Guatemala via Belize

ABOVE: The Catholic church in downtown Melchor de Mencos.

Belize's strategic location in Central America makes it an ideal jump off point for those wishing to travel to Guatemala. Some travelers are wary of vacationing in Guatemala because of the language – entirely Spanish and Maya. Guatemala is even more a “developing country” compared to Belize. Travel is unreliable, often rough and almost always an adventure unto itself. With easy access into and out of Guatemala, many travelers prefer to visit Belize and from here sojourn into Guatemala.

There are two points of entry between the two countries, with another under construction. In the extreme southern district of Toledo in Belize, there is daily traffic by sea ferry and small speedboats that travel between Punta Gorda (Belize) and Puerto Barrios (Guatemala). This trip across a portion of the Gulf of Honduras is about two hours. This crossing is recommended only for the most adventurous. Weather conditions can change rather quickly. The crossing is also risky because of the presence of poachers from Guatemala and Honduras who regularly enter Belizean waters for illegal fishing or to raid fishing traps set by Belizean fishermen. Puerto Barrios in Guatemala is described by some as a miniature Belize City - only poorer still. It has a deep water port and not much else. For travelers on a budget who wish to avoid high airfares, it is an economical route into Guatemala and Central America. Pullman type buses depart daily from this municipality for the capital Guatemala city and the border with Honduras.

A land crossing between Belize and Guatemala in the extreme south near the Sarstoon River is under development and when completed later this year should make for easier and safer transport by road.

ABOVE: Shopping at the Melchor de Mencos, Peten, Guatemala market.

Most traffic between Guatemala and Belize is in western Belize, five miles from the last major population center Benque Viejo del Carmen. The Belize customs and immigration offices are about 200 yards from a bridge that crosses the Mopan River into thel Guatemalan municipality called Melchor de Mencos, Peten. Between the Belize border outpost and the actual bridge is a “no man's land” area of about 3 acres. A couple of bars and trinket shops line this area. The no man's land is popular with locals who cross over to tank up on Guatemalan beer which is much cheaper than Belizean beer. For some weird reason, Belizean authorities prohibit the entry into Belize of Mexican or Guatemalan beer which are excellent and low priced compared to the local Belikin brew.

The town of Melchor de Mencos, Peten unfortunately reflects much of the poverty inherent in Guatemala. The two main streets are paved and not much else. The town is expanding rapidly and in 2007 had a population of 30,000 - more than any town in Belize, There are numerous bars and a sprawling market. Prices are generally about 25 % cheaper compared to Belize and many Belizeans and tourists go across daily to get bargain, eat or just pass the time. There are many small shops and souvenir stalls that cater to the tourists, mostly concentrated on the Calle del Comercio.

The main bus lines Linia Dorada and Fuente Del Norte have their terminal right at the Melchor Border and mini buses and scores of taxis are conveniently located in the same area just before and after the main bridge linking Belize and Guatemala.

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