Gringos Guide To Driving Mexico, Central America & Costa Rica
  • Antigua - Guatemala City
    Guatemala

    Antigua – Guatemala City

    DRIVING TIME: 52 minsKILOMETERS: 41.2 kmMILES: 25.6HWY: CA 1 The drive from Antigua to Guatemala City is very easy—it’s Guatemala City that will give you a headache. This is your true test of patience. The only thing that will get you through Guatemala City is diligence and a cold beer waiting for you at the end of the drive. Like all Guatemalan towns, the city was constructed using a strict grid system: avenidas run north-south; calles run east-west. Unless you have a specific business in Guatemala City, drive directly through it. You will drive around, backward, circular, and then through. Guatemala City is the junction point for several routes leading…

  • Guatemala Border to Antigua or Guatemala City
    Guatemala

    Guatemala Border to Antigua or Guatemala City

    DRIVING TIME: 4.55 hoursKILOMETERS: 224MILES: 139HWY: CA 1 After surviving the monotonous entry procedures for Guatemala, the drive through the beautiful mountains and lowlands is refreshing. Keep your eyes out for any signs. You want to follow the one or two signs that indicate Guatemala, which is for Guatemala City. After several hours of driving, you will see a sign for Antigua. Turn right here and prepare yourself for a horrible road. If you decide to skip Antigua, which would be a shame, you may continue along the same road toward Guatemala City, about one hour further. Antigua is exquisite. Similar to San Cristobal de Las Casas, this city is…