Helping You Plan a Smooth Vacation from the U.S. to Guatemala’s Stunning Lake Atitlán
Lake Atitlán is one of Guatemala's most breathtaking destinations. This guide provides clear, practical advice on how to reach the lake and make the most of your journey, starting from your arrival at Guatemala City’s international airport.
Whether you’re drawn by the promise of kayaking, hiking, or exploring traditional Mayan villages, knowing how to get to Lake Atitlán is the first step.
In this blog, we’ll explain the best ways to travel from Guatemala City, how to choose the right town, and tips for getting around the lake once you’re here.
Key Takeaways
- Flights: Find budget-friendly options to Guatemala City’s La Aurora Airport with airlines like Spirit or Kiwi.
- Transport: Travel from Guatemala City or Antigua via shared shuttles, private transfers, or adventurous chicken buses.
- Towns: Choose a base town like Panajachel, Santa Cruz, or San Pedro, each offering unique charm and views.
- Around the Lake: Use water taxis (lanchas) and tuk-tuks for easy and efficient local travel.
Planning Your Trip to Lake Atitlán
Getting to Lake Atitlán is a significant part of the adventure, and good preparation will make your journey more enjoyable and stress-free. This section provides everything you need to know about flights and choosing the perfect town for your stay.
Finding a Cheap Flight to Guatemala
The first step to your Lake Atitlán adventure is booking a flight to Guatemala City’s La Aurora International Airport (GUA). Here are a few tips to find the best deals:
- Browse budget airlines like Spirit Airlines, Norwegian Air, and Kiwi.com for affordable options.
- Traveling from Europe or Asia? Consider connecting flights through major hubs like Mexico City or Miami for better rates.
- Book in advance to snag early-bird discounts, especially during Guatemala’s dry season (November to April).
Traveling during the shoulder season (just before or after peak season) can also yield significant savings, and the weather remains favorable for exploring Lake Atitlán.
Decide Which Town to Visit on Lake Atitlán
Lake Atitlán is ringed by charming towns, each offering a unique vibe. Deciding where to base yourself depends on your interests and travel style. Let’s explore some of the standout options:
- Panajachel (Pana): The main gateway with bustling markets and transport links. Don’t miss visiting the Sacred Caves nearby with a local Mayan guide to explore the ancient rituals and spirituality of the region.
- Santa Cruz: A tranquil haven perfect for unwinding. Engage with Amigos de Santa Cruz for handicrafts, delicious local cuisine, and community projects.
- San Pedro: A lively backpacker hub with vibrant nightlife and a social atmosphere.
- San Marcos: A serene retreat known for yoga, meditation, and wellness workshops.
- Jaibalito: Ideal for those seeking seclusion and quiet, this tiny village is a hidden gem.
Each town offers its own breathtaking views of the volcanoes and lake—choose one that suits your travel style. You’ll find it easy to explore others by boat during your stay.
Getting to Lake Atitlán from Guatemala City
Once you’ve landed in Guatemala City, the journey to Lake Atitlán begins. Whether you’re traveling on a budget, looking for comfort, or seeking an adventurous experience, there’s an option for you.
Distance and Travel Time
Lake Atitlán is approximately 75 miles (120 km) from Guatemala City. Depending on traffic and road conditions, the drive takes about 3 to 4 hours. The route winds through lush highlands, offering glimpses of Guatemala’s natural beauty—a preview of the incredible landscapes awaiting you at the lake.
Ways to Travel from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlán
Option #1: Shared shuttle bus
Shared shuttles are a convenient and affordable choice for most travelers:
- Duration: Around 4 hours.
- Cost: The shared shuttle service between Antigua and Lake Atitlán typically costs about $20 or Q150 one-way.
- How to book: Contact Kayak Guatemala via WhatsApp at +1 555-702-4507 or email at booking@kayakguatemala.com to arrange a reliable private driver.
The final destination of the tourist shuttle will be Panajachel, one of the only towns on Lake Atitlán with road access. There is no main bus station in Panajachel, so you will most likely be dropped off by the main dock.
If you are staying in Panajachel, you can get a tuk-tuk to your accommodation location. If you are staying in one of the other lake villages (San Pedro la Laguna, San Marcos la Laguna, Santa Cruz, la Laguna, San Juan la Laguna, etc) you can catch a public boat from the dock called Tzanjuyu (pronounced zan-hoo-you) for 25 quetzales. Your boat trip will be between 10 and 45 minutes, depending on which is your destination village.
Option #2: Private Driver
For the most comfortable and stress-free option, hire a private driver in advance of your arrival:
- Duration: 2.5-3 hours.
- Cost: Prices range from $90-$150.
- How to book: Contact Kayak Guatemala via WhatsApp at +1 555-702-4507 or email at booking@kayakguatemala.com to arrange a reliable private driver.
Option #3: Uber
Yes, Uber operates in Guatemala City:
- Cost: Expect to pay around 700Q (that’s $90) noting that Uber’s pricing fluctuates depending on supply and demand.
- How to book: There’s no ability to pre-book with uber, but you can generally expect wait up to 10 minutes. It’s a good idea to download the app in advance! No worries if not, just use the airport wifi.
Option #4: Chicken Bus
For adventurous travelers, chicken buses are the cheapest way:
- Cost: Around $5.
- Drawback: These colorful buses make frequent stops and lack air conditioning. If you get motion sickness, a chicken bus is absolutely NOT the choice for you. You will have to make several transfers along the way, which can be a somewhat stressful experience too.
- We highly advise against this option unless you’re on a real budget and prepared to keep your calm for several hours of travel!
Car & Scooter Rentals in Guatemala
Renting a Car
Renting a car can be a practical choice depending on your travel plans. If you’re flying into La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, you’ll find several reputable car rental companies such as Budget, Avis, and Alamo offering services directly from the airport. These companies provide a variety of vehicles suitable for different group sizes and trip lengths.
When to Consider Renting a Car:
- If you’re traveling as a group and plan to explore areas beyond Lake Atitlán, such as Antigua, Tikal, or Semuc Champey.
- For convenience on long-distance routes, especially if you value flexibility in your travel schedule.
Limitations of Car Rentals at Lake Atitlán:
- Cars are useful only up to Panajachel, the main gateway town to the lake. Once there, cars are not practical for exploring the lake’s villages, as most journeys are long and challenging due to steep and winding roads.
- Instead of driving between villages, you’ll rely on lanchas (water taxis) to navigate the lake itself.
Renting a Scooter
- Why/When It’s a Good Idea: Scooters are affordable and convenient for short trips in cities like Guatemala City, offering flexibility and easy maneuverability in urban traffic.
- Limitations: Not suitable for exploring Lake Atitlán, as walking and lanchas are far more practical for navigating between villages.
- Where/How to Rent: Providers like Ride Atitlán or local rental shops near La Aurora Airport offer rentals at around $10-$20 per day, typically including helmets and optional insurance.
Getting Around Lake Atitlán
Your transportation once you have arrived at Lake Atitlan will be by one of two means: taxi boats or lanchas. It’s best to navigate the lake by boat as it’s much quicker than driving around the outside.
Taking the Taxi Boats (“Lanchas”)
The easiest way to travel between towns is by lancha (water taxi). The boat drivers, or lancheros, will be hanging around the docks during the day and there will always be locals and visitors ready to take a trip. Just wait for it to fill up before its departure.
- Cost: $1-$3 per trip.
- IMPORTANT TIP: While exploring the villages around Lake Atitlan is a must, it's crucial to be mindful of the boat schedules, especially if you plan to venture out late into the evening. Boats typically cease operating around 7pm, so it's advisable not to linger too late in another village to avoid the risk of getting stranded without transportation back to your accommodation.
Tuk-Tuks
Tuk-tuks are perfect for short trips within towns and you can find them absolutely everywhere around the lake.
- Cost: $1-$3 depending on the distance.
- Tip: Always negotiate the fare before hopping in!
What Not To Miss in Lake Atitlan
It's easy to explore the various towns and villages that surround the lake on your own, or you can take a deeper dive with a local guide. Each town and village around the lake offers unique traditions and attractions that showcase the rich heritage of the Maya people.
Our top recommendations for Lake Atitlan:
If you want to make the most of time, this full-day trip of Lake Atitlan takes you from one end of the lake to the other by boat with an English-speaking guide and walking tours in each village.
Planning Your Guatemala Vacation with Kayak Guatemala
Kayak Guatemala is Lake Atitlan’s #1 base camp for exploration and adventure, offering activities like epic volcano hikes, family kayak tours, cooking classes, and village-to-village boat and walking tours. We employ and upskill underprivileged local people, plus a portion of our profits goes towards an NGO that works hard to alleviate poverty in Lake Atitlan.
For more help with planning your trip to Lake Atitlan, check out our "Top Tours & Things To Do In Lake Atitlan" guide.
