4 Best Ways to get from San Pedro La Laguna to Xela, Guatemala

You can get from San Pedro La Laguna to Xela by boat + shared shuttle, public bus, private transfer, or taxi.

The cheapest option is by boat and public bus, which costs about USD 11 and takes 3 to 4 hours.

The most popular option is the boat + shared shuttle, and you’ll need to board the shared shuttle in Panajachel.

The fastest way is by boat + private transfer or taxi, which takes about 3 hours.

Having traveled the route from San Pedro La Laguna’s lakeside serenity to Xela’s vibrant highland energy multiple times, I’ve learned every option and pit stop.

This guide is a collection of those journeys, providing you with tried-and-true advice on the best travel methods, ensuring your trip is as enriching as the destinations themselves!

Check out our guide for the best options for traveling from San Pedro La Laguna to Xela.

Transportation Options

1. Boat + Shared Shuttle

Journey Duration: 3-4 hours

To board a shuttle to Xela, you must get to Panajachel first. To travel to Panajachel, you must take a short boat ride and board the shuttle upon arrival.

First, go to the San Pedro La Laguna public dock to catch a boat to Panajachel. Boats frequently run throughout the day, and the journey typically takes around 1 hour.

As you glide across the tranquil waters of Lake Atitlán, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes and the picturesque villages that dot the shoreline.

San Pedro La Laguna to Panajachel Boat Schedule

The table below displays the boat timetable for trips from San Pedro La Laguna to Panajachel, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

Departure	Arrival	Duration	Price
07:30am	08:30am	1 hr	$8
10:00 AM	11:00am	1 hr	$8
02:00pm	03:00pm	1 hr	$8
04:00pm	05:00pm	1 hr	$8

Once you arrive in Panajachel, you’ll either have to make your way to the Atitrans Shuttles office or book a shared shuttle that offers pickup from your location at the dock!

The journey from Panajachel to Xela takes approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the type of shuttle you choose, and tickets cost USD 30-USD 35.

Just be sure to book your shuttle in advance, as they can fill up quickly during peak travel times.

Panajachel to Xela Shared Shuttle Schedule

The table below displays the shared shuttle timetable for trips from Panajachel to Xela, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

Departure	Arrival	Duration	Price
03:00pm	06:00pm	3h	$35
03:00pm	06:00pm	3h	$30

2. Boat + Public Bus

Journey Duration: ~4 hours

Another option is to take a boat to Panajachel and then catch a public bus to Xela. 

This is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers who are comfortable navigating public transportation and want to experience more local life in Guatemala.

The trip lasts about 4 hours, and you’ll only spend USD 11 total!

Start your journey by taking a boat from the public dock in San Pedro La Laguna to Panajachel. Boats run frequently throughout the day, and the journey takes approximately an hour. 

You can check out the boat schedule and book your tickets here!

When you arrive in Panajachel, you must find the Santander and main road intersection, right across from the Inguat office and where most of the buses stop. From there, you can catch a public bus to Xela!

Buses run regularly throughout the day and are an affordable and reliable option for getting around Guatemala. 

While this option requires a bit more planning and effort than taking a shared van shuttle, it is an excellent way to save some money, as the ticket for the chicken bus is only USD 3! 

If you want to learn more about the second part of your trip, check out our detailed guide on How to get from Panajachel to Xela, Guatemala!

3. Boat + Private Transfer

Journey Duration: Custom Time

For those who want a more convenient and personalized travel experience, the best choice is to take a boat to Panajachel and arrange a private transfer to Xela.

Your trip will start with a 1-hour boat trip from San Pedro La Laguna to Panajachel. Tickets for the boat ride must be bought separately and cost only USD 8!

Once you arrive in Panajachel, you can easily arrange a private transfer to Xela with one of the area’s many tour operators or transportation companies.

A private transfer offers many advantages over other forms of transportation. You’ll have the flexibility to choose your departure time without getting tied to public transportation schedules.

Plus, you’ll have the comfort and convenience of traveling in a private vehicle with a professional driver, which can be especially beneficial if you travel with a lot of luggage or have specific travel needs.

The journey from Panajachel to Xela takes approximately 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions, but with a private transfer, you can sit back and relax as you take in the stunning scenery of the Guatemalan highlands!

Just be sure to book your transfer in advance to ensure availability!

4. Boat + Taxi

Journey Duration: 3 hours

Taking a taxi is a quick and easy last-minute option to travel to Xela after taking a boat to Panajachel from San Pedro La Laguna.

To get to Panajachel, get on a boat from San Pedro La Laguna, and you’ll arrive at the dock in only 1 hour! Boats run multiple times throughout the day, so choose the best departure time for you.

You can get your boat tickets from San Pedro to Panajachel online for only USD 8! 

Once you arrive in Panajachel, you can easily find a taxi at the dock or anywhere on the street!

Taxis are a convenient and reliable option for getting around Guatemala, and the journey from Panajachel to Xela takes approximately 2 hours.

While taxis are more expensive than other forms of transportation, costing about USD 60-USD 75, they offer the flexibility to travel at your own pace and make any necessary stops.

Just be sure to negotiate the fare with the driver before you begin your journey, as prices can vary depending on the time of day and demand. 

Cash on hand is also a good idea, as many taxi drivers in Guatemala do not accept credit cards.

Best day tours in Xela

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