Arrival and Getting into Town

Guatemala’s main gateway is La Aurora International Airport (GUA), located in Guatemala City. To get into the city, you can take a taxi, ride-hailing service, or book a private transfer. The drive from the airport to Antigua takes about 1 hour. As some areas of the capital carry higher safety risks, it’s best to avoid hailing unlicensed vehicles at night and opt instead for hotel-arranged or reputable company transfers.

Intercity Transport

• Tourist Shuttles: Scheduled minibuses designed for travelers, connecting major destinations such as Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Chichicastenango, and Flores. They offer good comfort and safety, making them the most recommended way to travel between cities.
• Chicken Buses: Locally used long-distance buses converted from old North American school buses. They’re extremely cheap and colorful, offering an authentic local experience, but are often crowded, make frequent stops, and require you to keep a close eye on your belongings and luggage.
• Domestic Flights: There are approximately 1-hour flights between Guatemala City and Flores (the gateway to Tikal), which is the fastest way to travel from the highlands to Petén.

Local Transport

• Antigua’s compact historic center is walkable, with all major sights accessible on foot.
• In Guatemala City, ride-hailing services and taxis are available, but avoid high-risk neighborhoods and traveling at night.
• Boat transfers (lanchas) are the main form of transport between villages around Lake Atitlán.

Tips

• Try to travel between cities during the day and avoid long nighttime bus rides.
• Shuttle seats and domestic flight tickets can be in high demand during peak seasons—book in advance if possible.
• Carry a copy of your passport and keep your original and cash stored separately. Comply with authorities if asked to show identification.
• Guatemala City experiences heavy traffic during rush hours. Allow at least two to three hours when traveling to or from the airport to avoid missing your flight.
• Ferries between villages on Lake Atitlán are mostly small boats, with the last departures often before evening. Be mindful of return times.