How To Get To Lake Atitlan From Guatemala City: A Step-By-Step Guide

Are you heading to Lake Atitlan in Guatemala?

This post details 3 different ways to get from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan.

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Coined as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, a trip to Lake Atitlan in Guatemala is a truly magical experience.

Surrounded by majestic volcanos and quaint Mayan villages, Lake Atitlan offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

For those looking to appreciate the beauty of the lake and learn more about Mayan culture, Lake Atitlan is a must-visit destination on any Guatemala itinerary.

Getting to Lake Atitlan from Guatemala City is very straightforward. There are a few different options depending on your budget and the level of comfort you’re after.

This post will detail the 3 best ways to get from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan, including the updated schedule and booking links.

How To Get From Guatemala City To Lake Atitlan: Overview

If you haven’t got time to read the whole article, below is a quick summary of your options.

In general, most transport options will drop you in Panajachel; the transport hub for Lake Atitlan.

From there, you can take a boat to the other towns around the lake for 25Q ($3).

I would recommend using GuateGo to book your buses and shuttles, as they are the most reliable.

The journey time and price ultimately depends on the mode of transport you choose –

Shared shuttle – most reliable, 4-6 hours, $40 (book here)
Private transfer/taxi – most comfortable, 2-3 hours, $150-$200 (book here)
Chicken bus – up to 8 hours, $6 (not recommended)

What is the best way to get to Lake Atitlan?

The best way to get to Lake Atitlan from Guatemala City is by shared shuttle.

This is the perfect middle ground between safety, speed, and affordability. They leave from both Guatemala Airport and Guatemala City.

I would recommend booking your shuttle online in advance here.

NEED SOMEWHERE TO STAY?

Amigos – best budget accommodation in San Pedro, centrally located, two rooftops, choice of private rooms or dorms for $8

La Casa del Mundo – located in Jaibalito, this is the most stunning accommodation around Lake Atitlan for breathtaking views & tranquility, rooms from $100

Free Cerveza Hostel – located in Santa Cruz, amazing lake views, free use of SUPs & kayaks, yoga, private rooms or shared glamping tents from $14

Maya Moon Lodge – amazingly tranquil accommodation in Tzununa, private beach area, free use of tubes, private rooms & dorms with lake views from $19

Must Read: Where To Stay in Lake Atitlan: A Guide To The Best Towns & Hotels

Shuttle from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan

This is the best way to make the journey from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan.

There are shared shuttles from Guatemala City to Panajachel every day at the following times –

6:00
9:30
11:00
13:30
14:00

Note: if you are arriving at Guatemala Airport after 2 pm, you will have to take the shuttle the following day. I would suggest staying a night in either Guatemala City or Antigua.

The shared shuttle takes roughly 4 – 6 hours and costs about $40.

BOOK YOUR SHUTTLE ONLINE IN ADVANCE HERE

There are also some direct shuttles to other towns, such as San Pedro, so it is worth having a look as this can save you some time and money.

Tip: you can also book your shuttle through most travel agencies, as the price doesn’t vary much. We booked through a very reliable guy called Marco +502 5437 6307.

Pros

Super affordable
Hassle-free – book in advance so they are waiting for you when you land
Most reliable & safe means of transport around Guatemala

Cons

Stops in Antigua to pick up more guests – adds about 90 minutes to the journey time
Bags are strapped to the top of the van – ensure you have a rain cover
Can be a little cramped

Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan Shuttle Bus

As well as stopping in Antigua, you will make another stop for refreshments and a toilet break.

If you benefit from time, I would suggest spending a few nights in Antigua. It is an amazing city and not one to be missed. It will also break up your journey time.

You can then make your way to Lake Atitlan from Antigua in about 3 hours.

Tip: try to avoid traveling during rush hour (8-10 am, 5-7 pm). During these times it can take way over an hour just to get out of Guatemala City.

Guatemala Airport to Lake Atitlan

Getting from La Aurora Airport in Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan is just as straightforward.

The shared shuttles leave at the same times as above –

6:00
9:30
11:00
13:30
14:00

YOU CAN BOOK YOUR SHUTTLE IN ADVANCE HERE

If you prefer to wait until you are at the airport, you can easily organise your shuttle once you arrive.

The main difference is that you will have to wait for other passengers before the shuttle leaves, otherwise, it can end up very expensive.

Private Transfer/Taxi to Lake Atitlan from Guatemala City

This is a great option if you are traveling in a big group or prefer to travel in luxury on your own schedule.

This is certainly the most comfortable option to get from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan, but also the most expensive.

If there are a few of you, then it is well worth the money when you split it. Especially considering you have the flexibility to choose the time.

The main benefit is that a private transfer is direct and you will not make stops along the way. It will also include pick up and drop off to your hotel.

A private transfer or taxi takes approximately 2-3 hours.

Note: traffic is something unavoidable no matter which mode of transport you take, so the journey time could be longer.

The price depends on whether you book a private transfer in advance, or simply hail a taxi at the airport.

Private shuttle

The price for a private shuttle ultimately depends on the company you book with.

Below are the options I’ve found with 5-star reviews –

Viator – $70
GuateGo – great for shared shuttles but expensive for private – $215
Bookaway – compiles all companies in one place to compare – from $80

These options would need to be booked in advance.

Taxi

If you arrive at Guatemala City Airport with nothing organised, you do not need to worry.

At the airport, you can simply hail a taxi from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan. This will be the priciest option and you will need to have cash.

With a bit of haggling, you can expect to pay anywhere between $150 – $180.

Uber

Uber exists in Guatemala and is legal and safe to use.

You will find Uber in the large cities. However, it does not exist around Lake Atitlan itself.

To make the journey from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan, you’ll have to find a driver willing to accept driving this distance.

It’s certainly possible and worth looking at, however, make sure you have another backup option in case it doesn’t work out.

SHORT ON TIME?

If you don’t have much time, you can explore the Lake Atitlan highlights on a day trip from Antigua.

Lake Atitlan One-Day Tour with Viator ($90) – visit Panajachel, San Juan, San Pedro, and Santiago

Lake Atitlan Full-Day Tour with Get Your Guide ($90) – visit Panajachel, San Juan, and Santiago. Learn about weaving, visit a coffee farm, and chocolate factory

Public bus (chicken bus) from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan

If you’ve visited Guatemala or have been researching, then you’ve no doubt heard of the infamous chicken buses.

These are repurposed US school buses and are the main mode of public transport around Guatemala for locals. They are huge, polluting, and serious beasts of buses.

Lake Atitlan from Guatemala City Chicken Bus

To get from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan, I would not recommend this option.

However, I’ll let you weigh up the pros and cons –

Pros

Extremely cheap – roughly $6 from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan
An interesting cultural experience
Travel like a local and not a tourist

Cons

Dangerous – pickpockets, reckless driving, stories of buses being held up at gunpoint
Slow – makes many stops and the journey could take up to 8 hours
You will need to know some basic Spanish
Cash only – make sure you have small notes as they rarely have change
Not super comfortable – shared benches, no aircon

If you do decide to take the chicken bus, trying to find the direct one from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan is like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

There is conflicting information online about where you can find the direct chicken bus. Although I did not take this option myself, I found this helpful article online here.

If you are having trouble finding the direct bus, I would suggest taking the chicken bus bound for Antigua. Once you arrive in Antigua, take another one to Lake Atitlan.

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Getting around Lake Atitlan

Getting around Lake Atitlan is super straightforward.

All of the towns are easily accessible and hopping between them is very cheap. The main modes of transport are boat or tuk-tuk.

For full details, check out my Lake Atitlan Boat Schedule: Panajachel to San Pedro & Other Routes

Lancha (boat)

By boat is without a doubt the best way to get around Lake Atitlan.

This is the most common mode of transport, used by both locals and tourists alike.

Note: these boats are called lanchas in Spanish

Of course, it depends on which town you’re traveling to, but the journey time should never exceed about 40 minutes.

Traveling by boat is also a beautiful experience in itself and offers extraordinary views of the surrounding volcanos and mountains.

The boats leave roughly every 15 minutes, or when they are full. Simply head to the dock to buy your ticket – this does not need to be done in advance.

Below are the prices for some journeys to give you an idea –

San Pedro to San Marcos – 15Q ($2)
San Pedro to Santa Cruz – 25Q ($3)
Panajachel to most towns – 25Q ($3)

Tuk Tuk

Tuk Tuk is the second most common way of getting around Lake Atitlan.

You would move this mode of transport for moving around the towns themselves, and not so much for going between towns.

This is because the tuk-tuks are confined to their respective towns, which is why they have the town name on the front to identify them.

For some short journeys between towns, it is worth taking a tuk-tuk. For example, between San Pedro and San Juan or San Marcos and Santa Cruz.

However, you will be dropped at the entrance of the town instead of right to your destination.

For a 10-minute trip, you can expect to pay about 10Q ($1.20).

Tips for getting to Lake Atitlan

The journey time can vary greatly depending on traffic, so don’t book things on too tight a schedule
If you’re taking a shared bus or shuttle, your bags will be strapped to the top. I’d recommend getting a waterproof cover
The roads are very winding, especially as you get closer to Lake Atitlan. Bear this in mind if you struggle with travel sickness
Try to avoid making the journey during rush hour (8-10 am, 5-7 pm)

Need a SIM? When traveling the WiFi can be a little patchy and unreliable. For a stress-free trip, I would recommend getting an Airalo eSIM in advance.

Where to stay in Lake Atitlan

When deciding on accommodation in Lake Atitlan, it is great to have an idea of which town you’d like to stay in.

Each town has a distinct charm and offers a unique experience for the traveler. It all depends on what kind of thing you’re into.

San Pedro – backpacker town, delicious restaurants, buzzing nightlife, great jump-off point for hikes
San Juan – 10 minutes from San Pedro, authentic local vibe, aesthetic artistic town, weaving & textiles
San Marcos – hippie town, yoga retreats, vegan restaurants, 12-meter jump, nature reserve good for swimming
Santa Cruz – amazing viewpoints, lake diving, chill vibes, less touristy
Jaibalito – off-the-beaten-path, peace & tranquility, amazing views
Panajachel – main transport hub, touristy, nature reserve, great nightlife
Tzununa – local vibe, community spirit, very tranquil, farms, permaculture, & herbal medicine

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Where To Stay in Lake Atitlan: 9 UNMISSABLE Towns & Hotels

If you want to be near the action, I would recommend staying in the backpacker town of San Pedro.

Alternatively, if you’re hoping for a more tranquil and authentic experience, I would suggest Jaibalito.

Amigos – San Pedro

Amigos is the perfect place to stay for those traveling on a budget.

This is where I stayed when I was in San Pedro and I could not recommend it more.

Where to stay in Lake Atitlan: Amigos Hostel San Pedro

Despite being called a hotel, Amigos has a hostel vibe. It is very social but certainly not a party hostel.

Depending on your budget, there is a choice of dorms or private rooms. The dorms are clean, spacious, and super affordable. There are two rooftops for socialising.

Amigos is perfectly located in the center of San Pedro, directly opposite the popular bar Sublime. The only downside to this is that it can get a little loud at night.

The price for dorms is 60Q ($8) per night and private rooms start at 300Q ($38).

CHECK PRICES

La Casa del Mundo – Jaibalito

Set into the cliff’s edge, La Casa del Mundo is arguably the most magical and unique Lake Atitlan accommodation.

Best Hotel in Lake Atitlan: La Casa del Mundo

Located in Jaibalito, this is the perfect place to stay if you want tranquility, scenic views, and relaxation.

It can only be accessed by boat, giving it a secluded charm perfect for couples. All rooms have balconies, stunning lake views, and a traditional aesthetic.

La Casa del Mundo boasts exceptional facilities, including a spa, a lake-view hot tub, and lake access perfecting for swimming in Lake Atitlan.

CHECK PRICES

Free Cerveza – Santa Cruz

Located in Santa Cruz, the Free Cerveza Hostel is a complete oasis of peace and tranquility.

With extraordinary views of Lake Atitlan and its surrounding volcanos, Free Cerveza offers private rooms or shared glamping tents.

I didn’t stay here myself as they book up days in advance, but I visited for the day and it was stunning.

The best part is, as a guest in the hostel, you get free use of the SUPs and kayaks. There are also many activities including yoga, hikes, and cooking classes.

As per the name, there is also free beer for half an hour each day which makes it great for socialising.

Private rooms start at 400Q ($50) per night and shared tents at 110Q ($14) per night.

CHECK PRICES

Maya Moon Lodge – Tzununa

Located in the quiet town of Tzununa, Maya Moon Lodge is perfect for those looking to experience a more peaceful and authentic side of Lake Atitlan.

Maya Moon Lodge Where To Stay Around Lake Atitlan

There is a choice of private rooms or dorms, with balconies, hammocks, and incredible views of Lake Atitlan.

They also have their own private beach with hammocks, perfect for swimming or sunbathing. They also offer free use of tubes and SUPs for rent.

Maya Moon Lodge feels worlds away from everything else and is great for those looking to unwind and relax in beautiful scenery.

Shared dorms are 150Q ($19) per night and private rooms start from 500Q ($64).

CHECK PRICES

FAQs

How much does it cost to get to Lake Atitlan from Guatemala City?

How much it costs to get to Lake Atitlan from Guatemala City varies greatly depending on the mode of transport you take.

Shared shuttle – roughly $40
Private transfer or taxi – $80 – $150
Chicken bus – $6

Is there Uber in Guatemala?

There is Uber in Guatemala and it is safe and legal to use.

When you’re in the big cities, you’ll have no problem finding an Uber. However, there is no Uber around Lake Atitlan.

When traveling from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan, an Uber driver may accept this journey. However, it is certainly not guaranteed due to the long distance.

Do not rely on this option but certainly feel free to give it a try. It can also work out much cheaper than a regular taxi.

How long is the shuttle from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan?

The journey time from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan is also entirely dependent on your mode of transport.

Shared shuttle – 4-6 hours
Private transfer or taxi – 2-4 hours
Chicken bus – up to 8 hours (maybe more)

Where to fly into for Lake Atitlan?

When heading to Lake Atitlan, you will fly into La Aurora Airport in Guatemala City.

This is the nearest airport, as there is not one near the lake itself. You will always have to take a bus or taxi.

How far is Lake Atitlan from Guatemala City?

Lake Atitlan is located roughly 75 miles (120km) from Guatemala City, as the crow flies.

Although the distance seems relatively short, the combination of winding roads with traffic, especially coming out of Guatemala City, can increase the journey time.

Is Lake Atitlan worth it?

Lake Atitlan is well worth visiting and certainly deserves a spot on your Guatemala itinerary.

Lake Atitlan is truly a magical place. With the impressive backdrop of volcanos and mountains, it is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

There are different Mayan communities living in each of the towns around the lake. They all have their own traditions, customs, ways of dressing and foods.

This means each town has a distinct character and its own unique charm, all worth exploring.

Along with such deep culture and history, there are many incredible things to do around Lake Atitlan.

There are many amazing hikes, coffee & cacao tours, weaving workshops, cooking classes, water sports, markets, and viewpoints. There is truly something for every type of traveler.

As if that wasn’t enough, there are some pretty extraordinary accommodations, delicious restaurants, and a buzzing nightlife scene too.