Antigua to Panajachel tickets

	Distance 49 km (30.6 miles)
	Price range US$ 13-US$ 198
	Ride Duration Range 2h 30m-3h 30m
	Earliest Departure 06:00
	Latest Departure 23:00
	Most Popular Operator Neway Tours

Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.

Taking a bus from Antigua to Panajachel

Fastest bus: 3h

Cheapest bus: US$ 26

The fastest: 3h

The cheapest: US$ 26

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

The fastest: 2h 30m

The cheapest: US$ 13

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

The fastest: 3h

The cheapest: US$ 168

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

About the ride from Antigua to Panajachel

Say goodbye to the capital of Guatemala to explore one of the country's most popular spots: Lake Atitlán.

Panajachel is the gateway to this stunning lake, located 75.6 kilometers (46.9 miles) from Antigua. You'll drive north along the Pan-American Highway to be dazzled by this natural gem.

Travelers with a bigger budget can book a private car or minivan transfer to travel in luxurious comfort and stop as often as they like.

Budget travelers can pick between a bus or a shared minivan transfer to reach the lake.

No matter how you get there, the lake's sparkling waters and the surrounding volcanic vistas will make you wonder how you'll ever leave again.

What is Panajachel like?

Panajachel is a small town nestled on the northern edge of Lake Atitlán, a crater lake and the deepest lake in Central America.

The area is surrounded by a series of volcanoes in the Sierra Madre Sur Mountains. On clear days, you can see every volcanic tip from the lake's edges, making for surreal views.

While the town has a small population, it is still a bustling hub with Mayan markets, delicious eateries, and even a nightclub. Get away from the town center to enjoy a more serene atmosphere.

Thanks to its year-round spring-like weather, Panajachel has earned the nickname "Land of Eternal Spring." And you'll soon see why so many people claim Lake Atitlán is the most beautiful lake in the world.

Plus, the area is considered one of Guatemala's safest places to visit, so you can rest easily while taking in the sights.

Six unforgettable activities in Panajachel

Panajachel may be a small town, but it's full of activities to entertain you.

Keep these top activities in mind when planning your itinerary:

Discover the lake: Often called the most beautiful lake in the world, this spectacular body of water will enchant you as soon as you arrive. Take a boat trip to see every corner of it. The waterfront teems with activity throughout the day.
Visit the Atitlán Nature Reserve: Experience some of Guatemala's most captivating beauty with a visit to this vast reserve. You can hike, walk along suspension bridges in the treetops, see birds and monkeys, and swim in waterfalls. Adventure lovers will adore the zip line!
Go on a kayaking and hiking trip: Book a full-day excursion to kayak and hike around the lake. Most trips include visits to coffee farmers and opportunities to explore local villages.
Learn about cacao: Take a chocolate workshop to learn about how cacao is made from the best of the best.
Explore Panajachel's boardwalk and promenade: This area of the town bustles with activity as numerous vendors sell handicrafts, souvenirs, and a variety of local cuisine. Spend an afternoon exploring the town's buzzing cultural hub.
Visit the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi: Dating back to the 16th century, this beautiful church is one of the few colonial-era monuments left in the town.

How do I get from Antigua to Panajachel?

To get from Antigua to Panajachel, travelers can choose between a minivan, a car, or a bus.

You can meet friends along the way with shared transport or opt for a private transfer to travel in comfort and privacy.

By minivan

To reach Panajachel, you can travel by private minivan transfer or shared minivan — both are air-conditioned. The drive will take 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

A private minivan transfer costs around $200 to rent the entire minivan for up to six passengers. For a few more dollars, there are private minivans for larger groups of up to nine people.

You will get picked up and dropped off at your hotel in both locations. Additionally, you'll get to choose your departure time.

Private minivan transfer amenities include toilet stops upon request, a baggage allowance of one 25 kg (55 lb) piece of luggage, and one handbag.

If you want to save money, opt for a shared minivan. One-way tickets start at $13 per passenger.

Many operators run services between the two destinations, including GuateGo, Atitrans, Neway Tours, Xocomil Tours, Kahk Bahlam, Palasan Tour, and Aerointer Guatemala.

Some include pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Antigua and Panajachel. However, others have specific pick-up and drop-off points. Check your booking details carefully to ensure you don't miss your transfer.

Shared minivan transfers have a luggage allowance of one 20 kg (44 lb) bag and one handbag.

You will be transferred in a minivan or a bus, depending on how many passengers book at the same time as you.

By car

For a comfortable private transfer, book an air-conditioned car to conquer the journey between Antigua and Panajachel.

This car accommodates up to three passengers and costs $144. The operator will pick you up at your chosen hotel in Antigua and drop you off at any hotel in Panajachel.

You can expect to arrive in around three hours, extending for any rest stops you make along the way.

Car amenities include bathroom stops on request, a luggage allowance of one 25 kg (55 lb) bag, and one piece of hand luggage.

By bus

Taking an air-conditioned bus is another affordable way to get between Antigua and Panajachel.

An individual ticket starts at $20, depending on your chosen operator. Services are operated by Coban Travels and Mayan Caribbean Travel.

The drive to Panajachel takes around three hours. The pick-up and drop-off points vary, so check the booking details carefully to ensure you find the right spot.

Arrive at least 15 minutes early to get on board and exchange your booking confirmation for a physical ticket.

The ticket price includes a luggage allowance of one 23 kg (50 lb) bag and one 10 kg (22 lb) carry-on bag. You can bring a surfboard for an extra fee — pay for it during check-in.

The best things about the ride from Antigua to Panajachel

Wave farewell to Antigua, the volcano-surrounded city with Spanish colonial buildings, before setting off on the highway to Panajachel.

The journey between them is mostly spent on the main roads, so don't expect anything too exciting.

En route, you'll pass many of Guatemala's smaller towns and villages, but save the sightseeing for when you arrive at Lake Atitlán.

When is the best time to visit Panajachel?

Panajachel benefits from a spring-like climate year-round, which means you can visit pretty much any time of the year.

If you're worried about the rainy season, avoid visiting between May and October when the rainfall peaks. However, even in the wet season, there will still be some sunny days for enjoying the lake.

Throughout the year, the temperatures typically sit between 51°F to 79°F (10°C to 26°C), rarely dropping below 47°F (8°C) or above 82°F (27.7°C).

How many days should I spend in Panajachel?

You should spend at least one full day in Panajachel to enjoy everything this small town has to showcase to its visitors. It's possible to soak up all of its delights on a day trip, but staying overnight is the best way to see it.

If you have the time, book at least a couple of night's accommodation to explore the town at a leisurely pace. Spend up to a week if you want to visit more of the towns and villages that surround the idyllic Lake Atitlán.

Where should I go after Panajachel?

After discovering Panajachel's treasures, head westward to explore Quetzaltenango. This small city in Guatemala's western highlands is surrounded by a series of volcanoes, including the vast Santa Maria, which has an active Santiaguito lava dome.

If you're not ready to leave Lake Atitlán, follow the water's edge by visiting San Marcos La Laguna next. From there, you can keep village-hopping until you circumnavigate the entire lake.