction of the price you would pay for a shuttle. The one good thing about a rental car is you can stop anywhere you want and admire the stunning landscapes this region is known for. Uber is not available anywhere throughout the lake villages which means youre not likely to get someone to pick up the request. Planning A Trip To Lake Atitlan Last Minute? If you are running low on time then you can also organize a day-trip out to the lake from Antigua. Again take some Dramamine if it really affects you! Unsubscribe at any time. This is Isabella, the author of this blog, and a cat lover. Bear in mind, the road between Antigua and Lake Atitlan is adventurous, to say the least, so it may take a little while longer! Luckily, you are spoiled with some dramatic views as you approach Lake Atitlan. If you are going to swim, be cautious and try not to swallow any water. How to get from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan, Book a Private Transfer from Antigua to Panajachel, Take the Shuttle from Antigua to Lake Atitlan, Ride the Chicken Bus from Antigua to Lake Atitlan, Go On a Day Tour to Lake Atitlan from Antigua, shared shuttle from Antigua to Lake Atitlan, 8 BEST Florence Vespa Tours Selected by a Local, 6 BEST Mount Fuji Tours from Tokyo [2023], Sumo Wrestling in Tokyo: Tickets & Info [2023], 5 BEST Whale Shark Tours from Playa del Carmen [2023]. Join our mailing list to get the latest updates!! Another way to get to Lake Atitln on public transportation is via a direct bus. Shared Van Shuttle. Product code: BUSANT2PAN. Backpacking Europe, Read More Backpacking Europe: A Beginners Step-by-Step Guide (2023)Continue, Looking for the best things to do in Melbourne as a solo traveller? If you are staying at the lake you can get the helicopter to drop you at your hotelhelipad proximity-dependent, of courseor if you just want to do a day trip then you can enjoy a cultural tour through some traditional Mayan villages before heading back to Antigua in the afternoon. Its also the cheapest option on this list at only 100Q ($13 USD) per person. Again, if youre staying in a different town, like San Pedro La Laguna or Santa Cruz La Laguna, youll have to take the shuttle to Panajachel and be left at the dock, where youll take the boat transfer arranged by your hotel or a public boat. Renting a car is probably a better option if you just want to go out to the lake for a day trip before returning to Antigua in the afternoon. The travel time for all 3 options are fairly similar and as I said Im not recommending any complicated transport options (that can often take longer than the usual time). My favorite way to enjoy a destination! Guatemala has some amazing singletrack. Antigua is around 2.5 hours away from Lake Atitlan. Trip time usually is between 2 and a half to three hours. If you dont plan to stay in the area and would only like to take a day trip from Antigua to Lake Atitlan, the best way to make the most of your time is to join a tour! Skip the stress of making your own way between Lake Atitlan and Antigua with a shared transfer service that lets you avoid public transport and expensive taxi rides. They usually come with a functioning air-conditioning, ideal for hot weather in Guatemala. Check out our recommended car rental company here. You wont need to stop along the way (unless you want to) and you can tell them whichever town you want to go to. Do I need travel insurance to travel to Guatemala? Most hostels, hotels or Airbnbs can recommend various shuttle services. It was an easy journey and they pick you up from your hotel/Airbnb. Youre in the right place! This means you shouldnt take the afternoon shuttle service. There are plenty of places where a private car in Guatemala would be useful, such as Guatemala City, Flores (to see Tikal), and Semuc Champey. Book Now. Thankfully, we booked one nights hotel in Pana because there was no way to get across to San Pedro La Laguna without paying over $60 USD for a scary (possibly dangerous) lancha ride! The best and safest way to travel from Antigua to Lake Atitlan is via shuttle bus. READHow to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan []. The distance between Antigua and Lake Atitlan (Panajachel) is around 80km and is a 2-hour drive. From these two towns, there are lanchas every 15-30 minutes to take you to the other towns. payment Price US$47.00 P/P. There are travel agents around Antigua where you can book your shuttle, or you can pre-book online here. Im not a big traveler so I just went with knowing what I was told. Yes, chicken buses arent exactly safe and reliable, as most of them break down more often than anyone would like. As digital nomads in Lake Atitlan, we were paying 50-60 per night for a private room, and around 25 (for 2 people) at a meal in a restaurant. And another popular location is to actually stay in Panajachel, Lake Atitlans main town. Yes, you do! Your email address will not be published. We recommend getting there 45 minutes early! Follow me on Instagram! Its also a somewhat long and bumpy ride, and while the roads can be narrow or winding, theres not much regard for speed limits, and the vehicles are not that well maintained, so its definitely not for the faint-hearted. This depends on where youre staying, which town you visit and what kind of traveller you are. Of course, if you have a luxury budget, or if there is a bigger group of you (3 or 4), you may want to split a private transfer. It takes about two and a half hours to get from Antigua to Panajachel, and the views are gorgeous when you are descending toward the lake. today Service: Check Availability. For starters, the schedule is limited to once a day at 7 AM, and its suggested that you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to ensure the bus doesnt leave earlier and to get your spot. However most shuttles are not direct and do stop over in Antigua. And for things that are a little bit farther away from town, you can take a tuk tuk to your destination. We found Panajachel to have some tourists in the main restaurants and on Calle Santander, but there was a much higher percentage of Guatemalans around, especially during the day. From Panajachel, you can easily take a boat trip or private taxi to any of the other lake villages, such as San Marcos or San Pedro. Answer 1 of 12: Do you think I need to book in advance for one day tour from Antigua to Lake Atitlan? The drive from Antigua to San Pedro La Laguna includes one of the windiest roads weve ever ridden on! Solo Female Travellers Advice, Acatenango Hike Difficulty: COMPLETE Guide, OX Expeditions Guatemala Review: Volcano Hikes + More, Banos To Guayaquil (Ecuador) Complete Guide & Routes 2023, Banos To Cuenca (Ecuador) Full Guide & Routes In 2023, 2 Weeks In Ecuador: Routes, Itineraries & Guides! BOOK IT HERE. Although taking an uber or a taxi to Lake Atitln is an option, I wouldnt recommend it. Shared shuttle - between Antigua and Panajachel, Lake Atitlan See All Hikes Our Location Shuttles to and from Lake Atitlan. But the good thing about the chicken bus from Antigua to Lake Atitlan is that is it super affordable. If you decide to travel by shared van shuttle from Lake Atitlan to Antigua, you can board one in the lake town . The shuttle driver will continue picking up additional passengers before leaving for Lake Atitlan. They are easy to book through your hotel, hostel, or through many of the travel agency offices in Antigua. You can also check with your hotel or hostel for the most up-t0-date information and directions on where to catch the bus. Its also safer during the day, you can begin to be aware of your surroundings and actually see what its like. We offer personalized itineraries based on traveler's needs and requests. Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve (Amazon Rainforest), 3 Days in Antigua Guatemala: The Perfect Itinerary, 2. And if you do happen to miss that bus, your alternative is taking 3 chicken buses (via Chimaltenango, Los Encuentros, Solola, then finally Lake Atitlan). Many tours go to this town so that visitors can enjoy shopping, taking pictures, visiting the church, and watching Mayan ceremonies. During the trip, the driver will make at least one restroom stop, probably in Tecpan. ", How to Get from Lake Atitlan to Semuc Champey, How to Get from Guatemala City to Lake Atitln, How to Get from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey, How to Get from Guatemala City to Panajachel, How to Get from Lake Atitlan to Tikal National Park, How to Get from Antigua to Guatemala City, How to Get from Tikal National Park to Guatemala City, How to Get from Tikal National Park to Semuc Champey, Best of Guatemala: Antigua, Lake Atitln & Tikal - 8 Days, Luxury & Maya Culture in Guatemala - 8 Days, Guatemalan Highlands: Antigua, Lake Atitln & Tikal - 7 Days, Multi-Sport Adventure in Guatemala - 8 Days. If you plan to take a shuttle bus to Lake Atitlan, this could be a great option for you. And one of the cheapest they have deals that start atjust $42 USD per month. There are a couple of ways to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan some are easy and some are difficult (involving multiple stops and transfers). You can simply go to their location and request to book shuttle transport. BOOK IT HERE. If youre backpacking Lake Atitlan, cooking your own meals and staying in shared dorms, you can knock this down to 15-20 per night on accommodation, and 10-20 per day on food and activities. While this is one of the most hassle-free alternatives, along with the private transfer, it can also be one of the most expensive ones, so its not ideal if youre on a budget. To & from Lake Atitlan Monte Verde Tours Simply click the button below for prices and availability of shuttles and cars from Antigua to Lake Atitlan. Taking a Shared Shuttle Bus From Antigua to Lake Atitlan, Chicken Buses to Lake Atitlan From Antigua, Getting a Rental Car and Driving Yourself, Taking a Guided Tour From Antigua Guatemala. Shuttles depart Antigua for Lake Atitlan a few times through the day. Antigua Tours LLC has specialized in Cultural Tourism in Guatemala since 1992. Our local travel specialists have been recommended by, "La atencin el cuidado de cada una de las personas que hicieron posible un tour maravilloso para mi hermana y para mi fue genial con personas geniales cada G", Traveled to Guatemala as a family in June, 2023, "Chris was incredibly attentive and insightful when it came to planning the perfect trip for us! If youre visiting Central America as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it issoimportant to havetravel insurance. If you like to travel on your own schedule and plan to see several locations in Guatemala, renting your own car could be a great idea. If youre headed to some other village, though, you can ask them if they can drop you off there, or else you can get off at the Panajachel dock to take the ferry. Boundless Roads is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Whilst El Salvador might not jump out at you when thinking of a holiday destination, this is slowly changing. and NEEDS to be on your Guatemala travel itinerary. This is another easy way to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan, directly. Sign up forSafetyWing, and the job is done! By: Due South Travels 106 Melanie B 0 0 Reliable clean ride Not only are they affordable, but they also are comfortable and pick you up at your accommodation in Antigua and drop you off in Lake Atitlan. You will be met by a driver who will pick you up at your accommodation and either be dropped off at your accommodation in Panajachel, San Marcos, or San Pedro, or taken to the boat dock where you can take a private or public boat to your accommodation. Youre in the right place. Although the buses arent always cram-packed, especially post 2020, you might end up on a seat with two to four other people. Traveling in a small group limited to only 10 people means you won't have to wait for multiple pickups and drop-offs, while air conditioning ensures you stay cool and relaxed throughout the scenic ride. After all, there are more than 10 villages in Lake Atitlan and they arent exactly close to each other. You can also rent a car and drive yourself, but as always, parking is tricky, and if you want to explore other areas on the lake you will have to find a place to park in Panajachel and jump on a boat. Shuttles run all over Guatemala and are the most popular way for backpackers to travel around. Its a popular place for locals and foreigners to flock to this magical lake to relax, rejuvenate and take in some nature. We still highly recommend the shared shuttle option, unless you are traveling with a group and can save money by sharing the cost! It is best to get the direct shuttle from Antigua to . Renting a car to travel from Antigua to Lake Atitlan might be the best option if you want to manage your own schedule, making photo stops along the way, and being in control of the itinerary. If you cant find what youre looking for, drop me a DM! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost for you. For example, if youre keen to party, youll want to stay in San Pedro. 9 ways to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan - Boundless Roads In 2018, I left the comfort of my home and job in New York City to find out what truly inspires me. * Shuttle transportation from Antigua Guatemala to Lake Atitlan everyday. I receive a small commission if you use the links at no extra cost to you! Looking for the best ways to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan? Thats why its so common for people to just use Uber to also get to Lake Atitlan. The distance between Antigua and Lake Atitlan (Panajachel) is around 80km and is a 2-hour drive. Keep an eye out for more Guatemala content,all written from a personal and realistic point of view. If you are coming from Guatemala City, worry not. Very affordable, quick and on time pickup, the shuttle wasn't packed/overbooked and the ride was relatively smooth. There are daily shuttles that run to and from Lake Atitlan and Antigua. The Antigua to Atitlan shuttle (to Panajachel) costs around $20 at the time of writing. Your shuttle will drop you off in one of two places; on the main street near Calle Santander, or at the ferry port. Hi, again! Related post: 3 Perfect Days In Antigua | Best Time to Visit Guatemala: Complete Guide. Theyre also modern and clean, and everyone will have their seat (no plastic chairs shoved in the middle of an aisle)! Granted you do get the driver for the day which is best for a roundtrip journey but if its a one-way journey, its simply not worth the money. Lake Atitlan is around 2.5 to 3 hours away from Antigua. In a rush? Antigua to/from San Pedro Lake Atitlan Shared Shuttle Service 2023 PeruRomaniaColombiaGuatemalaHong KongMalaysia. The shuttle to Panajachel takes around 3 hours to arrive, and the one-way trip costs $25. However, the rainy season in Guatemala is fromMay to October, but rain can last until later in the year (even as far as December), so if you want to avoid the rain, January to May is the best time to visit. Whichever option you go with, they will: There are several ways to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan but I wont bother sharing the difficult transportation options that could give you a headache, stress or even worse get you lost! Follow me on social media here! Its a great destination to have a mix of local life as well as fun bars, restaurants and tourist attractions. The Ultimate Lake Atitlan Digital Nomad Guide (2023). Eduardo se", "I really can't say enough amazing things about Cathy and the whole team at Columbus Tours! Plus, driving in another country can be a fun way to add spice to your trip. Category Lake Atitlan Updated on March 27, 2022. Just remember to keep all valuables with you inside the bus! They are: Its important to note that all shuttles will stop in Panajachel for Lake Atitlan. If you are staying in Panajachel, check your Google maps to see which drop-off point is easier. Shuttle Antigua to Panajachel | Online Shared Private Minivan tickets Its somewhere we could see ourselves returning to and living in for quite a while.