Bethel, Guatemala border crossing

**dlmurre** · #1 16 Mar 2006

This is just a heads up FYI, for people considering this crossing into Guatemala. I was stopped and checked twice in Guatemala,this last month, both times they only wanted to see my sticker and permit paper work, which I had from a diffrent crossing. I've used this crossing in the past to get out of Guatemala, but never to get in. I will use this crossing in the future, but will have them write something on my passport stating I couldn't buy a permit at this crossing. This will at least give me an arguement with the police that may be trying to make some extra money.

**Lone Rider** · #2 16 Mar 2006

I asked about my moto and a sticker when I crossed at Bethel, and was only told that there was no cost at Bethel. The customs fellow did make a point of writing 'Bethel' on my passport.

When exiting(headed towards Comitan), Customs asked for the moto paperwork and I explained that Bethel did not provide this.

He did ask if I'd entered from MX, waved me on and looked either disgusted or like there was nothing he could do. Actually, I could have just ridden across the border into MX without stopping.

**dlmurre** · #3 17 Mar 2006

Thanks Lone Rider, I knew you made this crossing and was hoping you would comment on it. I exited into Honduras, and I agree with you about being able to ride out without stopping. One of the road checks was on CA10 south of Zacapa on the way to the Honduran border.

**Lone Rider** · #4 17 Mar 2006

I paid $40us for the lancha to haul only me and my bike....and a couple of guys to help.

What was your cost?

**dlmurre** · #5 17 Mar 2006

I got my passport stamped at Bethel, but rode up farther and threw my ATK605 over the steep bank. It was almost directly across from where you loaded your bike on the boat. I only paid $5 in 2004.I had a buddy with that paid $5 also.A bunch of locals jumped in with us, but didn't pay. I think we paid their passage to. Its a nice ride up on a 2 track road,I'm not sure I would send a BMW over the edge. The locals tie a rope on the bike and let it down while you balance it. My bike only weighs 300lbs. after I take the luggage off. It would be a nice 30minute drive, even if you decide against it. - Dan
*I'm wrong on the $5 apiece, it was 50quetzals for the two of us.

[This message has been edited by dlmurre (edited 17 March 2006).]

**msg996** · #6 18 Mar 2006

I just made this crossing mid January from Corozal to Bethel, and the Migracion guy didnt write anything in my passport.
When I left Guatemala into Belize, I checked myself out of the country and just rode right past the aduanas so they couldnt ask about paperwork for the bike. Nobody even seemed to notice ... Except the tramitadores of course!
I even crossed into Guatemala 2 more times after this and had no problems at all, so I guess the thing to do if you dont have the paperwork is just dont stop. Worked for me.

Mike.

**dlmurre** · #7 18 Mar 2006

I wouldn't worry about the border crossings, but getting stopped at a police check might be different.

[This message has been edited by dlmurre (edited 18 March 2006).]

**msg996** · #8 20 Mar 2006

Yes, right you are!
I think I just got lucky and wasn´t stopped at all on my first trip through the country.

**msg996** · #9 13 Apr 2006

Just trying out the new picture attaching.

Corozal to Bethel by boat.

**Lone Rider** · #10 14 Apr 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by msg996

Just trying out the new picture attaching.

Corozal to Bethel by boat.

testing...w/15 characters....

**boldrider** · #11 25 Apr 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lone Rider

I asked about my moto and a sticker when I crossed at Bethel, and was only told that there was no cost at Bethel. The customs fellow did make a point of writing 'Bethel' on my passport.

When exiting(headed towards Comitan), Customs asked for the moto paperwork and I explained that Bethel did not provide this.

He did ask if I'd entered from MX, waved me on and looked either disgusted or like there was nothing he could do. Actually, I could have just ridden across the border into MX without stopping.

Lone Rider: I saw these posts regarding your crossing at Bethel. When I left Guatemala in February, I considered leaving via Bethel, but chickened out because I was unsure of the road conditions between Las Cruces and Bethel. I had heard that the road is ok, but I ride an Adventure and was afraid if I got into deep sand or mud I would drop the bike and be stuck, since I often cannot get it back on its wheels by myself. I now regret my lack of courage, but would like to know, as I am heading back to Guatemala and points south this fall, and would like to try the route from Palenque to either cross at Frontera Echeverria or Co-op Bethel. Thanks for any info you might pass along. We will be headed for ushuiaia when we go in the fall---this time I will have a partner, unless he doesn't get his problem with the Mexicans cleared up regarding bringing his bike into Mexico---a long story. Thanks again.

**Lone Rider** · #12 29 Apr 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by boldrider

Lone Rider: I saw these posts regarding your crossing at Bethel. When I left Guatemala in February, I considered leaving via Bethel, but chickened out because I was unsure of the road conditions between Las Cruces and Bethel. I had heard that the road is ok, but I ride an Adventure and was afraid if I got into deep sand or mud I would drop the bike and be stuck, since I often cannot get it back on its wheels by myself. I now regret my lack of courage, but would like to know, as I am heading back to Guatemala and points south this fall, and would like to try the route from Palenque to either cross at Frontera Echeverria or Co-op Bethel. Thanks for any info you might pass along. We will be headed for ushuiaia when we go in the fall---this time I will have a partner, unless he doesn't get his problem with the Mexicans cleared up regarding bringing his bike into Mexico---a long story. Thanks again.

I enjoyed this Xing.
Frontera Corozal/Echeverria (same animal) to/from Bethel is one of several river Xings.
The road out of Bethel isn't a problem unless it's had a lot of rain. It's not sandy, only dirt and rock. There is light bus and truck traffic along this route.

I hope to try the La Palma, Tabasco to Narranja river xing late this year. It's suppose to be about 3 1/2 hrs.