Guatemala exemplifies the very best that Central America has to offer, with its pyramids, ruins, rainforests, volcanoes, and flourishing Mayan culture across the country.
Discovering this unique region of the Americas is a wonderful experience; nevertheless, travelling from point A to point B could take more time than you anticipate.
Considering that the average monthly salary in Guatemala is around $400 US dollars, the majority of Guatemalans are unable to afford to own a vehicle. As a result, the great majority of Guatemalans depend on public transportation to go around the country. This indicates that buses are nearly always full, but it also indicates that there is almost always a bus that is heading to the destination that you want to travel to.
Many tourists will be relieved to learn that Guatemala’s public transport system is not only large but also reasonably priced, despite the fact that it is not usually especially effective. If you take a bus, you will arrive at your destination without fail; but, you should be prepared for lengthy travel days, rough roads, and some pain before you board the bus.
Due to the badly maintained, twisting roads, slow-moving traffic, and frequent road closures, the short distances in the tiny nation are deceiving. It will almost always take longer to get there than you think it would because of the road conditions. There are options available for travellers with varying budgets, and in a nation as vibrant as this one, the voyage itself is an integral part of the experience.
Listed below are some of our suggestions for travelling about Guatemala.
Bus
Buses are the most convenient and cost-effective mode of transportation in Guatemala.
Due to the fact that Guatemala’s limited rail network does not provide passenger services at the moment, the modest bus is the primary mode of public transit in the country. There are two different types of buses in Guatemala: first-class coaches, which are quite pleasant, and second-class “chicken buses,” which are American school buses that have been redesigned and are used practically everywhere.
On popular routes between important destinations, first-class buses, which are commonly referred to as “express buses,” run. Regular services are provided from Guatemala City to Quetzaltenango, Huehuetenango, Flores (for Tikal), and Panajachel (for Lago de Atitlán). In addition, buses link major cities to a number of beach resorts, as well as to international border crossings with Honduras, Mexico, El Salvador, and Belize.
It is important to note that not all bus routes are made equal. While some buses are equipped with restrooms, some are not. Some of them include a television screen in the front that plays music videos or action movies that have been dubbed into Spanish, while others allow you to rest in peace and quiet while taking in the countryside or watching movies. The price of first-class buses is almost twice as high as the price of their second-class equivalents; nevertheless, first-class buses are far quicker, safer, and more pleasant.
Chicken buses, also known as camionetas in the local community, are more frequent than first-class coaches and are able to go to almost every city, town, and hamlet in the nation. Almost all of these defunct school buses in the United States have been given a fresh lease on life and a daring new appearance. They have been painted in vivid primary colors and ornamented with a riot of chrome components. In today’s world, you won’t see too many chickens riding on buses, but they are capable of transporting a wide variety of other things.
As a means of picking up and dropping off passengers, buses make numerous stops. In addition, store owners in smaller towns often make use of chicken buses to convey their wares, which results in a limited amount of space available in the aisles. It is true that they go at a snail’s pace, but they are also one of the finest methods to meet people who live in the area.
For those who are going by chicken bus, it is beneficial to have a basic understanding of Spanish. Even if the stations along the route are not clearly marked, if you tell the driver where you want to go, they will let you know when your destination is getting closer. In addition, if you have a rudimentary understanding of Spanish, you may inquire with other passengers about the right cost, which will save you from spending twice as much as everyone else.
Rather than being suitable for lengthy, all-day travels, chicken buses could be more suitable for shorter trips. Due to the fact that they were designed for schoolchildren in the United States, they are claustrophobic and unpleasant, particularly for those who are tall. It is recommended that you travel with a compact day pack rather than exposing your stuff to the elements (and the prying eyes of others) since large bags will be placed on the top of the transport vehicle.
As a result of the prevalence of opportunistic theft on these buses, you should be vigilant and watch over your possessions. Please place your hand over the zipper of your bag in the event that someone initiates a conversation with you and moves closer to you. Although the majority of exchanges are legitimate, thieves may sometimes start up a discussion with you in order to divert your attention and give them the opportunity to steal your wallet, phone, or camera.
Tuk-tuks
In more rural areas, tuk-tuks fulfill the role of taxis.
In Guatemala, moto-taxis, which are more generally referred to as tuk-tuks, may be found in almost every town. However, the frequency of their presence in Guatemala City and Quetzaltenango is much lower. When it comes to public transportation inside towns, these little vehicles are perhaps the most beneficial option since they are both inexpensive and effective.
It is possible to take tuk-tuks to neighboring cities and villages in some regions. Another possibility is that they will take you to the outskirts of the city, where you will have to get into another tuk-tuk in order to continue your journey. In each of the towns that you visit, you should make it a point to learn how to identify the legally licensed tuk-tuks, since the laws governing these vehicles vary from one location to the next.
Putting out your hand and making a gesture that is similar to patting an imagined kid on the head is all that is required to signal for a tuk-tuk to provide you with transportation. In the real world, if you stand by the side of the road, you could discover that tuk-tuks stop and inquire if you need a ride.
Microbus
Microbuses in Guatemala provide a somewhat greater level of comfort, albeit at a higher cost.
There are several regions in Guatemala that are home to minibuses, which are also referred to as microbuses in the local language. These minibuses travel over paved highways connecting major towns or operate on local routes in bigger cities. Although these smaller buses are more costly than the chicken buses, they provide a higher level of comfort to their passengers.
You may anticipate having greater legroom, as well as shock absorbers that are operational, which will make the journey far less rough than it would be on a chicken bus. There are also some that have air conditioning, which is something that is always appreciated in this tropical environment, especially for routes that are located in the lowlands. The roof is where huge items of baggage will be placed, much as it is with chicken buses; however, there is a lower chance of theft.
Tourist shuttles
Although they provide faster transportation, tourist shuttles have less of an atmosphere.
Shuttles for tourists, which might be small vans or minibuses, are available to transport passengers between Guatemala’s most popular tourist spots. A number of places, including San Cristóbal de las Casas in Mexico, Playa El Tunco in El Salvador, and the ruins of Copán in Honduras, are traversed by services that operate over international boundaries.
You will ride in a bit of a tourist bubble, without any locals as fellow passengers, and shuttles are often twice as expensive as the chicken bus. In addition, shuttles are more expensive than the chicken bus. On the other hand, they are an excellent choice for longer excursions because of the comfort, the convenience (many shuttles will drop you off at your hotel or hostel), and the opportunity to exchange knowledge with other passengers.
Even if the shuttle may actually leave from a different place, you are able to make reservations for seats on the shuttle at any local travel agency at any time. For instance, if you want to take a shuttle from San Pedro La Laguna on Lago de Atitlan to San Cristóbal de las Casas in Mexico, you will first have to take an early boat to Panajachel, which is the starting point of the shuttle voyage. It is recommended that you verify with the travel agent whether or not the price of the ticket includes the cost of your boat journey.
Pickup trucks
In some remote locations, people are transported by pick-up trucks.
To a considerable extent, the pickup truck, also known as a picop by the locals, has been largely supplanted by tuk-tuks as the main mode of inexpensive transportation in the municipality. It is possible to locate pickup trucks operating in the same manner as local buses in regions that are less frequented by tourists and more rural. This is mostly due to the fact that pickup trucks are better equipped to navigate difficult dirt roads.
As a result of their open tops, they are most suitable for usage on sunny days. In addition, you will have to cling to this for dear life. In order to let the driver know that you are prepared to exit the truck, you may either tell the driver where you want to get off or, if you are aware of the stop, you can simply pound on the side of the vehicle.
Driving in Guatemala
In Guatemala, having a driver’s license gives you the flexibility to travel anywhere you choose.
Driving is always an option, and it is highly recommended if you want the flexibility of traveling according to your own schedule. If you are a traveler from a country that does not use the Roman alphabet, you will be required to have an international driver’s license in order to drive in Guatemala. However, other visitors are permitted to use a valid driver’s license from their home country for the first thirty days of their trip.
On the condition that you are at least 25 years old, it is simple to make arrangements for car rental at airports, major cities, and other popular tourist destinations. Ensure that you verify the terms and conditions of your insurance policy at all times. For instance, you may not be protected for loss or theft, so you should always park in a safe location. The cost of gasoline in Guatemala is more than it is in the United States, but it is much less costly than it is in Canada, Australia, and Europe.
There is a significant amount of red tape involved in bringing your own vehicle into the nation, but it is possible to do so. There is also the option of renting a private automobile that comes with a driver. In the majority of tourist spots around the country, this may be easily arranged via travel companies, and it alleviates the tension that comes with driving on roads that are foreign to you.
Be advised that getting behind the wheel in Guatemala needs nerves of steel: driving recklessly is widespread, and while the major roads are normally in excellent condition, visibility may decrease significantly at night, when it is raining or cloudy, and when there is fog. It may be challenging to get a parking spot that is secure in smaller cities since the streets are narrower. In addition to reduced visibility and the danger of animals straying into the road, driving at night is never a smart idea since there is a genuine risk of those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and armed robberies.
Bicycles & Motorcycles
Those that are courageous have the choice of riding bicycles or motorbikes.
A trip across Guatemala by bicycle is not for those who are easily discouraged, but it is not impossible. Know that you will be dealing with either hot temperatures in low-lying places or incredibly difficult hikes in the highlands, despite the fact that the view is really breathtaking. How about bike lanes? Where can I find bike paths? at the event that you are still interested after all of that, you can hire bicycles (including mountain bikes) at the majority of tourist centers. It is simple enough to ride a bicycle about the city, or you may pedal along the trails that snake around Lago de Atitlan and Antigua.
There is a growing prevalence of motorcycles in Guatemala; in many cities, it is not uncommon to see a whole family with children riding on a single motorcycle, yet there is not a single helmet in sight. When traveling between locations that are farther apart, you will definitely need the use of a helmet. It is strongly advised that you steer clear of the busy major highways while you are riding a motorcycle or a bicycle since buses and trucks traveling at high speeds provide a significant risk. Those interested in renting motorcycles may do so in Antigua and the surrounding area of Lago de Atitlan.
Taxis and rideshares
When it comes to local hops, taxis and ridesharing come in useful.
It is rather uncommon to see taxis with meters in Guatemala City, Antigua, and Quetzaltenango; nevertheless, in smaller towns and the area around Lago de Atitlan, there are hardly none at all. Before beginning your trip, you can be required to negotiate a charge, regardless of whether or not there is a meter present.
Does Uber have a presence in Guatemala? However, this is solely the case in Guatemala City and Antigua. For those who are interested in experiencing these places, this is a wonderful alternative since it is secure, the price is set, and even if you do not know Spanish, you can leave everything to the app.
Air travel
doing a flight is a convenient way to avoid doing lengthy road trips.
As a result of the fact that Guatemala is only around the size of Tennessee and smaller than England, domestic travel by airplane is not very prevalent. It is an extremely helpful alternative for avoiding the lengthy bus route to Flores and Tikal in the north, as well as for going from Flores to Belize.
Tropic Air operates flights from Flores to Belize City, while TAG Airlines provides regular flights between Guatemala City and Flores or Puerto Barrios.
If you have a reasonable budget, you may charter a flight with ARM Aviación, which operates out of La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. This allows you to go to different locations around the country.
Boats
In order to reach the shore, boats go down jungle rivers.
Livingston, which is located on the Caribbean coast, and Jaibalito, which is located on the banks of Lago de Atitlán, are two of the few sites in Guatemala that can only be reached by boat, or that may be reached more readily by boat. Due to the fact that they are both speedier and more direct than traveling by road, boats are often the form of transportation of choice in areas where they are accessible. To provide an example, traveling from Panajachel to San Pedro La Laguna, which is located on the other coast of Lago de Atitlan, takes around half an hour by lancha, which is a public speedboat, as opposed to traveling by road, which takes two hours.
Because lanchas have the potential to capsize, particularly on days when there is a lot of wind, it is essential to make use of the life jackets that are given when you embark on a boat. This is because lanchas may capsize, and they occasionally do. It is a wonderful experience to sit up front in the prow and feel the wind in your hair; but, you should be prepared to get drenched in water from the lake or river. Sitting closer to the rear of the vehicle will make the journey less rough and wetter for you.
Ensure that you give yourself enough of time for the journey if your travel day involves a trip on a boat. Lanchas seldom operate according to a predetermined timetable and won’t depart until the boat is completely packed. It may just take a few minutes in the early morning or a little over an hour in the late afternoon to complete this task.
Travelers who have difficulties moving about will find Guatemala to be a challenging vacation. The rights of handicapped persons are protected by law, and it is against the law to discriminate against disabled people; yet, in fact, almost little is done to ensure that the regulations are followed.
Wheelchair-accessible accommodations are hard to come by, and transportation options that are accessible to wheelchair users are almost nonexistent. In spite of this, you will discover that the majority of Guatemalans are eager to assist in any way that they can. When traveling, the most convenient alternative is often to go with your own vehicle and driver.
