Its a world-famous hotel, with its amazing views, family dinners, and wood-fired hot tub. The lake has an area of 130 km2, and the color of its . The best way from Aurora International airport to Lake Atitlan is getting a private transfer, an Uber or a taxi since the distances are so far and you will get in your accommodation in 3-4 hours for around$125 USDby Uber andtaxiespecially great idea if you are traveling with someone or with too much luggage. Many private drivers speak a decent amount of English. If you are traveling to Guatemala by air you must fly into Guatemala City as there is no other international airport in the country. 2. These Rebuli buses leave Guatemala City each hour at the corner of 21 Calle and 1A Avenida. Planning a trip soon? I was glad we made it safe. What you save in money, youll pay for in discomfort and in time, let alone safety. Save yourself and your bum from the endless cobblestone roads of Antigua. We recommend this option when traveling with your family or in a group. Chicken buses are not recommended after dark. Thats what I did when I flew into Quito, Ecuador, or Lima, Peru. Chichicastenango market day is a popular destination among travelers. Best of Guatemala: Guatemala City to Lake Atitln - 9 Days But also the most expensive. Santa Cruz is a hill-top village not too far from Panajachel on Lake Atitlan. From hiking the Acatenango or Pacaya, to exploring local farms, eating delicious local food, biking through the local villages or visiting local museums, there are so many things to do in Antigua and places to explore. How to get from Guatemala City to Panajachel, Guatemala Congratulations, youve made it from the airport to Panajachel. How To Get From Guatemala Airport To City Center Best Way, How To Get From Guatemala Airport To Antigua Best Way. The price for the service is usually about $15. This is Isabella, a serious case of wanderlust! While living in Guatemala and talking to locals almost all of them have warned me to avoid the capital city, if possible. Getting to Guatemala | How to travel to Guatemala | Rough Guides Either way, its advisable to establish a meeting point but also exchange phone numbers in case you wont find each other. 6h 52m. If youre getting from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan, you can either call a Uber driver (it works pretty well in the city) or ask your hotel to book you a taxi. Expats living in Guatemala named this local way of transport chicken buses.. Sunbathe in San Marcos. Follow along with our real-time travel on Instagram, @gamintraveler. Are you also a big fan of traveling independently? Cost: $4.50 AU (25 GTQ pp). What Is The Best Way From Guatemala Airport To Lake Atitlan? Guatemala City is super dangerous, and assaults are often reported in every zona and the number of cases has increased after the recent global pandemic. Your email address will not be published. If you manage to get an Uber though, you will be sure its a reliable and trustworthy service. However, the later option isnt always an option as it is dependent on availability. How far is Atitlan Lake from Guatemala City? READHow to get from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan []. Pickup offered Mobile ticket Antigua to Lake Atitlan - Best Routes & Travel Advice | kimkim If not, you can leave your rental in a secure paid parking lot (of which there is an abundance). Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake. Thank you for the article. If youre staying in any other town, like Santa Cruz la Laguna or San Pedro La Laguna, youll need to take the shuttle to Panajachel dock, and from there take the public boat to your destination. There are quite a few companies that I searched but I have never used them, but they have quite good feedback from other customers. 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. Thank you in advance We would have already stayed in Antigua before the lake Reply Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money. The journey takes 2.5 hours. The whole experience is guaranteed to be amazing. Were always looking for new paid writers to contribute to Atitlan Living. Read my guide to the 35+ things to do in Antigua and practical tips to learn more. I have no specific travel goals if not just to travel because the journey is my destination. Use ExpressVPN to access your social media accounts, unblock your favorite entertainment sites, and stay connected with friends and family. Citlalli Alvarez Martinez on Instagram: "Just enough time to get a Because Lake Atitlan is not a single destination but rather a collection of over a dozen towns. The shuttle from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan can also take you to Santiago Atitlan, and while youll have to take a boat ride to get there, its included in the transfer. Read my post to understand why its useful. Boundless Roads is by no means liable for any purchase of tours, tickets, accommodation, or any other online reservation. You can also take a taxi to Tikal. You can also take a taxi to Atitlan Lake. 2016 - 2023 Boundless Roads |Privacy Policy|Disclosure Policy|Cookie Policy | Accessibility Statement Total travel time is around 5 hours, and cost is $25 per person. It takes about three to five hours to reach Lake Atitlan on a tourist shuttle and you can expect to pay around 50-70 quetzals for a ride ($6-9 USD). The public bus route Guatemala City Antigua is the most targeted by muggers. Be sure to check out the textile cooperatives in San Juan and the museum in San Pedro. Option 2: Hire A Private Taxi Price 120$ 150$. 3 hours 30 minutes. Be sure to check out the stand-up paddleboard tours, scuba diving tours, and cooking classes while youre there. We don't recommend taking the public bus after . This can be a cost-effective way to travel and will give you the freedom to come and go as you please. It's most famous for being a spiritual hub of sorts, with several yoga studios, vegan restaurants, and hip cafs. Travel time from airport to Antigua is 90 minutes, travel time from Antigua to Panajchel is 90 minutes. You cant book a roundtrip service, but you could make a different booking from Panajachel to Guatemala City in advance if you want to ensure your transfer. Definitely a great place to wait for your flight. Your driver is better paid, and usually happier and more patient as a result. The biggest perk of taking a private transfer is that you can easily arrange with the driver ahead of time and have them pick you up directly at your hotel in Guatemala City and take you to the door of your hotel in Lake Atitln, which saves you a great deal of time and offers you that priceless peace of mind. Make sure your luggage is well-stowed on the rack above you, and use your knees to brace yourself in place. Click here to guarantee you the best car rental price. Bus from Guatemala City to Panajachel. Make a reservation for a private transfer from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake. Depending on the size of your group, the cost per person is only slightly higher compared to a shared shuttle or even cheaper. Our local travel specialists have been recommended by, "Where can I start reviewing my trip to Guatemala? BOOK IT HERE. And give yourself the best first impression of the most beautiful lake in the world. From Guatemala City, this shuttle is the best value as it can take up to 5 people for $128 USD. The distance from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City is 78 miles or 125.3 kilometers. In fact they have reported a good number of assaults and even locals discourage tourists from getting on one of those busses. We specifically chose this week to view the processions and street carpets that are present dur", Traveled to Guatemala as a couple in April, 2023, "Wow, what an incredible trip!! Its less expensive than uber because you would have a fixed rate, and its reliable because it would be somebody recommended by other travelers. San Marcos is one of the many small villages along Lake Atitln. So we highly recommend booking in advance. COMING FROM ANTIGUA INSTEAD? 12/1/2022 - 11/30/2023. 23 Things to do in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala (in all the different towns!) Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip. You just get out of the airport and jump on a taxi, which will most probably be right there waiting for you. On a side note, when you talk to locals dont call it chicken bus, if you dont want to be their joke. Antigua to Lake Atitlan. How to get from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake, Guatemala If this is NOT possible, please advise how I can go directly from the airport to Atilan Lake on the 2nd day. The Ultimate Guide To Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Feel free to use our links for discounts. Trip times can take as little as 25 minutes. You can also travel by taxi or tuc-tuc (Guatemalas name for a rickshaw). Baraka Atitlan - Lake & Beach 4.0 Good. Your email address will not be published. What to know about Panajachel, Guatemala? We were broke backpackers. Choose from pick-up from Guatemala City or Antigua. Feel free to let the driver or his assistant know where you want to get off. Check our guide for the best options to travel from Guatemala City to Tikal. Locals call it public bus or camioneta/camin. Read hereGuatemala sim card for tourist,Guatemala airport to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala airport to city centerand how to get fromGuatemala airport to [], Things To Do In Guatemala (Backpacking Guatemala Travel Guide) - Gamintraveler, [] here how to get fromGuatemala airport to city center, Guatemala airport to Antigua, Guatemala airport to Lake AtitlanandGuatemala sim card for [], 30 Best Food in Guatemala And dishes from Guatemala - Gamintraveler, [] travel tips, our backpacking guide for Guatemala, how to get from Guatemala airport to city center, Guatemala airport to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala airport to Antigua, Instagrammable places in Guatemala, what to wear in Guatemala and [], 45 Guatemala Travel Tips And Things To Know Before Visiting Guatemala - Gamintraveler, [] here Guatemala sim card for tourist, how to get fromGuatemala airport to Antigua, Guatemala airport to Lake AtitlanandGuatemala airport to city []. How To Travel To Lake Atitlan - Atitlan Living See the footer and Affiliate Disclaimer for full details. If you're very comfortable navigating the roads in Central America, you can rent your own car from one of the many international rental agencies in Guatemala City, but this is only recommended for experienced travelers who can read the rules of the road and navigate the congested, winding roads. The 37 volcanos, some of which are among the tallest in Central America, the natural monument of Semuc Champey, the tranquillity of Rio Dulce, the beauty of the Lake, and the charming Antigua Guatemala are just a few of all the amazing places to visit in Guatemala but are good enough reasons for including Guatemala in your Latin America Itinerary. Book your SHARED shuttle in advance on GUATEGO Book a PRIVATE shuttle with Viator. Duration: 4 hours, more depending on traffic and stops. 789 likes, 31 comments - Citlalli Alvarez Martinez (@kaliestrella) on Instagram: "Just enough time to get a small taste of this beautiful country. Visit Antigua with the nearby Pacaya volcano before heading to Lake Atitln and further to Tikal, once one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya. This town is a fun place to see when you visit Lake Atitlan, but its not the only village to visit around the lake. The famous Mayan ruins of Tikal are located deep in the rainforest of northern Guatemala, near the city of Flores. Yes, Uber works pretty well in Guatemala, and you can use it to move around or get to the city from the airport. Please send us an email at Team@Atitlanliving.com or whatsapp +1 845 653 6247, and well put you in touch with her. Avenidas 8-46 Zona 1 Guatemala). CONTACT: Isabella @ boundlessroads.com | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube, Best Car Rental Deals w/ Free Cancellation, Compare & Save! The shared vans are leaving from Guatemala to Lake when they are full for around$25-40 USD and you can book online. I really appreciate your advice and help. Read our fullHeymondo Travel Insurance Review, You can getSafetywing Travel Insurancefor Digital Nomads valid for 28 daysSafetywing for $50 USD per month with kids until 10 years old included. The journey takes around four hours and 30 minutes and costs USD 42 per person. How long does it take by bus to get to Lake Atitlan from Guatemala City (or airport)? Having said that, I would really not risk it, and if you really want to try the Chicken bus do it for a different route, away from Guatemala city and more in the countryside where it would be safer. This is especially true when it comes to travel to Lake Atitlan. Travel time is 3 hours, and cost is $85 total. If you have any large bags, you'll have to secure them to the top of the bus as there is no storage inside. You make your way down [], Youve paid your hotel deposit, treated yourself to a nice 200Q dinner at Chez Alex last night, and just spent 200Q to for a measly 3G of data. But Guatemala is a completely different story and you dont care about visiting Guatemala city, for two main reasons. Multiple daily departures are offered by two shuttle companies, Magic Travel, and Atitrans! To find a bus heading from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan, youll first need to get a taxi. If your accommodation is in Santiago Atitln or another village around the lake, you'll have to take an additional taxi or private transfer to your final destination once you reach Panajachel. From the beginning Eduardo was amazing in answering all of my questions and planning the trip the way we wa", Traveled to Guatemala as a family in June, 2023, "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", "Chris was incredibly attentive and insightful when it came to planning the perfect trip for us! We recommend taking the chicken bus only when speaking Spanish and traveling with small luggage. The Wonderful Lake Atitln: A Place of Magic in Guatemala Youve taken three chicken buses and two colectivos, survived the winding descent down the hill from Solola, and youve made it to the lake. The Uber or taxi fare would be around$10 USDdepending on the time and traffic. COMING FROM ANTIGUA INSTEAD? Guatemala City to Lago de Atitln - one way to travel via Bus - Rome2rio If shopping isnt your thing, simply hang out in a coffee shop drinking high-altitude brews and admiring the expansive Lake Atitlan vistas. Mar 1, 2023, 6:08 AM Save How long roughly in private transfer from lake to airport and how long do you need to be at airport for flight to Flores ? Subscribe below for the Latest Deals, Discounts, & News from Lake Atitlan. You can ask your hotel in Lake Atitln to provide a shuttle from Guatemala for you, hire one through the shuttle companies. The public shuttle is only $30-$40 cheaper if youre two travelers. How To Get From Guatemala Airport To Lake Atitlan Best Way You can go by bus, taxi and private transfer. If you have the financial availability and would like to make this a quick and beautiful trip (with stunning views of the volcanoes and mountains en route to Lake Atitlan), you can hire a helicopter. While its the most hassle-free alternative, its also the most expensive, and unless youre a group of 6 or more people traveling it will cost you more per person than the shared shuttle. How to get from Guatemala City to Monterrico, Guatemala? The Best Way To Get From Guatemala Airport to Lake Atitlan. So these days its private shuttle all the way. Heading abroad? It takes around three hours to get from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. The shuttle can drop you off at Panajachel, San Marcos La Laguna, or Santiago Atitlan, so if youre staying in one of those towns you wont need to catch the ferry. You can pre-book withUber appand expect to pay around$100-125 USDdepending on your destination and time of the day from Guatemala airport to Lake Atitlan. Even locals are recommending not to use them, especially from Guatemala City to Antigua its some of the least safe rides. Its a great way to see a lot in a short period of time. 937Jast. The ride to Santa Cruz takes around 10 minutes and costs $1, while the ride to San Pedro takes 30 minutes, costing $3. The Atitln Volcano is the bigger challenge with its 11,598 ft (3,535 m) height and 8 hours of ascent. A 21 day self guided meditation journal inspired by Buddhas 8 fold path, developed by Lake Atitlan residents. The distance from Guatemala City to Atitlan is 74.5 miles (120 km), and the journey takes an average of 3 hours, as youll be driving (or being driven!) If flying is not an option for you, taking a private car is convenient to get to Tikal. Try to get a Rebuli. Join a multi-day trip from Guatemala City, 4. You can catch the bus at 21 Calle and 1A Avenida. However most shuttles are not direct and do stop over in Antigua. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Laguna Lodge Eco Resort & Nature Reserve: A Full Review, [] ALSO:How to get from Guatemala City to PanajachelHow to get from Antigua to Lake [], How To Get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan [2022] - Every Steph, [] COMING FROM GUATEMALA CITY INSTEAD? But hey, if you are an adventurous sort, by all means, give it a try! There are many reasons to visit Guatemala and fall in love with this tiny yet spectacular country. Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan Transfer 2023 - Viator Shared Shuttle from Guatemala City to Panajachel. How long you're in the van depends whether you're picked up first or last, as it could take half an hour or more for the driver to pick up all the passengers. Although there are lots of taxis around the airport, I think Ubers are the safer option. Several tour companies located in Antigua offer everything from motorcycle tours and rentals to mountain bike tours and a multi-day trek. The rooms are small but very elegant and clean. The bus travel time from Guatemala airport to Panajachel in Lake Atitlan is around 4-5 hours. Drivers are often underpaid and short tempered, which makes any attempt to explain where your hotel or airbnb is more stressful than it should be. For more information please see our Contributors Guidelines page. To give you an idea of the price, it costs Q30 for the public boat from Pana to San Pedro. Driving across the city at night its not really the safest thing to do. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee. The journey takes 3 hours to Panajachel, and around 5-6 hours if youre going to some other town like San Marcos. The taxi driver (or UBER) could take you to El Trebol, where many buses pass through, or to one of the shopping centers along the bus routes. Public Bus from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake, Shared Shuttle from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake, Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake, Rental Car from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake. #guatemala #lakeatitlan #traveltiktok #guatemalatravel". Atitrans offers three daily shuttles from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake. If youre headed to San Marcos La Laguna, this Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan shuttle takes 7 hours and departs once daily, at 6 AM. Its definitely the most luxurious way to get from Guatemala City to the most beautiful lake in Central America! Born and raised in Italy, I have been living in many different countries for 4 years and in Cancun Mexico for 7 until in 2017 I decided to leave my office job and explore the world, with lots of bags and a camera. Youll also have the shuttle to yourself. These will be the easiest to hire if you arrive during the day. The multiple towns around the lake are great fun to explore. Whether you are looking for the cheapest or the most comfortable way, or both, in this post, I will tell you all the possible options you have to get from Guatemalas capital city to the most beautiful lake in the world. If you have a specific itinerary planned and Antigua is not your first stop, worry not, I have got you covered as well, at the bottom of this article. And some have roads leading to them so dangerous that you definitely would have opted to to take the boat in retrospect. We recommend stopping in Antigua, the old capital city of Guatemala, and at the Iximch Mayan site. Eduardo se", "I really can't say enough amazing things about Cathy and the whole team at Columbus Tours! The most convenient option to make the journey Guatemala City Lake Atitlan if youre traveling with at least two more people is booking a private transfer. Get 3 extra months free of ExpressVPN when signing up for a 1-year plan. This article may be sponsored or include a provided product or affiliate link. A taxi or Uber from Guatemala City to Panajachel costs around $150. Thats a 49% saving and a monthly cost of just $6.67! HOW TO GET FROM GUATEMALA TO LAKE ATITLAN, AIRPORT SHUTTLE FROM GUATEMALA AIRPORT TO LAKE ATITLAN (CHEAPEST WAY), CHICKEN BUSES CHEAPEST WAY FROM GUATEMALA AIRPORT TO LAKE ATITLAN, BY TAXI FROM GUATEMALA AIRPORT TO LAKE ATITLAN, UBER FROM GUATEMALA AIRPORT TO LAKE ATITLAN, GETTING AROUND LAKE ATITLAN BY TUK TUK AND BOAT, Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance, Safetywing for $50 USD per month with kids until 10 years old included. About 21 miles (35 km) outside of the capital, you'll come to Antiguaone of the most popular places to visit in Guatemala. Also, keep in mind that at Guatemala Airport they dont sell Local Sim Cards, so if you want to call for a Uber make sure you have sufficient credit on your original country SIM for roaming. . Posted on Published: September 23, 2021- Last updated: December 29, 2022, Categories Guatemala Transportation, Guatemala Travel Guide, Home Universal Traveller Travel Guides Central America Travel Guide Guatemala Travel Guide Guatemala Transportation. How To Get From Guatemala City To Antigua | 6 Travel Options Hotel pick-up and drop-off is included. Check out our guide for the best options to travel from Guatemala City to Tikal. How far is it from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake? The crater was formed from a collapsed volcano and is now filled with water, surrounded by volcanoes and Mayan villages. Next, visit Ram Tzul and the Biotopo del Quetzal, where you can spot Guatemala's national bird. And if you haven't decided on where to stay in Lake Atitlan, we have got you covered as well. This is Isabella, a serious case of wanderlust! Hey there! There are shared shuttles available that regularly travel from the airport of Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan. How to get from Lake Atitlan to Utila: A Guide - Catie the Explorer How To Get From Antigua To Lake Atitlan, Guatemala - Universal Traveller You should keep watch of your bag and belongings at all times, as pickpocketing is not uncommon on these journeys, and be prepared for hiccups during the drive (hang on tight to your seat!). You'll take CA-1 for the duration of your drive, and there are a few good places to stop to stretch your legs or take a few photos. The lake, known in Spanish as Lago de Atitln, combines stunning natural beauty with Mayan culture, volcanoes, and a ton of fun activities. 7 ways to get from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan + practical tips For years, we always took the public shuttle. The prices and travel time arent fixed and it will depend on traffic and your final destination. Keep in mind that there is no WIFI in Guatemala Airport. Now that youve made it to Lake Atitlan, you might want to consider your transportation options. There are shared vans outside the airport running during the day you will see them easily with a sign Lake Atitlan or Panajachel. But lets see each means of transportation in detail. Report inappropriate content. If youre really on a tight budget and dont mind the discomfort, though, its a possibility to make the trip. With this practical website you can book your shuttle bus from Guatemala airport to Antigua operated by Atitrans the cost is 19 USD but they have a specific schedule and they dont wait if your flight has been delayed. Another very cool hotel near Santa Cruz is Hotel Casa del Mundo. You can otherwise arrange with your hotel for a boat transfer; some of them even offer complimentary boat transfers, so be sure to check with them in advance.