You can get from Lanquín to Rio Dulce by public bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, or rental car.
The cheapest option is by public bus, which costs USD 10. The journey takes about 8 hours.
The most popular option is the shared shuttle, offering convenience and speed at an affordable price.
The fastest way is by private transfer or rental car, which takes about 5 hours.
This guide will detail each transport option from Lanquín to Rio Dulce, providing the essential information you need to travel the country with the assurance of safety and simplicity at your side!
Transportation Options
The following table outlines all transportation options:
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Shuttle | 6 hrs | $45 |
| Public Bus | ~ 8 hrs | $10 |
| Private Transfer | ~ 5 hrs | – |
| Rental Car | ~ 5 hrs | – |
1. Shared Shuttle
Journey Duration: 6 hours
Since transportation between these two locations is limited and the trip quite tricky, the shared van shuttle is the first and sometimes the only option for many travelers.
Adrenalina Tours operates daily van shuttles that take you from Lanquin, the nearest town to Semuc Champey, to Rio Dulce!
However, if you decide to travel this route, remember that it does not offer the best road in Guatemala, so the ride takes a bit slower.
The shared shuttle departs at 08:00 AM from the Health Center in Lanquin, and the journey lasts around 6 hours. And if you book your ticket on their website, it costs only USD 45!
2. Public Bus
Journey Duration: ~8 hours
This second option might interest you if you’re an adventurous budget traveler!
You can also get from Lanquin to Rio Dulce using local public transport, saving you money.
Since the terrain from Lanquin to Rio Dulce is quite rough, you might have difficulty using this transportation choice, but if you decide to do it anyway, here’s what you should do!
You must first get on a local public minivan from Lanquin that will take you to Cahabon. This trip takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and the ticket costs only USD 2!
In Cahabon, you need to make the first transfer. You will get on a bus from Santa Maria Cahabon to El Estor, which should cost around USD 5.
And finally, you can make the final transfer in El Estor and get to Rio Dulce! The last ride costs around USD 3 and takes about 1 hour.
Overall, the journey should last about 8 hours, but this is Guatemala, and you never know what you might come across on these roads.
3. Private Transfer
Journey Duration: ~5 hours
Since you have few transportation options to travel from Lanquin to Rio Dulce, booking a private transfer is the most convenient choice!
Although hiring a private transfer is more expensive than public transportation, it offers much more since the regularly shared shuttles don’t run frequently.
Additionally, your designated driver can take you exactly where you want, and you can make stops along the way, such as a bathroom break and a lunch break!
Before you start the trip, I suggest checking if the car has air conditioning. Even though most private vehicles do, double-checking is still better, especially before starting this five-hour-long journey.
4. Rental Car
Journey Duration: ~5 hours
Despite the winding and mountainous roads, the scenery in this area is stunning, and you are free to explore on your schedule.
An international driver’s license is a must in Guatemala, and being familiar with Guatemalan traffic, including chicken buses speeding around corners! And, of course, be cautious of the unpaved roads lying ahead.
But if you’re ready to hit the road and settle for an adventure, all there’s left to do is to make a pick.
Vehicles in Lanquin are available at very affordable prices, and there are countless options!
Best day tours in Rio Dulce
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct bus?
No, there is no direct bus. However, public buses depart from Lanquín, but you have to make multiple transfers along the way to get to Rio Dulce.
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