Esperamos vernos pronto y seguir descubriendo juntos por Centro Amrica o quien sabe, quizs Colombia, Argentina o Per. Cast your mind back to a dull, yellow-colored bus with two rows of unpadded bench seats. Hi Claire, we will be in Antigua for a wedding and reception that will go until 11pm. The advantage of booking online is you are getting a fair price, the company are reputable and have insurance (trust me this is a big issue in Guatemala, I have found myself on more than one uninsured shuttle) and you know they will pick you up (It does happen sometimes that drivers just dont turn up. They're used throughout the country, and the number of people who ride them is way higher than those who own a car. \0/ Yet I recommend them highly. Thank you again, JJ & Esteban say Hi and we all hope to see you soon. function m_sfcon (u) { JJ and the driver exceeded expectations. David! We covered so much ground, had fun activities and our driver and tour guide were simply the best. } I'd say Livingstone is your best bet. The cost wouldnt be much less than a tourist bus. I spent this Christmas in Antigua, Guatemala. Guatemala Transportation has an extensive list of services at varying prices, . The distance from Guatemala City to Antigua is about 40 kilometers or 25 miles by car. When I told locals in Antigua that I was going to live in Mazatenango, they laughed. Odds are reasonably good you'll end up where you started. We are driving from Guatemala city to Lake Peten, and wonder if there's a city in between that you'd recommend spending the night. If you decide to skip a visit to Semuc Champey you will likely be either traveling from Antigua to Tikal or Tikal to Antigua, or from Antigua to Flores by bus. These are both luxury buses so you . Much more comfortable than the average chicken bus. It's easy to remember. Guatemala is nothing if not colorful! 6 years ago Save We're arriving by night bus from Flores in Guatemala City in the morning. What is a chicken bus? With no plans to stop anytime soon Im always looking for my next adventure be it attempting to surf or climbing a volcano Ill try (almost) anything once! This is a vehicle built to transport the youth of America. How to ride chicken buses in Guatemala. Prices, routes and tips document.location.href = url + "@google.com"; The safest chicken bus routes in Guatemala Chicken bus Guatemala City - Antigua Chicken bus Antigua - San Juan del Obispo Chicken bus Antigua - Santa Maria de Jesus Chicken bus Quetzaltenango - San Andres Xecul Chicken bus Quetzaltenango - San Cristobal Totonicapan We don't book chicken buses shuttles, taxis and private vans, but not chicken buses. They are simply fantastic as long as you don't care where you are going or when you get there. y 9a. He showed us around the villages outside of Antigua and shared the fascinating history of Guatemala. November 21, 2015 Pin 0 I took a long chicken bus journey from my home in Antigua to my new home in Mazatenango, Guatemala aka the middle of nowhere. Casual pace but you go to many places. Diego is an amazing guide who knows his town well and shares his love of the artists and the people. Puntual y muy explicativo, ameno y se nota su conocimiento. Get the bus from across the road from where you get dropped off. "We are going to design a school bus" says one, "Price is no object" (back then local governments had money), "but it absolutely, positively must be safe!". In Guatemala City, you take the chicken bus from El Trebol. We had not eaten and Esteban offered to stop at a Deli and we had empanadas, coffee, and tea. I spent a bit of time hanging around the bus terminal in Antigua, plus some busy intersections where I knew Id see them. Taking buses around Guatemala City is asking for trouble. Thank you! There are five main different options to get from Guatemala City to Antigua: rental car, taxi/Uber, bus, public bus (commonly referred to as Chicken bus), and shuttle. Well, I can give you a few suggestions but the Guatemalan artistry that make buses so exotic to look at, make bus line schedules all but impossible to figure out. Where is Mazatenango? For local color and character they can't be beat. Yes, you absolutely can! Local writer Jake Stamp takes you on a journey from Antigua to Chimaltenango. Poor choice if pissing with rain. Made the trip very enjoyable and educational! Its an 8 to 10-hour bus journey overnight and you are probably going to want to arrive and then go straight to Tikal once you have dumped your bag. Friendly guide and driver. Located inside Casa Mandarina office #8 accesible from street next to the Cafe Estudio. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experiences start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded. I'd love to send them you! We had an amazing time with JJ going to the local villages seeing how they made chocolate, local amazing wine, Jade merchandise, and grew macadamia nuts. How to get from Guatemala City to Antigua Guatemala - Boundless Roads Spectacular photos! The bus gets you into Flores around 6 or 7 am. If you drove the other way you could stop in Coban o Semuc for a night but the drive alone would put an extra 5 hours on your trip! Can you give me any ideas on who I can get to drive us safely to the city at that time of night? Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews, BEST TOUR OF ANTIGUA GUATEMALA with Esteban and JJ, Bonita experiencia por pueblos guatemaltecos, Chicken Bus Experience to San Juan del Obispo, Villages And Plantations Around Antigua Guatemala, ATV Cultural and Adventure Tour to Antigua Villages. Hi Thirza I would recommend just booking at your hostel. How to take the Chicken Bus Panajachel to Antigua | Guatemala The noise, the smell and the overwhelming mass of color the wild craziness is Guatemala at its best. I wasn't sure until I arrived via chicken bus about 2 weeks ago. The main difference is that the 1st class is a little nicer and it only makes 3 stops. It is also possible to travel to El Paredn from other main cities via chicken bus. The Chicken Bus (Guatemala's Unusual Mode of Transport) huge hug and we will be waiting to see you soon, Katy is waiting the another chance to join the team for the filter distribution. US' public buses could stand in for a hospital waiting room in most cases. This was one of the many highlights of our trip to Guatemala! However, this route takes approximately 2 hours . Alternatively, get off at the last station which is near the Market (Alameda de Santa Lucia street corner with 6A Calle). First, buy a shuttle from Antigua Guatemala to Guatemala city, buy the latest one that departs at 7pm. A Homage to the Guatemala Chicken Bus - Central America Notice: It seems you have Javascript disabled in your Browser. Are chicken buses safe in Guatemala? Bus #4: Chimaltenango to Antigua. It was a blast and really cool to learn about the chicken buses and culture of the city. Chicken Bus Guatemala City To Antigua - YouTube Or to enquire about a tour to Tikal from Antigua, simply complete the form below and someone will be in touch with you within 24 hours. First, buy a shuttle from Antigua Guatemala to Guatemala city, buy the latest one that departs at 7pm. Email Us, Reserve Shuttle Buses and Private Transportation. It costs 10 quetzals (GTQ) and is the cheapest transportation method. This All Sounds Like Too Much Work Can I Just Book A tour? Years ago, when I first came to Guatemala, I was going to Lake Atitlan from Guatemala City. Top Tip: If you want to save a little money then skip the shuttle to the bus station and take a chicken bus. Thank you so much dear Hannah! Give it a shot! Riding A Chicken Bus from Guatemala City to Antigua - YouTube Is there any cheap transportation? Their knowledge of culture, landscape and history were exceptional. The chicken bus in Guatemala is the preferred choice of public transportation for connecting departamentos (provinces) and towns. If you book through GuateGo you will pay more. "Chicken buses" are light-years away from their air-conditioned, spacious, carbon-monoxide-free American counterparts. If you find yourself in need of medical care you just contact them and they will pre-load your card with the funds to cover your treatment, meaning you wont need to pay out of pocket and then put in a claim later.Safety Wingis great value with monthly cover starting at $39. The 2nd class bus will stop many times along the way. Now I consider myself to be a fairly game traveler. keep enjoying and if we can be of further company will be an honor. Villages Tour on Chicken Bus 2023 - Antigua - Viator Katy was an amazing guide. Yes, it is a little more expensive but worth it. I know, there are Shuttles for 10$ or Taxis for 25$ But I prefer a cheap, local solution like a chicken bus. It's is not at all unusual to have double the posted maximum number of passengers allowed. We love giving you a wonderful experience and every day is our main goal. Bus Take the bus from Guatemala City to Antigua Guatemala 1h 30m $17 - $35 Taxi Take a taxi from Guatemala City to Antigua Guatemala 39 min $28 - $35 Drive Drive from Guatemala City to Antigua Guatemala 39 min $4 - $7 Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between Guatemala City to Antigua Guatemala by bus Try to go around lunch when it is less crowded so you can take the backpack inside with you (otherwise they will put it on top of the bus and it`s less safe). We cannot rave enough about this tour! Monique we appreciate so much your trust and preference. Is It Possible To travel And Never Come Home? Explore more of Antigua and beyond than you could during a walking tour. My driver and a competitor company's "piloto", as they are rather grandly called, got it in their heads that while what they were driving may have looked and smelled like beat-up old American school buses, were in fact, finely tuned Formula 1 race cars. In Antigua Guatemala the bus has many stops, check which is closest to your hotel. Here is the schedule: 6:00 - 11:00 - 14.30 - 16.30 - 19.30 - 21.00. Nay! You can fly from Guatemala City to Flores. One might think an old bus unsafe. Hi Claire, thank you so much for your blog. While I highly recommend a short trip on one, you're on your own. It costs 10 quetzals (GTQ) and is the cheapest transportation method. We could just take a bus from Antigua to Flores but that seems to be more hours in the bus. At some point in the middle of the last century there was a meeting of Blue Bird Bus Company engineers a room full of short haircuts, polyester suits and master degrees from Cal Tech and MIT. The term "Chicken Bus" originates in Guatemala and comes from the fact that passengers would often transport live animals on them. It was an experience to remember! Don't get me wrong, I don't want to scare you off that was by far the craziest bus trip I have ever taken, but even the tamest of bus rides are flavored with at least a smidgen of bonkers zest. 4 hours (approx.) We appreciate your time, your trust and your preference so much that we firmly believe you deserve nothing less than exceptional moments and memories. We have been here several days now and have completed multiple tours, and everyone (especially the kids) still agree this was our favorite. Our guide JJ and driver Esteban were funny and informative. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. This will drop you off at the central bus station. Loading luggage at dawn, Antigua. At least I didn't want my fellow passengers to think that I lacked the right stuff, so I played it cool. You can book this through GuateGo. Que honor poder leer su experiencia, nos llena el corazn saber que estamos haciendo lo que amamos de la manera correcta <3 Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. A tout calls out as the Chicken Bus moves through the streets of Antigua. At 34 I sold all my worldly possessions that wouldnt fit into 3 boxes or my backpack and hit the road. How to get from Guatemala airport to Antigua safely [in 2023] The volcano is Agua. How To Get From Guatemala City Airport To Antigua in 2023? In front of the bus, at the top, it says the route (Antigua - Guate) and bus helpers are also shouting it. Thanks Katy for a great day. I post updates weekly. Honestly, I dont think anyone in their right mind would entertain this! Absolutely a top highlight of my trip to Antigua. Guatemala's famed "chicken buses" Not only are these buses cheap - under Q15 (US $2) for a short trip, Q40 to Q60 (US $5-$8) for a three-hour ride from Antigua to Lake Atitlan - they're a genuine window into Guatemalan life. The cost of a one-way flight varies from around $108 up to $300. Before our arrival at the office, I had to message the company to inform them we would be a little late. In addition to photographing them, I also had the need to ride in one for the first time, from Panajachel to Solola. We could take you everywhere throught Guatemala. The cost is from 300Q up if you get on at Guatemala City. Enter your email and receive notifications of new posts. Your email address will not be published. Nay! Plus, enjoy access to communities that you likely couldnt get if exploring independently. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover.Passport Nomadsprovides the most comprehensive cover for Digital Nomads. Below are some photos taken of various chicken Buses from Antigua. Once out of the city you can think about it. Cut-off times are based on the experiences local time. I recommendbooking the one that departs from the bus station at 9 pm or 10 pm. Act as if you are an old hand. Tour includes places that you would not find on your own. Board the bus and somebody will come to collect the fare at some point. Its always great to get information about the country. This tour was fantastic! Here's the story. Top Tip: These buses have AC so make sure you wrap up warm as it gets very chilly! How to: Chicken Bus Guatemala City To Antigua. Casa Santo Domingo (Monasterio de Santo Domingo) Tours & Tickets, Santa Catalina Arch (Arco de Santa Catalina) Tours & Tickets, Palace of the Captains General (Palacio de los Capitanes Generales) Tours & Tickets, Museum of Colonial Art (Museo de Arte Colonial) Tours & Tickets, Catedral de Santiago (Antigua Cathedral) Tours & Tickets, Jade Factory and Museum (Jade Maya) Tours & Tickets, Antigua City Hall (Palacio del Ayuntamiento) Tours & Tickets. Excellent tour! You will only pay more if you book online. If its canceled because the minimum isnt met, youll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Getting Around Guatemala: Chicken Buses & Other Transport - World Nomads Choose the start time that suits youmorning or afternoon. My Chicken Bus Adventure from Antigua to Mazatenango, Guatemala (+ Tips (I did not take the overnight bus, but I hear its lovelyfor an overnight bus. The only bus that goes from Antigua to Guatemala City in the evening is a shuttle which claims to drop you off at a hotel in zones 9,10,13,14. Keep an eye out for people on the side of the road that look like they are waiting for a bus. We firmly believe that your visit and support of our local producers has a great positive impact, directly contributing to the improvement of your lifestyle. I started Claires Itchy Feet to inspire women to pack their bags and travel more. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. However, when the Guatemalans started gasping, I felt a disconcerting sense of relief that they too found this way beyond the ilk, along a welling foreboding that this was every bit as precarious as I imagined. It's a great way to see the area like a local. Guatemala has so much to discover, nature, culture, history, stories, architecture, art and we can continue on and on; we are here for you dear Monique, come back soon. The trip from Antigua or Guatemala City to El Paredn takes roughly 2.5 hours, depending on traffic. How To Easily Get From Guatemala City To Antigua - JR Thank you for your trust and preference. The problem I'm running into is that the place where the bus from Antigua drops you off at is different from the place where the coach picks you up from in Guatemala City. How To Get From Guatemala City To Antigua | 6 Travel Options You deserve the best of the best, was great having the opportunity to meet you and JJ says your icecreams & sweets will be safe with him. We had Esteban and JJ as our tour guides. Arranging A Shuttle From Your Accommodation In Antigua 4. This doesn't happen often anymore. Riding Chicken Buses: Public Transportation in Guatemala They were so friendly, shared many recommendations, and local insider tips. Nothing makes my day like a good looking bus. thank you so much for keeping us in your mind and we are more than happy to share with all your family! We ran about 5 minutes late and it was as if we were on time. Felix took us all over the place and gave us the most perfect comprehensive Guatemalan experience. Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experiences start time will not be accepted. It's an exhilarating cultural experience one you won't soon forget. 1. Avenida 8-46 Zona 1. One of my favorite things about Guatemala are the brightly colored "chicken buses" that ply the roads there. If you are being thrifty you can book a 2nd class bus. Just pipe in a little Barry Manilow through the speakers and feel free to take a nap. I vividly remember honking horns, smoking brakes and violently rocking back and forth. Hope we can share more time and explore around Guatemala. We are so happy for your 10th Anniversary! This tour is amazing!! The bizarre blend of American functionality and Guatemalan pizzazz is wonderful to behold. Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?If 2020 taught us anything, its that you need to be prepared for anything!