Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, is an unspoiled natural paradise that attracts visitors worldwide. Its crystal clear waters make it one of Guatemala’s most visited tourist attractions! Check out our guide for the best options to travel from Antigua to Lake Atitlan.
Lake Atitlán is located at 1450 meters above sea level in the department of Sololá, Guatemala.
It has an area of 134 km2 and is decorated by seven indigenous villages located on the shallow edges of the lake, surrounded by a spectacular landscape and displaying a beautiful culture.
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The lake, known for its continuous seismic activity, offers beautiful landscapes and is surrounded by beautiful volcanoes such as Toliman and Atiteko. Depending on the depth, its waters are clear in some areas and dark green in others.
Its waters are categorized as one of the clearest in the world, so they reflect its surroundings like a mirror during the days of sunny and clear weather.
It was created approximately 84,000 years ago due to a volcanic eruption from the dormant volcano Tacana. Lake Atitlán and the surrounding region have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Besides all its natural wonders, Lake Atitlan offers activities such as hiking, birdwatching, swimming, boating, and local cuisine.
The surrounding mountains provide a variety of terrains and accommodations for visitors. You can walk or bike along its many paths that allow for optimal observation of various birds and other animals!
Visit Panajachel, one of the villages surrounding this beautiful site! Visit the Sacred Caves of Lake Atitlan to witness an ancient Mayan cleansing ceremony. Learn why native tribes travel for hours to connect with the spirits and immerse yourself in the mysticism of the highlands!
Ready to explore this magical area?
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Antigua to Lake Atitlan.
How far is Lake Atitlan from Antigua?
The distance from Antigua to Lake Atitlan is 54.3 miles or 87.4 kilometers. It takes approximately 3 hours to reach Lake Atitlan, depending on how you decide to travel!
Transportation Options from Antigua to Lake Atitlan
The following table outlines all transportation options from Antigua to Lake Atitlan :
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus from Antigua to Lake Atitlan | 3 to 4 hours | USD 5 |
| Shared Shuttle from Antigua to Lake Atitlan | 3 hours | USD 25 |
| Private Transfer from Antigua to Lake Atitlan | 2 hours 40 minutes | USD 190 |
| Rental Car from Antigua to Lake Atitlan | 2 hours 40 minutes | |
| Taxi from Antigua to Lake Atitlan | 2 hours 40 minutes | USD 50 |
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Antigua to Lake Atitlan. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
Getting to Lake Atitlan from Antigua
1. Shared Van Shuttle
Journey Duration: 3 hours
If you do not like very crowded public transport or want to travel in a little more comfort, taking the shuttle is the easiest way to go!
A shuttle service also offers the added benefit of a comfortable break halfway through your journey, something you do not get with a regular public bus. Besides, it doesn’t cost much more!
Atitrans offers daily shared shuttles that depart multiple times during the day, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your schedule!
You can check their schedules here to make sure you arrive on time!
Antigua to Lake Atitlan Shuttle Schedule:
- 05:30 AM to 08:30 AM: Atitrans Shared Shuttle to Lake Atitlan from Antigua
Total price: USD 25
- 08:00 AM to 11:00 AM: Atitrans Shared Shuttle to Lake Atitlan from Antigua
Total price: USD 25
- 12:30 PM to 03:30 PM: Atitrans Shared Shuttle to Lake Atitlan from Antigua
Total price: USD 25
- 04:00 PM to 07:00 PM: Atitrans Shared Shuttle to Lake Atitlan from Antigua
Total price: USD 25
2. Bus from Antigua to Lake Atitlan
Journey Duration: 3 – 4 hours
You can also take the chicken bus, a public transportation option to reach Lake Atitlan for the lowest cost.
Panajachel is the most accessible place to get to if you plan to travel from Antigua to Lake Atitlan by bus.
Even though this trip only costs USD 5, it can be a bit of a struggle. Because of the limited timetable, if you cannot depart in the morning, you will probably need to find another way to travel.
One bus leaves directly from the central bus station near the market early in the morning. The bus departs at 7:00 AM, arriving in Panajachel at 10:45 PM.
3. Private Transfer from Antigua to Lake Atitlan
Journey Duration: Custom Time
A private shuttle to Lake Atitlan is available for those who don’t mind paying a bit more!
This type of private transfer offers you the convenience of arranging your own departure time and not being constrained by schedules. Furthermore, you can select the exact location where you want to be dropped off and even request stops en route.
Besides, if you are traveling with a group, the cost can be split, and you can get a safe and comfortable trip for an affordable price.
Prices for a private transfer to Lake Atitlan:
- 1 – 3 passengers: USD 190
- 4 – 6 passengers: USD 215
- 7 – 9 passengers: USD 230
- 10 – 12 passengers: USD 265
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Antigua to Lake Atitlan. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
4. Driving with Rental Car
Journey Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
Taking a rental car from Antigua to Lake Atitlán can be a great way to see as much as possible while stopping at the attractions along the way.
However, driving to Panajachel can be pretty challenging, with plenty of winding mountain roads through tiny villages and the usual traffic headaches.
A car provides you with the option to explore as much as possible, so make sure to take advantage of this solution and make the best of your trip!
The best time to leave is early in the morning so that you will be able to take a boat trip around the lake, see a few villages, see the three volcanoes, do a cultural tour, and get back to Antigua in time for dinner, so you don’t drive late at night.
If you plan to drive out to the lake for just a day trip before returning to Antigua, renting a car might be the best option since it offers the most flexibility and comfort, all for an affordable price!
5. Uber or Taxi
Journey Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
And finally, you have the option of taking a taxi or calling an Uber to reach Lake Atitlan. Due to the shorter distance, your fare should not exceed USD 50, and to ensure that you are paying the correct amount, always discuss it with your driver or the company in advance.
You can be picked up at your accommodation in Antigua and be dropped off in Panajachel, San Marcos, San Pedro, or anywhere else in the area of Lake Atitlan!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Uber work in Antigua, Guatemala?
Guatemala offers Uber services. However, if you’re traveling solo, you shouldn’t do this unless you are traveling after 07:00 PM due to traffic (it’ll cost a fortune, possibly even more than a taxi).
Is it easy to drive in Guatemala?
The roads in Guatemala’s populated areas are in decent shape. However, some streets outside of the city are dirt or gravel, and during the rainy season (April to October), they can be challenging to drive on. A 4WD is recommended if you’re leaving the city.
What is the typical food in Guatemala?
Pepian, kakik, tamales, hilachas, empanadas, and revolcado are some of the most popular traditional Guatemalan meals.
What is Guatemala famous for?
This Latin American country is best known for its volcanoes, Mayan culture, and Antigua’s colorful colonial city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aside from its wealth of local talent and produce, it is also home to some of the best agriculture in the world.
