bus from flores to Guatemala city
 

Hey guys! So my two sisters and I were planning to take the overnight bus (either fuente del norte, autobus del nortre or linea dorada) form flores to GC on 1/11 for our flight at 7 pm on 1/12. The buses seem to leave at 9PM and if the trips are 8-9 hours, I'm assuming we'll arrive in GC at around 5 AM. That seems really early and I've read some things about guatemala city being kind of dangerous. So I'm wondering about other people's experience with this? Alternatively, are there any daytime buses we can take? Or a shuttle--how much would that cost?

Thank you!!!

I haven't been tempted to take that night bus because I don't think I'd sleep well; I've read it's a safe way to go, though. Here are some options:

:: Arrange for a driver to meet the night bus as it arrives and take you around GC for the day; there are some beautiful historic sites and museums, a zoo, markets, etc. I spent the last 2 nights of a visit last spring in GC - 1st time in years I'd spent a day there exploring. Some highlights are in this blog post:
http://hopefulistinlatinamerica.blog...-and-home.html

:: Check out transportation websites for share shuttle times; the provider I usually use has a 10am shuttle for $45/pp but that's too late for you. Other providers might have earlier departures, not sure.

:: Hire a private shuttle. This would cost more but might be worth it; it would likely be more comfortable than a share shuttle and you could pick the schedule. In other words, you could leave at 7 or 8am in order to make it to the airport at least 2 hours before your departing flight.

:: You could fly; both Taca and TAG fly that route:
http://www.taca.com
http://www.tag.com.gt/en/

Here are 2 transportation providers I’ve been pleased with in Guatemala for share shuttles, private transfers, and flight arrangements:
Adrenalina Tours: http://www.adrenalinatours.com
Rainbow Travel: http://www.rainbowtravelcenter.com

Enjoy your visit to Guatemala.

Thanks again hopefulist! Your advice is sound as always! I was wondering if you've ever been to ranchito del quetzal near the biotopo del quetzal? We are trying to figure out a way to get from pana to there...

I haven't been there - someday! If you don't find what you're looking for here, consider a search on the Thorntree Forum (and then ask if you can't find what you need):
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntre...spa?forumID=12