BootsnAll Travel Community

Four of us want to see Tikal and we aren't thrilled with the current airfares ($200+/person) that we are seeing. Sitting on a bus for 8 hours doesn't sound too appealing. Why can't we rent a car and ride together to Tikal? I don't see anyone doing this and I'm suspicious that there must be a reason. Any other "Getting to Tikal on a Shoestring Budget" ideas welcome! Thanks!

If you were going to do this, I would rent one close to the edge of the city and make sure that you know how to get out of the place. Guat traffic, like many latin american cities, is chaotic and marches to some tempo that I don't understand. I don't mind the idea if you are just going there and returning. I just caution you to keep in mind that the bus that travels from Flores to Guat and back doesn't really stop the whole trip....Yet it takes 8 hours. Also, though there is a real new road there that's well lined, no one told drivers there what the lines meant, so don't cleave to them yourself.


That said, I think it's a grand adventure to drive through that country and certainly far more flexible. I don't know any prices there, and I am sure you can look 'em uip as easy as me. Good luck with this idea. And I don't mean that in a sarcastic way, despite my reputation.

D

NurseSarahB,

Of course renting a car is a great option!

The best place to find Car Rentals (Such as Hertz, and many others) is either at one of the hotels in Zone 10 or the Airport.

The option at the airport works best if you rent them when you arrive. Entrance into the rental area without a boarding pass or ticket is difficult. Also, have the hotel show you the listing in the phone book yellow pages. Lots of various international chains.

As for driving out of the city, you can private message me or email me for directions out of the City toward Tikal from anywhere in the City. It's really not that difficult to navigate.


A few tips for anyone wanting to drive the highways in Guatemala:

1) Please, if you see a man on the side of the road flagging with a small branch, newspaper, etc. please slow down to see what obstacle lies ahead (maybe around the next curve).

2) If you see a tree branch lying to one side of the lane (oncoming or your travel direction) please slow down, there may be a Semi-truck or vehicle broken down ahead.

3) When you see the special passing lanes (a 2-lanes tunring into a 3-lane with your lane having the extra lane for passing slower vehicles), please stay in the right lane except for when you are passing someone. Some of the local drivers in an oncoming lane will try to pass in your extra lane, even on curves. Best to not ride the left lane except for passing.

4) When driving here in Guatemala...VERY IMPORTANT!!
While driving, have your valid State Drivers License AND Passport with you at all times!!
In the case of an accident, you can get into a LOT of trouble if you drive without either of those two items. You must have both with you.

Just a few pointers to make your adventure safer so you can have a great visit here.

Bien viaje!
CJS

p.s. Back to the rental cars...You can typically find them for a flat rate, very reasonable, with unlimited milage.

Also, I forgot to mention that trying to rent a car on the edge of the City headed to Tikal is not a good idea

The edge of the City is Zone 1....and I have never seen rental car offices there...not to mention the more difficult task (on the off-chance you find a rental place there) of getting out on the road headed in the right direction without having to circle the neighborhoods trying to find a way to cut across at the right intersection. Zone 1 is not easily navigated unless you are already on the road long before it. Then it's an easy shot out of the City.

Email me if you need the directions. I also have them on easy to follow maps that I have created for other travelers.

CJS

I've been to Guatemala City several times, although have never considered driving there. I wouldn't by any means recommend trying it. You'd probably want to rent something at the airport, and skirt the city.

Be warned that it's a long way to Flores. The tourists buses take 8-9 hours, and they don't stop. The road is sketchy, and a lot of outlying areas in Guatemala aren't all that secure. I honestly haven't heard of anyone doing this by rental car. That's not to say it's impossible, or even a bad idea, but I'd do a lot of research before setting out.

Are airfares really that expensive right now? I flew Flores-Guatemala City return on Taca last January for $65. Travel agencies in Antigua and Flores typically offer discounts and specials that you can't find abroad. I detoured a week down to Antigua and Monterrico after coming to Flores overland from Belize, because I was amazed after finding that fare.

Felix, I was there in June. 65$ was the price I expected from all the other times I had been there. The price was 200$. We took the bus.

When I said avoid the city and rent from the edge, I didn't suggest zone 1. But the airport edge. When we took the bus into Guat we saw something unusual. We were the only packers on the thing. The bus stops in Zone one. It came in at about four in the morning and still dark. The bus offloaded.....and NOBODY left the fortified compound. Everyone just hunkered down to wait until daylight. It was that fearsome out there to people. It was fascinating to me.

I saw this from the bus, my first visit to Zone 1:

Okay,

My knowledge of driving Guatemala comes from 2 years and lots of driving here in those 2 years. To every area from Lago Atitlan to Tikal and many places in between. Especially in Guatemala City.

To get out of the City from the Airport in Zone 13, you go Between Zones 9/10, 4/5, and on out of the City through Zones 1/2.

The freedom of a car is to stop for a break when you choose. Better views than those from the bus. Privacy among friends or family. And takes about the same amount of time depending on what the driver and passengers may see along the way and want to stop and see.

Like I said, driving here can be a great adventure. Yes it can be chaotic.....but many places in the US can be also. Try places like Du Pont Circle in D.C., rush hour in New York, and on and on.

My question on the man lying there....my first thought after living and driving here for over 2 years....is he taking a nap? You will see that alot here. They lay down in a shaded or cooler sopt and nap. Or is he drunk and found the first place to pass out? Sorry, but not an uncommon scene. After all, we see it in the US and most other countries for that matter.

The choice is that of the visitor. Maybe try it sometime and see first hand if it's for you. Then you can share your first-hand 'knowledge' with others.

Have a great day all!

Try what, Rat? Sleeping on the sidewalk at the gas station, in the shade? Now I haven't driven there for two years but I did drive there for a month one time, and I will say that folks on the highways often use the clear flat spot as a place to relax and have a conversation. Sometimes sitting on the road. So be careful. I didn't know about the branch thing. Thanks for the 'knowledge' Rat.

Piecar,

Sorry you didnt get the meaning of my comment, thought it was clear enough. Try driving....for more clarity.

As for the cars pulling over to the side of the road to converse, read a map, take a cell phone call, etc. in a 'clear flat spot' then you would see them beforehand right? After all...shoulders on the side of the road to fully pull off the road typically don't exist here. They are usually just wide enough for two people to walk side by side.

Also, the truck drivers are helpful. If they see someone trying to pass them from behind and it's not clear enough ahead, they will turn their flashers on. If it's clear they will turn their left signal on, and so forth.

If you see the car ahead hit their flashers, be aware that a sudden slow-down or stop may be occuring.

I hope all of this 'knowledge' helps those traveling here and wanting ro drive here have a safer and more enjoyable trip.

Wow, Thanks so much everyone. Lots of helpful info. I know that it's a long drive, but I thought it would be a fun, adventurous way to see even more of the country. My dad about flipped his lid when I told him about it -- he's convinced we'll all be kidnapped/murdered/etc.

So, just to satisfy myself that he was wrong I read all the reported crimes against foreigners from 2006 on the US embassy website. So, no one can say I'm uninformed. Statistically speaking it seems quite safe (Guat City is by far the scariest place). I did get a bit concerned that our car would be stolen so I will be sure that it is covered by some sort of insurance.

My husband has never driven in Central America before so that will be hard. He's an excellent, defensive driver though. I really appreciate all the replies and I have certainly made note of your tips!

Sarah,

I have driven in Guatemala and have taken many many buses. You have to be in need of a lot of adrenaline and wanting to take risks if you want to drive in Guatemala, getting out of the city is just a matter of finding your way and being an offensive (rather than defensive)driver. Once you get out of the city, the adventure starts. The road from the city to "La Ruidosa" (the junction where you have to take a left to get to Tikal) is the most dangerous road I have ever been on in my life. I never took it without seeing a deadly accident (and I've been on it about 100 times, I lived alternating in a park in Izabal and worked at the university in the capital). Also keep in mind that if you would run into a person (especially a kid) who is for example sitting on the site of the "highway" (which is very common) and in the worst case you would kill him/her the recommendation my host family gave was: "in each case don't stop to see how he/she is doing, cause you most probably will get lynched at the spot!!!!" This is not to scare you off, but that is the way people think here. But, ask yourself how you would feel!
Having said this, the road is beuatifull and there is a whole lot to see on the way. But on the other hand My wife, me and our two kids (2 and 4,5 years of age) did everything with the chicken busses last year and this is the best way to get an idea how real life is over here.

Anyway, I felt I had to say this. Whichever decission you make, have fun and enjoy Guatemala. It's people, it's culture and it's nature are beautiful. If you want to ask some more things, feel free to ask.

I have a car reserved online to pick up at the airport, for one week it will be under $200. I thought it was quite reasonable considering the inconveniences we personally would have with camera equipment. Not sure if we should bring it all if we will be targeted for our cameras. What do others think?

Fulgor,
Thanks for your reply -- serious things to think about.

maestra,

I sent you a reply in a private message.
If something happens and you don't receive it, please let me know.

Have a great evening,
CJS