Hi everyone,

I'm traveling to Guatemala City on April 14th right after the Easter Celebrations. I was hoping someone would be able to provide me with some form of advice on how to travel to Antigua, Tikal, Flores and Rio Dulce from Guatemala City. I was wondering what kind of bus to take (the chicken buses, shuttle bus, etc.) The route that is recommended to take? Also if you suggest other places to travel to. I'm on a tight budget, so the cheapest but also a safe way of traveling is one of my concerns. Please also note I'm a single female traveling alone for most of my trip. Thanks in advance for all your help.

R.G.

You can take a shuttle from the airport to Antigua if you like. However, you might do well heading straight to Flores/Santa Elena on an overnight first class or better bus, especially if you are coming in anywhere near the usual 7 pm or so departures. See http://www.mostlymaya.com/overnight_bus_travel.html for usable thoughts on overnight buses.

On the way back, do a day bus to Rio Dulce. Spend what time you want there and then do a day bus to Guatemala City and then go to Antigua.

The problem with Antigua is that it is kind of bland and very touristy. It might be okay for the end of your trip when you will know how much time you have left and might still be able to get to more interesting parts of the Highlands. On the other hand, you might blow several days there at the beginning, then at the end, you may feel like all you had time for was to vegetate there again before your flight.

Although I am not a female, I often travel alone. In doing so, I have met a number of very interesting and decent people.

What you need to do is exercise normal caution and not dress in a way that would excite local males to harass you. In order to attract what could be an overload of male attention, in less touristy areas you only need to dress in a way that they would consider to be scanty. However, in a touristy area, that is no problem. Look at local women when you get there to get an idea of what is a good idea in the area.

Have a great trip!

Mayaphile,

Thanks for all your advice. Really appreciate the time you took.

RG

Chicken buses are fun and because they stop off in a lot of places you get to see more of the countryside and the people (and livestock!). However, the heat, long journeys and discomfort can be exhausting so I would recommend alternating your use of these buses with some nicer 1st or 2nd class travel. The buses I used in Guatemala were all fine.. and if you're sensible you shouldn't have any problems as a lone female passenger. One thing to be aware of though is people helping you with your luggage on and off the buses. They probably won't have any bad ulterior motive but may expect a tip for their generous 'help'. You can always politely say no.