Regular daily shuttles run from Antigua and Guatemala City to Panajachel. It is best to avoid booking shuttles from Pana, as the companies there often overbook and sometimes leave passengers stranded. Pullman buses leave daily (except for Sunday) from Antigua at 7am. Buy your ticket from the travel agency on 4th Calle directly behind Bodegona grocery store. Once in Pana you can take a water taxi to the various communities around the lake.

Getting Around

As you head towards the muelle (dock) agents will try to sell you tickets for a private boat. Unless you have a large group, the public boats are always the best way to go. Unfortunately prices are not listed anywhere for the water taxis. The kids running the boats will be sure to quote you a higher price if they know it is your first time through.  Ask someone else on the boat what the cost of their ticket is, or should be, and have that amount prepared for when you exit the boat. For short trips (between neighboring towns) expect to pay between Q.10 and Q.15 and from one side of the lake (Panajachel) to the other (San Pedro) you can pay up to Q.25. Note that the villagers generally pay half of what tourists are expected to pay for these trips, which only seems fair.

Do not swim in the waters on the north side of the lake, extending from Santa Cruz to Santa Catarina (including Panajachel) as they are extremely polluted. Lake fronts of the smaller towns, such as Tzununa and Jailbilito are fair game.