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El Salvador -> Honduras -> Nicaragua border crossing
Hi,
I was researching the political climate in Honduras and found this from Friday: Honduras delays accrediting U.S. ambassador - CNN.com I'm going to try to leave Salvador and make it to Nicaragua in one day in a couple of days. Anyone know if I'm going to encounter problems at the border with my US passport? Thanks! dg |
I think you will be fine getting through immigration and customs. That is wise to move through there quickly. No sense in taking extra chances.
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I crossed into Honduras (from Nicaragua) today. No issues for me or my Australian or Israeli buddies (both with US-plated bikes). The border crossing was almost pleasant - a lazy sunday afternoon on the Las Manos crossing. Highly recommended when going north.
The crossing you want to do, however, sucks. El Salvador -> Honduras on the interamericana is the WORST BORDER CROSSING in Central America. Be sure to get there early, it could take up to four hours (and I've heard worse stories). People try to scam you constantly. You should be able to get across spending only about $40-50 usd (crazy expensive for a 150km jaunt to Nica). Beware the scam "the bank is closed". I just crossed on Sunday and the aduana agent was more than happy to take my $40 at the counter. Another scam: taking you to a place to have a document typed up for $20. Honduras seems to be the only country in CA whose border is still operating in the 1970s. Pretty place though... although not the stretch you're going to drive through. Jeff |
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Yeah, I did the crossing yesterday. I'm in Honduras right now about to pack up for Nicaragua.
I'm staying in San Marcos de Colon-- a beautiful city that happens to be in the Nica border. Nicest border town ever!! Holtel Colonial has amazing parking and cheap rooms. Anyway.... Yeah, we had to go to the computer shack to have the documents typed up... THEN "The Bank was closed" as it was the Monday holiday. I checked the banks across from Aduyana and they were actually locked. The customs agent was more than happy to help me with it though. I don't care who gets the money, as long as I get all the legal paperwork and I have a factura saying what I should be paying. We were harassed by TONS of "helpers"... there was no one at the border and it only took about 2 hours to get through. It only took 45 minutes for the 3rd guy I'm traveling with (Kiwivideo!) as he was watching the bikes as we were learning the procedures the first time through. In total, there was about 43$ US in fees (Typing, bike import, and copias). I'm going to write a blog posting with the details in a day or two. I already have one for Guate->Nica crossing that took us 7 hours (3 hours were my own fault for having overstayed my bike's paperwork) You can read on my blog if you like. dg Quote:
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Annette |
El Florido, Guatemala to Copan, Honduras border crossing
Not quite related but maybe useful to someone, comments on crossing:
The border crossing into Honduras was farcical. The Guatemalan officials were polite and efficient as they were on the northern border. The Hondurans however were quite different. They bounced me between two offices - both bored and not wanting to deal with processing my entry. There was a big permanent sign which stated in English and Spanish the procedure for entry and the costs including for driving a vehicle into the country - however the costs were painted over for vehicles with foreign plates. The rental car rates were listed as $0.50 USD, while $35 USD was demanded from me with my foreign plates. While trying not to be too much of an arrogant accusatory foreigner I asked to see the official listing of costs, none was to be found. When I asked for a receipt I was told they didn't have any receipt slips. I explained the foreigners dilemma with handing over cash when no rates are posted and Honduras' reputation. This didn't phase them much but the acquiesced to the demand of a receipt. However it was 140 Lempiras less than I paid. Scoffing at this produced the explanation that the bank that privately processes these payments takes the difference... Border border crossing details for anyone else wanting to do this: The border crossing from El Florido, Guatemala to Copan, Honduras is very small (only about 15 trucks waiting and no one else) and would have only taken 1/2 hour . The steps are:
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Honduras does charge a "road use tax" or some such on foreign vehicles. It's as legit as these things ever are. I paid $20 in 2003 and $30 in 2006. Sounds like it's gone up again.
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Honduras roads and Policia harassment......
On Saturday my wife and I will be leaving Omatepe and heading for the Nicaragua / Honduras border crossing at Las Manos. We want to experience more of Honduras than the two hours we spent going from El Salvador through Honduras into Nicaragua a few weks ago. In those two hours we were stoped five times by the Policia (I heard we got off easy...ten to twelve times is the norm!!) but only once were we hit up for a $25 "fine". I refused to pay and after a few minutes I had my licence back and was told to go!
My question is has anyone done the ride from the Las Manos crossing through to Copan Ruinas (via Tegucigalpa, La Esperanza, Gracias, etc)? If so, were you harassed beyond belief by the Policia or was it reasonable...whatever reasonable means! Also, my map shows what looks like a gravel road from La Esperanza to Gracias...is that the case or is it paved right through? Any other tips on riding through Honduras are welcomed and appreciated. Thanks in advance for your input. |
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