As a result, I recommend shopping around to negotiate the best price. That being said, there is always some basic precautions you can take to protect yourself. I stayed there and it was the most blissed-out Ive been in years. After about 30 minutes, I arrive at Mazate station! The total cost to get from Guatemala City to Pana and on to San Marcos at Lake Atitlan cost roughly $60 for two people. Or even better book online with GuateGo. Whenever I travel anywhere, I am always conscious of being safe and careful. Iwas in a state of panicfor about 2 minutes,thencame to my senses. These cookies do not store any personal information. We stayed a couple of days in Antigua and at Lake Atitlan and here is short info about the connections: 1, From Antigua there are chicken buses to (and probably many others): I know from the man next to me that theres buses to Mazate once we get to this new town. One private taxi, four chicken buses, two tuk tuks, a boat, and an adventure to remember. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 1. We do not work with affiliates or sponsors. Always keep your valuables in a bag in your possession at all times, such as a small backpack or handbag. In fact it added to the fun of the ride! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. September 2017Chicken Bus Guatemala City To Antigua:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjIrmEDprEIChicken Bus Antigua to El Hato - Earth Lodge:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SMT7G4oHx0 You can just make out the top of an old yellow school bus.) Right before reaching Chichi, Guatemala police inspected our bus on fruits []. We left Antigua around 14:15 and we still managed to get to Lake Atitlan at around 17:30. Heart of Travel, click here for more information. Today we were treated to a performance by a clown that rode along for a few stops, pulling jokes and collecting coins . Even though our Spanish was still very basic it turned out very easy to navigate the 4 buses (3 changes) required on this journey. If the bus gets hijaked, they will take money and stuff and let everyone off the bus. COMING FROM GUATEMALA CITY INSTEAD? You can hire a private boat to take you, but I dont know how much those are. The busses or burras (female donkey) in chapin (Guatemalan) slang are refurbished school busses from Canada and the US. We saw buses on Calle 21 and Calle 41 in different zones of Guatemala City lined up on the road. The chicken buses were leaving directly around 7 am but you were required to stay 30 minutes in advance. Chicken buses are decked out, ghetto fabulous recycled American school buses with nothing but locals aboard. The most popular budget method we found in online searches was a bus company called Rebuli. We never found the companys office. In Antiguas bus area, find the bus going to where you want to be, get on, and pay the conductor once the bus is moving. Antigua To Lake Atitlan Guatemala: COMPLETE Guide (2023) - Jennie Wanders There are buses that leave regularly from Guatemala City, including direct from the airport, as well as . By Private Transfer. There are 3 people to a seat plus the aisle is packed with people. This all-purpose rule pretty much covers everything you need to know about the busses. All aboard the jesus-blessed reggatone-blaring livestock-carrying express! . It is in the Solol Department of southwestern Guatemala. In reality, you could travel around the whole of Central America using more expensive tourist shuttle buses, but where is the fun and adventure in that! Sure, why not. Head to one of the numerous tour operators around the lake and book a tour bus from Lake Atitlan to Chichicastenango. When you get there-there will likely be a few men shouting Solola they will usher you in. The view is incredible! I also wrote a whole accommodation guide for Antigua, Guatemala City, and Lake Atitlan. If the bus is crowded getting access to your big bag may not be convenient or possible! I get to the bus station in Antigua, my friend helps me find the packed Escuintla bus. 2. Chicken bus Antigua to Chimal (10q/$1.30) 1 hour Hire A Private Taxi / Driver From Antigua To Lake Atitlan. Los Encuentros Solola Its one of the largest outdoor markets in Central America, and even if you dont plan on buying anything, its worth visiting just to soak up the atmosphere and get a taste of local like in rural Guatemala. Practice your Spanish! Chicken Bus Route: Antigua-Xela - Vagabond and Beyond Prices for shuttle from Antigua to San Pedro in April 2021 - 120Q onwards. Chicken Bus Antigua To Lake Atitlan? In summary, there are two main ways to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan. How to Get From Antigua to Lake Atitlan [2023]: 6 Best Ways - LivingOutLau When the bus is stopping always try to have an eye on your bag if you can to make sure no one accidently walks off with it. How To Get From Antigua To Lake Atitlan, Guatemala - Universal Traveller Now go jump on a pick-up truck and enjoy your time at the lake! Just when you think it is not possible for anyone else to fit, five more people squeeze in. In our case, there was no direct bus to Pana leaving anytime soon so we ended up getting on a bus headed for a small town en route to Pana, where we could transfer to a different bus. Riding them is a real experience not to be missed! It takes ~3 hours and the bus makes multiple stops along the way. I recommend riding a chicken bus at least once!!! Wherever you are staying in Lake Atitlan you will need to firstly go to Panajachel (Pana) to start the journey. Antigua To Lake Atitlan: Your 3x Easiest Transport Options You never know what mishaps will come up, so settle in for the long haul. Duration: 2.5-3 hours. Alicante Weather in April Worth Visiting? Your email address will not be published. How To Get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan [2023] - Every Steph I figured there must be a way to see the market from Have you ever been to Mazatenango? Chicken Buses to Lake Atitlan From Antigua Getting a Rental Car and Driving Yourself Taking an Uber or Hiring a Taxi Taking a Guided Tour From Antigua Guatemala How to Get Around Lake Atitlan, Guatemala? The busses are then sold and driven south and, once freed from strict, pesky, safety regulations, they are gutted to fit in more seat and a decked out engine capable of hauling the heavy load through mountain terrain. They are local transport and the experience varies greatly from ride to ride, region to region. Posted on Last updated: September 14, 2022. This website utilizes ads and affiliate links. Tourist shuttles, schmorist shuttles. Plus as I said before it was much more fun and part of the Guatemala experience. Now, I help adventurous LGBTQ+ humans like yourself travel the world and live your best life. Head towards them and ask for Chichi. Bus #4: Chimaltenango to Antigua. The journey is about the same time as a shuttle, less than half the price and far, far more interesting! I accepted a work exchangeposition as a Zumba instructor at a holistic weight loss clinic. Categories Central America, Destinations, Guatemala. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. I would 100% recommend the cheap and cheerful way. It may be slightly cheaper to first travel to Panajachel and arrange transport from there. Shuttles leave regularly from Guatemala City Airport to Panajachel. Panajachel has a low crime rate and is fairly safe (though the usual precautions to keep oneself safe are encouraged). It takes around 30-40 minutes and costs 25Q. Same experience as the last, I get on the bus directly behind us which clearly says Mazate. The conductor tells me I dont have to pay on this bus, because I already paid them. If you're looking for ways to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan, read this post instead. I created this blog to inspire everyone to travel and see the world. Thirty minutes into the trip, there is an impromptu church sermon. Panachajel Ferry to the other places (incl, San Pedro, Marco, Juan). lake atitlan, lago de atitlan, santa cruz, panajachel, xela, quetzaltenango, guatemala, central america, travel, chicken bus, travel tips, antigua, acatenango, volcano, volcan fuego, guatemala, central america, travel, hiking, unguided, hiking acatenango without a guide. Any experience with Work Away? They shout out Chimal for this bus. How take the Chicken Bus Panajachel to Antigua - Nomadic Backpacker In Antigua's bus area, find the bus going to where you want to be, get on, and pay the conductor once the bus is moving. They will take a lot longer if they dont start in Panajachel so its best to start your trip from there. This route in particular is safe and easy and saves loads of money. Busses leave from El Trebol (main bus stop for chicken busses), duration 1h, cost 10 Q, end at the mercado municipal in Antigua, Antigua to Lanquin (Semuc Champey) Some of the drivers like to race around in these old buses but I never felt unsafe. Ive been here for a 6 months and never met anyone thats had a bad situation, but its not unheard of. Your email address will not be published. At every stop vendors flood into the bus with tamales or. I was warned numerous times how hot it is and how there are no gringos (white Americans) in Mazatenango. Were just about to get to the Escuintla station (I think) and theayudante looks directly at me and says something something MAZATE! Thats my cue. The busses are the main form of transportation for the majority of the country and the only rule is if it cant fit inside the bus, were throwing it on the roof (applies to things and people). Usually they put bags on the roof but in my case the driver put it right beside him which was nice. The first bus was $1.42 USD for two people. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. We did the transfer thing four times and rode four different chicken buses. Regardless of the stories, I took this journey with a friend I had met at, Antigua - Click Here to Read about the best things to do and where to stay, Lake Atitlan - Click here to read about the best things to do and where to stay, For more inspiration, check out these latest posts on. This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Not to mention a stunning bus journey along windy, mountain roads and a scenic ferry ride across one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Now we can totally relax. Just use normal precaution. Panajachel to Solola takes 20 min and costs 3 quetzals, Solola to Los Encuentros takes 30-40 min and costs 3 quetzals, Los Encuentros to Chichicastenango take 40-50 min and takes 6 Quetzals. Either make your way to Panajachel the day before so you can leave early in the morning. I have written lots of different guides on Guatemala so be sure to stick around and read a few more! 4 early retirement steps to take right now, Best places to retire in the world on small budgets, 3 reasons to rent in retirement and travel the world, How to find the remote Yelapa waterfalls, Delhi, Dehradun, Mussoorie budget travel tips, Shocking loss of unlikely friend the indigenous Ati Chief, 6 ways Mexico changed me for the better, Learning with Gracie, living with grace, Varanasi cremations are intense experiences, That time we brought ELECTRICITY to an indigenous village, That time we brought WATER to an indigenous village, Into the heart of Transylvania underground In Alba Iulia, Romantic Timisoara is little Vienna in Romania, Cheap flights to Belgrade made us tourists, What an Isla Mujeres Vacation is like today, What it cost for 17 nights in the UAE the slow travel way, How we found summer airfare deals & Airbnb discounts. How to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan - Nomad Joseph On most of the buses my friend and I had two seats each to ourselves as the buses were never totally packed. Your email address will not be published. Generally, morning/mid-day travel has lower passenger volumes anyway, and makes for a less crowded ride. This route involves 4 buses in total and 3 changes. The lady talkedfor about 15 minutes. It also turned out to be a fun experience. Within minutes my friend calls. Lake Atitlan Guatemala - All you need to know - Only Once Today, [] local feel. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. If you cannot find a direct bus to Xela you might try to go there by changing different chicken buses. 500 Westover Dr. #4768, Sanford, NC 27330. I must admit I was a little nervous beforehand. This is easily the worst leg of the journey and prepare for it to be crowded. How to get from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake, Guatemala These buses are painted in bright vibrant colours and fitted out with more lights and speakers than your local nightclub! Armed robberies of "chicken buses" have increased dramatically in recent months throughout Guatemala. There will be an ayudante with a gun sitting up front to protect the bus and the driver (usually a young, bored looking adolescent). I also walked around chichi for a while, going up to pascual abaj and stuff. This is how we got from Guatemala City to San Pablo La Laguna a small Mayan village on Lake Atitlan. In this post, I will tell you all the possible ways you can get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan for every budget and style. The cost for two people was $35. Reason one to take a private car at least some of the way to Lake Atitlan our perceived safety. Next time hopefully for a month or two. As soon as you get off the bus there will be guys asking where you are going. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Frame the ride as an experience, not just another travel day. The right side of my body was practically on top of the husband sitting next to me. These shorts had zipped pockets which I highly advise. Antigua Guatemala is known to be a pretty safe city within the Latin American backpacker trail, and while this is true, that doesnt mean crime doesnt occur. Perhaps the easiest and most popular to get to Lake Atitlan is by bus (not to be confused by the local chicken buses). If you are worried grab a Tuk Tuk and tell them you want the bus for Solola, they will take you straight there. We agreed we feel its important to support the locals when we can. I rested my left side of my body on someones butt or crotch the entire trip. Since you are visiting Chichicastenango on the way, I recommend booking a private shuttle. Great result and thanks for sharing valuable and clear info. Sometimes there is music blaring on the speakers. If you have photos to share, please email them to centrocoasting@gmail.com. Dont put it on top of the bus. I just thought I would post this in case others in the future want to do the same journey I did this morning. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. (10:30am - 3:30pm) COST: 60Q. As soon as I was approached with offers, I politely declined. ps. We had to wait another 5 minutes for the bus to leave and we arrived in Antigua at 1.50pm in the main bus terminal. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy.I also useTravel Insurance Masterfor short trips.Read my fulltravel insurance posthere where I go into detail about all 4 companies. Have you ever ridden a chicken bus? Best Places to Stay in Guatemala Dormitory beds in nice backpacker hostels vary between $5 and $12 and a double room in a hostel is 14-$25. Often these shuttle buses are ram packed too and the aircon doesnt work. Thanks! There was no aircon but the windows are open so there is always a breeze and I was never too hot. Changing busses is often required to get where youre going and if you have absolutely zero Spanish, the potential to get lost is high. These beauties have expired their 10 year life span driving around school kids and are deemed unsafe. Travelling to Lake Atitlan on public transport (aka a chicken bus) was chaotic, but surprisingly easy and VERY cheap! Once I had made my first journey on chicken buses, they were always my first option for the remainder of my trip. My friend tells theayudante (conductor/bus worker)that I am headed to Mazate and to please take care of me. You can usually say your final destination such as Antigua or if you know the route, the next stop, which is Encuentros. The exterior is painted with the busses company colours and dressed up with electric lights, the interior plastered with pictures of Jesus and fitted with a bumping speaker system. It would be my second work exchange in Guatemala! There is an area near the center of town where chicken buses line up. 2. We arrived at the boat dock in just enough time to load our bags in a rickety boat before the rain hit. Lake Atitlan is famous for its magnificent sunsets, and the Panajachel cruise is the best way to see it. There are 4 main modes of public transport, boat, pickup truck, chicken bus or Tuk Tuk. Are parks and nature reserves open? Normally pick up is around 8 am and they will bring you back at around 2 pm. But I know not everyone is as adventurous like me so you may prefer to play it safe and, Head to one of the numerous tour operators around the lake and book a tour bus from Lake Atitlan to Chichicastenango. Pay attention to where you get off as you will need to find your way back there for the return journey. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. If you're traveling through Guatemala, chances are, you're going to want to head from Antigua to Lake Atitlan, or the reverse, at some point in your travels. Pingback: San Pedro, Lake Atitln - 10 Best Things to Do, Thanks for sharing! If you want to stay in San Pedro then Id recommend Zoola San Pedro Atitlan,AmiGos,Hotel Tinamit, orCristalinas Cafe, Hotel & Restaurant at Lake. (C) 2022 - Courtney The Explorer, LLC. She asks me again what I will be teaching. Especially if youre hauling a big backpack. Easy. All you gotta do now is take the bus to Chimaltenango for 5Q and from there you can go to the Outside of Xela for 35Q. (A tuk tuk is a vehicle used in many countries. Your larger/main backpack may not always be with you on the local buses. Buses wait for each other and are very frequent. Antigua To Lake Atitlan FAQs How is the drive from Antigua to Lake Atitlan? The road distance is 567.3 km. Carla picks me up. ), is sleeping/unconscious and drooling on the floor. I ask my new bus friend about 30questions,15 of them being what town is this bus going to again? A toddler in the seat behind wont stop crying. and can be the BEST people watching experiences. Our place is just outside a Maya village named San Pablo. The Insurance companies I personally recommend areHey Mondo,Passport Nomads, Safety Wing, andTravel Insurance MasterHey Mondois great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. In this post, I'll cover all the different ways to get from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan, including by shuttle service, chicken bus, private shuttle, and helicopter. When the bus is stopping always try to have an eye on your bag if you can to make sure no one accidently walks off with it. It has extremely high crime rates, of both violent and petty crime. I got told there are other buses at 7 and 730am and I presume others would go later in the day. How to get to Lake Atitlan. Once there was the soundtrack to a. READ How to get from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan I kept my phone, wallet, and camera with me at all times, even when we got off the bus to stop for lunch or toilet breaks. Head towards them and ask for Chichi. The internet told me that it would be an simple trip, with just one change in Chimaltenango. Another member just wrote to ask for the information you provided, so thanks. Learn how your comment data is processed. And my small backpack rested on topof my lap. If you find yourself in need of medical care you just contact them and they will pre-load your card with the funds to cover your treatment, meaning you wont need to pay out of pocket and then put in a claim later.Safety Wingis great value with monthly cover starting at $39. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The terminal is located right behind the outdoor market on the west side of town and any local can tell you where it is. Head to one of the numerous tour operators around the lake and book a tour bus from Lake Atitlan to Chichicastenango. Budget hotel rooms with good ratings start at about $25. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Plus, the altitude kept everything at comfortable, breezy temperatures and everyone along the way was incredibly kind and helpful. My first winter out of the Midwest!!! Antigua had no chicken bus service for two days this month after drivers went on strike to protest the lack of police protection. 29 Best Things To Do In Lake Atitlan, Guatemala - My Adventures Across Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Thats about 150Q. They are known to get robbed and hijaked. Your larger/main backpack may not always be with you on the local buses. For more information, read my post The Best Things To Do In Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. To get from the capital of Guatemala City to Lake Atitln, youll have to travel 77 miles (126 km), and the best way to make the journey is by car. If yoga isnt your thing and you want something a bit more upmarket then you cant go wrong with Lush Atitlan. I always felt safer when my wallet and phone was zipped away, especially if I ever had to stand on a packed bus. Unfortunately, hostels dont usually help as they want you to take their shuttle buses. Alternatively, hop on one of the chicken buses headed to Solol. We got charged a whopping Q100 together, five times as much as he should have charged us. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online. At the end, she asked for money. My friend clearly told me: take the Escuintla bus to the bus station then find a DIRECT bus to Mazate. Id love to know the earliest bus! These buses are called chicken buses because they have been known to carry poultry and live. The ride was unexpectedly gorgeous one, past ranches and farms and sweeping mountain vistas. I took a long chicken bus journey from my home in Antigua to my new home in Mazatenango, Guatemala aka the middle of nowhere. You can take private transfers direct from the city or airport, jump in a taxi, rent a car, hop on a tourist shuttle or a chicken busor, if you really want to splash out, you can go by helicopter. The town of Panajachel is located on the Northeast shore of Lake Atitln, and has become a centre for the tourist trade of the area as it provides a base for visitors crossing the lake to visit other towns and villages. I contemplated taking a nice bus from Guatemala City OR take 2 chicken buses (local buses) from Antigua. I am planning a trip to Antigua and Lake Atitlan at the end of May 2021 and can't. find any information on closures due to Covid. Learn how your comment data is processed. It also took us nearly eight hours with a private car, four chicken buses, two tuk tuks and a boat. Chichicastenango is a town near lake Atitlan famous for markets The Road to Semuc Champey. Absolutely stuffed full of people. Keep change and small bills to give to the bus driver that will come around to collect fare. Lake Atitlan to Xela by chicken buses. Your site has been so helpful. At one of the transfer stops, the bus pulled away with our big bags still on the top! Your email address will not be published. Chicken buses are old US Schools buses and used all across Latin America. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Share your travel knowledge in the comment section below. Chicken Bus Antigua To Lake Atitlan? - Viajamos contigo Comfort meets cost efficiency in this transport option from Antigua to Lake Atitlan. Duration: 2+ hours (traffic dependent) By Helicopter. I have to run on because it is on its way out. In summary the total cost of the journey was Q38.50 ($5 USD, 4 GBP) and total time taken was 3 hours 25 minutes. They have several places to stay and I cant recommend them enough! Your email address will not be published. Duration: <25 minutes (or half/full-day tour). I dont react. Otherwise, it will go behind the last row of chairs where it`s less safe. Chicken bus Los Encuentros to Solola (4q/50c) 40mins Riding them is a real experience not to be missed! Luckily, we double checked with a local on board to find out he had lied to us in enough time to get off and get the right bus. Without further ado lets get to the Lake Atitlan to Antigua route you need to take. I kept looking around and laughing, wishing this experience could be filmed. Getting back is just the reverse of this. Yes, they are safe for solo female travelers. Option 1: Take A Shuttle Bus - Price 25$. In this guide, I will walk you through all of the ways you can get from Lake Atitlan to Chichicastenango. Its hot out. Guatemalans call the chicken bus in Spanish la camioneta, la burra, or el bus. They are full of people to meet (and practice Spanish with!) There is only one bus trip daily, and it leaves Antigua at 7:00 AM. We ended up taking three different chicken buses AND a ferry because that was the safest and quickest way to get to Lake Atitlan. Chicken bus Solola to Pana (5q/65c) 15mins. Lake Atitln (Spanish: Lago de Atitln, [atitlan]) is a lake in the Guatemalan Highlands of the Sierra Madre mountain range. The information we saw on how to take local buses from the city to the lake is sparse. Travel Tips: Antigua to Atitlan Via Chicken Bus I did have spare credit cards in my large backpack, but they were well hidden within the middle of the bag.
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