How to get from Panajachel to Antigua

Located along the shores of Lake Atitlan, Panajachel offers stunning scenery and a vibrant indigenous culture, but for those, seeking a taste of colonial history and architectural wonder, Antigua beckons. Both of these places stand out for their charm and eclectic beauty.

Antigua is a captivating city that’s located around 75 km away and boasts cobblestone streets, majestic volcanoes, and a rich tapestry of Guatemalan heritage. So, if you are looking for a comprehensive travel experience, this is where it ends.

Owing to the popular connectivity, making your way from Panajachel to Antigua can be simplified with multiple transportation options, including shuttle services, private transfers, or public buses. We will take a closer look into the same.

Best ways to get from Panajachel to Antigua

The distance from Panajachel to Antigua isn’t a lot and that’s one of the reasons why Antigua is a great day trip option if you are done exploring Panajachel.

Following are some of the best transportation mediums to explore:

Shuttles from Panajachel to Antigua

If there’s one mode of transportation that’s considered the best of all the available options, it has to be the readily available shuttle services. It offers a comfortable and efficient journey and a slightly less hectic one on the pocket. There are several reputable companies operating shuttle services between the two cities, which leave at intervals of 30 minutes to an hour. The overall ride takes under or just about an hour, so you don’t have to worry about spending prolonged hours stuffed inside the shuttle. Shuttles offer door-to-door service or pick-up and drop-off from designated points in both Panajachel and Antigua, which is a bonus.

Fare: The fare will vary from one operator to the other. However, the average price per person is around $25, which is a pretty great price. Check out the schedule and book your Shuttle tickets from Panajachel to Antigua here!

Shuttle from Sayulita to Puerto Vallarta

Chicken buses from Panajachel to Antigua

Embrace the local experience with chicken buses – brightly colored public buses that ply the route between Panajachel and Antigua. Departures are frequent, with buses leaving roughly every 30 minutes. There’s no surprise that they are the cheapest option but you do get stuffed inside an overcrowded bus, so you’d have to assess the pros and cons accordingly. We’d recommend opting for this only if you are tight on budget and don’t mind the extra people around you. This might not be a great option for families, especially ones with children.

Fare: The fare of chicken buses is under $5 per person and sometimes even cheaper than that, depending on the operator and time of travel.

Private transfers from Panajachel to Antigua

Nothing screams luxury more than a private transfer. They are convenient, easily accessible, and not the cheapest in the lot. They do offer a very personalized travel experience where you get to choose the stops and soak in the beauty of the surroundings. We’d suggest that you negotiate the prices beforehand though. This should enable you to simplify the travel experience further. Depending on the number of stops you make, the ride can take somewhere from 1.5 to 2 hours. However, the kind of comfort you get makes up for the longer journey.

Fare: Usually, private taxi transfers cost over $180 for a four-person car. The fare will increase depending on which car you are choosing and the amenities you are availing. Check out the schedule and book your Private transfer tickets from Panajachel to Antigua here!

Car rentals from Panajachel to Antigua

If you want to explore Antigua at your pace and plan on returning to Panajachel, opting for a rental car is always a great option. It enables you to drive the car, choose the routes, and have a comfortable long drive either by yourself or your companions. The scenic route winds through rolling hills and charming villages, offering breathtaking views, which you can only experience when you are making the drive by yourself.

Fare: There is no standard pricing, so you’d have to ask and compare the prices of different operators.

Private transfer

How far is Panajachel from Antigua

The distance between Panajachel and Antigua is approximately 75 kilometers. This relatively short distance translates to a manageable travel time, regardless of your chosen mode of transport. If you are done exploring Panajachel and have been looking for things to do, a day trip down to Antigua is a great choice.

What to do in Antigua?

Antigua offers a plethora of activities for you to indulge in. Be it for the history buffs with the museums or with the local delicacies around the street or restaurants, there are a variety of experiences awaiting you.

Visit the ancient ruins

Start your trip by visiting the magnificent ruins of Antigua Cathedral, which showcase the city’s colonial grandeur. You should also add La Merced Church and Santo Domingo Church to the itinerary.

Hike a magnificent Volcano

If you are an adventure enthusiast and have always wanted to witness a volcano up close, go on a thrilling hike to the summit of the active Volcan Pacaya. The natural beauty of the place is beyond what words could explain.

Enjoy the local food

You need to try the local delicacies, especially the street food when you are out and about, exploring the city’s nightlife. Their homemade drinks, fresco, are worth a try.

Getting to Antigua from Panajachel

An easy and reliable way to buy tickets fast and at a good price from Panajachel to Antigua is GuateGo, you can search all transportation options. Look for buses, shuttles, private transportation around Guatemala with a reliable and easy-to-use platform, you can compare prices and schedules as well as do your search online.

Conclusion

Your journey from Panajachel to Antigua is loaded with a lot of scenic beauty, exciting adventure, and memorable experiences. With such a small distance between the two cities, it isn’t surprising that the trip is pretty great for tourists who don’t have a lot of time on their hands.

FAQs

What’s the best way to get from Panajachel to Antigua?

The best way is what best aligns with your budget and time. If we had to keep convenience and affordability in mind, shuttle services are a great choice. You can look for transport options from Panajachel to Antigua here.

What is the best price to get from Panajachel to Antigua?

Chicken buses are usually the cheapest but if you want a comfortable and economical ride, shuttles are the best choice. You can look for prices from Panajachel to Antigua here.

What things can I do in Antigua?

Antigua offers a diverse range of activities, from exploring historical sites and climbing volcanoes to indulging in local cuisine and shopping for souvenirs. It all comes down to what kind of activities attract you and what you’d like to spend your time doing.