On my last trip trough Guatemala, after I visited Semuc Champey I wanted to head to Flores in order to see Tikal and then move to Belize. I was staying at Posada las Marias and they offer me a shuttle service straight to Flores for Q160 ($22). I thought it was a bit too expensive, and refusing to pay more than I believe it was fair my partner and I decided to do it on our own.
We took the public bus to Coban next morning at 6:00 am for Q35 (US$ 4.5), and arrive there around 8:30 am. We got ourselves breakfast and head afterwards to the bus station where we find out the next bus straight to flores was leaving after noon, but since we wanted to be there as soon as possible we start asking around for other options.
A guy that works for other bus companies told us about Don Felix, a guy that runs his own private shuttle for tourist every two days to Flores. After we got his phone number we proceed to call him and even he was a few km on his way to Flores he accepted to came back for us and take us for Q100.
Don Felix is this really nice old guy, that for past 6 years is been doing this route. One day he goes from Semuc Champey to Flores charging Q120 per person, coming back from Flores the next day and so on. Once in the shuttle I start talking with Don Felix (he speaks only spanish) and he told me that he is the one picking up people from Posada Las Marias and other hostels in Semuc Champey sometimes, but explain me that they charge a bit more to keep some money to themselves.
It was without a doubt the nicest shuttle ride I ever had in Guatemala, Don Felix not only became my driver but my personal guide, explaining me a lot of things of the region of Verapaces region, about cardamom and coffee plantations and every single question my curiosity allowed me to ask.
If you have a mobile phone and you speak spanish call Don Felix yourself and ask him if he is doing this trip on the day and time you want to go, either from Semuc Champey to Flores or the way back and he will pick you up wherever you are staying. His phone # is 5773-8841.
Don Felix is well know in this places so if you ask around probably somebody will know him and be able to tell you where to find him. He usually waits as well for the public buses from Semuc Champey in Lanquin asking if anybody is heading to Flores around 7am, though is much better if you are able to give him a call.
The prices might vary since the price of gasoline is raising on frequent bases.
Comment by Michael Galie at Sep 23rd, 2009 9:01 am ↑
Posada las marias was the worst place i have ever stayed and i paid about double for a tour booked through them