i'd really appreciate any tips . . .
i'm a young female who will be travelling to guatemala
alone this summer . . and i am TERRIFIED of getting out of
the airport and not knowing what to do. i have a place to
stay for the night, but i've heard so many stories about
being harassed at the airport, having my baggage/money
stolen, and running into dishonest carriers/drivers.
can anyone tell me how i can find an honest cab driver
outside the airport?
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Although you say you already have a place there is a Pension
dos Lunas near the airport that will pick you up. Here's its
web site: http://www.trafficman.com/xelapages/doslunas/
index.htm
Never stayed there myself but have seen many good reviews of
it on here. By the way..never had a bad taxi ride in Guat.
City. Cab drivers have always been friendly and more than
happy to talk about places to see and things to do.
Biggest problem at Guat airport is pilferage by baggage
handlers. Make sure your luggage is well secured.
You will find at least 20 cabs right outside the doors of
the airport in Guate.
The current rate to be taken to Zona 1 or most places is
Q40.
There will be lots of people trying to help you. If you can
carry your own bags just say "no gracias" and head for the
taxi station which is out the door and across the street.
If you need help give one of the guys $1 to help. I prefer
to do it myself so I am in control of my bags at all times.
Ask the taxi "cuanto cuesta a (name of your hotel)?"
If they ask for much more than Q40 say "no, solo Q40" most
will say ok and you are off.
Dont be scared it really is not that bad.
Email me with any other question.
Tom
Quetzaltenango, Guatemala Travel Guide
http://www.xelapages.com
Milla, a couple years ago I traveled alone to the western
highlands before meeting up with a larger group. When I flew
into the airport, there were scads of taxi drivers, pushing,
yelling,all wanting my business. Since I used Antigua as my
jumping off point, to get into the countryside, the Innkeeper
where I would be staying had called ahead and sent a driver
she trusted to the airport.
It took quite a while to get checked in, but my driver stood
patiently ahead of the crowd of hawkers, holding a sign with
my name on it. I felt incredibly safe with this man. He even
helped hustle me thru baggage check, as the inspector found
Menchu's book on the bottom of my suitcase, and began
pounding his finger on it and frowning, perhaps to get an
extra tip to get thru faster...who knows.
This arrangement was made between the innkeeper and myself
long distance before my trip. She recommended it for my
safety. Having lived there for some time, she strongly
insisted that I not get into a cab with just anyone.Perhaps
the place that you are staying could call ahead for you. It
is a very reasonable request, and I think a wise one.
Compared to Guat City, the Western Highlands felt very
safe...nevertheless, knowing the history and keeping up with
what news you can get hold of before hand is helpful.....it
all depends on where you are going. I love the place, and
intend to go back with my family as soon as possible.
Have a good trip.
Hello:
You should consider this option: Stay at Dos Lunas Guest house, not so far from the airport. Like one minute or so...
they charge US$10.00 and free transportation from-to airport. also a nice breakfast for the same price.
It┤s easier, cheaper and very safe. For me, take a taxi and going to zona 1 for example, doesn┤t worth the trouble.
I just have Dos Lunas e-mail: lorena@pronet.net.gt
Good Luck!
If you still need info about Guatemala or help getting
settled, write me.
-Nancy
ecovision@inter.net.gt