The journey from Antigua to Quetzaltenango (Xela) takes you deep into the western highlands, Guatemala’s most culturally rich region. Xela is the second-largest city in Guatemala and a hub for Spanish schools, indigenous culture, and highland hiking.

How to Get There

Shared shuttles depart Antigua at 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM, picking you up at your hotel. The drive takes about 3-3.5 hours through highland scenery along the Pan-American Highway.

Price: Q225-350 ($29-45) depending on company. Book through any Antigua tour agency, Atitrans, or your hotel. If you are attending a Spanish school in Xela, many schools offer their own shuttle service at Q225-250.

Route: Pan-American Highway (CA-1) through Chimaltenango, then west through Tecpan, Los Encuentros, and Cuatro Caminos before descending into the Xela valley. Beautiful scenery throughout.

Chicken Bus (Budget)

Take a chicken bus from Antigua to Chimaltenango (Q5, 30 min), then catch a westbound bus on the Pan-American Highway toward Quetzaltenango (Q25-40, 3-4 hrs). Buses run frequently during the day.

Total: Q30-50 per person, 4-5 hours with the connection wait at Chimaltenango.

Private Shuttle

A private vehicle for 1-4 passengers costs Q1,250-1,700 ($162-220). Book through any Antigua tour agency. Takes about 3 hours direct.

Tips

  • Altitude change: Xela sits at 2,333 meters. Bring warm clothing — temperatures average 15-20C and drop at night.
  • Return shuttles: Leave from Xela to Antigua at 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Book at tour agencies near Parque Central.
  • Connection to Lake Atitlan: If going from Antigua to Xela, you pass through Los Encuentros, where you can connect to Panajachel and Lake Atitlan.
  • Galgos from Guatemala City: If starting from the capital, Transportes Galgos runs direct Pullman buses for Q80-110.

Prices verified March 2026. Exchange rate: Q7.72 per USD.