Travelling Guatemala - Rio Dulce to Lanquin

Hi
We are wanting to travel from Rio Dulce along to El Estor and then up to Lanquin. Has anyone been on this route recently? My research is throwing up information form 3-5 years ago, and there are very mixed reports about whether a bus does go that way, the condition of the road, safety etc. So any updated information about - how to get there, where to leave from, times, cost, conditions etc would be appreciated.

Alos considering going to Refugio Bocas del Polochic, which is on the way. Is it best to visit the park from Rio Dulce or to go to El Estor? It would be ideal if we could go from Rio Dulce to El Estor, stay a couple of nights, go out to the park and then pick up the bus to Lanquin. Is this itinerary possible?

Thanks for any tips
Hobart travellers

Hi and welcome to Thorn Tree @Hobarttraveller.

I have moved your post from General Chat over to our dedicated Guatemala branch so that our helpful regulars can help you out with your questions.

Good luck.

I know you are hoping to hear from someone who did this trip recently and I hope you do but just in case you don't this is my take on it.

There are buses from Rio Dulce to El Estor. They take less than an hour. I believe you can visit Polochic by boat from El Estor but some trip reports mention it is expensive. You could contact these people (they manage the reserve): http://www.defensores.org.gt/en/bocas-del-polochic
I contacted them once for information about one of their other areas.

From El Estor you will find buses to Lanquin. Maybe a direct bus, maybe several buses, maybe a pick-up truck but the locals get from one place to the other somehow so it will be possible.

Thanks very much for your response Sonia. I think we will plan to go that way and 'wing it' when we get to Rio Dulce. Lets hope the buses are running. Thanks for the reserve link. I will email as you suggest - good idea.

Thanks

Hi Hobarttraveller - how did you find it? I'm headed that way beginning of next month only going Río Dulce to Cobán and finding it very difficult to get any info about this route. Did you stay in Cobán or Lanquin? Any light you could shed would be so much appreciated!!

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