How safe is it to travel by BUS to Tikal (Flores) from Antigua (Guatemala)?

Question

I am trying to decide if transportation by bus to Flores (Tikal) from Antigua, Guatemala is worth the savings? I don't so much mind the 9hr drive. But since I am going in Aug/Sept. I am worried about the rainy season. I have heard the roads are pretty dangerous. I would appreciate any and all comments .... thanks

Answer 1

I lived down there for ten years and did the drive a couple of times.  Nine hours sounds quite optimistic.  Under no circumstances take a chicken bus.  The big air-conditioned tour buses are much safer and more comfortable.  Aug/Sept is towards the end of the rainy season and the roads can be atrocious.Personally, I'd fly it as the aerial views are fantastic and give you another interesting perspective.  

Answer 2

I wouldnt worry to much..I have traveled numerous times from Flores to Guatemala with no  Major problems other than a bumpy ride at times.You will find all types of service from shared taxis,vans to airconditioned tourist bus

It's hard to miss the colorfully-decorated buses that crowd the streets of major cities and highways of Guatemala. These are chicken buses, or camionetas in Spanish, and are a common form of travel for Guatemalans and a travel adventure for tourists. They are much cheaper than tourist vans or taxis (example: a 10km drive from Antigua to the countryside costs Q2.75 as of December 2005). They are usually very crowded, with three people squeezed into seats designed to seat two North American children, and more people standing in the aisles. The bus itself is frequently a used North American school bus; the "Blue Bird" and "Ford" logos are clearly visible. In addition to the driver there is usually a conductor standing in the door. The conductor collects fares, and from time to time jumps out to direct the bus through a blind intersection or around a tight turn. On the highways, the chicken bus drivers are aggressive, not hesitating to overtake in the face of oncoming traffic. Riding these buses on the steep highways of the Western Highlands is especially harrowing, but may be the most quintessential Guatemalan experience there is.

Bus conductors may sometimes charge out of country tourists more than the going rate. If you look to see what other travelers are paying you can usually avoid this problem, however, they often charge you the same as everyone else. Sending a message to the Guatemala tourism department "Inguat" will let them know of this problem.

You can board a chicken bus almost anywhere along its route. If you put out your arm, it will stop. You board and find a space to sit or stand. The conductor will come back to you after the bus is underway, and collect your fare. You need to recognize where your stop is, and move to the door in time. You ask the bus to stop, more or less wherever you want to get off.

If Bus Travel makes you nervous..you can also fly there are several flights a day from Flores to Guatemala but Bus travel is safe enough and a great way to see the country

Happy Travels

Answer 3

Take the flight.  It's worth it.

I have been to Guatemala four times, as I have family there.  They emphatically state it is not safe to travel by bus (especially the chicken buses).  Tourists are targets.