That stretch of road has been known for robberies for over a decade, that I know of. The first time I went to Guatemala, in 2003, I was warned about it. Probably the same guys at work. There are only a few km's that are not paved on this road between San Pedro and Santiago. They pick a spot where you are going slow, and you saw the rest.
I have been down this road twice, in the San Pedro to Santiago direction, and the San Pedro police will escort you through the danger area if you ask. Don't know about the other way. You'd think it would be easier to catch the crooks, than babysit tourists through there, but I'm sure there is a lot of drama behind the scenes that I don't see.
I haven't let it stop me from going back. It does make me wonder how many other risky roads I've taken and didn't know it. Haven't been robbed yet, knock wood.
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