Take time to browse the ceramics and woodcrafts at the famous open-air market of Chichicastenango before visiting the city . The best views are from Santa Cruz and San Marcos, which well discuss later on. Depending on the mode of transportation, the travel duration can vary, but it usually takes between 10 and 12 hours by shuttle bus and 10 hours by private transportation or car. And when that happens, well learn your whole blog by heart to make sure we dont miss on anything! And some have roads leading to them so dangerous that you definitely would have opted to to take the boat in retrospect. Thanks for sharing! The fastest way to get from Atitlan Lake to San Cristobal de las Casas is by car. Rebuilding Saint Martin After Hurricane Irma, 5 Impactful Lessons I Learned While Traveling. Keep in mind nowadays everybody has one or two cell phones in guatemala including bus drivers. Also, if you want a private boat thats safe & comfortable, with a captain we know and trust from our years living in Panajachel, you can get in touch with one here. Panajachel to Guatemala City is about 115kms apart and about 3 hours driving time. In San Pedro, you can hire a kayak for $15 quetzals ($2 USD) for an hour. Hi Eena, great question! If I come to Guatemala, I will visit this lake. It must be amazing to live there! What Is The Distance From Guatemala Airport To Lake Atitlan? Head to the Mercado in San Pedro or Calle Santander in Panajachel for the most options. Theres also a platform that you can jump off of and descend a whopping 30 feet into the lake below. Mayan Caribbean Travel is a tourism and transportation company with 29 years of experience in Central America. 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 . If you like yoga, meditation, drum circles, vegetarian/vegan food and lots of other wellness and alternative events, then San Marcos is right for you. The fare is about $10. If you're coming directly from the airport or Guatemala City, expect it to take much longer (up to 5 hours.) 23. Things to Do at Lake Atitln 1. You'll be fine and its going to cost you a whole lot less than anywhere else in the world. Upon arrival at the Aurora airport you can travel to the lake in about 3 hours minimum. Citlalli Alvarez Martinez on Instagram: "Just enough time to get a 11 reviews. Jul 2, 2023, 6:00 PM. Very glad to know that you liked it and I agree its great to learn about new locations! Transportation Options from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake The following table outlines all transportation options from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake: GuateGo The companies drivers and guides are professionally trained, punctual and attentive to the needs of our customers. Panajachel to San Pedro: Q25 Their interface is user friendly and they help you find the best deals on flights to any destination. Next-gen, high-speed servers in 94 countries, Works on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, browsers, and more, 256-bit AES encryption protects your data, even on hotel Wi-Fi, Unblocks Netflix and other streaming sites. Shared shuttle service from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan There are shared shuttles available that regularly travel from the airport of Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan. Whatsapp: +1 845 653 6247 or email at Team@RideAtitlan.com. Chicken Bus (Direct) Multiple Chicken Buses. Guatemalas Lake Atitlan is without a doubt the most fascinating destination Ive ever visited. Theres no need to ask the boat driver the cost for the trip before hopping onboard. Depending on how you choose to travel, the following amenities are available: A/C and Reclining Seats. In fact, the Prussian naturalist and explorer Alexander von Humboldt once described Atitlan as the most beautiful lake in the world.. Where to Stay: - Peace & Luxury - Stay at Hotel Atitlan outside of . The writing here is fantastic and I especially enjoyed this line: The tour guide called this place Mayan Facebook because the families will supposedly gossip about each other and what is happening around the town. That made me laugh, and I can picture it in my mind. If a local is caught committing a crime, they will be ostracized by the entire community. #guatemala #lakeatitlan #traveltiktok #guatemalatravel". 2. However, you may be wondering, what really makes this lake so visually striking? In Panajachel, try out Deli Llama de Fuego for fresh salads and sandwiches or Guajimbos for a meat fix. Here is a link for http://www.lineadorada.info . To visit Tikal is to take a step back in time to the days of an ancient civilization that predates both the Aztecs and the Incas by over a thousand years. Help!!! If you purchase items through these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This city is a melting pot of indigenous and Spanish cultures, with a vibrant artistic and intellectual community that has helped to shape its unique character. Leave a commentYour email address will not be published. It was a really fun atmosphere and tickets were only $20 quetzals ($2.50 USD). It allows you to witness firsthand the sophistication and grandeur of the Maya that populated this city as well as providing insights into their diverse customs and beliefs. How do I travel from Guatemala City to Belize? How to Get from Lake Atitlan to Tikal National Park. Note that prices double at night and also the moment you enter a new part of town. Great article Michael! If you want to stay dry while still enjoying the lake, there are many places around the lake to hire kayaks or stand up paddleboards. For this article, we worked with various travel bloggers to bring you the 21 best things to do in Guatemala. Your driver is better paid, and usually happier and more patient as a result. If you ask someone what Maximon does, they will tell you that he only smokes, drinks, and sleeps. Each minivan ticket offers an individual seat with basic passenger necessities. Whether youre a history buff, a cultural explorer, or simply seeking a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, San Cristobal de las Casas will captivate and enchant you with its charm and beauty! With a private transfer, you'll have a personal vehicle and driver at your disposal, allowing you complete control over your itinerary. This reserve is not nearly as large as the one in Panajachel but its scenic, has access to the lake, and it features a nice hiking trail. This ancient city is Guatemalas most famous archaeological site and perhaps the most fascinating destination in the entire country. Transportation Options from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City The following table outlines all transportation options from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City: The distance from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake is 74,5 miles or 120 kilometers. The solution? As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Language school for family of 5 in Lake Atitlan/Antigua, Turtles- Monterrico or Sipacate Naranjo or Manchon in Augus, Santa Cruz to Jaibalito or San Marcos walk, National Museum of Archaeology: Temporarily Closed. Further, there arent that many cars around the lake. Its definitely an option but we tend to steer clear at least for the time being. Tours to Indian Nose cost around $100 quetzals (13 USD) and include return transport, a guide and a hot drink at the summit. Need a private ferry boat thats got life jackets and a certified captain with standard rates? Even if you dont plan on visiting Guatemala in your lifetime, I hope you will use this article to learn about a unique corner of the world and to broaden your view of Central America as a whole. Today, with a bit more pocket change, we cant imagine going by anything other than private shuttle. Transportation Around Lake Atitlan - Atitlan Living In this post, I will tell you all the possible ways you can get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan for every budget and style. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. In Santa Cruz you can walk around the village and then eat lunch at Cafe Sabor Cruceno, which is a part of theAmigos de Santa Cruznonprofit charity. 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. Lake Atitlan is a beautiful lake located in Guatemala's highland mountains. Save. 1) Take a taxi to the Rebuli bus station. Sounds amazing! The other two you can look them up in the yellow pages. Oftentimes youll see dramatic clouds rolling over these hills and giving depth to the skies above this enormous lake. Check out Private Water Taxi Lake Atitlan. 2. 25 Likes, TikTok video from GIDI Travels (@giditravels): "Guatemalas Best Kept Secret - Lake Atitlan, San Pedro Add this to your Guatemala travel itinerary! Galgos and Alamo have good service too and are not chicken buses. all transportation options from Atitlan Lake to San Cristobal de las Casas, secure your seat on the shared van shuttle by booking online for only USD 85, travel from Atitlan Lake to San Cristobal de las Casas, consider booking a private transfer, Prices for a private transfer from Atitlan Lake to San Cristobal de las Casas. In addition, there are vans available for USD 450 that can accommodate up to 8 passengers, so the more people in your group, the more cost-effective it becomes. Panajachel to Santa Cruz: Q10 The fastest way to travel is by car, which takes approximately 4 hours. Copyright 2012-2023 - Indie Traveller / Brontosaurus OU | Privacy - Disclosure, 16 Essential Apps for Backpackers & Travelers, How To Work Remotely While (Shhh) Also Traveling, 10 Underrated Destinations You Must Have On Your Travel List, 7 Unique Things To Do In Antigua Guatemala, How To Visit Tikal, Guatemala (And Camp Overnight). How to Get from Guatemala City to Lake Atitln. You can also take local chicken buses from each location. This place on the south bank of the lake is especially popular with those who want to climb one of the two volcanoes, Tolimn and Atitln. Whatsapp: +1 845 653 6247 or email at Team@RideAtitlan.com. Ive often heard Lake Atitlan referred to as the Lake Como of the Americas. From Indian Nose, you have a complete view of the lake and on a clear morning, the red glow of Volcan Fuego erupting can be seen. Rather tempted now to visit to explore it for myself. Its a country full of vibrant culture, small villages, imposing volcanoes, lush forests, and friendly locals that welcome you with open arms. Chichicastenango and Panajachel Day Trip from Antigua. This trip will take you to Guatemala's top highlights in nine days. Thanks! Lake Atitlan sounds like an amazing place; its definitely on my bucket list! Shared Van Shuttle from Atitlan Lake to San Cristobal de las Casas, Private Transfer from Atitlan Lake to San Cristobal de las Casas. I need a nap after about five minutes at any market, so I didnt visit Chichicastenango, but I heard great things about it from friends that did visit. Another element that I want to point out is the fact that violent crime in these countries is not generally targeted at tourists. Thanks for stopping by! about Tikal, Guatemala: A Comprehensive Guide. Uber has recently (2019) made significant inroads into Guatemala. Although it may come as a surprise to some, many travelers tend to agree that Guatemala is one of the most fascinating destinations in the Americas. Thanks for the comment April, convincing other people to go somewhere is every travel bloggers dream! Yeah the countryside of any country is generally much safer than the big cities. Thankfully, boats (or lanchas in Spanish) are the preferred method of transport on the lake and make travelling around simple. You dont have to book your study ahead of time; I organised mine at a days notice. Its just because the town is further away so its a bit more difficult to reach. Which town to stay in Lake Atitlan - Guatemala Forum I never thought to add this to my must-see list, but here it is now! Using our affiliate links is a great way to support this website. Residents who are ill, old, or infertile will visit Maximon and pray for improved health or fertility. See the footer and Affiliate Disclaimer for full details. Find out why Lake Atitlan in Guatemala is a must-visit for backpackers, by Michael Gosman Im Michael, an adventurous traveler who loves to share my experiences through this blog. Hostel del Lago always has something going on in San Marcos, or check the Facebook group to see what events are on when youre visiting. It costs 70Q (about $9) to enter and then there are additional costs if you would like to zip line. You can enter the church and walk around if you like. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-37708815', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Antigua or Guatemala City the day before your flight. One important factor that contributes to this low level of crime is the fact that most locals are of indigenous heritage and they abide by strict community guidelines relating to crime and moral behavior. Small-Group Airport Transfer from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City 2023 You can secure your seat on the shared van shuttle by booking online for only USD 85! From hiking massive volcanoes to exploring ancient Mayan ruins, theres certainly no shortage of unique and adventurous activities to keep yourself entertained. Travel time is 3 hours, and cost is $95 total. Sounds very beautiful, I love lakes.. The following widget shows some of thebest tours in San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico. If you're traveling in a group or seeking a more flexible and comfortable way to travel from Lake Atitlan to Antigua Guatemala, a private transfer is the perfect option!. Sometimes you dont have a choice, but its better to travel on the lake in the morning before the wind picks up and makes the conditions a bit rougher. The Complete Guide to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Wander Her Way Each village has unique characteristics and yet they all share a common goal of celebrating their rich cultural identity. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The hostel with the most going on is always Hostel Del Lago. The towns of Santa Cruz, Santiago, San Juan and Jaibalito are less popular with backpackers but are worth checking out for a day. And the biggest town on the lake is Panajachel, which is a great place to base yourself for any travels around the lake. Thats a 49% saving and a monthly cost of just $6.67! Although you can certainly purchase any of these products (I bought a bar of cinnamon chocolate and a small painting), youll also hear the inspirational stories that lead to the creation of these cooperatives. For more, see site policies. Your email address will not be published. The only service you should be interested in is the guided Tuk Tuk tour of Santiagos five famous sites. Subscribe below for the Latest Deals, Discounts, & News from Lake Atitlan. 35 Tours & Activities Why you are seeing these recommendations Reserve Now & Pay Later Ground Transfer Guatemala City To Panajachel, Lake Atitlan 32 Reviews Badge of Excellence Guatemala City, Guatemala Share Save to Wishlist Likely to Sell Out From $150.00 per group (up to 4) Lowest Price Guarantee Select Date and Travelers Check Availability No matter what town youre going to on the lake, we always prefer getting dropped off in Panajachel. Fill out the form below, and one of our travel experts will contact you! Lake Atitlan to San Cristobal de las Casas, How to get from Flores, Guatemala, to Caye Ambergris, Belize, How to get from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City, Guatemala. If you're coming from Antigua, it will take you about 2.5 hours to reach the lake. Lake Atitlan Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors - LAIDBACK TRIP Shared Shuttle from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City Travel time: 4.5-5.5 hours Getting from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City by shared shuttle is a convenient and cost-effective option for travelers. Get out of Guatemala City as soon as your flight lands! If youre spending a week or less, and game to navigated Guatemala traffic and roads, renting a car will definitely be the most cost effective option. Upon arrival in San Cristobal de las Casas, you can take a taxi to your hotel or continue your travels. If youre three or more people, a private shuttle will save you money. Hello there..There is another option depending on your arrival time which could save you the hassle of having to wait for the connection shuttle in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? To arrange a private transfer, you can book online here, contact a travel agency or fill out our form to contact us directly! Its a great place to just observe the local way of life. In most of the towns, you will also be able to find Mayan painting classes taught by local artists or authentic cooking classes. Many restaurants and hostels around Lake Atitlan are situated within this greenery so youll likely feel like you are constantly immersed within nature. Pickup truck collectivos connect Panajachel and the eastern town of Santa Catarina. Guatemala City Airport, near Antigua, is the closest airport to Lake Atitlan. Guatemala City to Panajachel, Lake Atitlan, Panajachel, Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City, Antigua Guatemala to San Marcos La Laguna, Sanur, Bali to Nusa Penida, Penida Island. It costs around Q900 for 2 people, and takes around 3 hours depending on . It may have just been a bad day for visibility, but the conditions dont seem to change too much. What a wonderful post. How far is Antigua from Lake Atitlan? Traveling between Atitlan Lake and San Cristobal de las Casas is easy, and you can choose between a shared shuttle and private transport! Private Transfer from Atitlan Lake to San Cristobal de las Casas, Best day tours in San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico. Thanks for the comment! Many private drivers speak a decent amount of English. It might sound a bit bougie, but if you do opt to go public, youll see what we mean. Of particular note is Thursday nights bar crawl on the main strip and trivia at Hostel Fe on a Friday night. You will need a little Spanish language skills, but it is not to difficult, although may be frustrating. At $30/person its relatively cheap. The smoothest and driest ride will be in the morning before afternoon winds roll in. Boat's cost between 10 and 25 Q depending on how far you're going. Even though the village seems tiny at a glance, there are numerous events that you can attend every day and every night. If you're coming from Antigua, it's extremely easy to get a shuttle bus to Lake Atitlan. Whether you are visiting to party, hike, learn Spanish, relax or for wellness, theres a town and a place that will suit you. So, what you can do is take a taxi from the airport to their terminal in downtown GC except for Alamo which is off Calzada Roosevelet on the way out to Xela. If youre looking to save a bit of money, the public buses (aka chicken buses) are an adventurous option for getting to and from Lake Atitlan. I would recommend finding a town that you like and then visiting the Spanish schools in that area. The best time to visit is during the drier months of November to April. The world is too big and beautiful for us to stop traveling and exploring everything it has to offer, so discover how to become a more sustainable traveler. From traditional Mayan markets to museums showcasing the areas rich history, there is always something new to discover in this fascinating city. Volcan San Pedro is, as the name suggests, the big volcano you can see behind the town of San Pedro. Travel time from airport to Antigua is 90 minutes, travel time from Antigua to Panajchel is 90 minutes. And get cheaper flights, of course. Compared to the rest of Guatemala, Lake Atitlan experiences an unusually low level of crime throughout its numerous villages. I swam many times near Santa Cruz and San Marcos and didnt have any issues. OK, lets set out some options for your travel from the airport to the lake. During the journey, you can sit back, relax, and take in the views of the picturesque countryside. If youre looking for a more comfortable and faster way to travel from Atitlan Lake to San Cristobal de las Casas, consider booking a private transfer! And give yourself the best first impression of the most beautiful lake in the world. For another couple of days soaking up the sunshine on the lake, book in at fun glamping spot Free Cerveza or La Iguana Perdida in Santa Cruz. San Marcos is also home to numerous restaurants that all seem to serve incredibly healthy food. View Map. Next, visit Ram Tzul and the Biotopo del Quetzal, where you can spot Guatemala's national bird. If you dont have any riding experience, not to worry, Ride Atitlan also offers a variety of moto training courses. Wow, Lake Atitlan looks absolutely gorgeous!! 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). When you arrive at the dock youll no doubt be approached by diverse people trying to sell you diverse items and services. Get Your Guidehelps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. Stunning. This is especially true when it comes to travel to Lake Atitlan. San Marcos to Santa Cruz: Q10. Shared Van Shuttle from Atitlan Lake to San Cristobal de las Casas, 2. And I think that could also work out for #3. Its a more challenging hike than Indian Nose but it does have safety issues with reports of tourists being robbed along the route. To give you an idea of the price, it costs Q30 for the public boat from Pana to San Pedro. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-30818550', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Guatemala City daily at 11:00 am and at 2:00 pm. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Such a beautiful place and makes me reminisce on a trip taken many years ago to Lake Atitlan. Each town has a dock where local drivers will direct you to the right boat. It was smart to address the violence factor early in the post, as I have heard many stories of Guatemalan refuges and gangs. How far is Atitlan Lake from Guatemala City? And there you can catch tons of buses going down to Panajachel. Here, you dont have to wait for Black Friday or [], The main vehicle for getting from village to village on Lake Atitlan is a boat, better known as alancha. There are so many cool things to do in Lake Atitlan that Im not sure I could cover all of them even if I tried. Grow into the best version of yourself by traveling. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-30794325', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Guatemala City (or airport)? 3) Shared shuttle, which departs (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You reserved a hotel with volcanic views so incredible you cant believe it even exists. A month in Guatemala in January - advice for a first timer, Guatemal 10-12 day trip - Recommendations. Save. Here is my current itinerary: - Saturday and Sunday night in Panajachel (Dreamboat Hostel) - Monday -> Thursday night in San Juan (Spanish school and host family) - Friday and Saturday night in San Pedro (Mr. Mullet's Hostel) I was thinking of switching to San Marcos instead of Panajachel because I have heard it is much more relaxing and calm . 10 Epic Towns in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala (All My Favorite Villages) For more information please see our Contributors Guidelines page. OverviewPreparationDestinationsAccommodationGetting HereGetting aroundDo & SeeBudget. Panajachel has connections to all the nearby cities so its easy to depart the lake from here. There are 3 ways to get from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City, including bus, car, minivan. You can generally get one anywhere within a downtown district for 5Q a person. Guatemala has been on my bucket list for some time and now Lake Atitlan is, too! Guatemalas Best Kept Secret - Lake Atitlan, San Pedro - TikTok So, the best solution for a convenient and budget-friendly journey is the Atitrans Shared Shuttle! Check out our guide for the best options to travel from Atitlan Lake to San Cristobal de las Casas. If you need further convincing that you should eat at this restaurant, let me say that the food is delicious and the views are incredible! Multiple daily departures are offered by two shuttle companies, Magic Travel, and Atitrans! Everyday Enlightenment: Beginnings. The park is a memorial to these victims and serves as a reminder to all of the devastating consequences of war. The eruption helped create the lake and what is now regarded as one of the backpacking hotspots of Central America. While visiting Lake Atitlan, youll likely stay in one of four villages: Panajachel, Santa Cruz, San Marcos, or San Pedro. Theyre created with the goal of improving the lives of the families involved and to promote local businesses within the community. Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City by bus | Bookaway The only thing left to dofigure out how to get from the airport to your hotel. Rentals from Guatemala City Airport are often as low as $25/day! Be sure to get the collectivo because a private boat will cost you a few hundred Q. through twisty, mountainous roads. Im similarly going to learn your entire blog by heart before I embark upon a South America trip, which Im definitely planning on doing within the next year. The only travel class available is Standard. Eating at this restaurant will actually help the community as the charity works to combat chronic malnutrition and poverty within Santa Cruz and the surrounding area.
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