On our first few trips to Guatemala, we had never ventured to its coasts. So, this time, we decided to explore El Paredon, a small surf town on the Pacific.
Our itinerary involved traveling on a rather adventurous journey from Lake Atitlan to El Paredon, spend a few days there enjoying the black sand beach, and then travel onwards to Antigua.
In this post, we will share how to get from El Paredon to Antigua Guatemala, our ride experience, and what you need to know before planning this trip yourself.
If you are coming from Lake Atitlan, read our post on how to get from San Pedro La Laguna to El Paredon.
Note that, Antigua Guatemala is often referred to as just Antigua. So, we are going to use both interchangeably.
El Paredon to Antigua: Quick Overview
🚐 Best Option: Direct shuttle
🚗 Alternative: Private car transfer
⏳ Trip Duration: 2.5-3.5 hours, depending on traffic.
💲 Trip Cost: 15-25 USD for shuttle, and 50+ USD for private car
🗓️ Advance Booking: Recommended
🎟️ Book here on Bookaway. Use code PARADISE5 for 5% discount.
Shuttle Transfer from El Paredon to Antigua
We took a shuttle transfer from El Paredon to Antigua Guatemala.
How the Shuttle Works
The shuttle is a minivan that you share with other passengers. Depending on the company you book with, the shuttle may pick you up from your hotel in El Paredon or ask you to come to a central location.
Based on our experience, most of the companies use Super 24 store, for pick up and drop off. Since it is a small town, your hotel or hostel will most likely be within a few minutes walk from this store.
El Paredon to Antigua shuttles run twice a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. It is a direct transfer, without any pitstops for snacks or bathroom.
The journey takes about 3 hours, of course, subject to traffic, and the shuttle drops you off in a central location of Antigua Guatemala.
El Paredon to Antigua: Our Shuttle Transfer Experience
Start
We had booked the 3:00 pm afternoon shuttle from El Paredon to Antigua so we could get one last beach town morning and then arrive in Antigua by evening, just in time for dinner.
The shuttle pick up point was Super 24, which was a 3-minute walk from our hostel in El Paredon.
Vehicle
We arrived there at 2:45 pm and the shuttle was already waiting by then. The driver helped load our luggage on the top of the vehicle and then we got inside.
It was a clean and comfortable minivan with air-conditioning, but we felt the legroom could have been better.
Journey
Our trip started on time.
On this particular day, Indranil was a bit sick and wished to reach the destination as soon as possible so that he could rest afterwards.
Yes, things happen. You may not be at the best of your health every single day, particularly when traveling long-term. That is why try to prioritize our well-being while traveling as digital nomads and always purchase travel insurance.
We are glad that it was not a very long trip from El Paredon, and the journey came without any jolts, as the route was almost entirely on paved highways until we hit the cobblestone streets of Antigua.
📃 Do not forget to purchase travel insurance for your trip. We use:
- Heymondo Travel Insurance (get 5% discount, auto applies), OR
- SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
* Discount not applicable for US residents
Drop Off
Our trip from El Paredon to Antigua took 2 hours 40 minutes, and we were dropped off next to Parque Central.
How to Book
For traveling from El Paredon to Antigua, we recommend you to book shuttle online in advance since there are not many alternative ways to travel this route.
We use Bookaway to compare provider options, see available times, check prices and book our ride.
Book in either direction:
💰 Use our promo code PARADISE5 and get 5% off
Practical Tips: El Paredon to Antigua Guatemala
- Book ride in advance
- Pick morning or afternoon shuttle that optimizes your itinerary
- Bring water and snacks
- Use eSIM or local SIM to stay connected
Which Transfer Option Should You Choose?
Combining affordability, comfort, convenience and availability, shuttle is the best way to travel from El Paredon to Antigua Guatemala, and this option works for most travelers.
The next best direct alternative is private car transfer. Consider a private transfer if you are traveling as a family or in a big group with a lot of luggage, and you want the flexibility of time and pitstops.
💰 Use our promo code PARADISE5 and get 5% off
FAQs: El Paredon to Antigua Guatemala
How long is the shuttle ride from El Paredon to Antigua?
The direct shuttle ride from El Paredon to Antigua takes about 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
How much does the shuttle cost?
Prices range between 15 to 25 USD per person one way, for shared shuttles between El Paredon and Antigua.
Do I need to book El Paredon to Antigua ride in advance?
Yes, booking in advance is recommended for traveling between El Paredon and Antigua. Shuttles do not run as frequently as other routes, and seats may fill up quickly in high season.
Where does the shuttle pick up and drop off?
Most shuttles pick up in front of Super 24 store in El Paredon and drop off at your hotel or at a central location in Antigua.
Are there direct shuttles or do I need transfers?
Shuttles between El Paredon and Antigua offer direct trips, no transfers needed.
Plan Your Trip
Antigua Guatemala
- Things to Do in Antigua
- Antigua Guatemala Itinerary
- Where to Stay in Antigua Guatemala
- Visiting Hobbitenango
El Paredon
Travel guides and stories coming soon!
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Travel Resources
- Flights: Skyscanner
- Hotels: Booking.com | Expedia
- Tours: Viator | GetYourGuide
- Travel Insurance:
- Heymondo (get 5% off)
- SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
- eSIMs:
- Transfers: Bookaway. Code PARADISE5 for 5% off
Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or a booking through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you.
