Public buses can take much longer than shuttles and are a lot bumpier. Your accommodation in Lake Atitlan could be in San Marcos, which is almost an entire lake away from another village like Panajachel. Talk about a nightmare! 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). Whether you want to party, relax by the lake, hike to a sunrise spot or jump off a rope swing, theres something for everyone to enjoy! So, there you have it! 1st bus - Antigua to Chimal. Its also a bit riskier with your bags and luggage, but not impossible. Take An Uber From Antigua To Lake Atitlan. If you dont have much time on your Guatemala itinerary, then the best option for you might be to take a guided tour to Lake Atitln. Flight time 14hrs 30min from London, 5hrs 30min from New York. Or just take the shuttle to Panajachel and take the lancha (boat taxi) across. This post explains the most common backpacker ways to travel between Cancun and Oaxaca. We booked a private driver to pick my mom up from the airport to Lake Atitlan and it cost us $120 USD for the day. Be sure to stop at some of the viewpoints along the way to admire the three volcanoes surrounding Lake Atitln. Getting to Lake Atitln is only half the battle, because now you need to figure out how to get around Lake Atitlan. from. The lake itself is surrounded by three volcanoes, studded with tiny villages, and is rich in Mayan culture. The private driver is much more expensive but if you prefer it simply book with the same person that took you from Antigua to Lake Atitlan. LivingOutLau is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Hi! The journey from Antigua to Lake Atitlan via public bus would be (correct as of April 2023): Total time from Antigua to Lake Atitlan via public bus: 3.5 hours. The boats (lanchas in Spanish) depart regularly and have a standard route: If your destination isnt in one of the villages mentioned, you will need to tell the boat driver where your accommodation is (either name of the town or name of the accommodation). Check out our guide for the best options to travel from Antigua to Lake Atitlan. How to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan with Kids Youre in the right place! Autobuses FDN (Fuente Del Norte) Gray Line Guatemala. Transportation Services. There are plenty of tour companies that offer day trip tours. We absolutely loved our itinerary, he", Traveled to Guatemala as a couple in March, 2023, "I can't say enough good things about this trip and experience! They are a reputable company, and its what I recommend. Most are painted in exuberant colors, adorned with chrome and sport LED lights, sound systems, and sexy stickers. Given the short time allotted to Staying in Guatemala would my time be better spent focused solely on Antigua or spread out between Antigua and the region of Lake Atitlanhmmmm. You will need to make your way to the ferry port in Panajachel to reach your accommodation in another town around Lake Atitlan. If youre on a tight budget or are looking for something cultural and adventurous to do, why not take a chicken bus to Lake Atitln? The distance from Antigua in Guatemala to Lake Atitlan is 54.3 miles (87.4 km), and the ride will take you just over 3 hours. Boundless Roads is by no means liable for any purchase of tours, tickets, accommodation, or any other online reservation. 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 you dont mind paying additional fees, you can also request a private transfer with the same companies that offer shared shuttle transport. 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. Yes, they do play loud 80s music as you travel! People buy them for cheap in the United States and drive them all the way to Guatemala to be used for public transport. Taking a shuttle bus from Antigua to Lake Atitln is relatively easy and convenient, but can be a little cramped and uncomfortable. Its a great destination to have a mix of local life as well as fun bars, restaurants and tourist attractions. We were shocked at how much they charge for a private car with a driver in Guatemala. They are easy to book through your hotel, hostel, or through many of the travel agency offices in Antigua. If you are going to swim, be cautious and try not to swallow any water. You lucky thing! Youre in the right place! However, keep in mind that Guatemala is full of winding mountain roads and aggressive drivers that dont exactly adhere to the rules. While driving from Antigua to Lake Atitlan, you can expect a bunch of bumps on the road and insanely crooked roads like the one pictured below! 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. It takes around 2 hours to travel by car from Lake Atitlan to Antigua, Guatemala. Some travelers choose to travel first to Antigua, and then to Lake Atitlan area, some of them travel there directly. Their daily schedule from Antigua to Lake Atitlan (San Pedro drop-off) runs from: If youd like to book with Benjy Travels, their WhatsApp number is +502 5696 6252. With a poor maintenance record and no regard for speed limits, even up on the winding mountain roads, safety is far from guaranteed, and you will need to pay close caution to your belongings as pickpocketing is rife. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. How much is the shuttle from Antigua to Lake Atitlan? Ideal length 10 nights. Here are some answers and tips to the questions we asked ourselves when trying to get across. Make sure you alwaysread the reviews first. The drive from Antigua to Lake Atitlan takes about 2.5 hours, and you must go through some of the winding roads of Guatemalas highlands. to see if theres a guide that suits you. Uber is legal in Guatemala and actually quite popular in Antigua and Guatemala City. How To Get From Antigua To Lake Atitlan, Guatemala - Universal Traveller 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. Surprisingly, an Uber or hiring a taxi can sometimes be cheaper than a private shuttle, but the difficulty is finding a driver that will accept your offer. [Info, Prices]. The distance from Antigua in Guatemala to Lake Atitlan is 54.3 miles (87.4 km), and you can make the journey in approximately 3 hours. The most comfortable and convenient way to get from Antigua to Lake Atitln is by private transfer. Guatemalans have painted and turned these school buses intopublic party buses. Thinking of spending a day in Quito? This depends on where youre staying, which town you visit and what kind of traveller you are. By Kate A I receive a small commission if you use the links at no extra cost to you! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Subscribe to get our latest content by email. Its tough to fork out $42 a month on something you might not need. 3. Dont be that person! Jennie Wanders is part of 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. But when the lake is in step 2 or 3, life is harder at those layers. When youre planning a trip to Guatemala, make sure you let me know over onInstagramor in the comments below! During the trip, the driver will make at least one restroom stop, probably in Tecpan. Activities I requested with local insight in to where to go, where to stay and what to do. Planning A Trip To Lake Atitlan Last Minute? 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. Note: They will only pick up passengers located at central hotels. The distance between Antigua and Lake Atitlan (Panajachel) is around 80km and is a 2-hour drive. These are warm months reaching temperatures of 28C so you'll get more sunshine if you visit during these months. Read More What To Wear In The Amazon Rainforest (That Isnt Ugly) 2023Continue, Your email address will not be published. Travel from Antigua to Lake Atitlan - Antigua Forum - Tripadvisor Lanchas on Lake Atitlan go to all areas around the lake (San Pedro, Santa Cruz, San Juan etc), and stop at private docks if you are staying in a specific hotel that is not close to a main town. I highly recommend using shuttles to travel around Guatemala when backpacking! And for things that are a little bit farther away from town, you can take a tuk tuk to your destination. I am an Italian expatriate with a Mexican permanent Residence. The best option is to hire a private driver in Guatemala City, and there are many knowledgeable drivers willing to make the trip as this is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The most popular villages to get dropped off are Panajachel and San Pedro. How To Travel from Lisbon To Cascais In 2023? We booked with Benjy Travel Tours and it cost us 100 quetzals ($13 USD) per person to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan. Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Small towns are dotted on the sides. The scenic drive takes you through the mountains and little villages in the highlands. The shuttles can be booked via your hostel or travel agents in Antigua and should be organised at least 24 hours in advance. There are 2 ways to get from Lago de Atitln to Antigua Guatemala by bus Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. Calories. "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! They are: Its important to note that all shuttles will stop in Panajachel for Lake Atitlan. Check out my Mexico sites: Let's Travel to MexicoMexico Cenotes and Ruins Let's Travel to Cancun, Renting a Car In Italy: The Complete Guide 2023, 2 days in Los Angeles - The Best Itinerary, The Best Snorkeling Spots in the Caribbean, Everything you should know before traveling to Italy. Follow The Journey In Real-Time @TwoTicketsAnywhere_. The best and safest way to travel from Antigua to Lake Atitlan is via shuttle bus. Our local travel specialists have been recommended by. The Rebuli bus line has direct buses to Panajachel, Lake Atitlns main hub, every day. Planning to visit Lake Atitlan? 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). How far is it from Antigua to Lake Atitlan? Yes, you do! You can also check with your hotel or hostel for the most up-t0-date information and directions on where to catch the bus. Thats why its so common for people to just use Uber to also get to Lake Atitlan. Apart from that, the journey from Antigua to Lake Atitlan is pretty easy (especially if you go with any of the options below). Alternatively, if you are like us and want to be prepared in advance, you can book your private shuttle service here with GuateGo! Lake Atitlan Weather: Whens The Best Time To Visit? If you plan to take a shuttle bus to Lake Atitlan, this could be a great option for you. Each Lake Atitlan village offers something different, so we recommend you stay in a few. As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. Plus, its only 2.5 hours from Antigua, so its definitely worth a visit! Lake Atitlan is around 2.5 to 3 hours away from Antigua. Most shared van shuttle services only go to specific towns (other towns are just too hard to drive through). I have been using SafetyWing as I found it to be the best for what I need. On my blog, you will find personal information, guides and travel tips as I share my discoveries of the world. Its important to always account for traffic because it can get clogged along the way. You can pay cash once you get off the van in Antigua. But of course, most backpackers (like us!) Copyright © 2023 Two Tickets Anywhere. How To Get from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan [2023] - Every Steph You wont have to carry much gear (other than a day pack), as they transport your heavy bags and camping supplies for you. Ambleside is my favourite place to visit in the Lake District, and some of the walks from Ambleside are just incredible. It was an easy journey and they pick you up from your hotel/Airbnb. Solo Female Travellers Advice, Acatenango Hike Difficulty: COMPLETE Guide, OX Expeditions Guatemala Review: Volcano Hikes + More, Quito To Guayaquil: Full Guide & Transport Options (2023), Banos To Guayaquil (Ecuador) Complete Guide & Routes 2023, Banos To Cuenca (Ecuador) Full Guide & Routes In 2023, 2 Weeks In Ecuador: Routes, Itineraries & Guides! Lake Atitln is a really special lake because it can reach 300 meters deep at some points. For safety reasons, its best not to drive after dark. Hopefully, Lake Atitln is only periodically in step 3. There are quite a few transportation alternatives to consider, all of them detailed in this post. In summary, there are two main ways to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan. There are travel agents around Antigua where you can book your shuttle, or you can pre-book online here. NOTE: Selina and the Dreamboat Hostel are both by the ferry port. You can simply book via WhatsApp as late as the day before your travels and pay in cash. Although the distance doesn't sound like much, the trip can take several hours (though 3 is a good average). Lake Atitlan - Lago de Atitlan Guatemala - Destination 360 Villa Bokh: a lush oasis just outside the city of Antigua. You can also join a tour like this four day Discover Antigua & Lake Atitln trip. In a rush? Depending on the location of your accommodation, it might not be accessible by car. Antigua Guatemala to Lago de Atitln - one way to travel via Bus If youre visiting Central America as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it issoimportant to havetravel insurance. Shuttles from Antigua usually leave at 5:30 am, 8:00 am, 12:30 pm, and 4 pm every day. Around 175 miles (280 km) from Lake Atitln, the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey are arguably Guatemala's second most famous natural wonder. It is safe, and efficient, and only costs about $25 to $35. Hence the nickname. You can use the same shared shuttle service to get you back to Antigua from Lake Atitlan. Shuttle Bus. As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog! Eduardo was so wonderful to work with, very knowledgable and easy to communicate with. You can also take a shuttle to San Marcos or San Pedro on the other side of the lake. This is Isabella, the author of this blog, and a cat lover. JJ our guide", Traveled to Guatemala as a family in March, 2023, "My trip to Guatemala was amazing. But, if youre a little more adventurous than us, you can travel from Antigua to lake Atitlan via public bus. However, after staying in some myself, and talking to other backpackers, weve found these are the most popular choices. Transportation from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala airport In 2018, I left the comfort of my home and job in New York City to find out what truly inspires me. Vacation Package: Antigua - Lake Atitlan - Tripmasters 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. Yay! Weve completely fallen in love with the freedom that comes with this lifestyle and we hope to inspire you to join us on the digital nomad journey! Imbackpacking Central Americawith my boyfriend (read morehere! It will still take three to three and a half hours under normal traffic conditions. You can visit Lake Atitlan at any time of year and have a good time. The main transport hub for Lake Atitln is Panajachel, around two hours drive from Antigua. Choosing the right hostel as a backpacker is crucial to how successful your trip will be. Recommended option Bus Take the Bus from Antigua Guatemala to Lago de Atitln 4h 43m $115 Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between This giant crater lake formed tens of thousands of years ago after the then-existing mega volcanoes erupted (spreading ash from Ecuador to Florida) and collapsed, leaving a massive caldera 11 miles wide that eventually filled up with rainwater and sediment. View Map Just over 30 miles (50 km) from Antigua, Pacaya Volcano makes for a perfect half-day trip. Santa Cruz La Laguna Guatemala. Lake Atitlan is one of the best places to visit in Guatemala. Unfortunately, the main towns around the lake (including Panajachel and San Pedro) have a high level of pollution and trash in the water. Its fairly straightforward and a pretty safe option for people. Lago Atitln is surrounded by three 10,000-foot volcanoes, and lies within a large volcanic caldera. Gone are the dull yellow colors (and seat belts gosh, why are all the seat belts gone?) The lake is located in the Solol Department of southwestern Guatemala. Lake Atitlan to Tikal National Park - Best Routes & Travel Advice We recommend getting there 45 minutes early! Shared shuttle - between Antigua and Panajachel, Lake Atitlan How To Get From Lake Atitlan To Antigua, Guatemala - Universal Traveller Walking Antigua: In a country where approximately 55 murders a week are reported in the capital city alone (and only 2 - 3 percent of all homicides committed in Guatemala are prosecuted), Antigua feels like, and is a relatively safe place to explore. Guatemala has several tour companies that offer a shuttle service from Antigua to Lake Atitlan. How far is it from Guatemala City airport to Lake Atitlan? Antigua To Lake Atitlan: Your 3x Easiest Transport Options Simply click the button below for prices and availability of shuttles and cars from Antigua to Lake Atitlan. Check out my ebook page (click here!) One of the people on our shared shuttle almost (maybe he did but I didnt want to look) puked from the drive. How To Get Back From Lake Atitlan To Antigua? Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who havent had insurance and have ended up in alotof debt. We respect your privacy. Remember:things change quickly when it comes to hostels! Another amazing and unusual way to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan is to hike there. Related post: 3 Perfect Days In Antigua | Best Time to Visit Guatemala: Complete Guide. Check out our dedicated guide here! The nice thing about the shared shuttle buses is that they pick you up at your accommodation in Antigua, so you dont have to find the exact spot to get on the bus. Shared shuttle - Antigua to Guatemala City Airport. Old Town Outfitters offers a three-day mountain bike tour that starts in Antigua and offers enduro-style riding to Lake Atitln. Only then will he drop you off at your desired dock. Big trucks can further slow things down. Antigua to Lake Atitlan - Best Routes & Travel Advice | kimkim Its also safer during the day, you can begin to be aware of your surroundings and actually see what its like. Ordering an Uber from Antigua to Lake Atitlan is probably the easiest option on this list, however. 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. As you can see, this is a much longer journey than taking a tourist shuttle. World Nomads Travel Insurance Review: Is It Reliable? Your luggage is also most likely going to be tossed on top of the bus. 1. There are so many companies to choose from its pretty easy to find one and they are all relatively the same price. If you dont mind going through Antigua and would like to sightsee, you can take a 0700 am shuttle from Antigua to Chichi. And another popular location is to actually stay in Panajachel, Lake Atitlans main town. You can either stay here or take a private or shared lancha to the other villages from the dock. Its a popular place for locals and foreigners to flock to this magical lake to relax, rejuvenate and take in some nature. The best ones are Panajachel, San Pedro, and San Marcos, but check out our full guide here for the complete list! Bottom Line: Take The Easy Journey From Antigua To Lake Atitlan, Frequently Asked Questions How to Get From Antigua to Lake Atitlan. It's a picture postcard view with the bold blue of the lake contrasting against the volcanoes and mountains around. 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. Of course, this could be an option for you if you end up pressed for time, need to make quick arrangements late at night, or have an emergency. 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. Another feasible option to go to Lake Atitln from Antigua Guatemala is to take an Uber or hire a private taxi. Uber is not available anywhere throughout the lake villages which means youre not likely to get someone to pick up the request. Although the buses arent always cram-packed, especially post 2020, you might end up on a seat with two to four other people. Whats The Journey Like From Antigua To Lake Atitlan? This is especially true if you plan on visiting some of the other villages and exploring the best attractions Lake Atitln has to offer. Antigua was one of our favourite places in Guatemala and is known for its epic volcano hikes, colourful colonial buildings, strong coffee and digital nomad scene. Note: I dont recommend taking a chicken bus if you have back problems or want a ride that is chill and relaxing. Its important to note: The journey from Antigua to Panajachel is much easier for people that are sensitive to motion sickness. I cant count the number of hours I spent on Pinterest and Asos looking for suitable things to wear in the biggest, baddest and craziest rainforest in the world. Trip time usually is between 2 and a half to three hours. Alternatively, if you are traveling in Guatemala as a family or group and want extra privacy and comfort, then a private transfer might be what you want. When you search for Lake Atitln on Google you will also find many references to Panajachel, Guatemala. Luckily, most villages such as San Pedro and San Marcos are small enough that you can discover on foot comfortably. Quito is a great city and is often the first stop for many backpackers travelling Ecuador. How to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan - Nomad Joseph This is the more common chicken bus route for backpackers heading to Lake Atitlan. You can also make requests according to your specific wants and needs. Chicken buses run throughout the day, but can stop early in the evenings, so start early. The drive generally takes a minimum of two and a half hours by shuttle, but with traffic, this can take upwards of four, so be prepared and make sure you have lots of water and snacks! Caye Caulker is a picture-perfect Caribbean island surrounded by the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, with endless amounts of wildlife, friendly locals, incredible BBQ food, cheap(ish) prices and a chilled go slow, Read More Backpacking Caye Caulker: Everything You Need To Know (2023)Continue. If you are short on time, then renting a car and driving yourself from Antigua to Lake Atitln can be a good way to see as much as possible and stop en-route as much as you like. General Information. This is me Living Out Loud(Lau). We have a few tours planned (volcano with Old Town Outfitters, bike/culinary tour with Don Quixote Cruisers). The money will help run this site! Indian Nose Peak Sunrise Tour from Panajachel, Lake Atitlan: Mayan Ceremony at the Sacred Caves. Knowing that whatever happens, from medical emergencies to lost bags, canceled flights, theft, and more, your bills are taken care of. ", 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. There are a few ways to get from Lake Atitln to Tikal National Park, but flying is the best option as the two destinations are about 397 miles (640 km) apart.Note that Lake Atitln doesn't have its own airportyou'll first need to travel to Guatemala City, which will require you to take a private transfer or group shuttle.. 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. 12 hours. You can simply go to their location and request to book shuttle transport. If you are short on time, you must decide whether you want to stay in the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site and explore more of the best things to do in Antigua, or head over to Lake Atitlan and enjoy its scenic landscape and relaxed vibes. The shuttle driver will continue picking up additional passengers before leaving for Lake Atitlan. Travelling from Lake Atitlan to Antigua, Guatemala - Wanderlust Chloe I was the same! Thats why Ive done the hard work for you. Check out our recommended tour company here! 6. Do I, Read More How To Get From Cancun To Oaxaca: COMPLETE Guide (2023)Continue, Going on a Lake District road trip? LakeNet - Lakes If possible staying for a few days would be ideal, but if you are crunched for time you can also see a lot in a day if you need to! If youre traveling to Lake Atitlan from Antigua Guatemala, there are multiple transportation options available, from a private car to a tourist transfer to more unusual modes of travel. If you cant find what youre looking for, drop me a DM! 6 Best Ways To Get From Antigua to Lake Atitlan. Make sure you check it out before getting there so you can secure your place in your favorite hotel. Check the next section to see where the main backpacker hotels are located around Lake Atitlan. View Map To get from the capital of Guatemala City to Lake Atitln, you'll have to travel 77 miles (126 km), and the best way to make the journey is by car. For example, if youre keen to party, youll want to stay in San Pedro. Let us know in the comments! Boats (aka lanchas) run regularly throughout the day, from around 6 am 7 pm. Trek Guatemala offers a four-day hiking trip that fits the bill. Most even pick you up from your hostel (ours in Antigua did!). Lake Atitlan has many different areas for backpackers to stay in. What is the best time of year for Lake Atitlan? Sean is the founder of the travel blog, LivingOutLau. The most popular drop-off points are Panajachel, San Pedro or San Juan. I have never looked back ever since. 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. I have no specific travel goals if not just to travel because the journey is my destination. A newsletter for digital nomads! Take a Shared Van Shuttle From Antigua To Lake Atitlan, 2. It might be more expensive than your original journey because the driver will likely need to drive from Antigua to pick you up and then head back! Discovery the best of Guatemala!.From the capital airport, you will be transported to Antigua (was the colonial Spanish capital of Central America, in the central highlands of Guatemala; known for its preserved Spanish Baroque-influenced architecture as well as a number of ruins of colonial churches, declared UNESCO World Heritage Site).Continue with the transfer to Lake Atitlan (volcanic lake . Lake Atitln (Spanish: Lago de Atitln, [atitlan]) is a lake in the Guatemalan Highlands of the Sierra Madre mountain range.