Panajachel to Antigua tickets

About the ride from Panajachel (Lake Atitlan) to Antigua

It might be hard to say goodbye to Panajachel and Lake Atitlan, but there is something about Antigua that will have you falling in love with its charms from the moment you arrive.  

Panajachel is only 46.9 miles (75.6 km) from Antigua, so the journey over land is pretty quick — only 2.5-3.5 hours. 

You'll drive southeast along the Pan-American Highway from a natural gem to a cultural one.

If you're on a tight budget, you can pick between a bus or a shared minivan to reach the city. But if you've got some to spare and prefer to have the convenience of your own ride, you can hire a private car or minivan, depending on the size of your crew.

Five must-do experiences in Antigua

Antigua is a city that feels like a step back in time. It's a dreamy colonial town where colorful markets, cobblestone streets, and volcano views steal the show. The town is full of energy, and there's no shortage of ways to experience its charm.

1. Watch Volcán de Fuego Erupt from Acatenango. The overnight trek up Acatenango is challenging, but the payoff is unforgettable. At the summit, you'll have a front-row seat to Volcán de Fuego as it spits glowing lava into the night sky.
   
   If hiking isn't your thing, find a rooftop bar in town and watch the eruptions from a comfortable perch with a drink in hand.

2. Walk Beneath the Santa Catalina Arch. This iconic yellow archway is one of the most photographed spots in Antigua. Arrive early in the morning before the crowds gather, and you'll have a quiet moment to take in the view before the streets come alive.

3. Explore the City's Earthquake-Ravaged Ruins. Antigua has been shaped by centuries of natural disasters, leaving behind haunting remnants of its past. The remains of old churches and convents are scattered throughout the city. Some have been carefully restored, while others stand frozen in time.

4. Experience Antigua's Coffee Culture. Guatemala produces some of the best coffee in the world, and Antigua is one of the top regions for it. Visiting a local farm is the best way to understand what makes these beans so special.
   
   Walking through the fields, meeting the farmers, and tasting a freshly brewed cup straight from the source is a true Guatemalan experience. It goes beyond just drinking coffee.

5. Dive into the Local Markets. Antigua's markets are sensory overload in the best way. Vendors shout out their daily specials, the scent of fresh tortillas fills the air, and every stall is packed with colorful, handcrafted goods.
   
   The Mercado Municipal is the best place to experience daily life, while the Mercado de Artesanías is filled with beautifully made souvenirs.
   
   

If you prefer haggle-free shopping, Nim Po't offers Mayan crafts at fixed prices.

How to travel from Panajachel to Antigua

You've got three options for this overland trip:

1. Bus

2. Car

3. Minivan

Let's get into the details of each so you can choose your fave.

Option one: Bus

Duration: 2.5-3.5 hours

Starting Price: $26

Believe it or not, a bus is not the most affordable way to get between Lake Atitlan and Antigua. 

That award goes to a minivan. However, the buses making this route are comfortable and air-conditioned and include a large luggage allowance of at least 44 lbs (20 kg) per person.

The departure and arrival points vary by operator. It could be a central location in town, or it might be your hotel, so make sure to check those details when you book. 

There are several departures a day from morning through late afternoon.

Option two: Private car

Duration: 2.5-3.5 hours

Starting Price: $168 for the entire car

If you are traveling with a couple of other people, the three of you could split the cost, making it $56 per person for a private ride. 

There are quite a few perks of going by private car:

1. You get to choose the departure time that best suits you.

2. It's a door-to-door service, so you can go from one hotel to the next seamlessly.

3. You can stop when your bladder needs it and when Instagram calls.

4. It's comfortable.

5. It's pretty luxurious.

6. You get up to 55 lbs (25 kg) of luggage per person.

It's up to you to decide if the price tag is worth the benefits.

Option three: Minivan

Duration: 2.5-3.5 hours

Starting Price: $13 for a seat, $192 for a 6-seater private minivan

If you've made some friends in Panajachel and your solo travel has just become small group travel, then a 6-seater minivan is the way to go. You'll get the same perks as a private car, and you'll pay around $32 per person — just a little more than a bus. 

If you are a solo traveler or on a tight budget, buying a seat in a shared minivan will do you right. 

The minivans are comfortable and air-conditioned, and some include pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Panajachel and Antigua. However, others have specific pick-up and drop-off points. 

Check the details carefully to ensure you don't miss your transfer. 

There are dozens of departure times per day.

When is the best time to go to Antigua?

It all depends on your travel style. 

Go during the dry season (November through April) when the weather is sunny and mild for the best exploring weather. However, it is also peak tourist season.  

If you go during Semana Santa or Holy Week (the week leading up to Easter), you will find a vibrant but crowded religious festival. The streets transform into vibrant carpets made of colored sawdust and flowers, accompanied by grand processions throughout the area.

For fewer crowds and lower prices, visit from May through October. It's the rainy season, but mornings are usually dry, and the landscapes are lush. 

How many days should you spend in Antigua?

If you don't want to feel rushed, three to four days is the perfect amount of time to explore Antigua. 

Where should you travel after Antigua?

After Antigua's small-town colonial charm, head to El Paredón, a laid-back Pacific coast spot with black sand beaches and epic surf breaks. Its relaxed atmosphere is a sharp contrast to Antigua's charm.

Or, if you're up for some off-the-beaten-path adventure, check out the eco-lodges of Rio Dulce. You can go kayaking through mangroves, swim in waterfalls, or soak in the hot springs. Or take a slow ride on the river to spot howler monkeys.