Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 14 Nov 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 1
Mexico to Guatemala crossings

Two (or three) of us are doing some ruins in January '08. We want to see Palenque in Mex and then on to Tikal in Guatemala. There apears to be a road along the border on the Mexico side to Frontera Corosal and a "trail" on the Guatemala side. Can anyone elaborate on the details of the crossing and comment on the reasonableness of crossing there?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Nov 2007
MikeS's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
Thumbs up Did that one

Yep, thats the one I took coming the other way. I had to pay a guy $20 to take my bike over the river crossing (no road/bridge). I got my passport stamped in/out on each side ok but there is no Aduana for the motos, you should try the Immigration office in Palenque (even though they weren't interested in giving me any paperwork for the bike).

After the river crossing, you go south following the river I think for about 10kms till you eventually hit the Guatemalan passport control, then its a 1 hour dirt road to the main road going north that'll take you to Flores. I noticed that some backpackers were using this crossing too.


Argentina-Alaska: May 2007

I did a write up about it- Scroll down to the blog post entitled 'Viva Mexico' near the bottom of the page.

If you need any more info, just ask.
__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...

Last edited by MikeS; 14 Nov 2007 at 17:29.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
The town in Guatemala is Bethel.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Nov 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: the great northwet
Posts: 34
As noted by others the problem is not getting the import permit for the bike. A real problem when you are trying to leave. You might try getting a copy of the title or registration stamped by the border folks. It may help. Some have indicated that you can go to the Belize border and get the proper paper work.

Just came back from Palenque and Tikal, well worth the trip. Good luck with the crossing, somewhere you are going to get to spend some quality time with the customs folks.
__________________
On the trailing edge of technology - chris
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
The Melchor crossing at Belice will do the vehicle paperwork, as mentioned. El Narranjo may also be able to, but I don't know this as a fact.
If you ask customs at Bethel, they will hand-write moto entry into your passport on the stamp. Now you have an excuse, or at least in my mind you do.
If you don't want to mess with moto paperwork, you can leave via La Mesilla and just not show your bike...getting your pasport stamped out....then just ride across into Mexico.
There are also other crossings between Mex/GT without any customs at all which you could use if the open passport stamp doesn't bother you.
IIRC, the penalty/fine for not canceling the passport stamp is about $25, and it' wasn't a big deal when I had that done.
If you're going further south into Honduras, I'd get the moto paperwork.
If you're going back into Mexico within the 180 days, or whatever time you're good for, do not cancel the permit and tourist card before entering GT. Why pay twice?

You're gonna have fun....
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 29 Nov 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Natchitoches, La
Posts: 25
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeS View Post
Yep, thats the one I took coming the other way. I had to pay a guy $20 to take my bike over the river crossing (no road/bridge). I got my passport stamped in/out on each side ok but there is no Aduana for the motos, you should try the Immigration office in Palenque (even though they weren't interested in giving me any paperwork for the bike).

After the river crossing, you go south following the river I think for about 10kms till you eventually hit the Guatemalan passport control, then its a 1 hour dirt road to the main road going north that'll take you to Flores. I noticed that some backpackers were using this crossing too.


Argentina-Alaska: May 2007

I did a write up about it- Scroll down to the blog post entitled 'Viva Mexico' near the bottom of the page.

If you need any more info, just ask.
Ok, I'll just ask... (since I can't send a PM yet)

I am planning the trip for this coming May/June to the Darien Gap and back. I'd like to do interesting crossings. What's the best way of going about getting the paper work after the crossing mentioned here?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 29 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Norwich,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 1,051
GT entry points

For terraXpeditions ; I think, but am not certain , that you may be able to do more entry formailties in Sayaxche at an SAT office. Sayaxche is east of your Bethel crossing on the paved highway north of Coban into the Peten and on the Rio de la Passion. There is a lot of boat traffic down to and from the R.Ucumacinta and upstream into the Peten and I seem to recall that travellers from these boats can get processed here. Also check out the site www.portal.sat.gob.gt/portal/index which has a lot of info on rules, location of offices and even on line forms that one may be able to complete .
__________________
http://advrider.com/index.php?thread....207964/page-5 then scroll down to post #93
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 29 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sjoerd Bakker View Post
For terraXpeditions ; I think, but am not certain , that you may be able to do more entry formailties in Sayaxche at an SAT office. Sayaxche is east of your Bethel crossing on the paved highway north of Coban into the Peten and on the Rio de la Passion. There is a lot of boat traffic down to and from the R.Ucumacinta and upstream into the Peten and I seem to recall that travellers from these boats can get processed here. Also check out the site www.portal.sat.gob.gt/portal/index which has a lot of info on rules, location of offices and even on line forms that one may be able to complete .

Yes, both Sayaxche and El Naranjo (Rio San Pedro) handle small ferry traffic to and from Mexico.
When I entered on last year's trip from El Ceibo and thru the mud road from Hell, I eventually did formal papers at the Belice border, Mechor de Mencos - an easy ride (if not wet) and not far. If you enter into the Peten, that's where I would recommend going for processing a vehicle, if only because they know what they're doing.
Two years ago I came in thru Bethel and never did do paperwork for the bike. Hence, I paid a small fine last year (for no passport cancelation) when getting things right at that Belice border station. No worries, really.
Also...I never did check out last year by exiting at Orizabo where there's zero customs on either end. Guess I'll be paying another fine or two in a month or so when returning....

Whether or not to do these small and unusual crossings is mostly an attitude thing. It can be a little more hassle...if you want to be totally legal....but also fun.

If you're really into obscure crosssings between Mex and GT, there are also some others. And also between BZ and GT....
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 29 Nov 2007
MikeS's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
Can't really say as I never had any bike paperwork in Mexico. I thought the Immigration office in Palenque would sort it all out but they couldn't be arsed and said it didn't matter.

That said, it was a breeze leaving Mexico and going into the US- I had no import paperwork to cancel for the bike.

Quote:
Originally Posted by TerraXpeditions View Post
What's the best way of going about getting the paper work after the crossing mentioned here?
__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 29 Nov 2007
Mr. Ron's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Vancouver, BC, for now...
Posts: 792
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeS View Post
Can't really say as I never had any bike paperwork in Mexico. I thought the Immigration office in Palenque would sort it all out but they couldn't be arsed and said it didn't matter.

That said, it was a breeze leaving Mexico and going into the US- I had no import paperwork to cancel for the bike.
Thats all good until you try to enter Mex. again with a vehicle. Mex. will not let you enter with another vehicle until you cancell the paperwork on the last one. I supose if you plan on never adventuring there again, it's not a problem.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 30 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Ron View Post
Thats all good until you try to enter Mex. again with a vehicle. Mex. will not let you enter with another vehicle until you cancell the paperwork on the last one. I supose if you plan on never adventuring there again, it's not a problem.

Unless I read this wrong - a common thing on my part - he never got entry papers for the bike. So there shouldn't be a problem returning.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 30 Nov 2007
Mr. Ron's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Vancouver, BC, for now...
Posts: 792
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lone Rider View Post
Unless I read this wrong - a common thing on my part - he never got entry papers for the bike. So there shouldn't be a problem returning.
...Claro! Good point, i just asumed i guess. You know, the last time i entered Mexico, i had to bribe the bastards $20 to accept my Registration because the Aircare Expiry was left blank! F**kers!
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 1 Dec 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Natchitoches, La
Posts: 25
So uh, what are these other cool off the grid crossings???

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lone Rider View Post
Yes, both Sayaxche and El Naranjo (Rio San Pedro) handle small ferry traffic to and from Mexico.
When I entered on last year's trip from El Ceibo and thru the mud road from Hell, I eventually did formal papers at the Belice border, Mechor de Mencos - an easy ride (if not wet) and not far. If you enter into the Peten, that's where I would recommend going for processing a vehicle, if only because they know what they're doing.
Two years ago I came in thru Bethel and never did do paperwork for the bike. Hence, I paid a small fine last year (for no passport cancelation) when getting things right at that Belice border station. No worries, really.
Also...I never did check out last year by exiting at Orizabo where there's zero customs on either end. Guess I'll be paying another fine or two in a month or so when returning....

Whether or not to do these small and unusual crossings is mostly an attitude thing. It can be a little more hassle...if you want to be totally legal....but also fun.

If you're really into obscure crosssings between Mex and GT, there are also some others. And also between BZ and GT....
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 1 Dec 2007
MikeS's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
Thumbs up Si, Claro!

No paperwork so my bike was never actually in Mexico- honest... and no bribes were required to erm, NOT get my bike in to the country!


Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Ron View Post
...Claro! Good point, i just asumed i guess. You know, the last time i entered Mexico, i had to bribe the bastards $20 to accept my Registration because the Aircare Expiry was left blank! F**kers!
__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 2 Dec 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
Quote:
Originally Posted by TerraXpeditions View Post
So uh, what are these other cool off the grid crossings???
What are riding/driving and why do you want obscure crossings?
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Mexican border crossings to Guatemala near Palenque Sjoerd Bakker Route Planning 2 3 Jul 2009 15:27
Mexico to Guatemala Stagbeetle Central America and Mexico 11 9 Nov 2007 19:37
Mexico to Guatemala boarder crossing pooley Central America and Mexico 11 7 Feb 2007 03:00
Border Crossing Mexico - Guatemala Twintraveller Central America and Mexico 0 12 Mar 2005 23:31
border crossings chiapas (Mexico) into El Petel (Guatemala) berdebeer Central America and Mexico 2 16 Oct 2004 23:07

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 16:24.