Street food is readily available in all of the towns and is a great way to keep your budget from blowing out. Q10 = $1.28 (US) / $1.74 (CAD) / 1.21. Thanks for the thoughtful comment Kevin! Although plenty of backpackers pass through this lake while theyre in Guatemala, very few settle down and spend six weeks there as I did in late 2017/early 2018. Its a country full of vibrant culture, small villages, imposing volcanoes, lush forests, and friendly locals that welcome you with open arms. In most of the towns, you will also be able to find Mayan painting classes taught by local artists or authentic cooking classes. I need a nap after about five minutes at any market, so I didnt visit Chichicastenango, but I heard great things about it from friends that did visit. Hostel del Lago always has something going on in San Marcos, or check the Facebook group to see what events are on when youre visiting. Click here to book online activities in Guatemala Other great options in San Pedro include The Fifth Dimension and budget-friendly Ha Falafel. The hostel with the most going on is always Hostel Del Lago. 11 ways to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan By Isabella Biava October 21, 2022 Planning to visit Lake Atitlan? How to Get from Antigua to Panajachel, Lake Atitlan This makes renting a car to travel from Atitlan Lake to San Cristobal de las Casas a hassle. Your email address will not be published. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-37712149', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Antigua. The public buses dont have the best reputation for safety but I never had any issues using them. However, since its not uncommon to get charged tourist prices, which can be more than double, its a good idea to know the local price. The writing here is fantastic and I especially enjoyed this line: The tour guide called this place Mayan Facebook because the families will supposedly gossip about each other and what is happening around the town. That made me laugh, and I can picture it in my mind. Do you need help arranging your transportation? 2. Parque de la Paz/Peace Park: A park in Santiago that was the scene where 14 unarmed protestors were killed by the military during the vicious Guatemalan Civil War. I lived in Peru for two years and the countryside is such a different story safety-wise from the capital of Lima. Eating at this restaurant will actually help the community as the charity works to combat chronic malnutrition and poverty within Santa Cruz and the surrounding area. You can secure your seat on the shared van shuttle by booking online for only USD 85! And if you are looking for gifts and trendy second-hand clothes, the main street in San Marcos is full of options. Many agencies around Lake Atitlan offer tours to the Chichicastenango Market which is the largest market in Central America. You can visit nearly every town, except Jaibalito by moto. 23. Because Lake Atitlan is not a single destination but rather a collection of over a dozen towns. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-30795688', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight land? How to get from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City, Guatemala San Cristobal de las Casas is well connected with Atitlan Lake. Your articles and photos always make me feel like Im there! Their interface is user friendly and they help you find the best deals on flights to any destination. Going in June, where to stay and what to do? There are affiliate links within this article, which help me travel more often! There are 3 ways to get from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City, including bus, car, minivan. Three dormant volcanoes, San Pedro, Atitlan and Toliman, loom over the lake and provide an epic background for photos. Happy trails! Now lets get into the logistics. 2 helpful votes. Getting around Lake Atitlan is not complicated, but it can take a few tries before you [], So, youre finally here. While Lake Atitlan is known for this vibrant culture, its also incredibly scenic. There is 1 way to get from Guatemala City to Lago de Atitln by bus Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. It's most famous for being a spiritual hub of sorts, with several yoga studios, vegan restaurants, and hip cafs. Check out our guide for the best options to travel from Atitlan Lake to San Cristobal de las Casas. Expect to pay around $30-50 quetzals ($4-6.50 USD) for most meals. Sounds amazing! The Amigos de Santa Cruz charity does so many beneficial things for this community so feel free to check them out to see the incredible work that they do. Contrary to popular belief, Guatemala is not a country where danger lurks around every corner. Be sure to get the collectivo because a private boat will cost you a few hundred Q. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Theres also a platform that you can jump off of and descend a whopping 30 feet into the lake below. Accommodations: We recommend using Booking.comandHostelworldfor reserving accommodations. For one, Lake Atitlan is flanked by three immense stratovolcanoes on its southern end. Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan Transfer 2023 - Viator Yes youll love this lake in that case. In terms of physical activity, you can spend time relaxing in or hiking around San Marcos nature reserve, which is called Cerro Tzankujil. And I think that could also work out for #3. He comes from a large and hardworking family, with two sisters, two brothers, and several nephews. Lago de Atitln (Lake Atitlan) - What to Know BEFORE You Go (2023) In terms of your actual arrival at the lake, the simplest method would be to arrive in Panajachel via the Pan American Highway and then take a small boat called a Lancha to your final destination. You can arrange for a shuttle or private taxi to take you from the airport in Guatemala City to Antigua, which is about an hour away. Hooray! You'll be fine and its going to cost you a whole lot less than anywhere else in the world. Volcan San Pedro is, as the name suggests, the big volcano you can see behind the town of San Pedro. 10 Epic Towns in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala (All My Favorite Villages) When you read about violence in places like Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, etc., you are reading about violence between people that live there. At that intersection you're only about 30 minutes at the most from the lake. Panajachel has connections to all the nearby cities so its easy to depart the lake from here. While the water can be quite dirty near San Pedro and Panajachel, at Santa Cruz and San Marcos the water is much cleaner and fine for swimming. Panajachel to Santa Cruz: Q10 How To Travel To Lake Atitlan - Atitlan Living As our little latino grandmother used to say, what you pay, what you get., Book a private taxi with a trusted driver here Atitlan Taxi, Book a private boat with a trusted captain here: Atitlan Lancha, Or contact our transport organizer Patrick on WhatsApp at +1 845 653 6247. 25 Likes, TikTok video from GIDI Travels (@giditravels): "Guatemalas Best Kept Secret - Lake Atitlan, San Pedro Add this to your Guatemala travel itinerary! It travels through Antigua with a 90 minute layover. The cheapest way to get from Atitlan Lake to San Cristobal de las Casas is by shared van shuttle. Oftentimes youll see dramatic clouds rolling over these hills and giving depth to the skies above this enormous lake. Heading abroad? Similar to Amigos de Santa Cruz,Konojelis both a restaurant and a nonprofit charity that serves the community in various ways. To get one, simply wave one down or wait at the bus stop. 3) Shared shuttle, which departs (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ), 25 of the Best Places to Visit in May in the USA . Lake Atitln - Wikipedia If you're coming from Antigua, it's extremely easy to get a shuttle bus to Lake Atitlan. Further, the road is somewhat precarious so dont take this route if youre prone to motion sickness. If youre interested in renting, Ride Atitlan has some great deals on longterm rentals in particular. Galgos and Alamo have good service too and are not chicken buses. But a private car is both the fastest way to travel from . Getting around Lake Atitlan is not complicated, but it can take a few tries before you [], So, youre finally here. The distance from La Aurora International Airport to Lake Atitlan is 140 kilometers. To give you an idea of the price, it costs Q30 for the public boat from Pana to San Pedro. Check out Private Taxi. Its just because the town is further away so its a bit more difficult to reach. The fastest way to travel is by car, which takes approximately 4 hours. Even if you dont plan on visiting Guatemala in your lifetime, I hope you will use this article to learn about a unique corner of the world and to broaden your view of Central America as a whole. about Tikal, Guatemala: A Comprehensive Guide. The distance from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City is 78 miles or 125.3 kilometers. Conditions and amenities vary by provider. It may have just been a bad day for visibility, but the conditions dont seem to change too much. And finally, the hike along the lake from San Marcos to Santa Cruz is a great way to spend a day, especially as you can stop off at the town of Jaibalito halfway through for a swim or meal. Thanks for the comment! Theres no better way to experience Lake Atitlan than by motorcycle. In San Pedro, Hostel Fe Bar and Sublime are almost always busy and filled with backpackers. As a bonus, it also has an eight-metre high diving board which is a whole lot of fun. Depending on how you choose to travel, the following amenities are available: A/C and Reclining Seats. Taking the Atitrans Shared Shuttle is an excellent way to experience a comfortable and convenient journey across the border and see the best of the region! If youre looking for personalized transport, accommodations, tours, or just need help moving to Lake Atitlan, please send us a message through our Contact Form or email us at Team@AtitlanLiving.com. This is a great post! Drivers are often underpaid and short tempered, which makes any attempt to explain where your hotel or airbnb is more stressful than it should be. The distance from Lake Atitlan to Antigua, Guatemala, is 49.3 miles or 79.3 kilometers. At $30/person its relatively cheap. If a local is caught committing a crime, they will be ostracized by the entire community. If youre looking for personalized transport, accommodations, tours, or just need help moving to Lake Atitlan, please send us a message through our Contact Form or email us at Team@AtitlanLiving.com. If you're going to San Antionio, Santa Catarina, San Lucas, Santa Cruz, or Jaibalito, you definitely want to go to Panajachel. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee. through twisty, mountainous roads. Some of these include meditations, cacao ceremonies, drum circles, yoga, pilates, movie nights, live music, and much more. San Juan is probably my favorite spot on Lake Atitlan since it doesnt experience as much tourism as some of the other villages. And theres no better way to experience the lake than by rocketing across it in a rickety launcha. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. In fact, the Prussian naturalist and explorer Alexander von Humboldt once described Atitlan as the most beautiful lake in the world.. What a wonderful post. From Handicrafts to Online Success: The Story of Jesus and His Familys Traditional Textile Business in Santa Catarina, How To Travel By Boat Around Lake Atitlan, 10 Free Things To Do & See Around Lake Atitlan. It costs 70Q (about $9) to enter and then there are additional costs if you would like to zip line. The drive generally takes a minimum of two and a half hours by shuttle, but with traffic, this can take upwards of four, so be prepared and make sure you have lots of water . Here I aim to inspire others to travel more by sharing honest travel guides from around the world. If youre looking to save a bit of money, the public buses (aka chicken buses) are an adventurous option for getting to and from Lake Atitlan. Interesting post. Every village and town is different, some places are very quiet, some, on the other hand, are buzzing with life and movement. For more detailed information and availability see all Bus options. The only thing left to dofigure out how to get from the airport to your hotel. Sunbathe in San Marcos San Marcos is one of the many small villages along Lake Atitln. This reserve is not nearly as large as the one in Panajachel but its scenic, has access to the lake, and it features a nice hiking trail. My recommendation would be to contact your hotel or hostel and have them help you arrange transportation. Great detailed post about Lake Atitlan! What time of day does your (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Copyright 2012-2023 - Indie Traveller / Brontosaurus OU | Privacy - Disclosure, 16 Essential Apps for Backpackers & Travelers, How To Work Remotely While (Shhh) Also Traveling, 10 Underrated Destinations You Must Have On Your Travel List, 7 Unique Things To Do In Antigua Guatemala, How To Visit Tikal, Guatemala (And Camp Overnight). Interesting article this I just read here in your blog, I am following your articles a few days and are many interesting information I liked. While Lake Atitlan is one single destination, there are 11 different towns and villages dotted around the shores. Shared Van Shuttle from Atitlan Lake to San Cristobal de las Casas, Private Transfer from Atitlan Lake to San Cristobal de las Casas. Due to the lack of roads along the north of the lake, nearly all towns are connected by boat. Compared to the rest of Guatemala, Lake Atitlan experiences an unusually low level of crime throughout its numerous villages. Some links may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn commission from products or services I recommend. I loved reading this interesting, deailed post about Guatamala a country I knew very little about. What Is The Distance From Guatemala Airport To Lake Atitlan? They are quick and convenient but relatively pricey. Is there any particular reason why no public boats go into town or is that the locals way of preserving their culture and environment? If youre visiting when the season is on (February onwards), try and get to a game. If youre looking for a more comfortable and faster way to travel from Atitlan Lake to San Cristobal de las Casas, consider booking a private transfer! Most pickup trucks make their routes in the morning and afternoon, but a few can still be found mid day. The second option would be to skip Antigua altogether and go straight from the airport to Lake Atitlan. San Pedro to San Marcos: Q10 From San Pedro, you can easily visit San Juan for half a day to check out the markets or join a tour of a local Mayan workshop. The shuttle makes several stops along the way, allowing you to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, and even take some photos! Enjoy a street food tour and cooking . Hello there..There is another option depending on your arrival time which could save you the hassle of having to wait for the connection shuttle in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Both of these booking sites are easy to use and they feature a wide range of options. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Such a beautiful place and makes me reminisce on a trip taken many years ago to Lake Atitlan. This trip will take you to Guatemala's top highlights in nine days. Thanks for reading. Re: Which town to stay in Lake Atitlan. These shuttles offer a comfortable and scenic ride, with several stops along the 11-hour trip to take breaks. 1) Take a taxi to the Rebuli bus station. There is SO much to discover in Guatemala. Job Opportunity: Co-Editor for AtitlanLiving.com Join us as the co-editor for AtitlanLiving.com, a destination blog, with an average 14,000 unique monthly visitors, focused on living and traveling around Lake Atitlan in Guatemala, and receive [], Meet Jesus, a 21-year-old Mayan Kaqchikel from Guatemala. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. With this being said, I want to tell you everything that I know about Lake Atitlan. Lake Atitlan was formed thousands of years ago by a volcanic eruption. Yeah the countryside of any country is generally much safer than the big cities. If you are anywhere near the lake on a weekend, then you must visit Smokin Joes BBQ at Panajachel on a Saturday or San Pedro on a Sunday. Aside from the crime, those guidelines really say a lot about the people that live there and how nice they are. Check our guide for the best options to travel from Atitlan Lake to San Cristobal de las Casas. Job Opportunity: Co-Editor for AtitlanLiving.com Join us as the co-editor for AtitlanLiving.com, a destination blog, with an average 14,000 unique monthly visitors, focused on living and traveling around Lake Atitlan in Guatemala, and receive [], Meet Jesus, a 21-year-old Mayan Kaqchikel from Guatemala. Panajachel to San Pedro: Q25 Santa Cruz has a scuba dive centre which runs courses and fun dives on the lake. Upon arrival at the Aurora airport you can travel to the lake in about 3 hours minimum. I never thought to add this to my must-see list, but here it is now! So, the best solution for a convenient and budget-friendly journey is the Atitrans Shared Shuttle! Noise restrictions in San Pedro (which I think are the same in San Marcos) come into force at 11 pm, which is very early for most. Id love to visit someday. But Lake Atitlan isnt just nice to look at, theres plenty of substance beneath its tranquil appearance. Very happy that you enjoyed the article and I hope that youre able to visit someday! Here, you dont have to wait for Black Friday or [], The main vehicle for getting from village to village on Lake Atitlan is a boat, better known as alancha. Even if you're staying in a different town, you're better . Its so nice to hear that crime is low around Atitlan due to strict cultural guidelines forbidding violence at the cost of being ostracized. While usually a straightforward part of any trip, it can sometimes get a bit tricky. You can book a full-day trip to this park to immerse yourself in the lush greenery, breathtaking waterfalls, and diverse wildlife that the region has to offer! Once youve paid for the tour, youll step into a Tuk Tuk (which is similar to a taxi) and be driven around the town. Or just visit Santa Cruz on a day trip and combine it with a stop at the nearby town of Jaibalito. San Marcos is very alternative and there is always something unique to do. To visit Tikal is to take a step back in time to the days of an ancient civilization that predates both the Aztecs and the Incas by over a thousand years. San Pedro and San Marcos are the nightlife hubs of Lake Atitlan. Theres San Pedro which is a backpackers favourite due to its many bars, fun hostels and wide range of activities. Thankfully, boats (or lanchas in Spanish) are the preferred method of transport on the lake and make travelling around simple. If youre going on a backpacking trip through Central America, then Lake Atitlan in Guatemala needs to be near the top of your must-visit list. A 21 day self guided meditation journal inspired by Buddhas 8 fold path, developed by Lake Atitlan residents. Renting a car and seeing Antigua to Tikal, Transport from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan. The other two you can look them up in the yellow pages. With its cobbled streets, Spanish baroque architecture, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains, San Cristobal de las Casas has become one of Mexicos most popular tourist destinations! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-37704897', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight..what would be the safest bet for a woman traveling alone without costing an arm and a leg? Many private drivers speak a decent amount of English. Here is my current itinerary: - Saturday and Sunday night in Panajachel (Dreamboat Hostel) - Monday -> Thursday night in San Juan (Spanish school and host family) - Friday and Saturday night in San Pedro (Mr. Mullet's Hostel) I was thinking of switching to San Marcos instead of Panajachel because I have heard it is much more relaxing and calm . The best time to visit is during the drier months of November to April. And the tuk tuk reminds me a lot of the Filipino trisikad! When driving a car, you can reach San Cristobal de las Casas in only 10 hours! This place on the south bank of the lake is especially popular with those who want to climb one of the two volcanoes, Tolimn and Atitln. View Map. This mode of transportation provides a more personalized and adaptable experience than a shared shuttle, making it ideal for those who value comfort, privacy, and the convenience of door-to-door service. The smoothest and driest ride will be in the morning before afternoon winds roll in. You can arrange for a shuttle or private taxi to take you from the airport in Guatemala City to Antigua, which is about an hour away. Most of the schools also offer daily activities like salsa, painting or cooking classes. Head to the Mercado in San Pedro or Calle Santander in Panajachel for the most options. Next-gen, high-speed servers in 94 countries, Works on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, browsers, and more, 256-bit AES encryption protects your data, even on hotel Wi-Fi, Unblocks Netflix and other streaming sites. I took the Linea Dorada to Xela, and you can actually ask them to drop you a little further than Los Encuentros, at the turn off to Solola. By keeping your travel plans flexible, you can easily extend or reduce the amount of time you spend in each town depending on whether you like it or not. Most people land in Guatemala City, take a shuttle/taxi over to the colonial city of Antigua (1 hour), spend a few days there, and then take another shuttle over to the lake (3 hours). From Antigua To Lake Atitlan. Now Im sure that youve seen a volcano before but have you ever seen three that are so close together that they appear to be touching?
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