What Are Guatemala's Border Crossings Like?
Guatemala shares borders with Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. The border towns can be somewhat seedy, so it's best to make the trip across the border as early in the day as possible—that way you won't have to spend the night in one of these towns. If you're crossing by bus, you'll be able to take onward buses to other regional towns.
The primary border crossings with Mexico along the Pacific Slope are Tecún Umán and El Carmen. You can also cross into Mexico along the Pan-American Highway at La Mesilla.
The border crossing with Belize is at Melchor de Mencos.
The border crossings with Honduras are at El Florido (near Copán Ruinas), Agua Caliente (near Esquípulas), and Corinto (near Puerto Barrios).
There are numerous border crossings with El Salvador, including those at Valle Nuevo, Ciudad Pedro de Alvarado, Antuiatu, and San Cristóbal.
Related Questions
- How Long Can I Stay In Guatemala?
- Where Are Guatemala's Airports?
- What Documents Do I Need To Visit Guatemala?
- Do I Have to Pay a Guatemala Departure Tax?
Pacific Slope
The Pacific Slope has long been passed over by travelers for other Guatemalan destinations, as it lacks the pristine white-sand beaches that border other Central American countries. In recent years, however, interest in this region has been building. Puerto Quetzal now sees regular arrivals of cruise ships (the passengers dock and take day-trips inland), and the coastal town of Iztapa is becoming known as the sailfishing capital of the world.
Copán Ruinas (Honduras)
The town of Copán Ruinas is located just 8 miles (13 km) across the border with Honduras. This pleasant town is set within a lush valley and abuts the Mayan site of Copán. Copán is an archeological site that houses some of the most exquisite Mayan structures known to date.
Esquipulas
The town of Esquipulas is located near the border with Honduras and El Salvador. It’s popular with Central American travelers who come here to see the Black Christ in the town’s large basilica. There are also a few natural attractions outside of town.
Melchor de Mencos
Melchor de Mencos is a small town along the border with Belize. There isn’t much reason to stay here, but you’ll pass through Melchor de Mencos when crossing the border into Guatemala or Peru.
Puerto Barrios
Puerto Barrios is a large, hot port city along Guatemala’s Caribbean coast. The town was once Guatemala’s main shipping port, but today is a rather forlorn and unappealing place. There is little reason for travelers to come here except while en route to places like Lívingston and Punta de Manabique.
