HI Eric and thanks-
So you stayed in the park while many people stay in Flores and travel to and fro. You obviously built your experience around that which I understand would not have been possible had you come in from Flores...did you feel from your own experience and those around you that it is really different for those coming in from Flores or El Remate? I think there is an appreciable cost difference between those two options, but then again with the Jaguar Inn that difference seems to be less-
I was thinking of doing one night in Tikal and then staying in the park may be possible. Two nights- with the 4 of us- will kind of be out of our budget. I have read people who only stay one night and do it from Flores, and I think the idea of doing one here and one there is too much hassle. So we will think about it. Your opinon?
By the way, did you book directly or did you take a tour via a travel agency?
We will be arriving to study Spanish in Antigua on July 3rd and want to fly to Tikal on July 14th. From reading here and there I get the feeling that we can get better deals in Antigua, but then again I hear that in the summer season some things may fill up ahead of time (like the Jaguar Inn??). I am tempted to book in advance but if it is not a real problem then doing it from Antigua might open up more options---
Your thoughts?
Much appreciated!
Ronnie Dunetz
I think it is worth it to stay in the park- even if it is for one night. I found that the hotel prices were about the same in Flores (Casona de la Isla) and at the Jaguar Inn (about $50/night). I can understand how you want to stay within budget. I just found staying in the park was a neat experience- hot as all heck and uncomfortable, but worth it to go back and forth between the park and hotel. We booked directly through the Jaguar Inn (not through an agency).
Good luck and have fun!
Eric
I just spent the afternoon walking around antigua looking to book a trip to Tikal, and your price is the best I´ve seen. The prices that we were quoted ranged from $255 per person (jaguar inn, not including transfers Flores to Tikal) to $292 per person (Hotel Tikal Inn) to $340 per person (jungle lodge). These were just the prices given to my husband and I by three different travel agencies. Actually, we just emailed your travel agent because your deal sounds better! So, don´t count on getting a better deal in Antigua, unless you are better at selecting agenices than me.
ana
Re: 21- Eric, I also like the idea of staying in the park. Only your description of the after 9 PM experience with no fans, no open windows with the bugs outside hit a bad chord inside me- as I explained elsewhere, with slight asthma and allergies stuffy rooms are a real downer for me....perhaps I am wrong and in the end the Jaguar was not so bad?...Is there a real advantage in booking directly with the hotel and not a travel agency? Thanks for your postings- they are real helpful!
Re: 22- Ana 12- I am so glad that I could help! I have been feeling bad in that I am just getting help and not helping others very much and here you go, I may have turned you on to something good! I have been in e mail contact with Martsam Travel and they are very professional. I say this in contrast to a couple of others who are quoting ridiculous prices if they ever answer!
Has anyone done the Flores- Coban shuttle route? How tough is that- I understand that it is about 5 hours. I am taking into account some good advice from hoefulist re. 18 to see how to buffer against too many long bus/shuttles. I recall from yesteryear in my long backpacking days this was just par for the course. But with a party of 4 and two teenage kids ( one of whom is still trying to figure out why her father is so gung-ho on traveling to the other side of the world for tiny Guatemala...)- I need to sort of "roll with the punches" and keep it moving, perhaps some of you parents out the there may understand what I am talking about...
In fact I have been quoted two prices from Martsam that I would NEVER have considered as a single backpacker which do seem reasonable- just in case anyone finds it of help:
Private minivan for at least 4 people-:
Tikal- Lanquin- $200
Flores- Lanquin- $160
Gracias!
Ronnie
Hi Ronnie,
Those prices ($160/200) are pretty good. To compare, if you took public transportation to Coban, it costs about 50-80 Quetzales ($6-11 USD) per person (and 5-6 hours). And then you'd have to transfer to a different bus to Lanquin - another 1.5 hours and about 25 Quetzales. Sometimes (like this) direct, non-stop shuttles are worth the splurge!
Be sure to ask/clarify what the vehicle is like to make sure it's not an old pickup truck! At that rate, it should be a nice comfy
You could try to negotiate down -- or see if other travellers are interested in sharing the ride! Post a note at the hostels in Flores (i.e. Los Amigos Hostel) and I'm pretty sure you'll find a few people to share with you.
Cheers,
Kay
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