Private car transfer
from Antigua to Panajachel
in 2 h 20 min
per seat
car
Trip Information
Pick-up
Your driver will meet you at your address in Antigua.
- Door-to-door service
- Help with your luggage
Trip
You’ll travel in comfort for 2 h 20 min.
- Optional sight-seeing
- Clean, comfortable car
- Professional driver
- Bottled water
- Child seats
- Prepared for handicapped
- Smoke-free
- Pet friendly
Drop-off
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Panajachel.
- Door-to-door service
- Help with your luggage
- 76 km
- 2 h 20 min
Overview: car trip from Antigua to Panajachel
The private driving transfer from Antigua to Panajachel takes just over two hours, whisking you through Guatemala in comfort and safety. With the Daytrip door-to-door service, you can elevate your trip further by adding sightseeing stops to your journey.
For instance, you can take a tour of La Azotea, a historic coffee plantation that is now home to a series of museums, some detailing the history of coffee production while others dive into the past art, music, and other crafts of the ancient Mayan civilization. Visitors can round off their tour by sampling the coffee made on-site, and you can purchase beans to take home for friends and family.
About Panajachel
Once you cover the distance from Antigua to Panajachel, you will be at the perfect vantage point for Lake Atitlan and can look forward to incredible volcanic landscapes. This town is the perfect gateway to exploring the rest of the lake and its surrounding villages, and staying in town grants you unmatched views of the three volcanoes encircling the lake.
Panajachel is considered the busiest town on the lake and offers a wide range of amenities, from spas and resorts to authentic Guatemalan restaurants and an abundance of shops selling clothes and local handicrafts. While in town, the bulk of attractions are concentrated on Calle Santander, one of the most colorful streets in the whole country. The street culminates in a view of the lake, turning shopping or meals out into a scenic experience.
The lakeside adventures surrounding Panajachel are limitless, with nearby Atitlan’s Natural Reserve acting as the center for outdoor exploration. From here, travelers can look forward to innumerable hikes, some of which meander through features such as coffee plantations and suspension bridges. Kayaking and other watersports offer a closer view of the lake, and there are even paragliding tours for those in search of a little extra adrenaline!
You can also spend time at Santiago Atitlan, the cultural heart of the lake, hosting a range of celebrations and rituals throughout the year. The area is known for its longstanding appreciation of the Mayan Saint Maximon whose name roughly translates to “Big Grandpa.”
From Antigua to Panajachel: travel tips
Before you embark on your exciting trip from Antigua to Panajachel, there are a few things that can help you to prepare.
Opt for a private trip
To guarantee yourself the smoothest and most comfortable journey possible, consider choosing a private driving transfer with Daytrip. You will get direct door-to-door service in just over two hours, and you’ll receive help with your luggage on either end of your journey from your friendly local driver.
Prepare for Panajachel to be busy
Panajachel is the most commercially developed area on the lake, with plenty of hotels, shops, and eateries. As a result, many travelers to the lake stay here at some point during their journey, and it can be somewhat crowded during peak seasons. This just means you should book your accommodation and any guided activities well in advance of your travels to ensure you get exactly the itinerary you want.
How to get from Antigua to Panajachel
There are a few different ways to navigate the distance from Antigua to Panajachel, including private and public transportation options, each varying in cost and time commitment.
Bus from Antigua to Panajachel
There is a direct bus connecting Antigua to Panajachel that takes about one hour of driving time on average. The prices for the bus can vary wildly, however, and quotes are anywhere from $18 to upwards of $150 for this journey depending on the bus company and the time of your travel. The cheaper buses may take longer routes up to two hours and 30 minutes long, and seem to depart only once per day.
Shuttle from Antigua to Panajachel
The shuttle from Antigua to Panachel is similar to the bus in terms of both the time commitment and the cost, as it also takes one hour and prices can vary from $18 to $180 for a ticket. The most expensive tickets seem to come from the Trans-Land on-demand shuttle company, so prices will likely be on the more affordable end of the spectrum if you opt for one of the shuttles with set departure times throughout the day.
Taxi from Antigua to Panajachel
The taxi companies operating between Antigua and Panajachel charge around $120 to cover the 46.8-mile (75-km) distance, taking, on average, two hours and 15 minutes. The pickup and dropoff locations permitted may be somewhat limited, particularly once you get into town in Panajachel.
Private Driving transfer from Antigua to Panajachel
The best option for many travelers is to choose a private driving transfer for this route, which will give you seamless door-to-door transportation and eliminates the need for navigating to and from public transit stations. This journey takes just over two hours and costs $34 per passenger, offering the perfect balance of efficiency and value.
Things to do when you get to Panajachel
Once you travel from Antigua to Panajachel, you can look forward to an exciting series of outdoor adventures that will keep you busy during your stay. Many of the attractions center around the magnificent Lake Atitlan and its surrounding volcanoes, offering bountiful chances to get outside and enjoy the best of Guatemala’s natural beauty.
Explore the Reserva Natural Atitlán
This vast nature reserve is the perfect place to kick off your exploration of the lake and its volcanic features. Here, ecotourism takes shape in an extraordinary reserve offering zip lines, cable bikes, kayaking, paragliding, and more hiking trails than you can imagine. There is also a dedicated butterfly preserve, cool, shady oak stands, and a restaurant by the river frequently visited by vibrant hummingbirds.
This area also serves as an educational center for the broader Sololá region, and you can learn about the local culture’s history and practice their language, Kakchiquel. You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to lakeside activities here, and it is very easy to spend the bulk of your time in Panajachel enjoying all that the nature reserve has to offer.
Visit the AviMuseo de Arte de Atitlán
This museum is dedicated to art created around one simple local subject: Guatemala’s native birds. Here, visitors can learn more about the species of birds that inhabit the areas surrounding Lake Atitlan, and kids can even get involved by coloring in the bright plumages of different birds. On display are a series of intricately detailed murals, photos, and sculptures of the 440+ different bird species in the area.
This unique museum plays homage to the importance of birds in the culture of nearby Santiago Atitlan, as well as to their role as pest protection for Gautemala’s word-famous shade-grown coffee. This place is well worth a visit for avian enthusiasts, artists, and families looking to gain a deeper understanding of the natural world surrounding the lake.
When is the best time to visit Panajachel?
As you plan your Antigua to Panajachel transfer, you will need to bear in mind the best time of year to visit. Many people travel to Guatemala during its dry season from November to April in order to avoid the worst of the rain, meaning this period will draw in the most crowds to busier spots such as Panajachel.
If you want to make the most of the weather while avoiding some of the thickest crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder months of October or May. The weather should still be mostly sunny with the occasional shower, and you will likely be able to find better deals on accommodation and activities.
Questions & Answers about Traveling from Antigua to Panajachel
Visit these sights on the way
La Azotea
On this historic coffee plantation you can learn about everything from coffee to Mayan instruments. Coffee Culture
Museo Casa Del Tejido Antiguo
Mayan history, culture, textile traditions, and Guatemala's national dish are shared with visitors at this museum. Where History Looms
Valhalla Macadamia Farm
This organic nut farm helps support the local community while serving up heavenly pancakes and other nut-based goodies. Nut Heaven
Iximche
This small Mayan city briefly served Guatemala’s first capital under the Spanish... until their alliance fell apart. The Culture Clash Capital
Why people love Daytrip
- 507 travelers took this route with us
Excellent service for transfers in Thailand
“I was unsure about this company but a few good reviews on Trip Advisor made me take the chance. I am so happy that we did. We needed a ride from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Our driver Saksun was an excellent driver - it's not a long distance to drive (by Texas standards!) but the road is challenging and there are a lot of places where improvements to the road are being made. It took around 3 hours with a stop at a place with very clean bathrooms, very interesting hot springs and a place to get a snack and cold drinks. Saksun had a vehicle that was fantastic for this type of drive - a very comfortable ride indeed and was obviously well maintained and very clean. I highly recommend this company. I used to post on trip advisor as "lakekariba" but got out of the habit of doing so. This company was so easy to use and the result was so enjoyable that I felt that the company Daytrip and the driver Saksun had earned our trust and a glowing review. Gillian and Ted Pearsall Austin, Texas”
lakekariba
Dec 4, 2024Excellent option to get to Vienna to Budapest!
“We used Daytrip to travel between Budapest and Vienna with a 2 hour stop for lunch in Bratislava. Our driver Zsombor arrived on time at our hotel in Budapest and was very friendly and informative throughout our trip. His vehicle was roomy and clean and he was kind enough to provide us with some bottled water for the trip. Our quick visit stop in Bratislava was very nice as well. He gave us plenty of time to explore the city and have lunch before meeting him again when it was time to head for Vienna. Daytrip provided us with a happy and trouble free transfer between Budapest and Vienna. Many thanks to your team and especially to your driver Zsombor!”
pgh1125
Dec 3, 2024Great communication with an actual person! They will take you ANYWHERE, No pre-set routes to choose from!
“Last minute plan change and Daytrip was our last resort so I chatted with them and had an immediate response from a real person, best situation ever. Never used Daytrip before but the reviews were incredible so we took the chance and booked a driver at like 11-12pm and by 7am the next morning when we woke, they found us a driver and the driver had already texed us making contact! Very impressed and will definitely use them again. We went from Dubrovnik, Croatia to Tivat, Montenegro.”
James B
Nov 9, 2024Perfect Transport
“Andreas did a great job picking us up from Pireaus Cruise Port and taking us to our rental in Spata. The three of us had been on a long cruise and had 9 pieces of luggage. He arrived in an appropriate vehicle and loaded and unloaded all of it. We are very happy with out decision to book with Daytrip.”
LuckyTraveler01
Nov 1, 2024Vehicle options for this trip
Most popular
Sedan
- 1-3
- 3x
- 3x
- Clean
- Comfortable
- Air conditioned
- Handicapped accessible
- Child seats
- Pet friendly
- Smoke-free
Best reviews
SUV
- 1-2
- 2x
- 2x
- All standard sedan features
- Upgrade to larger vehicle
- Chauffeur-style service
- Extra amenities
The Daytrip driver advantage
Local knowledge about the route from Antigua to Panajachel
Including available sights:English speaking*
All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.
Safety first!
We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.
World-class customer support
- Available 24/7
- Close relationship with drivers
- Experts on the route from Antigua to Panajachel
Flexible cancellation policy
- Cancellations: 100% refund up to 24 hours before the trip!
- Changes: Free up to 24 hours before the trip!
Good to know
Children
If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Tips
Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Luggage
- Big luggage
- 29x21x11 inches
- 74x53x28 cm
- Small luggage
- 22x14x9 inches
- 56x36x23 cm
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Payment methods
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 13,800+ cities around the world.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
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