About the ride from Antigua to San Agustin Lanquin
If you’ve envisioned cobblestone streets, vibrant colors, and gorgeous colonial-style buildings, a few days in Antigua should be in your future.
However, once you’ve seen the sights of this Guatemalan city, where should you go next?
Switch up the city for dense jungle and world-class natural beauty with a trip to San Agustin Lanquin. This little village is known for its Mayan roots and Semuc Champey — a natural monument made of a 984 ft (300 meters) limestone bridge.
But first, you need to get from Antigua to remote San Agustin Lanquin. And we’re here to help.
The distance between Antigua and San Agustin Lanquin is approximately 198 miles (320 km). Traveling between them usually takes seven to eight hours by bus, car, or minivan.
Let’s travel from one world to another without leaving Guatemala.
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Incredible things to see in San Agustin Lanquin
Don’t wing your trip to San Agustin Lanquin! While the main thing to do here is see Semuc Champey, you’ll save time if you know the area’s highlights.
Here are a few suggestions to help you plan a trip to remember.
Discover Semuc Champey. It’s a natural limestone bridge over the Cahabon River, which is the main reason most travelers visit this spot. Not only does this formation look amazing, but you can also take a dip in its turquoise waters. You can book guided tours or see the site solo.
Hike to El Mirador. This scenic viewpoint of Semuc Champey takes 45 minutes one way. However, the steep hike is worth it, as many consider it the best view of the limestone formation, turquoise pools and waterfalls below.
Go river tubing. It’s a more immersive way to see the Cahabon River. The tours are just a short walk from the Semuc Champey pools, so make sure you save time for swimming and tubing or take two days in the area to do both.
Enjoy the local food. San Agustin Lanquin is a small town with only a few restaurants. These independent eateries serve authentic Guatemalan food alongside international staples.
How to get from Antigua to San Agustin Lanquin
The three main ways to travel from Antigua to San Agustin Lanquin include bus, car, and minivan. Here’s the inside scoop on each.
By bus
Buses to San Agustin Lanquin start from $32 per ticket and take 8-10 hours to arrive.
Amenities on the bus include A/C, individual seats, 50 lbs (23 kg) of large luggage, plus a 22 lb (10 kg) handbag or backpack. Some bus companies also allow surfboards for an extra fee during check-in.
Buses leave from Barista Coffee Antigua or your hotel and arrive at the Tourist Bus Terminal Lanquin.
Make a note of where your provider picks up and drops off passengers for a smooth journey.
There are a few different bus companies that only make the trip once a day. So book a few days ahead to ensure you get on your first-choice bus.
By car
Cars from Antigua to San Agustin Lanquin are a good option if you want a private transfer.
These cost about $300 per ride. If you travel with two others, you can split the cost three ways, costing $100 each.
Cars include A/C, and the driver will make bathroom stops upon your request. You’ll be allowed 55 lbs (25 kg) of large luggage per passenger.
Cars are also popular because they provide hotel pick-ups and drop-offs. With this route, you won’t need to travel to and from bus stations. It’s a complete door-to-door service. Also, you get to pick the best hour of departure for your schedule.
The ride only takes 6-6.5 hours — much shorter than the bus.
By minivan
Minivans are another way to get to San Agustin Lanquin and take between 6.5 to 10 hours, depending on the operator, number of bathroom stops made, and pick-up locations. Some operators pick up at your hotel, which means there could be numerous stops before you get on the road.
Minivans offer toilet stops, A/C, and around 55 lbs (25 kg) of large luggage per passenger — that varies a bit by provider, so read the fine print before you book.
Shared minivan prices start at $33 per person.
If you want a private ride or are traveling with a small group, private minivans cost $360 per ride — you can split this by up to six passengers, resulting in $60 per person. Toggle on the “Private Transfer” button on the left menu if you don’t want to share your ride.
Most minivans pick you up from your hotel. However, drop-off locations vary between your San Agustin Lanquin hotel, Estacion de Servicio PUMA, Hotel El Recreo Lanquin-Champey, and Tourism Bus Terminal Lanquin.
More details about the trip from Antigua to San Agustin Lanquin
The journey from Antigua to San Agustin Lanquin takes you 198 miles (320 km) northeast into the Guatemalan department of Alta Verapaz.
This area was once a Maya civilization, and today, visitors still flock to see the thick jungle, verdant views, and quaint towns. On the journey, you’ll get to admire these views from Highway 5, the main road into San Agustin Lanquin.
This region and the journey are safe for travelers of all ages, nationalities, and genders. Thanks to the area’s history and natural beauty, it’s a popular tourist destination and a well-traveled road.
The best time to travel from Antigua to San Agustin Lanquin
Head there from December to May for sunny and dry weather and temperatures of 82 to 89°F (28 to 32°C). There’s also little rain.
From June to November, the rainy season starts. While it’s not as heavy as in other parts of the country, you can still expect anywhere from 3 to 4 inches (80 to 110 mm) of rain per month. Though wetter, the weather remains around 86°F/30°C. Many tours and hotels close down as it’s not the busy season.
Skip these months if you want to bathe in the turquoise waters without rain clouds cramping your style.
Where to visit after San Agustin Lanquin
After you’ve basked in awe of San Agustin Lanquin and nearby Semuc Champney, keep your travels going with a stop in Flores.
Flores is a gorgeous town on the southwestern corner of Lake Peten Itza. Expect stunning views and lakeside relaxation. It is approximately 218 miles (350 km) north of San Agustin Lanquin, and the journey takes around nine hours by minivan.
