Belize To Tikal Road Trip: Is It Safe To Drive?

Driving from Belize to Tikal is possible, but it's not necessarily safe. There are several reports of scams and money exchange at awful rates at the border, and one traveller reported that the Guatemalan side of the border crossing reminded them of the DMV due to the slow-moving agents. The drive from the border to Tikal is mostly straightforward, but there are some unpaved roads with many potholes and rough spots.

Border crossing fees

The only land border crossing between Belize and Guatemala is at Benque Viejo Del Carmen in Belize and at Melchor de Mencos in Guatemala.

When exiting Belize, you will need to pay an exit fee of around $20 USD per person. This fee encompasses a border exit fee, a conservation fee, and a land border development fee. You can pay in Belizean or US dollars.

After getting your exit stamp in your passport, you will need to exchange your money. You can do this on either side of the border, but you must pay fees in Guatemala in Guatemalan quetzales, so it is a good idea to change money at the border. The exchange rate is typically around 7:1, with seven quetzales equalling one US dollar.

After you've gotten your exit stamps and paid the fees on the Belize side, you're ready to enter Guatemala. Your next step will be to get your car fumigated. You'll drive your car through what looks like a giant car wash where they will spray insecticide on it. On the other side of the drive-through, you'll see a small building with a walk-up window where you'll pay the fumigation fee of around $2.50 USD.

After you've paid the fumigation fee, you'll need to get your Guatemala entrance stamps. You'll need to present your passport and a small piece of paper that you must keep and present when exiting the country. There may also be an 'unofficial' entrance charge of around 20 quetzales ($2.60 USD) to cross the border, but this isn't always charged.

If you're driving across the border, you'll then need to present your rental car paperwork and pay for a vehicle import permit, which costs around $22 USD or 165 quetzales. Note that you may now have to pay for your vehicle permit at Banrural Bank, around 3/4 of a mile away from the border crossing.

Once you've completed these steps, you can officially enter Guatemala. The whole process typically takes around 45 minutes but can take longer if you arrive at the same time as a tour bus.

When re-entering Belize from Guatemala, the process is simpler. You'll hand over your passports and the piece of paper you were given when entering Guatemala, get your car sprayed again for $10 USD, and then proceed through customs.

Rental car requirements

If you're planning to drive from Belize to Tikal, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when it comes to rental car requirements. Firstly, not all rental car agencies in Belize allow you to take their vehicles across the border to Guatemala. One company that does is Crystal Auto Rental, which has been recommended by several travellers for cross-border trips to Tikal. They offer a “Tikal permit” for a $25 USD fee, which covers the additional paperwork needed for crossing the border. They also provide the necessary paperwork for the border and have a wide selection of 4x4 vehicles, which are necessary for driving to certain sites in Belize.

When renting a car to drive to Tikal, it's important to inquire about insurance. Guatemala does not require or recognise car insurance, so you would be liable for any repairs in the event of an accident. Some companies may offer insurance options, but be sure to clarify this before renting.

In addition to choosing the right rental company, you'll need to bring certain documents with you when crossing the border. This includes your passport, exit tax (approximately $15-20 USD), and any other fees that may be required, such as a fumigation fee for your vehicle. It's also recommended to exchange your money at the border, as Guatemalan quetzales are needed for various payments and you'll get a better rate than at Tikal.

The process of crossing the border can be a bit confusing, so it's important to be prepared and allow for extra time. There will be multiple stops and booths to visit, including immigration and customs, and you may encounter language barriers as Spanish is the primary language in Guatemala. However, there are usually children or young adults who speak English and can help guide you through the process for a small tip.

Overall, renting a car and driving from Belize to Tikal is a feasible option, but it's important to be aware of the requirements and potential challenges to ensure a smooth journey.

Driving conditions

The drive from Belize City to Tikal is approximately 142 miles and takes around 3 hours and 37 minutes. The route involves crossing the border from Belize into Guatemala, and the roads on the Guatemalan side are not as well maintained.

When leaving Belize City, you can take either the Western Highway or the Northern Highway. The Western Highway is a more straightforward route, but the Northern Highway bypasses the city centre. From there, you will need to take the road to Hattiesville and join the Western Highway. The drive across the Western Highway is easy and straightforward until you reach Santa Elena. There, you will need to follow the signs to the "Low Bridge", which will take you over the river to San Ignacio.

The border is about 20 minutes past San Ignacio. At the border, you will need to park your car and go inside the building. Each passenger must go through the same process: pay the Belize exit fee and get an exit visa stamped in their passport. The driver will also need to drive the car through the Belize inspection station.

After crossing the border into Guatemala, you will need to get your car wheels and underside sprayed at a small building on the right. You will also need to provide your license plate number and show your rental papers and passport. Then, go to the Guatemalan immigration building and get your passport stamped. You will also need to fill out some forms and pay a fee to get a temporary registration sticker for your car.

The road from the border to Tikal is unpaved and bumpy for about 15 miles before it turns into a paved road. However, the paved road also has many potholes and rough spots, so drive with caution. Traffic is light, but watch out for people, animals, and vehicles on the road. After Remate, the road improves, and you will see signs directing you to Tikal.

When returning to Belize, you will need to go through a similar process at the Guatemalan and Belizean immigration buildings and pay the necessary fees. The fumigation/spray fee at the Belize border is around $5 USD.

Overall, the entire process of driving from Belize City to Tikal, including border procedures, takes about 5 hours. It is important to have all the necessary paperwork and fees ready and to be cautious when driving on the roads, especially in Guatemala.

Public transport options

There are a few public transport options to get from Belize to Tikal. One option is to take a bus from Belize City to San Ignacio, and then drive from San Ignacio to Tikal. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Belize City to Benque Viejo el Carmen and then drive from there to Tikal. This journey can also be done by shuttle bus.

If you are travelling from the Belize border, you will need to bring your passport, exit tax (US$15), and the PACT conservation fee (US$3.75).

There are no direct buses to Tikal from Benque Viejo del Carmen on the Belize border. However, there are chicken buses that will pick up from the Guatemala side and head to Flores, as well as taxis (US$20 per person, depending on the number of people). From Flores, you will need to find your way to Tikal.

Another option is to catch a bus to Flores, get off at the crossroads in Ixlu, and then wait for another bus heading north to El Remate or all the way to Tikal. However, the wait could be long as the schedules are not published. It is generally safer to arrange a ride with a recognised guide than to go it alone.

There are several tour companies with buses heading directly to Flores and Tikal from Belize City's Water Taxi Terminal (by the Swing Bridge) and the San Pedro Belize Express terminal. S&L Travel Tours and Atlanta Tour Express Bus Service are two reliable companies that offer this service. The journey to the border takes about 4.5 hours, and crossing the border can be smooth and painless, although lines can occasionally be long.

Travel times

The travel time from Belize City to Tikal varies depending on the mode of transport and the route taken. Here is a breakdown of the different options:

By Air

Tropic Air is the only airline that flies directly from Belize City to Tikal, with a flight time of about an hour. The flight departs from Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City and arrives at the Tikal Airport in Flores, Guatemala. The cost is approximately $150-200 USD each way.

By Shuttle/Tour Bus

Organised shuttle or tour bus services offer a convenient and affordable option to get from Belize City to Tikal. The journey usually takes around 5-6 hours and costs about $25-30. Some companies, such as Mondo Maya Travels, offer reliable services and can arrange for onward transportation if any issues arise.

By Public Bus

Taking a public bus from Belize City to Tikal is a more economical option, but it can be time-consuming. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 6-7 hours. The bus from Belize City to Benque Viejo Town, the closest point to the Guatemalan border, costs $5 for regular service or $5.50 for express service. From there, a taxi to the border will cost $2.50-5.00. After crossing the border, you can take a public taxi to Santa Elena in Guatemala for around $13.00.

By Car

Driving from Belize City to Tikal is another option, but it is important to note that only one rental car company in Belize allows vehicles to be taken across the border, and additional insurance may be required. The drive takes approximately 3.5-4 hours, and there will be several police checkpoints along the way, so it is crucial to have your international driver's license and necessary documents ready for inspection. The cost of renting a car is around $70/day.

Overall, the travel time from Belize City to Tikal can range from 1 hour by air to 6-7 hours by public bus, with shuttle/tour bus and car options falling in between. It's important to consider your budget, convenience, and preferred mode of transport when planning your trip.

Frequently asked questions