You can get from Panajachel to Rio Dulce by coach bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, or rental car.
The cheapest way is by bus and shared shuttle, which costs USD 99. However, the journey takes about 14.5 hours.
The most popular option is also the bus + shuttle because it is the only form of public transport between the two locations.
The fastest way is by private transfer or rental car, which takes about 7.5 hours.
In my travels across Guatemala, I’ve turned every stone and ridden every route. Join me as I walk you through the most efficient ways to travel from Panajachel to Rio Dulce, one ride at a time!
Transportation Options
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus + Shuttle | ~14.5 hrs | $99 |
| Private Transfer | ~7.5 hrs | – |
| Rental Car | ~7.5 hrs | – |
1. Coach Bus + Shared Shuttle
Journey Duration: 14 hours 20 minutes
Since there is no direct connection between Panajachel and Rio Dulce, combining a shared shuttle and coach bus is the first and best traveling option!
Including the waiting time and transfers in Antigua, this journey takes a little over 14 hours, but if you want a quick solution for your trip, then this is it!
First, you will take a shared shuttle to Antigua from the Atitrans office in Avenida Santander Anexo Hotel Regis in Panajachel.
Then, at 11:00 AM, you need to transfer to another shuttle to Zone 1, and finally, take the 02:00 PM coach bus that will take you to Calle Principal in Rio Dulce.
The price for this is USD 99, including all the transfers.
Since it is a day-long journey, you need to be comfortable during your trip. Thankfully, Maya De Oro provides comfortable vehicles with air-conditioning, bathrooms, and reclining seats, so you can easily sit through those 14 hours!
There is one departure daily, so ensure you know the schedules and don’t encounter any problems!
Maya De Oro Coach Bus + Shuttle Schedule
The table below displays the Maya De Oro bus + shared shuttle timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05:00am | 07:20pm | 14h 20m | $99 |  |
2. Private Transfer
Journey Duration: Custom Time
If you don’t like spending time on public transport and long trips, and money is no issue- you can hire a private driver to take you from Panajachel to Rio Dulce!
Services like this are easy to find online or through a local Guatemalan agency in Panajachel.
It is a bit pricey, but if you’re traveling with a group and decide to split the cost, this option might be worth it!
You will get a comfortable and shorter ride, tons of luggage space, and flexibility regarding schedules.
And the best part?
You will arrive directly at your destination without making any transfers and detours!
3. Rental Car
Journey Duration: 7 hours 20 minutes
Go on a Guatemalan adventure from Panajachel to Rio Dulce by renting a car!
Driving with a car is the fastest and most direct way to reach Rio Dulce from Panajachel at an affordable price!
Car rental prices in Panajachel are ridiculously low and worth paying for to maximize your trip!
You have complete freedom to explore the Caribbean coast and still get to your destination in no time. You must follow the map directions and take the CA-9 route, the shortest and best way to travel between Panajachel and Rio Dulce.
Plus, an extra advantage is that you can stop along the way as you wish, depart and arrive on your own time, and take multiple breaks to stretch your legs or grab a bite!
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
Can I drive?
Yes, the driving distance is 396 km via CA-9, the fastest route available.
Is there a direct bus?
No, there isn’t. The Maya De Oro transport first stops in Antigua and continues to Rio Dulce later. Alternatively, you can take a vehicle from Panajachel to Rio Dulce via Antigua Guatemala, Litegua Antigua, Ciudad Guatemala Calle 15, and Guatemala City and later make a transfer to continue to Rio Dulce.
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