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Tacogirl Belize blog Est. in 2007

You came to the right blog for Belize Resources and Information.

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Independent Tikal Tour Guide Review

by tacogirl 08/02/2019
written by tacogirl 08/02/2019
Independent Tikal Tour Guide Review

It is sometimes a misconception that bloggers only have nice things to say about business, especially ones who are trading them a service or meal in exchange for promotion. Over the years I have mentioned various minor imperfections such as leaf piles in the way to my jungle resort room, not so tasty steak at a downtown San Pedro restaurant, (meanwhile my friends beef fajitas were tasty) and lack of hot water in the master bathroom of my suite North Ambergris Caye Resort. In spite of being able to give polite honest feedback, I like posting other peoples reviews as they are truly unbiased.

Today’s useful input comes from Nada Seidon. She used the option she found in a previous tacogirl DIY San Ignacio to Tikal write up from the Summer of 2016. Do it Yourself Adventure From Belize to Tikal. After writing to me to say that it was very useful and she was pleased with the lower price and service, Nada agreed to do an updated review of her take on the same service. It was super handy timing too as I came across a Tripadvisor Belize Forum post.

Independent Tikal Tour Guide Review – Nada Seidon

We had the pleasure of using an independent tour operator. Yes, we took a chance on this one man show. His name is Genny Reyes, a Guatemalan, young yet impressively knowledgeable and of course, licensed. We were staying in Belize, so we drove to the border, parked, then walked through customs and met up with Genny on the other side. There he was with my name on his sign and a big beautiful smile welcoming us to his country. From that point on Genny handled all the details with the border agents and park officials with professionalism.

When I first made the reservation with Genny, before leaving for our trip, he recommended meeting him early because January is high season and the line to get into the park would be long. A side note, he has excellent relations with the park officials as we never had to get out of the car (and stand in that long line) until we arrived inside Tikal park. We met Genny that morning at around 7:20 am and about half way into the journey to Tikal he stopped at a restaurant for breakfast. After an excellent meal we proceeded to Tikal. For the hour drive it takes from the border, we had lively conversations with Genny about the history, culture, and politics of Guatemala.

Once inside the park Genny educated us on the history of the Mayan people, Tikal in particular and what the many excavations have revealed as to what day to day life was like. And, sadly the decline of Tikal.

Once the tour concluded and we were driving back to the border, we stopped for a late lunch. Genny’s choices in restaurants are very good. The food was well prepared, delicious and representing the local fare at both restaruants we experienced.

While Genny does not have a website don’t let that ward you off. I can attest from personal experience he is reputable and at a price of $90 USD, Genny is about $40.00 per person less than the others I looked into. Here is his email: gennyreyes9@gmail.com

Tikal and Guatemala rainforest pictures Courtesy of Nada Seidon
Tikal and Guatemala rainforest pictures courtesy of Nada Seidon

Extra Belize Guatemala Travel Info

After I loaded Nadas review, I was still back and forth with the woman on Tripadvisor helping with her travel plans. Since she was not renting a car, she was looking for other options to reach the border. I gave her a great low-cost option Belize Bus website.

If you are looking to drive, Crystal Auto is a popular car company to cross the border with as they insure cars. Here is another useful link to Three Cayo car rental options. For those planning Belize Guatemala travel to see Tikal ruins, here are a few very useful Belize forum details – Driving from Belize city to Tikal in rental car and Trip Review: Self-Drive to Tikal from San Ignacio, Belize.

Independent Tikal Tour Guide Review
Tikal and Guatemala rainforest pictures courtesy of Nada Seidon

If you are looking for accommodations here are two easy optiuons with lots of choices – San Ignacio Vacation Rentals by owner, and Tikal, San Jose Peten, Guatemala Vacation Rentals By Owner – VRBO.com.

Belize Bus Travel

This morning, I was also asked by Latisha Nicholson on tacogirl Belize Blog youtube channel about the bus travel. It was in a comment on my Riding the chicken bus from Dangriga to Belize City video. For information, I gave her my fav Belize City Map option to print or download on her phone and of course, Mister B’s bus site listed above. I also gave her Belize Bus Schedules, from Belmopan City online. They did a great job of mapping out each bus route before you click to get that schedule and they also cover Mexico Belize bus route for those who are traveling by land. The picture below is from the return part of my crack of a dawn road trip to Dangriga Belize – Dangriga’s Vital Role in Belize’s Health Care System.

Belize Bus
Mountains on the bus ride from Dangriga to Belize City.

Related

tacogirl

Laure Norton grew up dyslexic and was very challenged by the school. She never dreamed she would move to Belize and become a writer. A year after her move to Ambergris Caye, Laurie became an entrepreneur and professional writer starting tacogirl blog in 2007. Since then she has helped many people plan their vacations or move. She also has been published in Great Destinations Belize Guidebook, Moon Guide to Living in Belize, Insight Guides, Island Magazine several times and USA Today. Currently Laurie resides in downtown San Pedro and enjoys being a "city girl" on a tropical island.

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2 comments

Cindy Stewart 15/02/2019 - 12:26 pm

When we toured Tikal, we drove our Chrystal rental car right to the gate and were met by a guide (they take turns meeting the cars) and I don’t know if we lucked out but he was the best tour guide I’ve ever had. He works for the tourism department and the park itself (I believe) and they don’t take this lightly. He was so knowledgable and he told me that everyone has the same education program so chances are you will not be disappointed. I wish I remembered his name (4 years ago) but my husband and I had him all to ourselves-no big group, and no timetable.

Reply
Dave Newton 15/02/2019 - 7:53 am

I did this trip last week from Belize city to Tikal and back. I rented from Crystal .very professional.One thing to note. They are the only hire company that allow travel into Guatemala,they provide the tikal pass that lets their car pass over the border.IMPORTANT ..there is NO insurance on the car after you exit Belize. This was explained to me in the office before i left. The crossing of the border was easy and the drive to Tikal straight forward through rural Guatemala . Hope this helps and clarifies a few details.

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Corey Holm
Corey Holm
04:38 25 Feb 20
I take the seniors from our academy to Belize every year for their senior trip. One of the first people I contact when... I start planning the trip is Laurie with TacoGirl Belize. She knows the island of San Pedro better than anyone else out there. Trust me, I have looked. If you are looking for the best restaurants, hang outs and shops then Laurie help plan your vacation.read more
Carol Taylor
Carol Taylor
15:53 24 Feb 20
Love Taco Girl Blog @LaurieNorton! I've been reading this blog since I started visiting Ambergris Caye in Belize almost... 10 years ago. It is filled with helpful up-to-date information and recommendations that I wouldn't necessarily find on my own. Laurie Norton's knowledge and extensive network on the island provides her with the ability to share perks/discounts/coupons with her readers, which come in handy year after year. Things on the island change daily - new businesses pop up constantly and LaurieNortonstays on top of these developments. Whenever I plan my return trip to the island, I always check her blog first - and I recommend you do the same. Trip Advisor ain't got nuttin' on Taco Girl!read more
Heidi
Heidi
20:01 20 Feb 20
Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s... always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. There is so much information it's amazing! Thank you Laurie!!!read more
Nick Goodman
Nick Goodman
21:23 30 Nov 19
I am considering a move to Belize and I have serendipitously found tacogirl.....what a treasure! She is full of great... advice, helpful hints.....knows everybody on Ambergris Caye and has a thousand useful recommendations and suggestions. Whether you are planning a vacation or relocating, you should make use of the many services she has to offer…..read more
KellyDivePhotography
KellyDivePhotography
20:58 30 Nov 19
I’m so pleased to see tacogirl's blog on Google. Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and... local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. I especially enjoy her guest articles, providing a different perspective of all things San Pedro. Her tipping quide is a classic, and don’t forget her Tropic Air flight code and on-island discounts. You’re not up-to-date with what’s going on in San Pedro if you’re not regularly reading tacogirl's blog.read more
Sandra Godfrey
Sandra Godfrey
15:58 23 Nov 19
I have known Laurie (Taco Girl) for several years. She has been a wealth of good information for me in all of my... pursuits in Belize. I highly recommend her for any services you may require.read more
William Jones
William Jones
13:39 06 May 19
Do yourself a favor. Read this BEFORE any trip to San Pedro - Ambergris Caye or Belize in general. Not saying “do... what everyone else says”, but Laurie has frank and honest info which will make your stay in country a little more fun, a little more informative, and often at a great cost savings. Best thing: it’s unbiased, honest, and factual. Personal note: thank you for your personal tailored help in answering mine (and my wife’s) questions.read more
Kimberly Robinson
Kimberly Robinson
18:28 03 May 19
Taco Girl (Laurie) is amazing. She has so much knowledge about Belize and has great connections with many of the... businesses in Belize. Because of her connections she is able to offer many perks and discounts that you wouldn't have been able to find otherwise. She is super responsive and I always go to her for all my travel needs. From golf cart rentals, to spas, to places to eat. She's got the inside scoop on all!read more
Michael Rieck
Michael Rieck
20:22 21 Apr 19
Since 2003, my wife and I have been to Ambergris at least once a year to experience the fantastic diving. About twelve... years ago we me Tacogirl on a blog giving us discounts on golf carts, local airfares, and restaurants. Over the years we have grown a friendship and I look forward to her weekly blogs about he changes on my favorite home away from home. The island changes every year, and she always shows you what to see, do, and eat.read more
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ABOUT ME

I took the plunge and moved to San Pedro Town on the Island of Ambergris Caye, off the coast of Belize, Central America. Originally from Canada, I made the life-changing move to escape winter for good (in 2006) after one three week vacation.

If you have any questions or want Belize discounts, Contact me.

SPARKING MY DESIRE

3 childhood memories that shaped my desire to move to Belize from a young age.Sailing in the Virgin Islands, seeing a rainbow out the window of an island hopper as we flew from Virgin Islands to Puerto Rico, Christmas in Hawaii and many trips to Florida.

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