BootsnAll Travel Community

A friend and I are travelling through Guatemala and Honduras for a few weeks and I wanted to know what other peoples' experiences were with border crossing. We were also considering southern Belize, so if anyone has any advice I'd appreciate it!!!

Assuming you are taking one of the more "first-class" type buses it's pretty much a breeze. The officials are helpful (you have to get out and pay a small fee, as I recall) and the bus won't leave without you, unless you wander off.

It's a good idea to research the current exchange rates before you get to the border so that, if you plan to change money with the local money changers, you know what you should get. While they are not typically sharks, their rates are somewhat negotiable and they don't have a problem making a profit. Talk to other travelers and they'll give you the going rate. Be firm but polite with the changers and you'll be apples.

quote:

Reply

Border crossings for US Citizens are very easy & there is an agreement among the CA countries that makes it easier. The only time I ever had a problem was with the bag of mangos I had picked up-couldn't take them across the border.

The most popular crossing between Guat. and Honduras for travelers is the Copan route. A couple of pointers... some specific to it. If not planning to return to the first country dump your lems or quetz at the border. Central American currencies devalue with every meter you travel. The money changers give good value on local currencies. If you are changing dollars you will do a tad better at a bank. The only thing to watch out for with money changers is to use your own calculator. A semi-common scam at many borders of third world countries is to have a rigged calculator. Best way to travel from Antigua to Copan or return is one of the shuttle services. Probably 80% of the folks at the border are doing this route. Hedman Alas is comfy but not worth the high price. Border formalities are easy. You may be hit up for a $2 fee. It goes to the border guards beer/retirement fund. Been around for decades. Just pay it and don't whine. NOW... the one real scam you will encounter coming from Guat and going to Copan. At the Honduras side there will be guys claiming to be official guides or agency reps. They have badges. They are rip offs. They represent no one. If they take you into a hotel or travel agency in Copan the price is going up 20% on the spot. They also try and sell dope... only to turn you in to the cops. Don't be nice to them. Act threatening. These crooks need to be put out of business. They are the only negative thing about Copan.

Hi, Bob -
I'm heading to Copán with a group for Spanish study this summer and we're flying an open jaw into Guatemala and out of San Pedro Sula as it saved us a stack of bills and the flight times were right. With 10 in the group I'm getting quotes of $200-250 from Turansa and Transport Guatemala for a private shuttle from GUA to Copán. Do you have an opinion between them regarding reliability, vehicles, etc. or any other/better options? Thanks in advance for any advice about that; I'm still really grateful for your Casa Cristina and Mario's tips - loved them both.

I'm taking that you want to go directly from the airport to Copan. What time does your flight get in? If this isn't some kind of kiddie outing, and I can't really imagine you hauling a class of your kind down there, then it's similar old folks like yourself. You've been down before and have a vague notion of what to expect. But a bus load of folks that are exhausted after a flight from Oregon and I presume a layover somewhere... then to throw them on a shuttle to go half way across Guat. Remember, we both fly pretty much the same route down there. Too late a start and you have the issue of the border closing. Way back when it used to shut at 5pm. Is the schedule so tight that they can't decompress in Antigua for a day or so? Someone pops a coronary on the shuttle and there isn't that much ice in Copan.

As to the companies... never seen a warning flag about either one. Cost.. it's higher than the straight shuttle fare was last December, but then gas goes up. If booking a private shuttle keep in mind certain security issues. While regularly scheduled shuttles are almost never hit.. especially on that route, there have been some well publicized shuttle robberies over the last few years. In almost every case.. I really can't think of an exception.. the shuttles were privatly contracted ones. The groups were all down for very specific objectives. All were carrying abnormal hunks of cash. All were hit at what is obvious to anyone in the trade, pre-planned ambush points. And IMO, everyone was an inside job by someone in the shuttle company. Give as little info out to the shuttle company as possible. Saying you are a week in a school is okay. They know that doesn't involve a lot of cash. If you have some kind of ulterior plan.. buying trophy babies? Don't let on that you are carrying buko cash. BTW... with the current issues in Guat it might look like Honduras is a good source. Sure there is the infrastructure from the parts business but it is still not a viable option for kiddies on the hoof. And frankly, you pay too much. Even with the new rules there are ways to get them cheap in Guat. Even come with DNA certificates (courtesy of the same guys in China who make them for the Luis Vuiton bags.

Showing up with that many, especially if it happens to be on a weekend... have you thought about a first night hotel reservation? Either way you end up.. Antigua or Copan, think how many rooms you are going to need. If you should pick option three of crashing in GC for the night... don't try and stay in one of the airport hotels. Dos Lunas isn't big enough. And for God's sake don't stay in Guatefriends or whatever name he had to use after the building inspector's came around. Go to zone 10. Time for a walk around, nice restaurant and comfy bed. Without knowing more about your schedule I'm leery about heading direct to Copan and it has nothing to do with the van company.

Bob - Thanks for your advice. I could have done without the reference to trophy babies (yes, after our daughter Beth died in the 80's we did choose to adopt a 4-year-old from Guatemala, and I count that blessing every day) or the "old folks" reference since I prefer to think of myself as middle-aged. Most of the rest are also in their 50's though a few are in their 20's; I'll tell the others we should consider taking our students - that visual image is simply fraught with humor. Those comments are a small price to pay for your excellent insight and advice, though - glad to have you show up here at Boots n All.

I have enough quetzales left over from last summer for incidentals in Guatemala but otherwise will just have travelers checks as I'm arranging nearly everything through the school in Copán and that's how they prefer payment, so almost 0 cash. I know it will be a grueling day but airfare price increases have prevented the options that included a few days in Guatemala 1st so we will be heading straight to Copán from the airport; if we overnight we miss the first day of home stays and Spanish Instruction. Our flight is scheduled to land at 11:12 and we'll only have carry-ons. I'll keep my eye on the security piece but we may decide to throw caution to the wind other than the tips you mention about little information to the shuttle company. Glad to know you haven't specifically heard negative things about Turansa or Transport Guatemala - any other agencies you'd prefer? I booked flights through Rainbow Travel in Antigua and they could provide a shuttle, too, at a slightly higher cost; I couldn't tell if it was really them or if they'd just arrange it through one of the above anyway.

Thanks again!

You may have a race on your hands. Although I've been to Copan a dozen times it's been many years since I tried a late in the day border crossing. There was one occasion... long time ago when the border was closed. Ask Al... xinloi... over on TT if he has crossed in the afternoon. Someone ought to know about current hours. I expect you could buy your way through. Still, have a plan B if your plane should be late. Know what the agency will do if that happens. Since I usually fly free I mostly pass through DFW and summer thunderstorms can be a pisser. Latest report is that there are now functioning ATMs in the Guat. airport. I'd grab some Quetz. for use on the way. Have small bills US for border crossing. There's a nice.. well clean anyway... restaurant in the Rio Hondo area that most shuttles stop at for a pee break. Better there than an emergency stop where you can be a target. Your agencies should be OK. As to Rainbow.. they used to have their own shuttle fleet. But no way of telling if they use their own. So much sharing these days. Security issues... doesn't sound like there will be anyone on board who can help with that. Hard to kick ass when you are wearing birkenstocks. Presumably you will make it. You know all the precautions I list on my site about hiding money. The bad guys know it too. But slowing them down is the essential thing. Watch the border crossing with all the touts. DON'T allow them on the shuttle. Insist on it with your driver. Some of those drivers get a tip for letting them on. Keep an eye on your folks at the border. Best would be to have what ever guy is in charge of your group go with the driver and take everyone's passports to clear immigration. They let Hedman do that. Not sure about a private shuttle.

Thanks again, Bob - I obviously have some more thinking to do.

Anybody know when the border near Copán is apt to close on a Sunday in July?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Spiralout:
Assuming you are taking one of the more "first-class" type buses it's pretty much a breeze.


What if we end up on a non "first-class" bus (We're trying to make this a relatively cheap trip)? Or do you reccomend just biting the bullet for the convenience?

If it only costs 20 or thirty dollars more, the better buses are worth it in terms of comfort and convenience.

Don't think of taking chicken buses there. you'll end up so tired that you'll spend the money you've saved on the first bed you find, and lose the next day.

Maybe a shuttle might do it, if you feel hearty.

Haven't taken the shuttles, only the chicken buses and real buses with softer separated seats.

Ange,

Everyone should ride a Chicken Bus once in their lives, but only for short distances, and never into, out of , or in Guatemala City.

All the rest of the time I would use either shuttles or 1st class buses for travel (in countries and between countries).

Depending on what time of day you are traveling and what type of luck you have, going from Guatemala City to Copan Ruinas on Chicken Buses can be a two day trip. Some people go to Esquipulas and spend the night, then go on to Honduras the next day. The bus costs less this way, but you loose a lot paying for a room and extra meals.

At least take a shuttle for safety and actually economy.

Hopefulist,

It sounds as though you are cutting it really close trying to be in Copan the same day you fly in, when you are arriving in Guatemala in the middle of the day. I agree with GTB that you would be better off making the trip the day after you arrive. Personally, I feel that the Hedman Alas bus is well worth the extra money, but I am older than GTB, and every year I want to be more comfortable when I travel.

If you do hire a shuttle, rather than use Hedman Alas, be sure that they are going to use a 12 or 15 passenger van. Most shuttle services use 8 passenger vans and stuff 10 to 12 people in them. If you are chartering a van for just your group you have the right to insist on a van large enough for your people.

Good point on the van size - I'll try to stay on top of that.