How to move safely between flores and Tikal?

Question

Let me preface my question with the explanation that I do not have a feel for how dangerous Guatemala is. We've been to a few places in South America, but reading through this forum it looks far more dangerous that the places where we been to, e.g. robbery of Cuzsco- MP train, or gunpoint robbery in Drake bay or Ometepe are somewhat unthinkable. Yet, this forum is full of reports of gunpoint robberies of Flores-Tikal shuttles. These do not look like isolated incidents. Honestly I am starting to seriously consider if this trip is worth it.

Recent posts on this forum + on Thorn Tree also inform a reader that San Juan Travel is under police investigation (has been for a while and still not cleared) for their (alleged) role in these robberies. It looks like police believes that they had a hand in recent (and not so recent) attacks. I do not think that I have seen a post describing a robbery on Flores-Tikal route that did not involve SJT shuttles. On the other hand it may be simply because they control 90% of the route. So in this chicken and egg situation the question is what would be the safest way (for people who do not speak Spanish) to get from SE airport to Tikal and back to Flores?  Would pre-booking a tour for the whole Tikal part of the trip help? I would hate to do it because I'd rather explore it at our own pace, but if improves safety I'll do it. Please, advise.

Also am I right that the trip to Copan is much safer?

Thanks.

TWF

862gregv · Accepted Answer

In my opinion, the safest way to do what you want is by private driver. As you said, the San Juan shuttles are the only ones that were robbed earlier this year and are easily recognized by everybody. Their shuttles are easy targets. Also, you can pre-book your transportation with a local travel agency if you want. They'll even pick you up at the airport.

I've been to Copan 4 times in the past and wouldn't consider it to be any safer to go there than to Guatemala. That's my opinion, though. Crime happens everywhere.

hopefulist · Answer

What he said - Greg's been to the Petén more than anyone I know.

TravelingWithFriends · Answer

@mayaruinsonly Thanks for quick and informative reply. Would you be so kind to refer to names/emails? I take it from your website, contact for transportation is Tikal tours, right? TWF

862gregv · Answer

TWF - I have a ton of info that I have not listed on my website yet. I've been busy with other things lately. Tikal tours is only one that I had already listed. All of the contacts below are located in Flores. They can help you with all you need and most speak good or excellent English. I have many more contacts but figured 5 would be enough for now. Let me know if you need anything else!

1. Crasborn Travel Agency - Sergio Crasborn (email) crasborntravel@yahoo.com

2. Retpa Travel Agency - Ricardo Milan (email) ricardomilan1@yahoo.com

3. Tikal Tours (email) tikaltours@yahoo.com

4. Reino K'an Mirador Travel Agency - Tony or Oscar (email) racsosalas@hotmail.com

5. Martsam Travel Agency - Liliana (email) info@martsam.com

mayaphile · Answer

I haven't heard of anyone trying to rob the regular chicken buses to Tikal from Santa Elena. However, that would not give you the opportunity to spend a lot of money.

TravelingWithFriends · Answer

@ Mayanruinsonly Many thanks. I appreciate your help.

Raymundo02 · Answer

If you stay in El Remate, an hour closer to Tikal than Flores, the local hotels can book a shuttle. That eliminates most of the journey from Flores, presumably less distance for the ladrones to hide in waiting.

I will say this about San Juan Travel: I used them in a day-long journey from Palenque to Flores. As soon as we crossed the river and got on their transport, the guide, fluent in English, started telling us it cost Q40 to enter Guatemala. Clearly they are in cahoots with the corrupt border officials, as there is no such fee (and I didn't pay). Then they stop the van in Santa Elena and tell everyone to line up at the ATM (though Flores has ATMs) so they can give them the hard sell on their overpriced tours before you get to Flores and find out how much cheaper they should be. For me, that confirms that SJT is a sleazy outfit. Whether they'd go so far as to endanger their passengers' lives by cooperating with thieves not wearing badges, that's an open question.

Edited: 12 years ago

Angel889 · Answer

Crasborn Travel agency were REALLY good..the people who run it are sooo nice and the prices are excellent- very competitive. They take you to the bus station themselves to make sure you get there okay

Christa10 · Answer

I just returned from Tikal. After reading this thread, I contacted all of the recommended agents and ended up going with Sergio at Crasborn Travel. He was very helpful and his rates are reasonable. When I arrived in Flores he even called and confirmed my bus trip out of Flores even though I hadn't book it through him.

delgoestravelling · Answer

I too have just done a sunrise tour in a group of 12 with Sergio crasborn. I bought the tour at his office in flores and he was very helpful, and great value. Everything turned out as planned, no safety issues and a fantastic tour of the tikal park which included chance to hold a horse tarantula. Highly recommended. I have since had him arrange more travel for me in Guatemala

How to move safely between flores and Tikal? - Tikal National Park Forum

How to move safely between flores and Tikal?

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