Driving in Guatemala
Nov 13th, 2010, 05:51 AM
#1
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Driving in Guatemala
We would like to rent a car and drive in Guatemala for a week. Is it safe?
We want to visit Atltlan, Tikal, Antigua and maybe Chichicastenango.
Can anyone recommend a good local tour operator?
We want to visit Atltlan, Tikal, Antigua and maybe Chichicastenango.
Can anyone recommend a good local tour operator?
Nov 13th, 2010, 06:26 AM
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I advise against renting in Guatemala. It would make the trip much more stressful for me for many reasons, including the need to navigate and watch the road instead of simply enjoying the beautiful surroundings, having to pick lodging that will protect your car at night, worrying about leaving it while sightseeing, and being forced to choose places around the lake you can drive to - very limiting.
Shared, scheduled shuttles are cheap and widely available and private shuttles are also an option and would likely be more cost effective than renting. To visit Tikal I'd spring for flights, at least one way (it's ~10 hours by road).
I've pasted below a link to my trip photos/blogs/travelogues and 2 travel agencies I've been pleased with. Happy trails!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections
www.adrenalinatours.com
www.rainbowtravelcenter.com
Shared, scheduled shuttles are cheap and widely available and private shuttles are also an option and would likely be more cost effective than renting. To visit Tikal I'd spring for flights, at least one way (it's ~10 hours by road).
I've pasted below a link to my trip photos/blogs/travelogues and 2 travel agencies I've been pleased with. Happy trails!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections
www.adrenalinatours.com
www.rainbowtravelcenter.com
Nov 13th, 2010, 04:39 PM
#3
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hi, we were in guatemala last jan/ feb and drove for about 2 weeks. for us the only safety issue was the condition of the roads. a lot of what we travelled on was unpaved and sometimes slippery but we had many adventures along with almost entirely guatemalan drivers. the road from coban to lago itzabal was particularly exciting. just don't expect to make good time
cheers
AndrewDavid
cheers
AndrewDavid
Nov 14th, 2010, 02:18 AM
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travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1129.html
Rent a tonne in CR safe will not rent in Guatemal
marks you for theft road safety issues..
tourist shuttles deluxe bus driver/guides
far better less liability about as cheap or cheaper
www.insuremytrip.com always wise
Be Careful also do not go off road or take pictures of locals
without permission..extreme negative reaction can result.
Happy Journey,
Rent a tonne in CR safe will not rent in Guatemal
marks you for theft road safety issues..
tourist shuttles deluxe bus driver/guides
far better less liability about as cheap or cheaper
www.insuremytrip.com always wise
Be Careful also do not go off road or take pictures of locals
without permission..extreme negative reaction can result.
Happy Journey,
Nov 14th, 2010, 04:35 AM
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As an example of cost, the share shuttles from Antigua to Panajachel are typically $10 per person for a ~3 hours trip. Imo it pays to go through a reliable agent, though there are dozens of shops in Antigua that will arrange the trip for you.
