Guatemala Guide
Getting around
By car
Driving in Guatemala certainly offers unrivalled freedom, though traffic is incessantly heavy in the capital and always busy along the Inter-americana and the highway to Puerto Barrios. Be warned that local driving practices can be alarming, including overtaking on blind corners. All the main routes are paved, but beyond this many roads are often extremely rough. Filling stations (gasolineras) are common (unless you really venture off the beaten track).
Parking and security are an issue, particularly in towns. Always leave your car in a guarded car-park and choose a hotel with protected parking space. Speed bumps (tumulos) are everywhere, even on main highways. Local warning signs are also worth getting to know. The most common is placing a branch, which indicates the presence of a broken-down car or a hazard ahead.
Renting a car costs from US$40 a day for a tiny hatchback or around US$70 for a 4WD by the time you've added the extras. Always take full-cover insurance and be aware that many companies will make you sign a clause so you are responsible for the first US$1000 of damage in the event of an accident, damage or theft.