Getting from GUA to Lake Atitlán

Here's my take on getting from the airport to Antigua, reposted from a previous thread:

You can just walk out of the airport and choose someone who has "Antigua" on a sign; the cost will be $10 per person. You may have to wait a few minutes for the van to fill and a few minutes on the other end if others are dropped at their hotels/destinations in Antigua before you are. Be sure to have your hotel address handy; they'll say they know where it is to get your business but that hasn't always the case for me. Arriving after 8pm there are likely to be share shuttles there, but there is a chance there won't - that happened to a friend recently. No worries - have a Plan B ready.

You can hire a taxi on the spot; cost might be $25-35, depending on your negotiating skills (shared, not per person). When I'm arriving at night I have my hotel - http://www.casa-cristina.com - arrange a shuttle for me, $30-35 for up to 3; many hotels will make arrangements for you and Spanish schools will, too. After a long trip it's kind of nice to exit the airport and see my name on a sign but I usually only do that if I'm arriving after dark or with a group in tow.

Here are 2 transportation providers I’ve been pleased with in Guatemala for share shuttles, private transfers, and flight arrangements:
http://www.adrenalinatours.com
http://www.rainbowtravelcenter.com

If you are specifically interested in a private driver, Alfredo Garcia is bilingual, personable, prompt, and safe, and has nice vehicles: alf.transport@yahoo.com

Private shuttles are nice because you pick the timing and can make planned and unplanned stops enroute. They tend to be more comfortable, too - the share shuttles can be packed. They're much more expensive, though. The trip between Antigua and the lake is 2.5 - 4 hours, depending on your mode of transport (share shuttles tend to take longer because they drive all over town picking up additional passengers). Have a great trip, whatever you decide!

There is no need to reserve any transport from Guatemala City to Antigua unless arriving after 11PM, you could taxi hire. Same goes for to Lake Atitlan, shuttles galore going to Pana, then boat from there.

I haven't done it but have read during peak tourism, you should reserve your van from Antigua to Panajachel at least one day before. Have you had other experiences, Mr Moto? How many times have you done it?

I rode on a pullman bus from Atigua to Panajachel. It loaded at a bakery on a side street near a collapse church. A man nickname "papaya" was involve. That all I remember.

#3, not necessarily, they just increase the number of shuttles proportionally to the number of tourists asking. If you're 1 person it's rarely an issue. It's also fairly easy to go by pubic transport, but it's definitely not the most "comfortable." Try to go with a higher-end shuttle for the best experience, Atitrans is a good one IMO and they are based in Pana. Adrenalina also gets good reviews of course. Lots of fly-by-nights which open and close and offer very cheap rates but poor service... hard to keep track of them as they change names often. Even the worst still usually get folks to the lake without real problems.

Can you please share some more information on that subject? where can I find direct connection from Guatemala City to Panajachel?

We are traveling from Rio Dulce and will be in Guatemala City at 15:00 and I want to catch direct connection from there to Panajachel. Therefore such information would be helpful

Thanks in advance

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