The Distance Between Belize And Mexico: A Central American Journey

Belize is a small country located on the Caribbean coast of northern Central America. It shares a land and sea border with Mexico to the north, a land border with Guatemala to the west and south, and a sea border with Honduras to the southeast. The distance between Belize City and Mexico City is 917 miles or 1476 km, and it takes about 16 hours and 50 minutes to drive non-stop. However, this is a long drive, and it is more realistic to spread it over a few days and make some stops along the way. The flight distance between the two cities is 730 miles or 1175 km, and the flight time is approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes.

The distance between Belize City and Mexico City is 917 miles by road and 730 miles by air

Belize is a small country nestled in the Caribbean coast of northern Central America. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, is located within the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, which shares a land and sea border with Belize.

The road trip from Belize City to Mexico City offers an opportunity to explore various interesting stops along the way. The journey can be comfortably completed in three days, with overnight stays at Xpuhil, Ciudad del Carmen, and Cordoba.

Belize and Mexico share a unique history, with the modern border between the two countries being established in the late 19th century. The Belize-Mexico border is approximately 250 kilometres (160 miles) long and mostly follows the course of the Hondo River. This river, along with the Sarstoon River, are the two main rivers that define the northern and southern boundaries of Belize.

Belize, with its diverse ecosystems and abundant terrestrial and marine plants and animals, occupies an area of 22,966 square kilometres (8,867 square miles). In contrast, Mexico, as a whole, spans over 1,964,375 square kilometres (758,449 square miles), making it nearly 85 times larger than Belize.

The proximity between Belize and Mexico, along with their shared history and cultural influences, makes Belize City and Mexico City intriguing destinations to explore, whether by road or air.

The Belize-Mexico border is 250km long and mostly follows the Hondo River

The Belize–Mexico border is 250km (160 miles) long and mostly follows the course of the Hondo River, also known as the Río Hondo. This river flows in a northeasterly direction and is approximately 150km (93 miles) long. It is formed from the confluence of several upper tributaries, including Blue Creek and Chan Chich (Rio Bravo), which originate in Guatemala's Petén Basin region, and Booth's River, which originates in the western Belizean district of Orange Walk. These tributaries join near the settlements of Blue Creek Village in Belize and La Unión in Mexico. From here, the river continues its northeastern course, passing through sparsely populated areas until it reaches the Caribbean Sea at Chetumal Bay.

The Hondo River forms the international border between Mexico and Belize, separating Belize from the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The modern border was agreed upon in 1893 and finalised in 1897, though Mexico did not recognise British possession of the territory until the late nineteenth century. The border starts at Boca Bacalar Chico, a narrow channel separating the southern tip of the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and Ambergris Caye, and then runs through Chetumal Bay to the mouth of the Hondo River. From here, the border follows the deepest channel of the Hondo River and then along its tributary, Blue Creek, until it reaches the meridian of Garbutt's Falls. At this point, the border runs directly south to the border established between Mexico and Guatemala.

The Hondo River is mentioned in Belize's national anthem, "Land of the Free", reflecting its significance to the nation. Additionally, several archaeological sites of the pre-Columbian Maya civilisation are located near the river's course.

The border between the two countries was agreed in 1893 and finalised in 1897

Belize and Mexico share a land and sea border. The land border is 250km (160mi) long and follows the course of the Hondo River, which separates Belize from the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The sea border is with the Mexican state of Yucatán.

The Mexican government of Porfirio Diaz created a Federal Territory, previously part of the State of Yucatan, and then formed the Territory of Quintana Roo. Mexico then entered negotiations with the British government to fix the common border. The two countries agreed to recognise British governance of the territory in return for Britain's promise to refrain from arming the Maya.

A treaty was signed in Mexico City on 8 July 1893, with an additional convention added on 7 April 1897. The treaty consisted of four articles:

• The first set the upper border.
• The second required the United Kingdom to stop arming Mayan rebels.
• The third laid out the obligation of both states to prevent Native Americans from encroaching into the territory of the neighbouring country.
• The fourth required ratification of the treaty by the respective governments.

The additional convention updated the third article to include a treaty establishing freedom for Mexican merchant ships to sail without restriction through the Boca Bacalar Chico and all British territorial waters in the Bay of Chetumal. Military vessels were excluded.

The border crossing at Chetumal is a popular route for travellers

The Border Crossing at Chetumal

Transport Options

There are several transport options for those wishing to cross the border at Chetumal. It is possible to take a bus or taxi, or to arrange a shuttle service. Shuttle services can be booked in advance, and drivers will often help travellers with the border crossing process. It is also possible to cross the border on foot.

Border Crossing Process

When leaving Mexico, travellers are usually asked to show proof that they have paid the tourism tax. This is a common scam, and travellers should be prepared to show proof of payment. It is also necessary to pass through Mexican and Belizean customs and get a stamp in your passport. It is not possible to walk through the area between the two borders.

Ferry Options

There are also ferry options for those wishing to travel from Chetumal to the Belizean islands of San Pedro and Caye Caulker.

Belize is bordered by the Mexican state of Quintana Roo to the north

Quintana Roo is one of 31 states that, along with Mexico City, constitute the 32 federal entities of Mexico. It is located on the eastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula and is divided into 11 municipalities, with its capital city being Chetumal. The state is known for its stunning beaches and ancient Mayan ruins.

Belize, on the other hand, is a country on the northeastern coast of Central America. It covers an area of 8,867 square miles and has a population of 397,483 as of 2022. Belize has a diverse society composed of many cultures and languages, with English being the official language.

The proximity of Belize to Quintana Roo, Mexico, makes it easily accessible by land or sea. Commuter flights connect Belize to Chetumal City, the capital of Quintana Roo. Additionally, there are international bridges between the two countries, facilitating travel and trade.

Frequently asked questions