Since it is not possible to enter Guatemala from Palenque by public transportation, we booked a tour for 600 pesos (about 30 euros) per person. The driver arrives at our accommodation at 10 o'clock sharp with the minibus. There is a Japanese person with us, I think it's the first time I see an Asian here in Mexico. The journey to the 'El Ceibo' border takes about 3 hours. Julio is always making small talk with the driver, and I mainly listen to the conversation and enjoy the impressive jungle landscape of Chiapas.
At the border, I have to pay 500 pesos because I have been in Mexico for more than 7 days. I just assume that everything is correct... However, the passport control in Guatemala goes smoothly, and we are already sitting in the second, slightly shabby minibus, without air conditioning but with a breeze.
The landscape becomes even more jungle-like, hilly, and we pass by many poorer villages whose infrastructure reminds me of areas in Kenya.
In the late afternoon, we arrive in Flores, a colorful and idyllic town on Lake Peten Itza. The host of the hotel we booked through Airbnb is German, and we also see many "white" tourists on the small island.
After the obligatory jump into the lake, which is very warm at 28 degrees, we explore the small island, which can be circumnavigated in 20 minutes. Since the place appears quite touristy, we ask the locals for a restaurant where you can eat "barrato, pero chingon" (cheap, but awesome) (Julio's favorite question... :D). So we eat a delicious "Pescado blanco" (a fish that only exists in this lake) in a cozy restaurant overlooking the lake...
And otherwise, there is a real holiday feeling in this little town and the Guatemaltecos here seem incredibly friendly... We decide that we will definitely stay here a bit longer to rest, plan our trip, and work.
