Bus from Antigua Guatemala to Monterrico
Tourist shuttles · ~2.5–3 hours · $15–$30 USD · Daily departures, includes ferry crossing
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The Antigua → Monterrico shuttle is the standard transit from Antigua to Monterrico's Pacific black-sand beach — known for Tortugario Monterrico sea-turtle conservation (with seasonal hatchling releases September–January) and a calmer beach alternative to El Paredón's surf-focused scene.
Spring Bus connects you to operators running this route — Adrenalina Tours, Atitrans, Bekol Tours, Pumpkin Tours all run scheduled shuttles ($15–$30 USD) including the ferry crossing. Door-to-door pickup at your Antigua hotel and drop at Monterrico beach hostels.
Route details: Antigua Guatemala to Monterrico
Travel time
2 h 45 min
Distance
130 km
Typical fare
$15 – $30 USD per person
Frequency
Daily (1–2 shuttle departures, mostly morning)
First departure
Approx. 8:00 AM
Last departure
Approx. 1:00 PM
Operators on this route
Adrenalina Tours · Atitrans · Bekol Tours · Pumpkin Tours
Pickup at Antigua Guatemala
Door-to-door pickup at Antigua hotels and hostels (Parque Central, La Merced, Calle del Arco area)
Drop-off at Monterrico
Monterrico village hotels along the beach (Johnny's Place, Pez de Oro, Atelie del Mar area) — after the La Avellana ferry crossing of the Canal de Chiquimulilla
About the journey
The Antigua → Monterrico shuttle drops from the highlands (1,530 m) down to the Pacific coast (sea level) — south on CA-14 to Escuintla, then CA-2 east + spur to Taxisco, finally to La Avellana port for the ferry crossing of the Canal de Chiquimulilla (~10 min) and the short drive to Monterrico's beach hostels. ~2.5–3 hours; the canal crossing by car ferry is a unique quirk (no road bridge).
Travel tips for Antigua Guatemala → Monterrico
- Morning shuttle (~8 AM) gets you to Monterrico for lunch + afternoon beach time.
- Tortugario Monterrico turtle hatchling releases run September–January (peak season) — beautiful nighttime event worth scheduling around.
- Bring swimwear in your carry-on — quick change from highland clothes to hot Pacific climate on arrival.
- Sunscreen + reef-safe spray + insect repellent essential — Pacific coast year-round.
- Monterrico is family-friendly (calmer surf) vs El Paredón's surf-focused scene — pick based on your interest.
- ATMs in Monterrico are limited — bring quetzales or USD cash from Antigua.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the shuttle from Antigua to Monterrico?
**About 2.5–3 hours** door-to-door from Antigua hotels to Monterrico beach hostels, including the brief La Avellana ferry crossing of the Canal de Chiquimulilla.
How much does the bus from Antigua to Monterrico cost?
**$15 – $30 USD per person** for a shared tourist shuttle (Adrenalina Tours, Atitrans, Bekol Tours, Pumpkin Tours) with door-to-door pickup and ferry included.
What time do shuttles leave Antigua for Monterrico?
**Typically 8 AM and 1 PM daily** — exact times vary by operator. Morning shuttle is the popular pick to maximize beach time.
Monterrico or El Paredón — which beach from Antigua?
**Monterrico** for calmer atmosphere, sea-turtle conservation, family-friendly beach, easier ferry-arrival logistics. **El Paredón** for surf-focused scene, beginner-friendly waves, backpacker hostels. Same ~2.5–3 h shuttle time from Antigua; different vibes.
When are the Tortugario turtle releases?
**Peak season is September to January** at Tortugario Monterrico — baby turtles released into the Pacific at dusk. Small donation (~Q20) expected. Verify schedule with the project the day of your visit.
Going the other direction?