Lake Atitlan, often called the most beautiful lake in the world, is just a few hours from Guatemala City. Many travelers miss this place because they think it is expensive or hard to reach. In this easy Lake Atitlan travel guide, we show how to get from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan cheaply, so you can see its amazing views without spending too much.
Short on time? Grab a shared shuttle (the easiest and most popular choice) here š
7 Ways to get from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan:
- Shared Shuttle
- Private Shuttle
- Private Driver
- Uber
- Rent a Car
- Book a Tour
- Chicken Buses
Where is Lake Atitlan in Guatemala?
Located in the beautiful Guatemalan highlands, Lake Atitlan is surrounded by big volcanoes and colorful towns. The lake, often called one of the most beautiful in the world, is a cultural center where indigenous traditions are strong and easy to feel.
Panajachel, the easiest town to reach at Lake Atitlan, has a lively atmosphere with local markets, artisan shops, and amazing views of the water. Its busy waterfront is a perfect starting point for trips around the lake, making it an important stop for visitors who want to explore the region’s charm.
Towns Around Lake Atitlan:
- San Pedro is the party and backpacker hub.
- San Marcos is all about yoga and spirituality.
- San Juan is a colorful Mayan town perfect for learning Spanish.
No matter which town you pick, you should first get to Panajachel. From there, you can take a water taxi to any town on Lake Atitlan.
Lake Atitlan Facts:
- Itās Guatemalaās largest lake and sits in an old volcano crater.
- The lake is up to 340 meters (1,115 feet) deep.
- Around 380,000 people live along its shores.
- In the 1950s, PANAM and American Airlines dropped bass into the lake to attract fishermen and tourists. It really happened! Sadly, the fish hurt the lakeās wildlife, and many local species died. š¤Æ
| Top 3 hotels in Guatemala City Explore all hotels |
| BarcelĆ³ Guatemala CityĀ āāāāāĀ RatingĀ 8 Tequila Sunrise HostelĀ āāāāĀ RatingĀ 8 Hotel Santander PlazaĀ āāāĀ RatingĀ 8 |
1. Book a Shared Shuttle
| š° 30 USD ā±ļø 4-5 hours š Book a shared shuttleĀ here |
Booking a shared shuttle in Guatemala can elevate your travel experience, offering a blend of convenience and local immersion. With platforms like Ā GuateGo.Ā , securing your spot on a shared shuttle becomes a seamless process, allowing you to explore stunning destinations such as Lake AtitlĆ”n with ease. These shuttles not only save money but also provide an opportunity to connect with fellow travelers, sharing stories and experiences that enrich your journey.
For instance,Ā Xocomil Tours Guatemala specializes in shuttle services that navigate the scenic routes around the lake, revealing breathtaking views that might be missed when traveling solo.
2. Private Shuttle from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan
| š°Ā 200 USD ā±ļøĀ 2.30 hours šĀ Book a private shuttleĀ here |
Traveling from Guatemala City to Lake AtitlƔn is more than just a trip; it is a chance to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Guatemalan highlands. Choosing a private shuttle makes the journey comfortable and lets you plan stops to experience the local culture along the way. With Viator shuttle bookings, your travel can be smooth and personal, good for solo travelers or groups. The luxury shuttle offers comforts that make the ride as pleasant as the destination, getting you ready to enjoy the natural beauty of Lake AtitlƔn.
Book your private shuttleĀ hereĀ or hereĀ š
3. Hire a Private Driver
| š° 165 USD ā±ļø 2.30 hours š Book a private driverĀ here |
Choosing a private driver when traveling from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan makes your trip better than just regular transportation. You can travel through the green highlands with a local driver who knows about the culture and land of the area. Using services like Daytrips.com Guatemala transport or Welcome Pick Ups Guatemala, you get a comfortable ride and helpful tips that can show you hidden gems along the way.
Book your private driverĀ hereĀ š
| Tip: Daytrips.com lets you add stops to your trip. For example, traveling from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan, you can stop in Antigua for 75 minutes for $26 USD. Itās a fun way to break up your journey. |
4. Take an Uber
| š° 160 USD ā±ļø 2.30 hours š Book an UberĀ here |
Choosing an Uber in Guatemala City for your trip to Lake Atitlan can make your journey much easier, turning a difficult travel experience into a smooth adventure. You step outside your place in Guatemala City, open the Uber app, and a local driver arrives quickly to take you. Unlike long talks with private drivers, Uber gives clear prices upfront and the safety of checking the driverās ratings.
Book an UberĀ hereĀ š
5. Rent a Car
| š° 15 USD per day ā±ļø 2.30 hours š Book a private carĀ here |
When planning your trip from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan, renting a car gives you more freedom and chances to explore. Using services like Economybookings for Guatemala car rental, travelers can find good prices for different cars that can drive on both city streets and mountain roads. This lets you not only reach your destination but also enjoy the rich culture and colorful scenery along the way.
Book your cheap rental car hereĀ or here š
6. Go on a Tour
Exploring Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan tours is a great way to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and lively cultures of this Central American gem. Choosing a guided tour helps you easily travel between towns, making sure you see the hidden gems in the highlands. On your Lake Atitlan day trips, you can watch stunning sunrises over the lake and meet local artisans in small villages like San Juan and Santiago Atitlan.
Book one of the most highly-rated tours here:
| Full-Day Lake Atitlan Tour Full-Day Private Lake Atitlan Tour Lake Atitlan Sightseeing Cruise Lake Atitlan and San Juan Day Trip |
7. Catch Chicken Buses (How we got from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan)
| š° 60 Quetzales (8 USD) ā±ļø 5-6 hours šĀ 3 buses |
Taking a chicken bus from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan is more than just travel; it is a way to experience Guatemalan culture. The bright colors, loud music, and mix of passengers make the ride an adventure itself. When you get on the bus, you are not just starting a trip, you are diving into the lively local life. The views change from the city to the green highlands, showing traditional villages and wide panoramic views that make the ride unforgettable.
How to Catch the Bus from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan
Traveling from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan on a chicken bus is an adventure itself. To catch the bus, go to the busy Terminal de Autobuses del Sur, where colorful buses wait for travelers. Follow the signs for departures to Panajachel, your gateway to seeing the beautiful Lake Atitlan. The lively atmosphere can feel busy, but staying patient and careful makes the trip easier.
| Tip: Sit at the back of the bus where thereās usually space behind the sea |
Route: Guatemala City ā Los Encuentros ā Solola ā Panajachel
Traveling on the chicken bus from Guatemala City to Lake AtitlƔn gives a real look at local life while passing through colorful landscapes. The trip starts in busy Guatemala City, full of energy, and changes to calm beauty as you near Lake AtitlƔn. Along the way, the Los Encuentros bus transfer is an important stop, where you can see the mix of cultures and traditions unique to the highlands.
| Tip: On Chicken buses, watch how much others are paying. The fare collectors are usually honest, but itās smart to know the usual price. |
| Guatemala City in your plans?Ā Take the first step to getting there! |
 Find your dream hotel Enjoy a comfortable stay in Guatemala City with Booking.com! Choose from a variety of hotels that are perfect for exploring nearby Lake AtitlĆ”n’s stunning beauty.Check Availability |  Plan your entertainmentDiscover the rich culture and breathtaking views of Lake AtitlĆ”n with Viator. Join guided tours that unveil the secrets of the beautiful villages and landscapes. See prices |  Rent a carRent a car with Discover Cars and take the scenic drive from Guatemala City to Lake AtitlĆ”n. Explore the area’s vibrant towns and picturesque shores at your own pace. See prices |
Lake Atitlan Water Taxi
The Panajachel waterfront is a lively center where travelers start memorable trips across the beautiful Lake Atitlan. Water taxis, called ālanchaā locally, are a fun way to travel on the lake, with amazing views of tall volcanoes and green landscapes around you. For those traveling from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan by water taxi, the scenic ride is not just travel but a chance to experience the regionās lively culture.
| Tip: There are public and private boats here. Take the public boat because private ones are much more expensive. |
Final thoughts
In conclusion, traveling from Guatemala City to Lake AtitlƔn on a budget is possible and also an adventure. Using options like chicken buses or shared shuttles lets you save money while enjoying local culture. Paying attention to travel times and picking the right season can make your trip even better without spending too much. Choosing affordable accommodations and meals along the way helps you get the most from your journey. Pack your bags, enjoy the sights and sounds of Guatemala, and start an unforgettable trip to Lake AtitlƔn!
FAQS
How far is Lake Atitlan from Guatemala City?
Lake Atitlan is 115 km or 70 miles from Guatemala City.
How far is Lake Atitlan from Antigua?
Lake Atitlan is 80 km or 50 miles from Guatemala City.
Where do you fly into for Lake Atitlan in Guatemala?
The best place to fly into Guatemala to visit Lake Atitlan is the International Airport called La Aurora in Guatemala City. There is no direct flight to Lake Atitlan.
How do I go from Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City?
The same way as you choose to go from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan. You can either book a shared or private shuttle, hire a driver, try to take an Uber, rent a car or catch Chicken buses which is the most uncomfortable way but the cheapest and most fun!
How do I get from Guatemala City to San Pedro Lake Atitlan?
The best and most scenic way to get from Guatemala City to San Pedro La Laguna is by shared or private shuttle, Uber or taking Chicken buses to Panajachel. From there you catch the water taxi to San Pedro.
Is Lake Atitlan worth visiting?
Absolutely! Lake Atitlan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Guatemala for good reason. There is so much Mayan culture to see and every town around the lake has something unique to do. We stayed 2 weeks inSan Juan La LagunaĀ and loved it.
Can you swim in Lake Atitlan?
Yes! The best spot to swim at Lake Atitlan is at the Nature Reserve in San Marcos. The water is crystal clear and there are diving boards for jumping in and sunbathing. The best months to swim in Lake Atitlan are in the high season from November to May when the water is warmer and clearer due to less rain and higher temperatures.
Is Lake Atitlan safe?
Yes! In general Lake Atitlan is a safe place to visit. However, it is not completely safe in all areas and sometimes you will have to be wary of your safety. This is usually only if you do hikes that go into the hills away from town.
Unfortunately, this is a problem all overĀ Guatemala. If you look up reviews of hikes you will often read from people who were robbed on the track. So before you go ask at your accommodation how safe it is and whether you need a guide.
Should I spend more time in Antigua or Lake Atitlan?
We spent 2 months in Antigua and 2 weeks at Lake Atitlan and loved it. Both places have many unique things to see and do and deserve at least a few days in either destination.
I recommend spending more days at the Lake than in Antigua or an equal amount as there are many cool towns to visit around the Lake while Antigua you could see in one day.
If you are short on time you could spend 3 days in Antigua and 3 days at the Lake to see the highlights of both places and trackĀ Acatenango Volcano.