How to get from Rio Dulce to Antigua

Rio Dulce, a mesmerizing waterway in Guatemala, beckons travelers with its turquoise waters, lush rainforests, and laid-back charm. Antigua Guatemala, captivates with its colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and awe-inspiring volcanoes.

This journey unveils two contrasting faces of Guatemala, each offering unique experiences. And, the best part of the situation is that you can choose to travel via public coach buses or opt for shuttle services, whatever best aligns with your interests.

If you are considering making your way from Rio Dulce to Antigua, get ready for a unique and exciting trip.

Best ways to get from Rio Dulce to Antigua

For a comfortable and scenic journey, consider a shuttle service. These operate daily, taking approximately 6 hours. However, if you are on a strict budget, the best alternative is to look into public buses, which happen to be one of the most affordable choices.

Shuttle from Rio Dulce to Antigua

The most convenient way to travel from Río Dulce to Antigua is via shuttle service. These shared vans provide air-conditioned comfort, luggage space, and door-to-door pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation. Departure times usually range from mid-morning to early afternoon, with the trip taking around 6 hours. The best thing about opting for shuttle services is that they offer pick-up and drop options, which ensures that you have the most exuberant travel experience without any compromise. Most of the operators will point towards any scenic spots along the ride, so you don’t miss out on any of the experiences.

Fare: Depending on the operator you are entrusting, shuttle services usually cost around $49 per person on average. Rio Dulce Travel is one of the best available options. Check out the schedule and book your Shuttle tickets from Rio Dulce to Antigua here!

Shuttle from Sayulita to Puerto Vallarta

Coach buses from Rio Dulce to Antigua

For a budget-conscious option, public buses connect Río Dulce to Antigua with a transfer to Guatemala City. While slightly less comfortable than shuttles, they offer a more local experience. Buses depart throughout the day from the Río Dulce bus terminal. Expect a travel time of approximately 5 hours with one or two transfers in Guatemala City. There are a few operators like Litegua that offer direct transfers that you can check out as well. Since the availability is a factor for you to avail the tickets, we’d recommend that you sort out the bookings ahead of time.

Fare: Opting for a luxury coach bus ensures a comfortable ride without any hassle. You can expect to pay somewhere between $35-$50 per person for the ride. So, plan things accordingly. Check out the schedule and book your Coach bus tickets from Rio Dulce to Antigua here!

Coach bus

Private transfer from Rio Dulce to Antigua

If you are traveling from Rio Dulce to Antigua with your family, we recommend that you go ahead and opt for a private transfer. It’s convenient, easily accessible and hands down one of the most comfortable travel experiences. You have a designated driver for the ride who will pick you up from your location in Rio Dulce and drop you off at Antigua as well. So, comfort and convenience are both guaranteed when you opt for a private transfer for the trip. Also, you have the choice to set your departure time, which is a bonus.

Fare: Owing to the luxury, expect to pay around $150-$200 for the journey. Usually, the price depends on the kind of car you are opting for and the number of people that will be traveling.

Car rentals from Rio Dulce to Antigua

The last option on the list is renting out a car to be able to drive down to Antigua and then back to Rio Dulce once you are done exploring. The drive from Río Dulce to Antigua takes roughly 5-6 hours, following scenic highways through Guatemalan landscapes. Several car rental companies operate in Guatemala, with pick-up locations available at major airports. The only issue that you have to keep in mind is that the roads are not seamless, so drive very carefully.

Fare: There is no fixed price when it comes to rentals. You can expect to pay a hefty price of around $150 or more per day.

Private transfer

How far is Rio Dulce from Antigua?

The distance between Río Dulce and Antigua is approximately 312 kilometers (194 miles). This explains why the journey is so long and extensive. You will have to plan things according to your comfort, so keep that in mind before you choose the mode of transportation for the trip.

Best things to do in Antigua

To be fair, like most of the other cities, towns and villages in Guatemala, even Antigua offers a plethora of experiences that you can’t afford to miss out on.

Some of the top things to do in Antigua include:

Immersive historical exploration

You can start the trip by exploring the magnificent ruins of Antigua’s cathedral and monasteries, remnants of a bygone era. To be fair, it might not be everyone’s area of interest but we’d 100% recommend that you give this a go without any questions asked.

View the volcanoes

Have you always wanted to witness the volcanoes and their nature up close? If yes, you should hike up to the majestic Volcan Pacaya and explore the majestic craters and the activities around. The hike is extensive and challenging though.

Embark on a culinary adventure

Besides local delicacies and restaurants, the best way to eat through the essence of Antigua is by embarking on a culinary adventure around the streets. Don’t forget to try Pepian (a rich stew) or Chiles Rellenos (stuffed peppers).

Making your way from Rio Dulce to Antigua enables you to witness some of the most stunning views of the surrounding landscape. If you have been considering exploring more of Guatemala’s charm, we recommend that you go ahead and follow suit with all the travel tips we have mentioned here.

Getting to Antigua from Rio Dulce

An easy and reliable way to buy tickets fast and at a good price from Rio Dulce 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.

FAQs

What is the best way to travel from Rio Dulce to Antigua?

The answer to the best option is a subjective preference. Usually, it depends on the kind of budget you have set aside and also how much you are willing to spend. For comfort, shuttles and private transfers are the best. You can look for transport options from Rio Dulce to Antigua here.

What is the best price to travel from Rio Dulce to Antigua?

With so many different travel options, the best price is usually not the “cheapest” one. Shuttles cost around $50 per person and are usually the best ones due to their comfort. You can look for prices from Rio Dulce to Antigua here.

What to do in Antigua?

From exploring the volcanoes to reeling back in history by witnessing the colonial architecture in some of the iconic monuments and sightseeing spots, there’s so much you can indulge in while you are in Antigua.