Travel Guide: Chichi To Pana, An Adventure Unveiled

The Chichicastenango market in Guatemala is a must-visit, especially if you're looking to experience the indigenous Mayan culture of Guatemala. The market is held every Thursday and Sunday and is a great place to shop for handicrafts, fresh produce, clothing, and more.

To get to the market, you can take a tourist shuttle, a private car, or a shared shuttle bus from nearby tourist destinations such as Lake Atitlán, Guatemala City, or Antigua. If you're looking for a more local experience, you can also take a chicken bus, which is a local bus that will be a cheaper and more adventurous option.

- Visit on a Thursday to avoid the tourist crowds on Sundays.

- Be aware of pickpockets and keep your valuables in a safe place, such as an RFID-blocking money belt.

- Bring enough cash, as purchases are made in Quetzales or American dollars, and there are no credit card facilities.

- Haggle with the vendors, as the initial price is often higher than what they are willing to accept.

- Be respectful and ask before taking photos of people or their products.

In addition to the market, there are other attractions in Chichicastenango worth visiting, such as the Iglesia de Santo Tomás, the Chichicastenango Regional Museum, and the colourful Chichicastenango Cemetery.

Travel by shuttle

Shuttles are a convenient and relatively affordable way to travel between ChiChi and Pana, especially if you're looking for a more comfortable option than the chicken bus. Here's a guide to help you plan your shuttle journey:

Finding a Shuttle Service

To start, you'll need to find a reputable shuttle company that offers this route. Some recommended companies include Atitrans, Adrenalina Tours, and Rainbow Travel. You can book your shuttle in advance through these companies' websites or by contacting them directly.

Timing and Frequency

The shuttles between ChiChi and Pana usually operate on Thursdays and Sundays, coinciding with the market days in ChiChi. It's best to arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy the full market experience. The shuttles typically depart Pana around 8 AM and depart ChiChi between 1 PM and 2 PM, giving you ample time to explore.

Cost

The cost of a shuttle trip can vary, but it is generally more expensive than taking the chicken bus. A one-way trip can range from $5 to $10 per person. If you're travelling in a group, you may be able to negotiate a discounted rate.

Luggage Storage

If you plan to take the shuttle to ChiChi and then continue to another destination, such as Guatemala City, you can arrange luggage storage with the shuttle company. They can store your bags in the shuttle vehicle while you explore the market, and you can retrieve them when you board the next shuttle.

Advantages of Shuttles over Chicken Buses

Taking a shuttle offers several advantages over chicken buses. Shuttles are generally more comfortable, safer, and more direct. They also save you from the hassle of navigating multiple bus transfers and crowded conditions. Additionally, shuttle companies often provide helpful information and assistance, ensuring a smoother travel experience.

Combining Shuttle with Other Transport Options

You can also combine shuttle travel with other transport options. For example, you can take a water taxi to Pana from anywhere on Lake Atitlan, then book a shuttle to ChiChi. This gives you more flexibility and allows you to experience multiple modes of transportation during your journey.

Remember to book your shuttle trips in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability. Enjoy your journey from ChiChi to Pana and have a wonderful time exploring all that these destinations have to offer!

Take the chicken bus

Taking the chicken bus from Pana to Chichi is a fun and cheap ride, but it can be crowded. These buses are Guatemala's main form of public transportation and are former US school buses that have been refurbished and decorated with bright colours, shiny chrome trims, and stickers. They are called chicken buses because they sometimes carry chickens and other live animals, as well as goods such as vegetables, fruits, flowers, and textiles on the roof.

If you want to take the chicken bus, you can find one on Calle Principal in Pana. You might be able to get a direct bus, but if not, you can change buses at Los Encuentros, a big crossroads. There will also be minivans available. The bus assistants, called brochas, will be yelling "Chichi, Chichi!" to signal that it is the right bus for you.

The chicken bus is likely to be very crowded, so be prepared to share a seat. The brocha will ask you where you are getting off and then come around to collect the fare. You will need to pay in cash, and it is best to have small bills and change. The bus will probably be playing loud music, and vendors might come on board to sell food and drinks.

Chicken buses can be a bit bumpy and don't have seat belts, so hold on tight and mind your belongings. They also don't have toilets, so make sure to use the facilities before you get on board. If you are carrying a backpack or luggage, the brocha will help you load it onto the roof rack.

Taking the chicken bus is a great way to connect with locals and experience Guatemalan culture. Just be aware that it can be a bit of an adventure, and you might need to change buses a few times to get to your final destination.

Hire a private driver

If you're looking for a more comfortable and convenient way to get from Chichi to Pana, hiring a private driver is a great option. Here are some tips and instructions to help you arrange private transportation:

Finding a Reputable Company

It is essential to choose a reputable and reliable company for your private transportation needs. Two highly recommended transportation providers in Guatemala are Adrenalina Tours and Rainbow Travel. You can visit their websites (http://www.adrenalinatours.com and http://www.rainbowtravelcenter.com), respectively) to learn more about their services and contact them for quotes.

Cost Considerations

The cost of hiring a private driver will likely be higher than taking public transportation or shared shuttles. For context, a shared shuttle service from Pana to Chichi and back is around $10 per person, each way. A private tour for three people lasting 5-6 hours was quoted at $125, which some travellers found reasonable.

Booking Your Driver

When booking your private driver, be sure to provide clear details about your travel plans, including the date, time, and number of passengers. You can also specify any special requests, such as luggage storage if you plan to explore the market without your bags. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure the availability of your preferred transportation company.

Advantages of a Private Driver

Hiring a private driver offers several benefits. Firstly, you can customise your itinerary and enjoy a more flexible schedule. This means you can arrive early at the market, witness the vibrant early morning activities, and depart when it gets too crowded. Secondly, a private driver can provide a more comfortable and luxurious experience, especially if you choose a nice vehicle.

In conclusion, hiring a private driver from Chichi to Pana allows you to travel at your own pace, enjoy a comfortable journey, and have a more personalised experience. While it may be more expensive than public transportation or shared shuttles, it can be a worthwhile investment for a stress-free and tailored trip.

Take a shared shuttle bus

If you're looking to get from Panajachel to Chichicastenango, one option is to take a shared shuttle bus. This is a more expensive but simpler alternative to the chicken bus, which requires several changes.

You can book a seat on a shared shuttle bus with companies such as Adrenalina Tours or Monte Verde Tours. The shuttle will pick you up from your hotel in Panajachel at around 8 am and arrive in Chichicastenango about an hour and a half later. You'll then have about four hours to explore the market before the return shuttle at 2 pm.

The shuttle costs around Q75 (£8 or $10) each way, and it's a good idea to book at least a couple of days in advance, especially during peak season. You can buy tickets from hostels in Pana or Antigua, or from high street travel agencies.

If you're travelling on a tighter budget, you might prefer the chicken bus. This is Guatemala's main form of public transport and offers a more adventurous experience. However, it can be less comfortable and less safe, so it's best for shorter trips.

Travel by tourist bus

If you're looking to travel from Chichi to Pana by tourist bus, there are a few different options available to you.

Firstly, you can book a tourist shuttle through a tour operator or online with a company like GuateGo. These shuttles will pick you up at a designated time and bring you back at a set time as well, usually for a cost of around $22.

If you're coming from Lake Atitlan, you'll first need to make your way to Panajachel, from where you can book a shuttle or take public transport. To get to Pana from Panajachel, you can take a water taxi, which takes around 30-40 minutes and costs 25Q.

If you decide to take the shuttle option, you can either book one in advance or find a tour operator when you arrive in Panajachel. The shuttle will take you directly to Chichi, and the journey usually takes around 2 hours.

It's recommended to spend the night in Panajachel before heading to Chichi early in the morning. This gives you a chance to explore Pana, and you can also take a chicken bus to Solola in the morning, which is a 20-minute ride up the mountain and costs about 3-5Q.

From Solola, you can take another chicken bus to Los Encuentros, which takes about 30-40 minutes and costs 3-5Q. At Los Encuentros, you'll find minibuses that go directly to the Chichi market. This final leg of the journey takes about 40-50 minutes and costs 5-7Q.

The entire journey by chicken bus takes around 2 hours and costs 12Q in total. While it requires a few changes, it's relatively straightforward, and the buses are very frequent, so you won't have to wait long between connections.

Tourist shuttle buses are a convenient option if you're looking for a more comfortable and direct journey, while chicken buses offer a more affordable and adventurous travel experience.

Frequently asked questions