Guatemala's Ancient Cities From Belize

Belize and Guatemala are neighbouring countries in Central America, with Guatemala to the east and Belize to the west. There are several ways to travel between the two countries, by land or air.

The only land border crossing is at Benque Viejo Del Carmen in Belize and Melchor de Mencos in Guatemala. From San Ignacio in Belize to Flores in Guatemala, it takes around 3.5 hours to travel by taxi, foot, and colectivo (minivan). There are also shuttle services available from Belize City to Flores, which take around 12-13 hours.

If you prefer to travel by bus, there are several routes available. From Belize City, you can take a bus to Benque Viejo el Carmen, and then another bus to Melchor de Mencos in Guatemala, before taking a final bus to Guatemala City. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Belize City to Punta Gorda, and then a ferry to Puerto Barrios in Guatemala, followed by another bus to Guatemala.

For those who prefer flying, there are daily flights from Guatemala City to Belize City, which take around 1 hour and 15 minutes. There are also flights from Flores, Guatemala, to Belize City, which take around 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Both countries offer natural wonders, stunning beaches, Mayan ruins, and incredible attractions, making them popular destinations for travellers looking to explore Central America.

Explore Livingston, a town with a unique Afro-Caribbean culture influenced by the Garifuna population

Livingston is a small, quirky, and somewhat ramshackle town in the Izabal department on Guatemala's Caribbean coast. It is unique in Guatemala for its Afro-Caribbean culture, influenced by the Garifuna population. Livingston is home to the majority of Guatemala's Garifuna people and is a great place to experience their cuisine and music.

Getting to Livingston

Livingston is only accessible by boat, either from Belize or downriver from Rio Dulce town, or northwest along the coast from the port town of Puerto Barrios. Boats depart from Punta Gorda, Belize, daily at 1 pm, and additionally at 10:30 am on Tuesdays and Fridays. They cost $30 USD per person.

Exploring Livingston

Despite its small size, Livingston is a melting pot of cultures, including Latinos, Mayas, Garifuna, and gringos. The town has a relaxed, Caribbean vibe and friendly, welcoming people. There is plenty to explore, from the docks and nearby waterfalls to the local restaurants and accommodation, some with sea views.

Garifuna Culture

The Garifuna people are of mixed free African and Amerindian ancestry, originating from the Caribbean island of Saint Vincent. They speak Garifuna, an Arawakan language, and Vincentian Creole. The Garifuna population in Livingston is known for its music, food, and drumming, with Garifuna music styles known for their heavy use of percussion instruments and distinctive drumming.

Things to Do in Livingston

• Visit the docks and watch the fishermen at work
• Experience Garifuna culture through food and music
• Hike to the Siete Altares Waterfalls, a group of seven waterfalls and freshwater pools set against a rainforest backdrop
• Wander the streets and discover local Garifuna women selling delicious coco bread, a local speciality
• Take a Garifuna cooking class to learn about the unique cuisine of the region
• Visit local restaurants such as Casa Nostra and Buga Mama to sample traditional dishes like tapado, a coconut fish dish
• Enjoy the Caribbean-inspired food and live music at La Buga Pizza

Visit the pyramids of Tikal

Tikal is a must-see for anyone travelling from Belize to Guatemala. Located in the Peten Region of Guatemala, Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest archaeological sites and urban centres of the pre-Columbian Maya civilisation. It is also one of the best-understood of the large lowland Maya cities, with a long dynastic ruler list and the discovery of the tombs of many of its rulers.

The name Tikal is said to derive from 'ti ak'al' in the Yucatec Maya language, meaning 'at the waterhole'. The site is believed to have been called Yax Mutal by its ancient inhabitants.

Tikal was the capital of a conquest state and one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya. The city reached its peak during the Classic Period (c. 200 to 900), dominating much of the Maya region politically, economically, and militarily. The city's population may have been as high as 90,000.

Tikal is surrounded by tropical rainforests and covers an area of more than 16 square kilometres (6.2 sq mi), with about 3,000 structures. The site includes the remains of temples over 70 metres high, large royal palaces, smaller pyramids, residences, administrative buildings, platforms, and inscribed stone monuments. There are also seven courts for playing the Mesoamerican ball game.

The closest large modern settlements are Flores and Santa Elena, approximately 64 kilometres (40 mi) by road to the southwest. Tikal is about 303 kilometres (188 mi) north of Guatemala City.

Tikal is just two hours from the Belizean border and remains one of the most popular attractions in Guatemala. Almost any traveller who visits western Belize travels to Guatemala for the day to visit Tikal.

To get to Tikal from Belize, you can take a shuttle from San Ignacio, Belize, to Flores, Guatemala, which will cost around US$30. You can also take a taxi from San Ignacio to the Belize border, walk across, and then take a colectivo (minivan) to Flores. This will cost around US$8.69.

Take a boat trip to Garifuna, a laid-back town with a unique taste of Garifuna culture

Belize's strategic location in Central America makes it a great starting point for those wishing to travel to Guatemala. The two countries share a border that is about 165 miles long, with two points of entry and another under construction. The border has been disputed by Guatemala, but the situation was partially resolved in 1991 when the country officially recognised Belize's independence.

One place to visit in Guatemala is Livingston, a laid-back Afro-Caribbean town with a unique taste of Garifuna culture. Livingston is located in eastern Guatemala and is home to the Garifuna people, who are descendants of a community forcibly removed from the Caribbean by the British in the late 18th century. The town's relative isolation has meant that the Garifuna culture has remained distinct from Guatemalan norms.

To get to Livingston from Rio Dulce, you can take a boat trip through waters laden with water lilies, past tropical forests and through a deep canyon replete with river birds. The boat trip takes about 45 minutes. Livingston is also accessible by road from Belize's western border.

The Garifuna population in Livingston has a rich history and cultural heritage. Their story begins in 1635 when an African slave ship from Nigeria shipwrecked near the Caribbean island of St. Vincent. The people who came ashore mixed with the Carib locals, and a new culture was born, defined by both Caribbean and West African traditions. The Garifuna people were deported several times by the British and Spanish before they settled in Livingston in the early 1800s.

Today, the Garifuna people in Livingston proudly maintain their traditions, including their music, dance, and cuisine. They also speak their own language, Arawak, and most people in the town speak three languages, including English with a thick Caribbean accent. Livingston's biggest industry is tourism, although the town also supports itself with fishing.

Explore the picturesque town of Flores, with its brightly painted colonial buildings, bars and restaurants

Flores, Guatemala is a charming island town located on Lake Peten Itza, known for its colourful buildings and vibrant atmosphere. Here are some tips to explore the picturesque town of Flores and its surroundings:

Explore the Town:

The town of Flores is small and quaint, with colourful colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and a laid-back atmosphere. You can easily walk around the entire island in less than an hour, admiring the red-roofed colonial architecture and taking photos. Be sure to visit Parque Central, where locals often gather, and wander the streets to discover unique boutiques and craft stores selling Guatemalan goods.

Indulge in the Food Scene:

Flores offers a variety of dining options, from street food to upscale restaurants. Sample the local cuisine at affordable prices, including tasty tacos and burritos. For a special dining experience, head to Sky Bar Flores, a rooftop bar and restaurant with incredible views of the lake. Enjoy delicious food and cocktails while watching the sunset. Other recommended restaurants include San Telmo, Restaurante Tipico Imperio, and Achiote, known for its Guatemalan specialties and seafood dishes.

Visit Museums:

Take a short boat ride to Museo Santa Barbara, located on a tiny island off the western coast of Flores. This small museum houses a modest collection of Mayan artefacts, including relics dating back almost 2,000 years. It's a peaceful spot to learn about the area's history and admire the treasures of Guatemala.

Kayaking and Boat Rides:

Rent a kayak and explore Lake Peten Itza at your own pace. Paddle around the lake, taking in the picturesque views and enjoying the calm waters. Alternatively, hop on a local boat ("lancha") to reach nearby attractions such as Museo Santa Barbara or the beach at Playa El Chechenal. Boat rides are also a great way to watch the sunset over the lake.

Enjoy the Nightlife:

Flores has a lively nightlife scene, with bars and restaurants offering entertainment and drinks. Head to the rooftop bars to enjoy a cocktail with a view, or check out Pasteur for award-winning craft beers brewed with local ingredients. For a unique experience, visit Jorge's Rope Swing, a small bar and restaurant on the north shore of the lake, accessible by boat or kayak. It's a great spot for a swim and offers a fun rope swing over the water.

Travel to Melchor de Mencos, a rapidly growing municipality with a sprawling market and numerous bars

Melchor de Mencos is a municipality in the Petén Department of Guatemala, situated on the eastern border with Belize. It is the only major border crossing from Guatemala to Belize. The town was established in April 1960 and is named after Sergeant Major Melchor de Mencos y Varón, who in 1754 travelled from what is now Antigua, Guatemala, to present-day Belize to combat English "pirates" who had settled there.

Melchor de Mencos is a rapidly growing town, with a population of 23,813 as of 2023. The town is expanding at a rapid pace and had an estimated population of 35,000 in 2020. It features a sprawling market in the downtown area, with numerous bars. The town is a popular destination for Belizeans and tourists seeking bargains, with prices of goods generally about 25% cheaper than in Belize.

There are several banks in Melchor de Mencos, including the Banco De Desarollo Rural BANRURAL. The largest supermarket is government-subsidized and offers a wide range of consumer goods, from canned and packaged goods to beer, processed meats, clothing, and basic medications. The supermarket is located next to the central park and opposite the sprawling market, both of which are open on weekends.

Medical care in Melchor de Mencos is reported to be affordable and of better quality than in Belize. The town has a Hospital Nacional staffed by 8 medical doctors, a dentist, an X-ray technician, and 33 support staff, including nurses. There are also 11 private clinics with medical doctors and specialists.

There are two points of entry between Belize and Guatemala, with another under construction. Most traffic between the two countries is in the west, 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 Melchor de Mencos. Between the border outpost and the bridge is a "no man's land" area of about 5 acres, which is Guatemalan territory. This area is popular with locals who cross over to purchase cheaper beer and other goods.

The main bus lines, Linia Dorada and Fuente Del Norte, have their terminal at the Melchor Border, and minibuses and taxis are also available in the same area. From the Central Park, travellers can take a quick meal from several small restaurants or food stalls before heading to their next destination.

Getting to Melchor de Mencos from Belize

The only land border crossing from Belize to Guatemala is at Benque Viejo Del Carmen (Belize) and Melchor de Mencos (Guatemala). It is also possible to cross by boat from Punta Gorda in Belize to Livingston or Puerto Barrios in Guatemala.

From San Ignacio, Belize to Flores, Guatemala, it takes around 3.5 hours to travel by taxi, foot, and colectivo (minivan). A shuttle ticket from San Pedro Express Water Taxi in Belize City to Flores costs US$30, and the shuttle will take you to the border and then from the border to Flores. Alternatively, you can take a public bus from the Public Bus Station in Belize City to San Ignacio for BZN$9-11 (US$4.50-$5.50) and then a shared taxi to the border for BZN$7 (US$3.50).

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