Can I do Antigua–El Paredón as a day trip?

Yes: the 09:00 shuttle gets you to the beach before lunch, and the 15:00 return leaves you the afternoon. It is a long day — four hours in the van — but plenty of travellers do exactly that for a first taste of the coast.

Do the shuttles run on Sundays and public holidays?

Every day, including Sundays and public holidays. The roads are busier around Semana Santa and long weekends, so the drive can take longer — book early and keep a margin.

My bus to Antigua is late — what happens?

Call or message us as soon as you know. If we can hold the departure without breaking the timetable for everyone else, we will; otherwise we move you to the next one. The van cannot wait indefinitely for one traveller.

Getting there

How to get from Antigua to El Paredón (and back)

October 8, 2026 · 7 min read

Palms over the coastal road down to the Pacific

El Paredón is a black-sand village on Guatemala’s Pacific coast, about two hours from Antigua. There is no airport and no train — you go by road, and the road offers four options with very different price tags and pains. Here is the honest comparison.

The shared shuttle — what we run

A van leaves central Antigua every day at 09:00 and 14:00, and El Paredón at 09:00 and 15:00. You pick the departure, the pick-up point and the drop-off point when you book, pay online, and the seat is confirmed immediately. The drive takes about two hours with one comfort stop, and luggage is included.

Best for: most travellers. No changes, no haggling, seat guaranteed.
Cost: $25 one way, $45 round trip, per person.
Watch out for: the fixed timetable. The van cannot wait for latecomers.

A private van

The same route with the van to yourself, leaving when you want. It makes sense for families with small children, for groups of six or more, or for anyone landing at La Aurora airport late and wanting to go straight through. It costs several times a shared seat; ask us for a quote with your date and group size.

The chicken bus, honestly

Retired American school buses, painted and packed, run from Antigua’s market terminal to Escuintla, then you change for Sipacate and again for El Paredón — often by pickup or tuk-tuk for the last stretch. It is the cheapest way to do it and a real Guatemalan experience, but it is not a transfer: you handle every change, with your bags, and the last connection can dry up in the afternoon. Allow most of a day, and do not attempt it after dark.

Driving yourself

Take the CA-2 highway south, then turn off towards Sipacate and follow the road to El Paredón. The road is sealed the whole way and the drive is easy in daylight; watch for speed bumps with no markings and for motorbikes overtaking on bends. Park at your hotel — the village is small enough to walk. Avoid arriving after dark if you do not know the road.

Coming back

The shuttle leaves El Paredón at 09:00 and 15:00, dropping you in central Antigua. If you have a flight the same day, take the morning departure and keep a wide margin — the Escuintla road is unpredictable, especially on Sunday afternoons when half of Guatemala City is heading home from the beach.

Our shuttle leaves Antigua at 09:00 and 14:00, and El Paredón at 09:00 and 15:00, every day of the week. Seats are booked online and confirmed immediately.

Frequently asked questions

Can I do Antigua–El Paredón as a day trip?: Yes: the 09:00 shuttle gets you to the beach before lunch, and the 15:00 return leaves you the afternoon. It is a long day — four hours in the van — but plenty of travellers do exactly that for a first taste of the coast.
Do the shuttles run on Sundays and public holidays?: Every day, including Sundays and public holidays. The roads are busier around Semana Santa and long weekends, so the drive can take longer — book early and keep a margin.
My bus to Antigua is late — what happens?: Call or message us as soon as you know. If we can hold the departure without breaking the timetable for everyone else, we will; otherwise we move you to the next one. The van cannot wait indefinitely for one traveller.