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Hi, another Guatemala question from me. Does anyone know if there is a direct bus service between Flores and Palenque in Mexico? I understand that you can take a local bus to the border at Bethal, then catch a boat, which all sounds complicated. Just wondered if there any direct bus services?

*Also I would like to add the same question regarding direct busses between Guatemala City and San Cristobal. Thanks!

Yes.

There are loads of agencies in both places offering tourist shuttles between Flores and Palenque. I highly recommend visiting the ruins at Bonampak and Yaxchilan - lots of the operators will visit them en route. Both are deep in the Chiapas jungle, near the border with Guatemala.

As for transport between San Cristobal and Guatemala City, again it's no problem. Antigua is actually a better place to look for tourist shuttles, as it's much more compact, safer, and heavily touristed than Guatemala City. In San Cristobal, most hostels will be able to arrange transport to Antigua or Guatemala City.

cool, thanks.

Hi, just a follow-up question. It now looks like I will be taking the San Cristobal to Antigua route. Do you know how frequent the busses run eg. daily/weekly?

I went directly from San Cristobal to Xela with a tour company shuttle. It cost 300 pesos (around $27USD) and I can't say enough good things about it. They also went to Antigua, San Pedro, Panjachel (sp?) and Guatemala City, I think. The drivers (there were a total of three well-coordinated vans) were all very helpful. At the border of Guaemala the driver parked the van, got out, walked us all to the immigration office, pointed to the guy who we had to talk to, and waited for us all to get through. Then he waited with us until the Guatemalan van arrived and helped us all get the stuff loaded up again. I'm sure a bus might have been a little less money, but those shuttles are TOTALLY worth the little extra money in my opinion. Talk to any of the tour agencies in San Cristobal, or the front desk of most of the hostels for more information.

I'm planning on going to Bonampak and Yaxchilan from Palenque.

Am I able to catch some type of transportation Yaxchilan to Antigua or even San Cristobal or do I have to head back to Palenque? Should I be getting an operator for this leg of the trip?

How about getting to Bonampak and Yaxchilan from Palenque, should that be done through a guide too?

There cannot be direct bus service 'cause there is no direct road service between Flores and Palenque. You will find that changing buses or vans in Guatemala is the easiest thing in the world. They all have an ayudante who will help you and your luggage make the connection.
The bus-boat-bus Flores to Palenque works that way and they will also help you through the border stations in Bethel and Frontera Corozal.

Unless you enjoy moving in a herd and prepaying services you might not even get, you don't need an agency. And you especially don't need the monopoly San Juan Travel vans. Read how to get to Bonampak and Yaxchilan on www.mostlymaya.com
For everything, pay-as-you-go, it's more fun.

Friom Guate to San Cristobal de Las Casas there is an express bus to the border by Linea Dorada. Then there is surely a Mexican direct bus connection.