Guat airport to Panajachel...

I fly into Guat City at 7am in the morning. What is the best way to go to Panajachel: should I go somewhere into Guatemala City and find some chicken bus all the way to Pana OR take a shuttle/tourist bus from the airport to Antigua and then another tourist bus to Pana OR is there a better way? How long might it take??

Also, which boat should I take from Pana to San Marcos?

Thanks!

Have you been to Guatemala before? (That is, are you familiar with chicken buses?) If not, I would recommend the average tourist do the shuttle thing on the very first day, especially if you have any large luggage. You'll be able to arrange one from Guate to Pana without much trouble. I would allow three hours (could be longer or shorter, but that's a good estimate--depends on traffic, construction, and whether they take the main highway or the "back" way). As for boats... just ask at the dock.

You should know that in Pana there are two docks: one for Santiago and South, and the other for San Pedro and North side.
If you are new to the country, I will say the same as #1: take a shuttle. Otherwise it is a short taxi ride to the Trebol (a vast bus terminal area) and a chickenbus to Pana. Your taxi driver should be able to find the right bus stop but if you have heavy luggage you will not enjoy the hectic transfer. There is also the Antigua option. Take a shuttle to Antigua, spend the night and book next morning's Pullman bus to Pana.

Thanks Wendy, I have been to Guate before. As far as a tourist shuttle to Pana, would that be from the airport ? I don't mind the Chicken bus' (fairly small luggage) but do you know how many changes and where on the way to Pana?

Lou, do you know what time the pullman leaves from Antigua? Also, I guess my boat will go to S. Pedro before S. Marcos? Do you know how much??

Thanks ; )

The Antigua-Pana pullman leaves around 7 am. Book your ticket the previous evening at a travel agency.
Boats from Pana are around 15Q. Just keep in mind there are two docks and the touts who try to tell you the last boat is gone won't direct you to the right one. If you are at the wrong place you will have to walk 1k around the point to the other dock.

You can probably get a shuttle to Pana to pick you up at the airport. There is a desk where you can ask.
To take the chicken bus, you will take a taxi to the Trebol and wait a little for the bus to come up from downtown. Watch your bags!
You might or might not get a direct bus. The first bus to come will likely let you off at Los Encuentros where you will take a second bus down to Solola and Pana. It is easy when you are used to it. A newbie will feel a bit rushed but that is how you learn. Enjoy!