Antigua & El Paredon Shuttle: Door-to-Door Shared Ride

Summary

From Antigua to El Paredon by shuttle with real local pickups

You’ll get picked up right at your place in Antigua or El Paredon (no hunting for bus stops), share laughs with fellow travelers, see slices of daily Guatemalan life out your window, and arrive steps from your next adventure — all without worrying about directions or missing connections.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder what it feels like to leave Antigua’s chilly mornings behind and end up in El Paredon where the air smells like salt and sunscreen? I didn’t, honestly, until I booked this shared shuttle. The driver showed up right outside my hostel — not even five minutes late, which is rare around here — and there were already two other travelers in the van. We all did that awkward nod thing before settling into our seats. I kept peeking out the window as we zigzagged through Antigua’s narrow streets, picking up one more guy who’d clearly just woken up (he was still clutching his coffee mug). The city sounds faded fast once we hit the open road.

The drive itself took about two and a half hours, but it didn’t feel that long. Maybe it was because our driver, Carlos, kept pointing out little things you’d miss otherwise — like a roadside stand selling tamales wrapped in banana leaves or those weirdly bright bougainvillea bushes spilling over old stone walls. At one point he slowed down so we could watch a group of kids racing each other barefoot along a dusty stretch. There was this moment when someone asked if we could stop for a bathroom break, and Carlos just laughed and said “Claro que sí” — he seemed to know every gas station owner between Antigua and El Paredon. It wasn’t fancy, but it felt easygoing.

I didn’t expect the air to change so suddenly. You roll down your window after an hour or so and there it is: warm sea breeze mixed with something smoky from a roadside grill (I think someone was making pollo asado). If you’re hauling a surfboard, heads up — they’ll charge you extra for that. One guy had his strapped to the roof and joked about hoping it wouldn’t fly off on those bumpy stretches; Carlos just grinned and tightened the ropes himself. The last bit of road gets rougher, but then suddenly you’re rolling into El Paredon and everything slows down in that sleepy beach town way.

We dropped people off one by one — sometimes right at their hostel door, sometimes just at a sandy corner where someone waved us down. It’s not glamorous or anything, but I liked how personal it felt. By the time I stepped out with sand already sticking to my sandals, I realized I’d stopped checking my phone ages ago. There’s something about watching Guatemala slide by through dusty windows that sticks with you longer than you’d think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Shared shuttle between Antigua and El Paredon

• Wait outside accommodation for pickup
• Board shared shuttle vehicle
• Travel approximately 2.5 hours
• Arrive at destination

Top questions

How long is the shuttle ride from Antigua to El Paredon?

The shared shuttle takes approximately 2.5 hours each way between Antigua and El Paredon.

Does the shuttle pick me up at my hotel?

Yes, door-to-door pickup is included from your accommodation in either Antigua or El Paredon if you provide your address when booking.

Can I bring my surfboard on the shuttle?

You can bring a surfboard for an additional $10 baggage fee; let them know when arranging your booking.

What if I don’t give my hotel address for pickup?

If you don’t provide an address or hotel name, they’ll assign you a pickup location and message you directly with details.

Is this transfer suitable for families with infants?

Yes, infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during the journey.

What’s included

Your ride includes door-to-door pickup and drop-off between Antigua and El Paredon—just share your hotel or hostel details when booking so they can collect you right outside. If you’re bringing extra gear like a surfboard there’s an added fee; otherwise just hop in and enjoy the trip across Guatemala’s changing landscapes.