Getting from Antigua to Panajachel

Hi,

I will be going to Guatemala for the first time over Thanksgiving. I'm wondering if it's difficult to catch a bus/shuttle/etc. from Antigua to Panajachel. Do these run frequently or only at certain times? Where can I catch them in Antigua and is it difficult to get to the station?

Thanks very much for your help ... also any advice on specific things to do/places to go in Antigua would be much appreciated -- I will be there for a day before heading on to Atitlan.

You can either walk to the Camioneta (aka Chicken Bus) station that is by the big outdoor market. Or you can arrange private transport (VIP Tourist Shuttle). Or you can arrange a Pullman (big bus) through a travel agent. Many options! And very easy.

NYC-Either get it straight or go away. Going by chicken bus will take from 3 to 4 buses. Just not worth the hassle for the couple dollars you save. There is a pullman that leaves across from the supermarket on 4 calle poniente. They sell the tickets at a desk in the bakery. The bus leaves by 7am. Get there by 6:15am to be sure of a seat when close to weekends. Occasionally someone will sell tickets the day before. Depends if they send out anyone from their GC office. You know longer have to hire a private shuttle with the coops. Most any door way agency in town will sell you a ticket. On most runs they will pick you up from your hotel...making the shuttle worth the extra couple dollars. Shuttles run several times a day. As the weekend approaches the frequency increases. Avoid anyone selling shuttle tickets that are half price of anyone else. There are a couple of pirate shuttle ops in the area. One we managed to run out of town. These guys are really hurting they legit operators who are in it for the long haul. It's only a matter of time before some passengers are hurt. Not long ago someone reported a scary ride on one of the pirates. Only one door in the van worked..great in case of an accident. The driver got lost on the way from Antigua to the airpor. Stay with the good ones. OH.. the shuttles stop for a potty break about half way there.

quote: NYC-Either get it straight or go away.
oh oh oh mr goodtime bobber..
AND SO MANY MORE COMMENTS ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE...

why do you always think you know everything better than other people..
you think you are GOD !!

you have nothing else to do than sit behind a computer with your big fat ass!!
GET A LIFE !!

IT IS TIME FOR A GOODTIME BOB BOYCOT FOLKS!!

STAND UP AGAINST THE PEOPLE THAT THINK THEY RULE THE THORNTREE !!

Hey, earth...tell them who you really are. Signing up today under a new handle doesn't work. Ever here of an IP address?

mr bob knows the best !!

That's right tlacvtech or reedranch or any of your other handles.

If you want to get a private shuttle, give a look at: www.transportguatemala.com<BR><BR>In Antigua you can hike Pacaya Volcano (1/2 day trip). Pretty cool and impressive.

About Goodtime_Bob. He can be a little moody, sometimes, but the value he adds to this forum is undeniable. He has always very accurate information, and has helped me in many occasions. The reason he sounds like he knows better than other people is because he often does. You can like him or not, but the help you get from him is truly great.

maybe GOODTIME BLOB sounds good?

i don´t mind his comments...
i just don´t like that he gets to personal...
just stick with travelinfo!!
so..

And calling names isn't personal. What you really don't like is that you were banned for stalking. Then...as you threatened...you would come back under other handles. When I blocked your stupid PMs you decided to start posting. And anytime some chick dashes through the area..spending a day or so in a few places...then starts posting numerous inaccurate statements about places, I and others will correct her. Just as numerous folks have in the past. And as enough are doing right now on the SEA branch where she is pulling a similar stunt.

Bob - Weren't you kicked off of TT recently by the Lonely Planet moderator for your profanity and violent threats? Why are you back when you have been asked/forced to leave by the moderators?

Cresti - While Bob may add some helpful information, most of his posts are insults and personal attacks and psychotic rants. While that is annoying but ignorable, his physical threats and frequent profane language (whre, faggt, etc) are completely uncalled for and not appropriate here. Noone on this board should feel threatened. But Bob does frequently threaten and attack posters. He should be permantently banned (or arrested!). He has been banned in the past, but refused to go away though he is not wanted.

i agree on what NYC girl says here !
ban this man from this site and never let him back !
PAYBACK TIME !!!

I am sorry, but that's not my experience with Bob.
I guess we'll just need to agree to disagree.
:)

I can't begin to tell you the amount of helpful info I have gotten from Bob before and during my first trip to Guatemala. His generosity made the trip so much easier for me. I'm planning for my second trip now and will continue to rely on his advice.

I have also benefited from Bob’ wealth of knowledge, which I found to be very accurate and have met with him. We all have our styles, listen to the advise don’t dwell on the emotion. He feels strongly on some subjects and I respect that.

I hope Goodtime Bob continues to post. I welcome his input.

Firefly

I have been reaserching Guatemala trip advice through the Thorn Tree forum for several months now. Giving advice is great, exceptionally helpful and is most useful when given in a straightforward manner. The insults just leave a bad taste in my mouth and, frankly, the "drama" between posters sends me to other forums to ask questions. I've never read any insluting posts on www.xelapages.com for example. Try to put your ego aside and be informative all at the same time. Thank you to all posters who maintain a positive level of respect for travellers of all experiences.

I don't like the demeaning language, either, but try to ignore it because I'm grateful for Bob's advice. I stayed at Casa Cristina in Antigua and Mario's in Panajachel based on his advice and both were perfect for me. I do try to jump in fast if someone posts a common question and ask them (nicely) to read the FAQ thread and the 1st 20 pages of the country's section in the hope of reducing violent posts by others.

OK back to the discussion. There are a number of shuttles and a number of outfits advertising for around $7-10 O.W. As good time Bob commented on #2 the chicken buses are a little bit of a hassle but doable. The pullmans? Where the HELL are they? They don't seemed to run a frequent schedule so it may or may not work with your schedule. But, if the 06:15AM departure (mentioned on #2) works for you then that could be an option. Take your pick.

If you chose chicken bus you take first bus to Chimaltenango

Take any bus going west along the main highway preferably one going to 'Solola' or 'Panajachel' otherwise the 'Quiche', 'Nebaj', 'Xela', etc will do. If you take the Solola bus you will have to change buses there but Solola IS along the way so another bus or pick-up to Panajacehl will come by which you can use. If you take the other buses like to Xela or Quiche you get off at 'Los Encuentros' which is an intersection along the highway where the cross road goes between Solola and Chichicastenango. Then take another bus going down hill towards Panajachel. Coming back you take any bus going to Guatemala City or 'Guate' and get off at Chimaltenango.

If you take the shuttles from the agencies buy the round trip ticket (if coming back to Antigua). Even if you are staying in Panajachel. Buy the return for a later date as the prices are said to be higher originating from Panajachel due to some price fixing there. So all the other agents in Panajachel would sell the same. Like about $10-15OW (Can't quite remember).

When you get to Panajachel you'll be greeted by a sorts of faux guides offering boat rides, hotels, you name it. They basically take you down to the lake and hook you up to a captain or to hotel and hook you up with the front desk, collect their $hare (aka kickbacks), and split to get more customers. So if you can go without them the better.