Transportation in Malacatan, San Marcos
For getting around Locally in and around the town you've got small Tuk Tuks or Motor Taxis (Photo 1.1) which will charge you a much higher amount than you should be paying if they notice you are a foreigner, also known as the "Gringo Tax". Here are the prices for transportation as of July 2012 in the local currency of Quetzales.
Q3 ($0.40)per person from 6AM-7PM
Q5 ($0.70) per person after 7 PM
Q10-Q20 ($1.40-$2.80) per person after 10 PM
*Prices are general and may vary depending on who you driver might be, and how much they want to "tax" you. It's always best to have someone with you who speaks spanish to avoid these extra "fees". Many don't speak English and those who do, speak very little.
Standard Taxi's
To Mexico's border with Guatemala, the border town of Talisman where you may continue to Mexico's popular town of Tapachula, Chiapas.
From Malacatan to Talisman
Q5 (roughly $0.70) per person if shared with other passengers
Q30 (roughly $4.00) for your own private taxi direct for yourself and / or group.
(Fits up to 6 passengers each, 2 up front 4 in back but, tight!)
Tourist buses
Similar to greyhounds which go from Guatemala City to Malacatan, San Marcos and will most likely be your most comfortable way to get to and from the capital of Guatemala other than driving on your own.
Premium buses with A/C, Television, Bathrooms, Safety and Security with minimal rest stops (2-3)
Las Charras Santa Lucia Buses ( Premium Tourist)
Guatemala city to Malacatan or to Guatemala City from Malacatan
Q85 per person arrival within 4.5-6.5 hours depending on traffic and weather etc.
Maya De Oro Buses (Premium Tourist)
Guatemala city to Malacatan or to Guatemala City from Malacatan
Q90 per person arrival within 4.5-6.5 hours
Chicken Buses
These buses are generally american school buses which are repainted and rebuilt to function.
The majority of the time they are they cheapest long distance options available, however they do ten to be stuffed as tight as 3 passengers per seat!
You do have the option of paying 2 fares or 3 fares if you would like the entire seat to yourself. There is no a/c and these buses make several stops each hour as they tend to go into every single town to pick up the most passengers possible.
There are also street vendors who come onto the bus to offer food , drinks and snacks for the long trip. These buses generally turn a 5 hour trip into 9-10 hours...
You are much better off spendig a few extra bucks and getting on one of the premium line buses. They are much safer in every was as well and its worth the comfort and peace of mind.
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