Rio Dulce is well connected with Lanquín. You can get from Lanquín to Rio Dulce by public bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, or rental car.
If you’re looking for a different vacation experience, Rio Dulce is the perfect place! There are no better places to spend your holidays than in this vibrant and loud little river town.
Rio Dulce is a picturesque, peaceful town located on the banks of the Rio Dulce river in the Izabal Department, Guatemala. Lush tropical vegetation surrounds the town, providing breathtaking views of the Caribbean jungle!
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Whoever visits Rio Dulce will be impressed by the magnificent layout of buildings and houses on both sides of the riverside promenade, with colorful walls and bright-colored doors and windows!
Rio Dulce is also the name of the river passing by this town, filled with sailboats offering fantastic boat excursions, many being used as tourist attractions.
While it may seem tame from the outside, this idyllic hamlet has much to offer!
Traveling between Lanquín and Rio Dulce is easy, and you can choose between a public bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, and rental car.
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Lanquín to Rio Dulce.
How far is Rio Dulce from Lanquín?
The distance from Lanquín to Rio Dulce is 126.4 miles or 203.4 kilometers.
Transportation Options from Lanquín to Rio Dulce
The following table outlines all transportation options from Lanquin to Rio Dulce:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Shuttle from Lanquin to Rio Dulce | 6 hours | USD 45 |
| Public Bus from Lanquin to Rio Dulce | ~ 8 hours | USD 10 |
| Private Transfer from Lanquin to Rio Dulce | ~ 5 hours | – |
| Rental Car | ~ 5 hours | – |
Getting to Rio Dulce from Lanquín
1. Shared Shuttle from Lanquín to Rio Dulce
Journey Duration: 6 hours
Traveling by shared shuttle from Lanquin to Rio Dulce is one of the most accessible and affordable options you can take!
Since there is a lack of choice for transportation between these two locations, and the trip is quite tricky, the shared van shuttle is the first and sometimes the only option for many travelers.
Adrenalina Tours operates daily van shuttles that take you from Lanquin, the nearest town to Semuc Champey, to Rio Dulce!
However, if you decide to travel this route, remember that it does not offer the best road in Guatemala, so the ride takes a bit slower.
The shared shuttle departs at 08:00 AM from the Health Center in Lanquin, and the journey lasts around 6 hours. And if you book your ticket on their website, it costs only USD 45!
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Lanquín to Rio Dulce. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform for comparing prices & schedules and making a booking online.
2. Public Bus from Lanquín to Rio Dulce
Journey Duration: ~8 hours
If you’re an adventurous budget traveler, this second option might interest you!
You can also get from Lanquin to Rio Dulce by using local public transport, which saves you money.
Since the terrain from Lanquin to Rio Dulce is quite rough, you might have a hard time using this transportation choice, but if you decide to do it anyway, here’s what you should do!
You must first get on a local public minivan from Lanquin that will take you to Cahabon. This trip takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and the ticket costs only USD 2!
In Cahabon is where you need to make the first transfer. You will get on a bus from Santa Maria Cahabon to El Estor, which should cost around USD 5.
And finally, you can make the final transfer in El Estor and get to Rio Dulce! The last ride costs around USD 3 and takes about 1 hour.
Overall, the journey should last about 8 hours, but this is Guatemala, and you never know what you might come across on these roads.
3. Private Transfer from Lanquín to Rio Dulce
Journey Duration: ~5 hours
Since you’re left with few transportation options to travel from Lanquin to Rio Dulce, booking a private transfer is the most convenient choice!
Although hiring a private transfer is more expensive than public transportation, it offers so much more since the regularly shared shuttles don’t run very frequently.
Additionally, your designated driver can take you exactly where you want, and you will be able to make stops along the way, a bathroom break, and a lunch break!
Before you start the trip, I suggest checking if the car has air conditioning. Even though most private vehicles do, it is still better to double-check, especially before starting this five-hour-long journey.
It is best to take this option if you have a group of more than four people traveling from Lanquin to Rio Dulce. So, if this is the case, contact a travel agency and secure your trip from Lanquin to Rio Dulce!
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Lanquín to Rio Dulce. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform for comparing prices & schedules and making a booking online.
4. Driving with Rental Car from Lanquín to Rio Dulce
Journey Duration: ~5 hours
Finally, you can rent a car in Lanquin and drive to Rio Dulce to avoid all those crowds and make this long journey easier!
Despite the winding and mountainous roads, the scenery in this area is stunning, and you are free to explore on your schedule.
An international driver’s license is a must in Guatemala, and being familiar with Guatemalan traffic, including chicken buses speeding around corners! And, of course, be cautious of the unpaved roads lying ahead.
But if you’re ready to hit the road and settle for an adventure, all there’s left to do is to make a pick.
Vehicles in Lanquin are available at very affordable prices, and there are countless options to choose from!
Best day tours in Rio Dulce
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
The following widget shows some of the best tours in Rio Dulce, Guatemala.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Lanquín to Rio Dulce?
The cheapest way to get from Lanquín to Rio Dulce is by public bus, which costs USD 10, but you have to make a few transfers along the way.
What is the fastest way to get from Lanquín to Rio Dulce?
The fastest way to get from Lanquín to Rio Dulce is by car, which takes around 5 hours. You can either book a private transfer or rent a car and arrive in Rio Dulce in no time!
Is there a direct bus between Lanquín and Rio Dulce?
No, there is no direct bus from Lanquín to Rio Dulce. However, there are public buses that depart from Lanquín, but you have to make multiple transfers along the way to get to Rio Dulce.
How do I travel from Lanquín to Rio Dulce without a car?
The best way to get from Lanquín to Rio Dulce without a car is by a shared van shuttle, which takes approximately 6 hours and costs around USD 45.
