Additionally, for Alamo the 3pm is a direct line to Xela and is Xela Vidas recommended option. Another option for getting to Xela from Guatemala City is taking a shared shuttle (I always use Adrenalina Tours for shuttles in Guatemala) which costs around $40. Ultimate Guide to El Paredon, Guatemala Wander Her Way Quetzaltenango, better known by its Mayan name Xela, might be Guatemalas second largest city, but 99% of people have never heard of it. This is not an automated system. 2023 Wander Her Way. Sabor de la India: The best place for authentic Indian food in Xela. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Travel from the Colonial City Antigua Guatemala to another beautiful city: San Cristobal de las Casas, to enjoy its architecture . While that isn't high enough to make altitude sickness an issue, anyone visiting from lower altitude should bear it in mind if they're planning on walking any of the nearby volcanoes. Como prevencin ante el Covid-19, los buses estn utilizando el 50% de su capacidad total. Thank you! These people can help load your bags into the taxi as well. Puedes comprar tu boleto en lnea (con 48 horas de anticipacin) o un da antes, directo en las oficinas. 8-34 Zona 1 Quetzaltenango, Guatemala +502 5729-6279. Payments are nonrefundable, but if you still need to make changes after payment we'll do the best we can. 5am, 6:15am, 8am, 10:30am, 11:45am, 12:30pm, 1:45pm, 3pm, 4pm y 5:30pm (I do not know what the y stands for), 6pm (solo viernes y domingo), Thanks Danward555 for the great information. I did check though and can confirm its not the same one! Alamo's buses are a bit old and clapped out, but perfectly serviceable for the 4-5 hour journey. The cheapest way from Guatemala City to Xela is by bus for 100 GTQ which is around $13 USD you can book online. Puedes comprar tu boleto en lnea (con 48 horas de anticipacin) o un da antes, directo en las oficinas. If you are going to a hotel say, Al hotel (To the hotel), and the name of the place you are staying. On top of that, Xela is one of the cheapest cities in Central America to live and study, which is why a Spanish teaching industry has grown up here. Here are some of the best places to eat in Xela. We waited on that one and the cost was 70Q and it took 5 hours. Here are some reasons why: One of the main reasons people come to Xela is for the hiking. Not so as we found out today. Traveling on NYE is not really a good idea and will reduce availability and drive up cost. Is it possible to go from Guatemala City airport GUA to Quetzaltenango/Xela?. You can reach the start of the trail by Uber (about Q100) or microbus (Q10) in about an hour; from there its a steep 30-minute walk to the park entrance where you pay a Q50 entrance fee. Book your shuttle service with 24 hours in advance. Payment is in USD. Algunos de los buses cuentan con bao interior. Debes saber sin embargo que, los conductores van con mayor velocidad que los autobuses pullman, y que hacen paradas en algunos lugares para recoger pasaje, como en 4 Caminos y Los Encuentros. Xela is a great place to learn Spanish because it is less touristy than Antigua or Lake Atitlan, and many people dont speak English at all. Direccin Ciudad de Quetzaltenango: 5ta. With its lively atmosphere, its the hub of Xela nightlife and no visit to the city is complete without at least one visit. You should avoid traveling at night in Guatemala due to safety concerns. Great food, small and walkable, and safe. 49 reviews 39 helpful votes Transportation from Xela to Guatemala City 3 years ago Save I'm planning for my end of the year trip. We took a taxi from the airport to the Fuente Del Norte bus station thinking their last trip left at 3pm and our (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? For serious outdoors enthusiasts this is the pinnacle of the Xela hiking opportunities: a three-day hike through the dramatic volcanic scenery from Quetzaltenango to San Pedro on Lake Atitlan. Since Xela is colder than the rest of Guatemala, here are some suggested things you should add to your packing list if you plan to visit. If youre short on time in Guatemala, I wouldnt necessarily recommend visiting Xela, but if you have more time in the country, or if you want to take Spanish lessons, its a place you should check out! If youre really interested in colourful markets, you could also venture a little further to the internationally-famous market at Chichicastenango. During the Civil War many women lost their husbands, fathers and brothers, so they had to fend for themselves. Next door to the cathedral is the Municipal Palace, which dates to 1881. One of Xelas most challenging volcano hikes, it takes about four hours of very steep climbing to reach the summit of Volcn Santa Maria at 3772 m (12375 ft). calle entre 12 y 13 Ave. Zona 3 a un costado de Plaza Monterrey (Frente a la ENCO), Direccin Ciudad Guatemala: Calzada Roosevelt, 12-76 Zona 7, Centro Comercial Rus Mall Local C1-114. They named it Xelaj Noj which is translated as under ten mountains or under ten gods, possibly a reference to Xelas many volcanos. 3 times a day Price From: US$ 18 P/ BOOK TICKETS Antigua to Guatemala City Pick up: Panajachel Hotel Drop off: Guatemala City Hotel Durarion: 1 hrs. Estos buses cuenta con sillas reclinables, baos, T.V. Why not Pin It so you can find it easily later, and also to show your support for my blog. Copn to Quetzaltenango/Xela - 5 ways to travel via car, bus, and shuttle Admission is just Q25 (2.50 / $3.25) per visit, or Q100 (10 / $13) a week. I haven't taken any of the first class buses on that route but am considering it for my next trip. Book this Xela traditional food tour. : 5:00am, 6:15am, 8:00am, 10:30am, 12:30pm.13:45pm, 15:00pm, 16:00 pm, 17:30pm. Panajachel. Quetzaltenango/Xela to Guatemala City - 4 ways to travel via - Rome2rio Visit their shop on 3a Calle to learn more about their work, buy beautiful hand crafted clothes and accessories, or take a weaving class and learn how to make your own scarf or table runner using a traditional back strap loom. Xela to Guatemala City 3.5 hours 9am Q300 ask if your shuttle qualify for discount! Expect anything touristy to be priced touristically. Offering structured courses limited to 15 students at a time, PLQ will really immerse and challenge you with up to 5 hours of classes a day, as well as homestays and extra-curricular activities. Both sets of hot springs are near the town of Zunil, about 9 km from Xela. Bake Shop:This is a very popular bakery in Xela that is run by Mennonites. Antigua. Read more: Cerro Quemado in Guatemala: The Volcano Where People Talk To The Gods. Transportation Options from Semuc Champey to Guatemala City I havent made those trips so cant help with estimates but you could shop around for costs. It houses several bars and restaurants as well as a Spanish school, and is a popular place to hang out in the evenings. I loved the colourful clothes the people wear, the vibrant woven textiles on sale in the markets, the interesting street food, and the respectful and friendly demeanour of the people. Also known as La Ermita de la Concepcion or La Conquistadora, Salcajs church is famous for being the oldest church in Central America. So we walked down the street to Fuente and they only have two buses to GC. Shuttle Antigua Guatemala to San Cristobal de las Casas 3:00am: USD$70 p/p: Shuttle available Monday-Friday only - please verify . There are 4 ways to get from Quetzaltenango/Xela to Guatemala City Airport (GUA) by bus, taxi or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. Lunes a Domingo: 3:00am, 4:00am, 4:30am, 6:60am, 8:00am, 10:15am, 12:45pm, 14:30pm, 16:45pm, De Guatemala Quetzaltenango: Lunes a Domingo: 5:00am, 6:15am, 8:00am, 10:30am, 12:30pm.13:45pm, 15:00pm, 16:00 pm, 17:30pm. If youre coming from Lake Atitlan or Antigua, you can travel either by tourist shuttle or by public chicken bus. The distance from Semuc Champey to Guatemala City is 177.2 miles or 285.2 kilometers. Much less built up and crowded, Aguas Amargas is a more rustic experience. I personally had an underwhelming time at the hot springs (it was absolutely packed because I went on a Saturday afternoon) so for a better experience, I would recommend going there on a weekday morning when it will be less crowded. As youve probably noticed by now, hiking is one of the main things to do around Xela. The best place to start is Pasaje Enriquez, which is a covered arcade with half a dozen bars and restaurants, all of which have indoor seating, picnic benches outside in the arcade and loud, often competing music. All kinds of livestock is on sale, from cows and pigs to rear for meat, to puppies and kittens to keep as pets. There are stalls selling clothes, shoes, electronic accessories, groceries, street food and much more. The Parque Central is the hub of Xela life; a leafy green space containing shady seating areas and fountain, and surrounded by grand Neoclassical buildings as well as a few bars, cafes and banks. De Xela para Guatemala: Desde la terminal Minerva de Quetzaltenango, del lado opuesto al restaurante la Rueda. A one-way ticket costs Q90 (about 9) and there are frequent buses throughout the day. Estos buses cuenta con sillas reclinables, baos, T.V. The bus picks you up at your hotel in Xela and leaves you at the airport, or zone 1,9,10,13. If youre coming from Guatemala City, then I definitely recommend taking the bus to Xela over a shuttle. Puedes esperar en la sala si llegas con antelacin a la salida. You will find places to exchange USD for Quetzales, but dont rely on this as the exchange rates for these transactions are unfavorable. Explore the city, see the sights, shop for handicrafts, chill out in the cafes, or if you're feeling energetic, hike up Volcan Pacaya. You are allowed one big bag and one small, extra big will have to be reported and paid 15USD per bag. Add Por favor (please) at the end to be polite. I'm wondering how much it would cost to hire a driver from Xela direct to Guatemala City? I went to Utatlan Spanish School which I highly recommend. The buses departing at 3pm seem to be the most consistently available and work well with the majority of airport arrival times. Now in Xela we need to catch a plane that leaves at 1:30 pm. The cost of the shuttle is Q90 (about $12) each way to and from Antigua, and there are usually two departures daily. Xela is Guatemalas second largest city, situated in the Western Highlands, about 4 hours drive from Guatemala City. Calle 12-44, Zona 3, Quetzaltenango. From there boats travel to and from San Pedro, San Juan, San Marcos, Santa Cruz, Santiago Atitlan or any other village on the lake. We can drop you off and pick you up at the dock in Panajachel. We first have to check availability and confirm prices. Next door to their closed gate is Cristbal Colon bus station and people in a nearby university office told us that Linea and Colon are now one in the same. There is an ATM in the airport on your way to baggage claim. If youre coming from Guatemala City, the easiest way to get to Xela is by coach bus. There is no central intercity coach station in Xela, nor in Guatemala City; you need to go to the depot of the specific company you want to travel with. Guatemala has a network of giant thrift stores called Pacas, where a lot of the stuff that gets donated to charity shops in the UK and USA gets shipped to be sold. From Antigua theres a change at Chimaltenango, and from Panajachel you need to change at least twice, at Solol and Los Encuentros, possibly more depending on which bus you get. Xela is certainly a much friendlier and safer city than Guatemala City, and Zone 1 in the city centre is generally safe. Hiking clothes such as leggings or sports t-shirts, and a cap or hat. After all that sightseeing, youll probably be hungry! A Perfect Guatemala Itinerary In 10 Days, 2 Weeks Or 3 Weeks, An adventure on the Via Ferrata Hluboka in the Czech Republic, Santa Catarina Palopo: The Colourful Painted Town In Guatemala. Es la compaa que cuenta con ms horarios. It is recommended to arrive in Guatemala City early in the day, preferably before 1pm. Domingo: 7:00am, 8:30am, 11:00am 14:30pm, 16:15pm, Direccin Ciudad Quetzaltenango: 5ta. Location: Quetzaltenango Book a seat on our collectivo shuttle service and travel in comfort! Bar Salon Tecun:Located in the covered arcade Pasaje Enriquez, this restaurant and bar right across from Parque Central is known for having the best pizza in Xela. Alamo - Guatemala City12a av. Enjoy a stroll in the sunshine and admire the vividly-painted tombs and headstones. What companies run services between Quetzaltenango/Xela, Guatemala and Mexico City, Mexico? Shuttle from Quetzaltenango (Xela) to Guatemala City Price From: $ 15.00 airport_shuttle Transportation: First class Public bus. On board toilet, similar fare as Fuente and we go to GC for the night before the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Im not saying you should skip Antigua or Lake Atitln in favour of coming to Xela there are many good reasons why Guatemalas big hitters are popular, and if you only have a short amount of time in the country, you should prioritise those. If your flight is scheduled to land later in the day, then it is best to arrange accommodation near the airport. While touristy places have their benefits (good amenities, nice hostels, lots of fellow travellers to hang out with), sometimes its nice to get away from other gringos and head to towns where you can get a more authentic travel experience. It costs 60Q (about $8) for foreigners. All rights reserved. Crater Azul: Is Guatemalas Gorgeous Blue Crater Overhyped? Transportation Guatemala - Atitlan Tours If you stay in Xela city centre you can easily get around on foot. Back. Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review. Read more: The Colourful Market In Solola Guatemala: A Photo Guide. I paid only $22 a night for a private room with a private bathroom, and this also included a delicious breakfast every morning. Ask for private shuttles, leaving at the time you want, with as many stops as you want on the way to any destination in Guatemala. Entry costs Q60 (6 or $7.75). The Complete Guide to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, best place to stay in Xela is theHotel Much, I spent six weeks taking Spanish lessons in Guatemala, Trek to the Chicabal volcano and lagoon near Quetzaltenango. The food is delicious and they have a nice garden. Some seats have lots of leg room, others have enough for a 3 year old. Another church worth a quick look is the Iglesia el Calvario. Xela is one of the highest cities in Central America, sitting at around 2,300 metres (7,546 feet). To & from Xela Monte Verde Tours Instead I joined Energym, which is just two blocks from Parque Central and has an entire upper floor for weights, and a downstairs area with treadmills, cross trainers and spin bikes. y WiFi a bordo. These are smaller and hotter than the main ones, and personally I think worth the effort and extra expense. Thanks. Its a bit weird to see a grand classical-style colonnaded temple in the middle of a traffic intersection next to a bus terminal, but thats Xela for you. It has become a backpacker hotspot with many pubs, restaurants, hostels and hotels to cater to savvy travellers, located across Lake Atitln from Panajachel. Crossing the first group of traffic lanes brings you to the median. One is very early morning like 2am and the other is mid afternoon. It has a covered outdoor garden area with picnic benches perfectly positioned for enjoying dinner or a cocktail while taking in the view of the city as the sun sets behind in the mountains. Theres no shortage of places to get cash in Xela. Since this can be a bit time consuming and complicated, another good option is to ask your taxi driver to take you there, wait a couple of hours and then bring you back; that way you wont have to wait for transport and can also stop off in the nearby towns of Almolonga or Zunil to check out their gorgeous yellow churches. Traveling between Xela and Panajachel is easy, and you can choose between a shared shuttle, private transfer, taxi, and rental car! Our innovative platform is the ideal way to plan your trip in Central America. Their bread, pastries, and snacks are all freshly-baked and super yummy, and extremely cheap too. One way to get to El Paredon is by shuttle. The easiest and safest way to do this is by Uber. Morning shuttle to Panajachel on Lake Atitln. There is also a Walmart in Zone 3, which Im told is even better; I never went there as its much further away and I found what I needed in Paiz. This is a popular and very affordable option that all the Spanish schools can arrange for you. For us, this journey took about 45 minutes and cost Q300 including waiting and return. They have a nice outdoor courtyard and it gets lively in the evenings. Denise is a marketing executive who escaped corporate to travel the world twice. En ocasiones hace una parada en un restaurante casi a mitad de camino para que puedas tener un receso, comprar alimentos o ir al bao. However, like with anywhere, I never walked around by myself late at night. Its a chilled-out city, without any hint of touristy gloss, but this is the real Guatemala: friendly, colourful, traditional, hardworking, and fully in touch with its historic and indigenous roots. Read more: How To See The Resplendent Quetzal Bird In Guatemala. As soon as you do the payment, please send us your name, number of passengers, date and hour of traveling, address of your hotel, phone number and address of your destination; to whats app (. But if you can spare a few extra days, its worth making the effort to visit Xela too. A bus shuttle web cite states: Pullman Bus Guatemala City to Quetzaltenango/Xela at 6:30am or 3:30pm USD$20pp. There are two very helpful Facebook groups, Expats Living in Guatemala and Xela Expat and Travellers Community, which are great places to post questions, search for information, and meet new people. function m_sfcon (u) { Taxis will be available outside of the airport to take you to the bus station. today Service: Monday wendesday and Saturday. Son autobuses cmodos con asientos reclinables y espaciosos, conexin elctrica y de USB y servicio de WIFI y televisin. One of the main reasons many visitors come to Xela is to learn Spanish. Go on a Sunday morning for the full experience. There are many reasons why I enjoy traveling alone but as a solo female traveler, safety is always a priority for me. Enjoy traveling by bus, shuttle, private transport and plane in Guatemala, Belice and Costa Rica. Shuttle Guatemala City to Leon, Nicaragua, Drop off in the city of Guatemala only zone 9, 10, 13, bus stations in zone 1 and international airport La Aurora / for other places please ask for private service OR a taxi service to one of this places. The distance from Panajachel to Xela is 52.2 miles or 84.1 kilometers. Categoras. If, like me, youre a bit of a contrarian and like going where other people dont, then come to Xela! Bus - Van Transportation Guatemala Shuttle ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-104055202', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');plane was scheduled to land at 2pm. The buses are clean, comfortable, and include snacks. 3:00am, 4:00am, 4:30am, 6:60am, 8:00am, 10:15am, 12:45pm, 14:30pm, 16:45pm. Tajumulcois the tallest volcano in Central America,Santa Mariaoffers views of eruptions at the nearby Santiaguito, andChicabalis famous for the Mayan rituals that occur at the crater lake in the center. El horario de atencin al cliente en oficinas es de 7:00am a 5:00pm. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Top reasons to visit Quetzaltenango Guatemala, Xela is one of the best places in the world to learn Spanish, Getting to Xela from Lake Atitlan or Antigua, Things to see in Quetzaltenango Guatemala, Church of the Holy Spirit / Metropolitan Cathedral of Quetzaltenango, House of Culture / Casa de la Cultura de Quetzaltenango, Municipal Theatre / Teatro Municipal de Quetzaltenango, Saint Nicholas Church / Iglesia de San Nicolas, Do a chocolate making workshop at Chocolate Doa Pancha, Watch the sunset from Panorama restaurant, Hot Springs: Fuentes Georginas or Aguas Amargas, The best tour companies to use from Xela Guatemala, The best cafes and bakeries in Xela Guatemala, The best Spanish schools in Quetzaltenango, Where to stay in Quetzaltenango Guatemala, For toiletries: Paiz supermarket or Walmart. The Minerva Temple was built in 1901 by dictator Estrada Cabrera as a monument to wisdom and learning. The trip up here on Fuente took right at 5 hours but that was during the 4pm-9pm time frame when there may have been more traffic, as well as 3 hours of darkness. After side-hustling her way to financial independence, she curates solo destination guides, slow travel tips, and travel blogging advice on Wander Her Way. In the evenings, you will definitely want to have a light jacket with you. Make sure you know the name of your hotel or the bus station you would like to go to and have the address and phone number written down in case of any issues. The city is situated in Guatemalas dramatic highlands with several volcanoes and other fantastic outdoors opportunities right on the doorstep. 6:00 am, 11:00 am, 2:00 pm. They also run weekly excursions to many of the local attractions mentioned above, and can arrange homestays for the full immersive experience. Book this tour to Fuentes Georginas and enjoy natural hot springs at the base of Zunil Volcano. All rights Reserved. Most students fly into Guatemala International Airport - La Aurora International Airport or GUA. As youve seen from the lists above, there are plenty of ways you could choose to spend your time in Xela, but heres a brief suggested itinerary. Of course, I cannot speak for every zone or neighborhood in Xela, but staying in Zone 1 and Zone 3, I felt quite safe at all times. The total travel time to Xela is about four and a half hours with one rest stop. We will send you a PayPal invoice which you can pay with a credit card or your PayPal account. You will be charged extra for more bags (10 USD $ per bag), Important: Pay here to book: Antigua Guatemala to Lanqun : 23:30pm : 35USD: 8 hours: Not minimum of passenger . You will rarely see anyone, local or expat, wearing short shorts or tank tops. The designs were created by students from the local art school and are definitely worth a look if youre passing by. El horario de atencin al cliente en oficina es de lunes a domingo de 8:30am a 6:30pm. En algunas compaas el uso de mascarilla ya no es obligatorio. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Los viajes son totalmente directos, los boletos pueden comprarse con antelacin o directamente en las oficinas al menos con 15 minutos de anticipacin, (los lugares se encontrarn disponibles en ltimo minuto dependiendo de la disponibilidad de espacio). All shuttles provide door-to-door service, picking you up at your homestay, hote, or wherever you are. Note that this is raw chocolate at its finest, made only of cacao, sugar, and natural flavourings; its quite different from the processed stuff youll be used to, but its still delicious. The trade off between price and quality is rarely worth it, and there are legitimate safety concerns with this method of transportation in the capital. Our vans are recent model, comfortable and in good conditions to provide you a safe and comfortable trip. It is important that you agree on a price before getting in the taxi to avoid being overcharged. En todo momento y lugar Tu viaje no termina con un boleto, encuentra actividades nicas organizadas por personas del lugar. The dry season is between November and April, and the rainy season is May to October. Ready to visit Xela and want to know how to get here? On 12th February 1524, Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvaradoand his indigenous allies arrived in theQuetzaltenango valley and defeated the Kiche Maya at a famous battle very close to the city. Next to the pools are a viewpoint and a nature trail with a short, steep hike to some small waterfalls, where Maya people come to pray. Visiting Xela, Guatemala? Utatln is centrally located in the Pasaje Enriquez, just off the Parque Central, and offers one-to-one classes for just Q60 (6 or 7.75) an hour, with lots of flexibility about how many hours and when you study. The two main companies running services between Guatemala City and Xela are Alamo and Xelabus. Shuttle Guatemala - Casa Alegre Tours Guatemala But if you do have a bit more time, its worth adding Xela also known as Quetzaltenango to your Guatemala itinerary. 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