Guatemala is not a large country, but getting between destinations takes longer than maps suggest. The highlands are mountainous and winding roads are the rule.
Chicken buses
The country's iconic chicken buses — retired US school buses painted in extravagant colors — are the cheapest way to travel. They connect virtually every town and village. Fares are very low (under Q15 for short hops, Q40–60 for a two- to three-hour route like Antigua to Panajachel), and the experience is genuinely local. The downsides: they are slow, sometimes crowded beyond comfort, and on rural routes can be unreliable and occasionally risky. Stick to well-traveled corridors if you use them.
Tourist shuttles
Shared minivan shuttles run between all the main tourist points — Antigua, Panajachel, Chichicastenango, Quetzaltenango, Flores, and the borders with Mexico and Belize. They cost several times more than chicken buses but pick you up at your door, drive faster, and are far easier to navigate. For most independent travelers, shuttles hit the right balance of price and convenience.
Taxis and Uber
Taxis are widely available in Guatemala City and Antigua. Agree on a fare before you get in, or insist the driver use the meter. Uber operates in Guatemala City and has expanded to Antigua — it is often cheaper and simpler than negotiating with street taxis.
By air
TAG Airlines and Avianca run several daily flights between Guatemala City and Flores (about 1 hour). This is by far the best way to reach Tikal unless you have days to spare for the overland journey.
Car rental
Renting a car gives flexibility to reach off-the-beaten-track villages and ruins. Major agencies operate at La Aurora airport. Roads in the highlands are paved but narrow and winding; the road to Cobán and routes into the Petén can be rough. Drive defensively, and avoid driving at night outside cities.
Boats
Lake Atitlán is navigated by lanchas (small motorboats) connecting Panajachel with the lake's villages — the main and most enjoyable way to move around the lake. Rio Dulce is also best explored by boat.