How to get from Quetzaltenango to San Pedro by Bus
Posted: June 8 2021
Well, a chicken bus is what I had thought I'd be travelling on. Contrary to what I thought I had understood, 3 days ago, about there being a direct bus all the way to San Pedro was in fact much different.
I feel the need to say that there are no flights to San Pedro La Laguna.
I feel the need to say that there are no flights to San Pedro La Laguna.
If Guatemala gave us 6 months, I would have stayed longer in Xela, but they don't so after 14 days I decide to move on.
Buses seem to run pretty frequently here. Guatemala is small compared to Mexico. No need to make a reservation. Chicken buses here are the popular way to go and I love them.
On the way back from San Andres Xecul last week I rode the bus to the Minerva Terminal. I wanted to check out the buses.
Buses seem to run pretty frequently here. Guatemala is small compared to Mexico. No need to make a reservation. Chicken buses here are the popular way to go and I love them.
On the way back from San Andres Xecul last week I rode the bus to the Minerva Terminal. I wanted to check out the buses.
I found the spot. Asked about Panajachel, the biggest town on Lake Atitlán, where I thought I needed to head to first and then take a boat at San Pedro, but was delighted to learn that buses went directly to San Pedro. Result!
I had thought I had been quoted 48Q for the ride, but, well, I found out today that I must change at a place known as Kilometre 48, which is also confusing, as the mile markers clearly state 150km. The distance to Guatemala City, I presume.
Confused? So, Km 148 is now actually Km 150, after road upgrades, but this doesn't explain why I was quoted 3 days ago, 48, by the bus guys today, one who spoke English and the money guy today. Well, it's easy to work out, it's the road that runs from the Pan Am Highway to the lake.
Alas, today involved a chicken van to Km 48 (148 or even 150), 30 Q. 1 hour. I am learning the way things work here. Touts work the bus stations. Saves me doing the legwork. Having been taken through the melee to the right chicken bus or, strangely today, a chicken van, 5Q is passed to the tout, which is added to my fare.
So here is the chicken van from the Minerva Terminal in Xela to San Pedro La Laguna, June 2021:
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Another minivan to Santa Clara and then a pickup truck to San Pablo, which was fun, hanging on to avoid being thrown into the ladies:
A 3-share tuk-tuk to San Juan:
And another to what I had thought would be San Pedro. But the inter-town tuk-tuks stop and leave at the town's limits. You have to take a separate one across town.
The guy had nodded when I said, San Pedro? Then stopped at Centro. I had meant Centro in San Pedro. Me being a gringo who doesn't talk much Spanish, him being a tuk-tuk driver in a tourist town.
The guy had nodded when I said, San Pedro? Then stopped at Centro. I had meant Centro in San Pedro. Me being a gringo who doesn't talk much Spanish, him being a tuk-tuk driver in a tourist town.
I shouldered my bag and walked the 3km.
Actually, everyone, however they arrived, would have had to walk, whether by a 'bus grande' from Kilometre 48 or as I did. The road is under construction, and no one is allowed through.
Fun and games. It's all good. I love this style. Learning as I go.
Total costs, Xela to San Pedro La Laguna, 47 Quetzales. Almost the 48 I thought I had been quoted, jaja.
Welcome to San Pedro La Laguna on the shores of Lake Atitlan.
Actually, everyone, however they arrived, would have had to walk, whether by a 'bus grande' from Kilometre 48 or as I did. The road is under construction, and no one is allowed through.
Fun and games. It's all good. I love this style. Learning as I go.
Total costs, Xela to San Pedro La Laguna, 47 Quetzales. Almost the 48 I thought I had been quoted, jaja.
Welcome to San Pedro La Laguna on the shores of Lake Atitlan.
Of course, roughing it on chicken buses might not be for you or if you are travelling with lots of luggage, you can organise a shuttle with Guatego.
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