Getting to Panajachel:
Submitted by Admin on Wed, 10/28/2009 - 18:57
Getting to Pana (open a map in new window)
Note: If you are a registered participant in CMWC, and we have your flight details (which we will request specifically after you register) we will send the special CMWC shuttle (still costs a couple of bucks - we'll let you know) for you at the Guatemala City airport to bring you to Panajchel. But you must be registered for us to extend you this courtesy.
Fly into Guatemala City. From the airport, you can either take a private shuttle, or for a cheaper and more authentic experience, you can catch the "chicken bus". The shuttles will cost a bit more, but are much more comfortable, and safer if you are traveling with a lot of luggage. Consider scheduling a layover in Antigua, on your way to Panajachel. This is especially necessary if you land in Guatemala late in the day or at night.
The drive from Guatemala City to Panajachel takes over 3 hours, and winds through treacherous, hilly roads. Making the full drive at night is not recommended. Antigua is just over an hour from the airport on major highways, has plenty of cheap accommodations, and can serve as a perfect launching point to Pana. For about $15, you can catch a shuttle to Antigua from the airport in Guatemala City, and it's a great way to acclimate to Guatemala before taking the full plunge into the mountains around Pana and Lago Atitlan. We also recommend this stop over for your journey home. From Antigua, there are regular shuttles to Panajachel for around $10. If you get in to Guatemala City early enough, you can head straight to Panajachel. We only recommend this option if you land before 2 pm. Aside from the sketchy, unlit roads, finding and checking in to your hotel in Pana can be difficult if you arrive after dark.
Getting home
If your plane out of Guatemala City departs late in the day, you can catch a shuttle straight from Pana. It is a long drive, and will cost you around $30. Consider sharing the ride and plan on giving yourself plenty of extra time to get to the airport. If your plane is in the morning, we highly recommend heading to Antigua the day before. The roads can be pretty hairy, and if you cut it too close, you can easily be delayed and miss your plane. Trust us, you don't want to get stuck in Guatemala City. There are plenty of shuttles from Pana to Antigua. Relax and take your time, we certainly recommend the extra day.dark.
Exit Tax
An exit tax must be paid when departing Guatemala by air. The exit tax (currently $30) is generally included in an airline ticket price, but may be charged separately. There is an additional airport security fee (20 Quetzales, approximately $2.50) that all travelers must pay at the airport.
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