According to forum posts, shared van shuttles are a common and affordable transportation option from Guatemala City airport to Antigua, costing approximately $12-15. These shuttles are readily available at the airport and operate frequently during the day.

Some travelers mentioned using taxis or Uber as alternatives, especially when arriving in the evening when shuttles may not be available. It is advisable to have the hotel's address and a map handy, as drivers sometimes claim familiarity with locations inaccurately to secure a fare.

For the most budget-conscious travelers, chicken buses are an option. Detailed walking directions from the airport to a main road where these buses can be caught are provided in the forum, though this is recommended only during daytime hours for safety reasons.

Travelers have also discussed arranging private transfers through their hotels or directly with local drivers. This option provides a more personalized and potentially quicker service directly to destinations like Antigua or Panajachel.

According to forum posts, travelers have several options for transportation between Flores and Tikal. Many users recommend taking a shuttle, with reputable operators including Ciao Cacao Hostel, Los Amigos Hostel, and Crasborn Travel. Alternatively, taxis are available, or travelers can take a tuk-tuk to the Santa Elena bus station and board a public minibus.

Travelers have called out specific hostels and agencies in Flores that sell shuttle tickets to Tikal. For instance, Los Amigos Hostel is frequently mentioned as a reliable source for arranging travel to Tikal.

Some travelers mentioned that taking a shuttle is not only convenient but also safe, considering the tourist-oriented nature of the service in Flores.

According to forum posts, when planning a Guatemala itinerary, many travelers advise against cramming too many locations into a short period, especially if they involve significant travel time. For instance, including Semuc Champey in a tight schedule is often discouraged due to its remote location, which requires substantial travel time, potentially detracting from the experience.

Some travelers have recommended specific accommodations based on budget and location preferences. For example, in Antigua, options like Aurora Hotel and Hotel Sin Ventura are suggested for their central locations and reasonable prices. Near Lake Atitlán, places like Hotel El Sol and Posada Gutiérrez are mentioned for their affordability and convenience to local transport.

For transportation, flying is generally preferred over long bus journeys to save time, especially when visiting remote areas like Tikal. Forum posts also suggest organizing the trip with the most demanding activities, like the Acatenango hike, after acclimatizing in places like Lake Atitlán to help with altitude adjustment.

Travelers have called out the importance of adjusting plans based on local weather patterns, particularly during the rainy season, and planning activities earlier in the day to avoid afternoon rains.

According to forum posts, shared shuttles are a popular transportation choice around Lake Atitlan, with services running at 50% capacity. These shuttles usually travel through Antigua and require a switch to a boat at Panajachel for final access to towns like San Pedro La Laguna.

Some travelers mentioned the efficiency of private drivers for direct trips to Lake Atitlan, bypassing the usual stop in Antigua. Travelers have called out the convenience of being picked up directly from the airport and driven straight to destinations around the lake, highlighting the time saved compared to other options.

For inter-town travel within Lake Atitlan, boats are a necessary and common mode. Posts indicated that boats regularly operate between towns like Panajachel and San Pedro, facilitating easy movement across the lake.

Posts also suggest the use of chicken buses for budget-friendly travel, though their operation might be less predictable and comfortable compared to shuttles or private transport. These buses are local and can be crowded but offer a deeper dive into local life.

According to forum posts, TAG Airlines frequently changes flight schedules, including last-minute date and time adjustments. Some travelers reported over fifteen changes to their itinerary, which significantly disrupted their travel plans.

Travelers have called out TAG Airlines for inconsistent and sometimes unhelpful customer service. Issues range from difficulties in booking and paying for flights with foreign credit cards to poor communication regarding flight delays and baggage policies.

Travelers have noted TAG's strict luggage policies, with specific size and weight restrictions. While some passengers experienced leniency at the check-in counter, others were not permitted to board with their bags unless they met the airline's stringent requirements.

For many users, booking directly through TAG's official website offered a smoother experience than using third-party services. However, some suggested using travel agencies might avoid problems with ticket confirmation and changes.

According to forum posts, travelers can utilize shared tourist shuttles from La Aurora Airport to Panajachel via Antigua, with travel companies like Adrenalina or Atitrans often mentioned. These shuttles typically require a change in Antigua and the total journey can take about 5 hours depending on the wait time in Antigua.

For those preferring a more direct and private option, forum users have recommended booking private transfers. Private drivers like Alfredo Garcia are frequently suggested due to their reliability, bilingual skills, and comfortable vehicles. The contact for Alfredo Garcia is alf.transport@yahoo.com, and his services are well-reviewed on the travel forums.

Some travelers have also discussed arranging private travel through agencies or directly with drivers, with prices ranging from Q800 to Q1200. This option allows for a more tailored travel experience, potentially including stops for food, water, and sightseeing.

According to forum posts, many travelers have recommended Alfredo Garcia and his family's services for private driving and guided tours, with their agencies Mayalandia Tours and Revealing Destinations being frequently mentioned for their reliability and excellent service. Both agencies are well-regarded for their personalized and bilingual services.

For those interested in local tour operators, Adrenalina Tours and Rainbow Travel have been praised by travelers for their efficiency in arranging transportation and tours within Guatemala. Additionally, Elizabeth Bell Tours is noted for providing specialized guided tours in Antigua, focusing on history, architecture, and culture.

Gate 1 Travel is also recommended by travelers for its use of local tour agencies and its inclusion of diverse travel groups. For those planning more flexible or last-minute itineraries, walking into any travel agency in Antigua and booking tours to popular locations like Tikal and Lake Atitlán has been suggested as a practical approach.

According to forum posts, ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas like Antigua and Guatemala City. However, in less populated areas, ATMs can be scarce.

Some travelers have noted that ATMs at the airport and other locations occasionally run out of money or are non-operational. VISA cards are generally preferred and more reliably accepted over Mastercard and Maestro, with some users experiencing issues with non-VISA cards.

Travelers have reported incidents of card cloning, particularly at certain ATMs in busy areas. It is advisable to use ATMs that are located in secure locations, such as those with security guards or within bank premises.

Travelers have called out that while some ATMs offer the option to withdraw US dollars, the use of local currency (Quetzales) is more common. Exchange rates at ATMs are generally reasonable compared to currency exchange counters.