I know it can get pretty crazy and we definitely recommend packing some Dramamine in case you easily get motion sickness. 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! This post explains the most common backpacker ways to travel between Cancun and Oaxaca. You can simply book via WhatsApp as late as the day before your travels and pay in cash. One of the people on our shared shuttle almost (maybe he did but I didnt want to look) puked from the drive. 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. Im here to help you leave the 9-5 and work remotely around the world! Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Youre in the right place! 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 was the same! If you dont mind paying additional fees, you can also request a private transfer with the same companies that offer shared shuttle transport. The easiest way to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan is to take a shared van shuttle. We respect your privacy. Shared shuttle - between Antigua and Panajachel, Lake Atitlan View Map Just under 50 miles (80 km) from Antigua in the Sierra Madre highlands, lies Lake Atitln, Central America's deepest lake. Not sure how to get from Guatemala City to Antigua? Theres no need to book, as they run every 10-15 minutes to all locations. It sounds like an amazing way to see the country. That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission atno extra cost to you! And another popular location is to actually stay in Panajachel, Lake Atitlans main town. The shuttle from Antigua to Lake Atitlan costs between 15-25 ($18-30) depending on where and when you book. Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who havent had insurance and have ended up in alotof debt. Flight time 14hrs 30min from London, 5hrs 30min from New York. My family of five (three teenagers aged 14, 15 and 17 years old) travelled from Antigua to Panajachel Lake Atitlan by private van with a driver and a guide. Note: They will only pick up passengers located at central hotels. A lot of Guatemalan tours also include a day or two on Lake Atitln, like this 8-day Best of Guatemala trip. Good news, several shuttle buses leave the airport daily to Lake Atitlan via Antigua which gives you a freedom to decide your next course of action. Looking for a car rental in Guatemala?Check out our recommended car rental company here! The most comfortable and convenient way to get from Antigua to Lake Atitln is by private transfer. , Is Skopje, North Macedonia on your destination lis, Lisbon, Portugal is the top digital nomad destinat, We embarked on another 6-hour bus journey to our n, Never did we think we would visit Serbia The distance from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake is 74,5 miles or 120 kilometers. Hopefully, Lake Atitln is only periodically in step 3. This is another easy way to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan, directly. So, there you have it! Sign up forSafetyWing, and the job is done! I highly recommend using this company (click here) if you want to pre-book shuttles and buses around Central America. ), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps! 7 reviews 6 helpful votes Transportation from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala airport 7 years ago Save Hello, myself and 2 others will be traveling to Guatemala in a couple weeks. Landeau Chocolate Lisbon: The Best Cake In The World? Our recommended places to stay in Lake Atitlan: Before you book your transport from Antigua to Lake Atitlan, you must be wondering which village you would need to go to. The lake itself is surrounded by three volcanoes, studded with tiny villages, and is rich in Mayan culture. Again take some Dramamine if it really affects you! 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. The chicken bus to Lake Atitlan departs at Antiguas main bus station near the market (check location here). You can easily use the Google Translate app to write a message and/or read their messages in Spanish! Lago de Atitln to Antigua Guatemala - 2 ways to travel via Bus - Rome2rio From the beautiful blue waters, the small town feels and vibrant culture all around the lake towns, Lake Atitlan must be included in your Guatemala itinerary! We spent a few days close to Lake Atitln. However, after staying in some myself, and talking to other backpackers, weve found these are the most popular choices. There are plenty of tour companies that offer day trip tours. Here's The Quick Answer: The best time to Lake Atitlan is January, February and March. Antigua To Lake Atitlan By Private Transfer. We still highly recommend the shared shuttle option, unless you are traveling with a group and can save money by sharing the cost! Be sure to stop at some of the viewpoints along the way to admire the three volcanoes surrounding Lake Atitln. Lake Atitlan, Panajachel and San Juan Village Day Trip by Boat from Antigua. Big trucks can further slow things down. cant afford this, so we stick to the hostels. If you are coming from Guatemala City, worry not. 4 years ago Save So,I'm all booked up.5 days in Guatemala and 12 days in Nicaragua. The distance from Lake Atitlan to Antigua, Guatemala, is 49.3 miles or 79.3 kilometers. Planning A Trip To Lake Atitlan Last Minute? But the good thing about the chicken bus from Antigua to Lake Atitlan is that is it super affordable. We hope our guide has helped you figure out your transport to Lake Atitlan from Antigua! Remember:things change quickly when it comes to hostels! Q40-Q50 per person. Transportes Monja Blanca. 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. Follow The Journey In Real-Time @TwoTicketsAnywhere_. Make sure you check it out before getting there so you can secure your place in your favorite hotel. Not only is Ambleside the prettiest town in the Lake District National Park, but its a great base for some of the, Read More BEST Walks from Ambleside, Lake District (2023 Guide)Continue, Backpacking Caye Caulker? You can either stay here or take a private or shared lancha to the other villages from the dock. The Rebuli bus line has direct buses to Panajachel, Lake Atitlns main hub, every day. 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. Antigua to Lake Atitlan - Best Routes & Travel Advice | kimkim Shuttle Bus. 8 reviews 7 helpful votes Travel from Antigua to Lake Atitlan 11 years ago Save Hello - My husband and I are visiting Antigua from Sept. 24 - Oct. 1. We also found a few nights in Lake Atitlan was enough for us to do and see everything we wanted. If you cant find what youre looking for, drop me a DM! Lake Atitlan Weather: Whens The Best Time To Visit? Yes, you do! Lake Atitlan Guatemala: A Guide To How To Plan Your Stay Now they are ready to speed now the poor Guatemala highways, bumping loud music and ignoring all the proper safety regulations (I wish I was joking). As you can see, this is a much longer journey than taking a tourist shuttle. 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. There is one bus that leaves from the main bus station near the market in Antigua at 7 am and goes directly to Panajachel. Lake Atitlan is the eternal spring of Guatemala and is a place for relaxation, beauty, bliss and party (if you know where to go). Any questions? If you are traveling Guatemala on a budget, then the chicken buses, aka Guatemalas infamous public buses, might be your only option. 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. Most even pick you up from your hostel (ours in Antigua did!). Find out why travelling from Lake Atitlan to Antigua in Guatemala is a wonderful journey. Its less crowded than taking a chicken bus. 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). If you're not pressed for time or don't want to get up so early, you can take multiple buses between Antigua and Pana. Yes, chicken buses arent exactly safe and reliable, as most of them break down more often than anyone would like. That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van. Its not unheard of for backpackers to come down with food poisoning and sickness when visiting Lake Atitlan, mainly caused by the lake water. Make sure you alwaysread the reviews first. Bear in mind, the road between Antigua and Lake Atitlan is adventurous, to say the least, so it may take a little while longer! In our guide, we will show you the 6 best ways to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan. 41. Catherina did a wonderful job planning a week in Guatemala with an itinerary that was customiz", Traveled to Guatemala as a family in April, 2023, "Catherina put together a great trip for us and was very responsive to our feedback and worked super hard to give us a unique trip within budget. On my blog, you will find personal information, guides and travel tips as I share my discoveries of the world. The trick with the chicken bus is that there is only one direct bus per day at 7 AM (Guatemala time, meaning plus or minus 1 hour). Guatemala is a mountainous country with twisty two-lane roads. Which Lake Atitlan Village Should You Go To? Among all the multiple reasons why you should get travel insurance, is the peace of mind it gives you! Shuttles run all over Guatemala and are the most popular way for backpackers to travel around. 1. Autobuses FDN (Fuente Del Norte) Gray Line Guatemala. Im not a big traveler so I just went with knowing what I was told. The journey is around 2.5 hours(depending on traffic, road conditions, roadworks and other factors)from Antigua to Lake Atitlan. You will need to make your way to the ferry port in Panajachel to reach your accommodation in another town around Lake Atitlan. There are tourists around Lake Atitlan, but it depends on which area you are staying in. How to get from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake, Guatemala If youre the more adventurous type,travelling via chicken bus in Guatemala should be on your bucket list. Its tough to fork out $42 a month on something you might not need. In a rush? If you are staying in any of the other towns around the lake (Santa Cruz, San Pedro etc), you will need to take a lancha (boat) see more in the arriving in Lake Atitlan from Antigua section. Another amazing and unusual way to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan is to hike there. Among the prized agricultural products that flourish in . Villa Bokh: a lush oasis just outside the city of Antigua. He has been to over 30 countries in over 5 years of travel. These shared shuttle services are directed mostly toward tourists, but it isnt uncommon to see local Guatemalans that prefer a little more comfort there. Transportation from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala airport Lake Atitlan to Semuc Champey - Best Routes & Travel Advice People buy them for cheap in the United States and drive them all the way to Guatemala to be used for public transport. Youll travel up a notoriously twisty road to the highland town, explore its famous market, then continue on to Panajachel. What do I mean by this? airport (GUA) to Antigua and from there on to Lake Atitlan. Or if you want to experience the zen, hippy part of the lake, head to San Marcos. See the footer and Affiliate Disclaimerfor full details. Similar to a shared shuttle, the private transfer includes hotel pickup and air-conditioning onboard. 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. 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. It's a picture postcard view with the bold blue of the lake contrasting against the volcanoes and mountains around. Check them out! , Figuring out where to live can be difficult as a d. Cost Of Living Guatemala 2023: Is It Cheap Or Expensive? Public buses can take much longer than shuttles and are a lot bumpier. If you want a cost-effective, direct and less-crowded transport option to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan, the shared van shuttle is your best option! 5 days in Guatemala. Antigua or Lake Atitlan??? - Tripadvisor We were shocked at how much they charge for a private car with a driver in Guatemala. I receive a small commission if you use the links at no extra cost to you! 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. 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. Water pollution, litter, introduction of foreign species and shore . Its somewhere we could see ourselves returning to and living in for quite a while. Transportation Options from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake The following table outlines all transportation options from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake: GuateGo HoweverGuatemala isnt known to have the smoothest roads. Most hostels, hotels or Airbnbs can recommend various shuttle services. 3.5-4 hours. Lake Atitln is located in the Solol Department of southwestern Guatemala, in the Sierra Madre Mountain Range directly west of Guatemala City. Personally, I dont think any of Central America is cheap, but of course, you can budget FOR things that may be more or less important to you. Yes, Lake Atitlan is definitely worth visiting. The Good, the Sad and the Expensive in Antigua and Lake Atitln - HuffPost Calories. Check out our recommended tour company here! For a private transfer, you are paying for the entire vehicle instead of paying per person, so it is more economical if you have a big group. If you are feeling especially extravagant, you can also travel to Lake Atitln by helicopter from Antigua or Guatemala City and enjoy a unique birdseye view of the lake and the Guatemalan highlands. Lake Atitln (Spanish: Lago de Atitln, [atitlan]) is a lake in the Guatemalan Highlands of the Sierra Madre mountain range. Laundry In Lisbon: Best Spots To Get Your Clothes Washed, 5x Amazing Lisbon Sunset Cruises For 2023 (Info & Prices). Quito is a great city and is often the first stop for many backpackers travelling Ecuador. We recommend traveling from Antigua to Lake Atitlan early in the morning because its easy to get to other towns during the day and gives you ample time to explore and get across to other lake villages if you need to. If youre trying to get from Guatemala City to Atitln, Ive got you covered as well.