Guatemala-Roads and Driving

Views

From Drive the Americas

Back to Guatemala

[edit] Topes

In Guatemala, speed bumps are called topes or tumulos, and you will find a large amount of them on many roads, sometimes unmarked.

[edit] Road Conditions and Updates (Updated: December 13, 2008)

Around Lago Atitlan The road from San Pedro La Laguna to Santiago Atitlan is unsafe according to a local person, claiming that the road swings far around the Volcan San Pedro and into an area that was once a Guerrilla training ground. This area is still an easy ambush road for persons to be attacked. The roads from Panajachel around the lake to San Marcos La Laguna are well travelled and pose no threat.

Antigua to Lago Atitlan Some guides will recommend not driving the direct route between Antigua and Lago Atitlan which winds through Patzicia and Patzun. This route is now safe due to an increased police force in the area due to the desire to keep tourism dollars flowing.

Highway 1 Highway 1 from the border in Mexico to Quetzaltenango (Xela) is in great shape - you will find this road in better shape than most roads in Mexico. Highway 1 from Quetzaltenango (Xela) to Antigua is in construction to turn the road into a four lane highway. This will cause delays and dangerous situations due to poorly marked constructions signs. It is advised to follow other vehicles since the road will change from a four lane highway to both directions of traffic sharing one side of a 4 lane highway without good signs indicating the change. You will also encounter hazardous low shoulders and low visibility due to dust.

[edit] Driving Etiquette

The drivers in Guatemala tend to be more aggresive, especially trucks, chicken buses, taxis, and combis.

Gas prices are expressed in the units of the specific country. 12/20/08:

Price is in Guatemalan Quetzales per liter Regular: Q27/gallon Conversion: 1L=0.26 gallons, 1Q=$7.7 (US)

Want to add information or your experiences to this site? Join our community! Here's how.