You can get from Xela to San Pedro by shared shuttle + boat, taxi + boat, or rental car.
The cheapest option is by shared shuttle + boat, which costs USD 35. The journey takes about 3 hours.
The shared shuttle + boat is the most popular option, offering a convenient and affordable alternative.
The fastest way is by rental car, which takes about 2 hours.
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Xela to San Pedro.
Transportation Options
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shuttle + Boat via Panajachel | 3 hrs | $35+ |
| Taxi + Boat via Panajachel | 3 hrs | |
| Rental Car | 2 hrs | – |
1. Shared Shuttle + Boat via Panajachel
Journey Duration: 3 hours
To catch the boat to San Pedro, you must first get to Panajachel. One shuttle departs daily from Xela to Panajachel, and the ticket costs USD 35.
By booking this ride, you get picked up from your hotel in Xela, but you only get taken to the dock in Panajachel, where you have to get your boat ticket separately.
The boat is not included in this price, but it should not be a problem since the boat ticket cost is affordable and only USD 8!
The shuttle ride takes 3 hours in an air-conditioned, comfortable vehicle. Additionally, you must travel for another hour on the boat to San Pedro!
Shared Shuttle Schedule:
The table below displays the shared shuttle timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00am | 11:00am | 3h | $35 |  |
Boat Schedule
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:30am | 10:30am | 1h | $8 | |
| 10:30am | 11:30am | 1h | $8 | |
| 03:00pm | 04:00pm | 1h | $8 | |
| 05:00pm | 06:00pm | 1h | $8 | |
2. Taxi + Boat
Journey Duration: 2 hours
While shuttles are limited, you can take a taxi to Panajachel from Xela anytime you want!
The drive is around 2 hours, and once you arrive in Panajachel, you can get on a boat to San Pedro.
Even though taking a taxi isn’t typically a cost-effective option due to Guatemala’s winding roads and heavy traffic, you can consider the trip between Xela and Panajechel since the distance is not that long!
Expect to pay around USD 75 for the taxi alone and an additional USD 8 for the boat ride to San Pedro.
However, negotiate a price beforehand and watch out to avoid being tricked by local drivers.
Boat Schedule
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:30am | 10:30am | 1h | $8 | |
| 10:30am | 11:30am | 1h | $8 | |
| 03:00pm | 04:00pm | 1h | $8 | |
| 05:00pm | 06:00pm | 1h | $8 | |
3. Rental Car
Journey Duration: 2 hours
Renting a car is another practical way to get from Xela to San Pedro! This way, you can get directly from Xela to San Pedro only on land and won’t have to make the additional transfer to a boat in Panajachel!
Xela, or Guatemala in general, offers car rentals at insanely low rates that are definitely worth the price!
In addition to being affordable, this choice is excellent if you want to drive around the village, take in the sights, and explore the local area. So get a map and prepare to head out on the road!
You might even want to take a break to take some breathtaking views!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I travel without a car?
To get from Xela to San Pedro without a car, you must travel on a shuttle via Panajachel and then get on a boat from Panajachel to San Pedro. This option takes 3 hours.
Can I drive?
Yes, the driving distance between Xela and San Pedro La Laguna is 80 kilometers. It takes approximately 2 hours to drive.
How much is the boat?
A boat ticket from Panajachel to San Pedro costs USD 8 if you book online!
How long is the boat trip?
The boat trip from Panajachel to San Pedro takes approximately 1 hour.
Is there a direct bus?
No, there isn’t a direct bus. However, you can find your way by taking multiple public buses and a boat trip from Xela to San Pedro, but this option is not recommended.
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