Antigua >> Panajachel
Getting to Pana from Antigua, you have a few options. First, you could book a direct shuttle. You can do this through any of the numerous travel agencies in town, and often, through your hostel. Expect to pay around Q60 (around $7.50 USD) to Q80 (about $10 USD).
You can also catch a Chicken Bus at the Station behind the El Mercado. It’s a longer ride, and not a direct bus, but you’ll get there, and you’ll save at least $5-$6 USD doing it. The bus you’ll want to look for is going to Chimaltenango. Chimaltenango sits on the Pan American Highway, making it an easy destination to change buses that are headed between the Lake Atitlan (Solola) region and Guatemala City. You may have to walk a little to get to the right bus, but it won’t be far. Ask for a bus to Panajachel. Also ask if it is direct. If you can’t catch a direct bus, catch a bus to Los Encuentros (North of Lake Atitlan) than south either directly to Panajachel, or via another transfer in Solola.
Finally, we were informed the the Pullman bus from Antigua to Pana is no longer running. However, there should still be one direct bus from Antigua to Panajachel, departing daily at 7am. The bus leaves from Guatemala City for Pana, with an early morning stop in Antigua. While you’ll still make stops along the way, you shouldn’t have to change buses. Ask around to make sure you get the correct time, and to make sure the bus is still stopping in Antigua. The pick up is going to be in front of the Market, across the street near the 4 Calle Poniente, and El Correo (post office). We were advised to show up early to be sure to get a seat. The price is around Q35 ($4.50 USD).
From Panajachel, any of the other Lake Atitlan towns are within easy access. This is a good starting point, though direct shuttles from Antigua run to San Pedro as well.
Panajachel >> Antigua
Again, direct shuttles are an option. And there is a rumored direct bus that leaves at 11am every morning except Sundays. Show up at 10:30 at La Parada, and either ask or watch for the buses that are lined up along the road.
The other option is to take the reverse route described above. You’re best bet will be a direct bus to Chimaltenango. If not, you can get to Chimaltenango via a bus in Los Encuentros.
Antigua >> Guatemala City
Getting out of Antigua is pretty simple. You can head over behind the market and catch a chicken bus to Guatemala for a cheap fare, but in this area of the country you have to accept the risks.
Also, at the intersection of the 2a Avenida Sur, and Calle 7, buses headed to Guate regularly make an appearance. They run at least every half hour. The bus drives by, slows down for anyone lingering on the street corners, and the helper yells out “Guate”. Flag him down if you want a lift… The ride should be around Q10.
Tramper Tip: Guatemala City is a tough town and with the buses as crowded as they get, you better be sure to watch your handbags and pockets. Thieves are quick and sneaky here, both me and Xavi had our pockets or purse compromised (luckily, we didn’t lose anything too valuable).
You can also take a microbus hired for tourists. With these you are almost sure to have a safe driver and arrive in one piece with all your belongings. It will cost you just under $10usd (75 quetzales). these can be arranged with any tour agency or in most all of the hostels, with door to door pickup, and drop off at whichever destination in Guatemala City you might be headed to as well. Your call.
Read more on Antigua by clicking on any of the links below:
GETTING // GOING • SLEEPING • EATING • DOING • OUR STORY
Take me back to ANTIGUA // Take me back to GUATEMALA // Take me HOME