With the Lanquin Cave System being such a famous tourist attraction, it is no wonder that they have so much to offer in the nearby town of Lanquín! Check out our guide for the best options to travel from Antigua to Lanquín, Guatemala.
Lanquin, Guatemala, is a special place filled with colorful architecture and streets made out of stone, markets, and friendliness!
You probably wonder what makes Lanquin so beautiful. This little town is located in the department of Alta Verapaz and has a unique climate because it’s in the western part of Guatemala. Lush, green hills surround Lanquín, and it is a very traditional Q’eqchi village.
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Although this town is not as famous as its neighbor Coban, it is likewise one of the best meeting places for tourists who want to visit the enormous Lanquin Cave System.
Lanquin is a place for the curious — travelers wanting to escape their populated, busy, and noisy lives. The nearby caves and pools are popular for tourists to soak in incredible natural scenery!
They are a fascinating place to wander through—armed with flashlights and sometimes waist-deep in water, you’ll make your way through these limestone caves.
Get a guided tour of underground river caves before tubing down the Kahabon River. Experience the stunning turquoise pools and natural bridge at Semuc Champey National Park to round out your full-day Guatemala adventure!
There are many fascinating things to do in this fantastic place nestled in the middle of fascinating geography- Lanquin!
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Antigua to Lanquín.
Read also:
- Semuc Champey Natural Pools and Caves
- Hiking the Acatenango Volcano in Guatemala
- Best things to do in Antigua, Guatemala
- How to get around Guatemala
How far is Lanquín from Antigua?
The distance from Antigua to Lanquín is 193.8 miles or 311.9 kilometers. Depending on how you choose to travel, the driving distance can range from seven to nine hours.
Transportation Options from Antigua to Lanquín
The following table outlines all transportation options from Antigua to Lanquín:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Shuttle from Antigua to Lanquín | 9 hours | USD 41 |
| Private Transfer from Antigua to Lanquín | 7 hours | |
| Rental Car from Antigua to Lanquín | 7 hours |
Getting to Lanquín from Antigua
1. Shared Van Shuttle
Journey Duration: 9 hours
Taking a shared van shuttle is the easiest and cheapest way to travel from Antigua to Lanquin.
You will be picked up from your hotel in Antigua and dropped off in the center of Lanquin, which is great since you won’t have to worry about carrying your luggage around.
It is a long ride, but there are stops where you can enjoy the views or take a bathroom break. The drivers are very helpful, and the vans are comfortable and air-conditioned.
If traveling to Lanquin in the high season, I advise booking your ticket at least one day in advance because these shuttle vans do not run frequently.
There is only one departure daily, so make sure you arrive on time and reserve a ticket!
Shared Shuttle Schedule:
- 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM: Shared Shuttle to Lanquin from Antigua
Total price: USD 41
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Antigua to Lanquín. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
2. Private Transfer from Antigua to Lanquín
Journey Duration: Custom Time
Private transfers or a private car with a driver provide the most convenient method of transportation from Antigua to Lanquin!
It is a bit pricey, but it offers so much more than public transportation, considering that there is a lack of that.
You will be picked up from your hotel and dropped off at your location in Lanquin, and you will be provided with photo opportunities, bathroom breaks, and lunch breaks en route.
Before you begin the trip, I recommend asking if the car has air conditioning. Even though most private transfers and private vehicles do, it doesn’t hurt to check, especially before starting a 7-hour journey through the dense jungle and winding mountain roads!
Taking a private transfer is the best option for groups of more than four people, so if you have a lot of people traveling together, this is the best choice!
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Antigua to Lanquín. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
3. Driving with Rental Car from Antigua to Lanquín
Journey Duration: 7 hours
Lastly, you can rent a car in Antigua and drive out to Lanquin and the Central Highlands for a little adventure!
The town of Cobán is perfect for a stop before traveling out to Lanquin and Semuc Champey, and if you have time, you can also explore the caves at Candeleria and Laguna Lachua.
Although the roads are winding and mountainous in this area, the scenery is beautiful, and the parking is easier than in Antigua.
If you want to drive in Guatemala, you will need an international driver’s license and be confident with Guatemalan traffic, including chicken buses that fly around corners at breakneck speeds!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there Uber in Antigua, Guatemala?
Guatemala offers Uber service, and people often use it to travel from Guatemala airport to Antigua.
How much is an uber from Guatemala City to Antigua?
The cost of an Uber is at least 175 GTQ (approximately USD 23). Count on heavy traffic to increase that cost.
Does Antigua Guatemala have a beach?
Even though Guatemala has both Atlantic and Pacific coastlines, it is not known as a beach destination. You can reach Monterrico and El Paredón on the Pacific coast, the closest beaches to Antigua, in 2-2.5 hours by shuttle.
What is a chicken bus in Guatemala?
Chicken buses, or caminionetas, are the country’s local buses that connect all of Guatemala’s towns, villages, and cities. It is usually the cheapest option for traveling long distances as it is the main form of local transport.
