| Guatemala > Antigua
Useful Information
Getting There
In order to get to Antigua you will have to fly to Guatemala City. We recommend taking a shuttle from the airport to Antigua, which takes about an hour.
Getting Around
Most areas of interest in Antigua can be reached on foot from the center of town. Avenidas run North-South and are numbered beginning from the East. Calles run East-West and are numbered beginning from the North.
Taxis
Taxis are usually gathered around the central square and are the safest way to get around town after dark. Be sure to agree on a price with the driver beforehand. While prices vary depending on your destination, short trips across town in Antigua should cost Q15 during the day and Q20+ at night. Taxi drivers are often willing to make the trip between Guatemala City and Antigua which should run $30 or so.
Tuk-Tuks
Tuk-tuks are small golf-cart sized vehicles that fit up to three people. A bumpy ride across town should cost you less than a taxi, Q10 during the day and Q15 at night. You can either flag an empty one down or walk 1 block south of Parque Central on 5 Avenida Sur where they tend to congregate outside of Monolocos at night. Women traveling alone should pay the extra Q5 or so to take a taxi instead of a tuk-tuk late at night for safety reasons.
Mini-bus Shuttles
Shuttles are by far the most comfortable way to other towns within Guatemala. They are used primarily by tourists and any travel agency can arrange your trip. Private shuttles will safely take you to almost any destination but they are much more expensive. The shared shuttles travel to most of the popular destinations. For cities such as Coban a travel agency will shuttle you to Guatemala City and arrange for you to take a Pullman bus from there. Be sure to inquire into the type of mini-bus you will be riding, especially for longer trips and if there is a minimum person requirement.
Shuttle Schedule:
| Destination | Day | Time | Price (US$) |
| Antigua to Panajachel |
Every Day |
8:00, 12:30, 16:00 P.M. |
8-12 |
| Panajachel to Antigua |
Every Day |
12:00, 16:00 |
8 - 12 |
| Antigua to Chichicastenango |
Thursdays & Sundays |
7:00 A.M. |
10 - 12 |
| Chichicastenango to Antigua |
Thursdays & Sundays |
2:00 P.M. |
10 - 12 |
| Antigua to Rio Dulce |
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday |
4:00 A.M. |
20 - 40 |
| Rio Dulce to Antigua |
Wednesday, Friday, Sunday |
1:00 P.M. |
20 - 40 |
| Antigua to Guatemala City (airport) |
Every Day |
4:00, 7:30, 9:00, 12:30, 15:00, 19:00 |
10 |
Bank Machines
Can be tough to come by outside of Antigua. In town there are four different locations right on the central park, one in Hotel Santo Domingo, and only a couple others. Check the following sites for locations:
www.mastercard.com/cardholderservices/atm/
www.visa.com/globalgateway/gg_selectcountrys.html
www.guatemalaweb.com/1/cashiers.htm
Generally, VISA is the most accepted credit card-- that includes atm machines (called cajeras in Guatemala). Also, after going to the ATM, spread your money around so that it isn't all in one place-- just in case!
A note for travelers: During the first week of December 2006, Guatemala’s ATM machines started to run out of cash. The problem according to the Banco de Guatemala, was under control and would be solved within a week but instead the situation worsened and by the end of December some banks had to temporarily close their doors due to the lack of Quetzales. Please visit the OTR Blog for an update of the situation.
Safety Tips
1. Don’t carry around more money than you need and don't keep it all in one place. For example, keep some in a deep pocket and some in your wallet.
2. Be aware of your surroundings, don't go down a dark and deserted street at night. If you are in a crowded market or bus, be very aware of your valuables.
3. Keep photocopies of important documents, passports and credit cards-- and leave copies at home with a friend in case you lose yours.
Advice for Female Travelers
The cobblestone streets add to Antigua's charm but make sure you bring shoes that you won't break your ankles in!
Tampons are tough to come by here, so bring your own or buy before you arrive. You can find some at the Grocery store across from the market place or at the pharmacy on the corner of 6th Calle and 6th Avenida.
Packing Tips
Remember that in Guatemala pick pocketing is not uncommon. In order to avoid attracting too much attention, dress conservatively, as you will notice Guatemalans generally do, and leave expenseive jewelry at home.
Also, you don't need a converter for electrical outlets if appliances are from the US. All outlets in Guatemala are compatible.
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