Travelling Long Distance around Guatemala
THERE ARE TWO MAIN WAYS TO GET YOURSELF AROUND IN GUATEMALA:
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CHICKEN BUS (PUBLIC TRANSPORT)
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PRIVATE SHUTTLE (THROUGH TRAVEL COMPANIES)
This guide will detail all the places you can visit around Guatemala from Xela, detailing both transport options and what you will find there. This is meant as an overview of things to do in Guatemala and how to get there from Xela, make sure you research places thoroughly before deciding to go! The places you really shouldn’t miss are presented in CAPS and all prices are for one-way services.
CATCHING THE BUS
Chicken Bus – There are many spots in Xela to catch a Chicken Bus, but we recommend keeping it simple and going to the Minerva Terminal, which is the main bus terminal found in Zona 3. This is walkable, but you can also take microbuses there. When travelling further afield it is often not possible to catch a direct chicken bus and will normally take more time than advised.
Private Shuttle – You can book private shuttles through the many travel companies in Xela. They will normally arrange a pick-up point at your hostel or at a central location. Some good options are: Monte Verde or Adrenalina Tours.
PRICES, DEPARTURE TIMES, JOURNEY LENGTH ARE ESTIMATES AND WILL VARY PER CHICKEN BUS/SHUTTLE COMPANY
Guatemala City – 4 to 8 hour journey
Mapa en relieve
Getting there
Chicken Bus
Every 15 mins – 3am to 5pm
PRICES – Q35-45
Shuttle
Departs 8am and 3pm
PRICES – Q200-250
***For info on Private Buses see our Guatemala City travel guide***
What to do
Museum of Modern Art – Guatemala City has the best museums in the country
MAPA EN RELIEVE – A 3D map of the whole of Guatemala made by Francisco Vela
Mega Paca shopping – The best Mega Paca’s are in the Capital
Zoologico La Aurora – A good modern style zoo
Monterrico – 6 to 7 hour journey
Monterrrico beach
Getting there
Chicken Bus
(Xela to Escuintla to Iztapa to Monterrico)
(Xela to Antigua to Iztapa to Monterrico)
Shuttle
Departs 8am
PRICE: Q250-Q300
What to do
BEACHES – Monterrico is one of the most commercial beaches in Guatemala (still not very commercial)
El Paredon – 6 to 7 hour journey
El Paradon Beach
Getting there
Chicken Bus
(Xela to Escuintla to Iztapa to El Paredon)
(Xela to Antigua to Iztapa to El Paredon)
Shuttle N/A
(Possible from Antigua and the Lake)
What to do
Beaches – The cleanest beaches in Guatemala
SURFING HOSTELS – A big highlight of El Paredon, with some great hostels here for food, parties and surfing
Coban (Alta Verapaz) – 7 to 10 hour journey
Hun Nal Ye
Getting there
Chicken Bus
(Xela to Guatemala City to Coban)
Shuttle
Departs at 8am
PRICE: Q350-Q400
What to do
Hun Nal Ye – Nature park in the forest with waterfalls, lakes and you can even ride horses
FINCA SACMOC – Eco-hostel in the forest with two amazing waterfalls and rivers
Las Conchas – Cascading river that is a sequence of waterfalls
LA LAGUNA LACHUA – Perfectly circular, clear blue lake in the middle of a rainforest
Cuevas de Candelaria – Huge network of caves where you can also do tubing
Cuevas de Set’zol – A network of caves and rivers, tours possible when booked in advance
Rio Dulce – 9 to 11 hour journey
Livingston
Getting there
Chicken Bus
(Xela to Guatemala City to Puerto Barrios to Rio Dulce)
Shuttle
Departs at 8am
PRICE: Q250-Q300
What to do
LIVINGSTON – The coastal destination near Rio Dulce offering a Caribbean culture spot
Castillo de San Filipe – A castle used to fight off pirates from the port between 1600-1800
Finca Paraiso – Hot springs that is perfect for swimming
Boat tours – With the beautiful coast and the biggest lake in Guatemala this is a no brainer
Lanquin – 9 to 12 hour journey
Semuc Champey
Getting there
Chicken Bus
(Xela to Guatemala City to Coban to Lanquin)
Shuttle
Departs at 8am
PRICE: Q350-Q400
What to do
SEMUC CHAMPEY – Huge tourist destination here, offering cascading waterfalls that are great for swimming
Grutas de Lanquin – ‘The Bat Cave’ is by far the least touristy spot here but very impressive, get a guide
Cuevas de K’anba’ – Found in Semuc, this cave offers an assault course, rope swings and tubing
Flores – 12 to 14 hour journey
Tikal
Getting there
Chicken Bus N/A
Shuttle
Departs at 8am
PRICE: Q400-450
What to do
Island of Flores – Popular place sitting out in the Lake Itza to stay with lots of nightlife and good food
TIKAL – The most famous and impressive ruins in Guatemala
Yaxhá – Close to Tikal, these are smaller ruins but far less touristy and with more wildlife
CRATER AZUL – A crater full of clear blue water surrounded by beautiful forest
El Mirador – An epic 5 days through the rain forest to see the hidden ruins within
