As I head back to Mexico City, I cross the Melchor de Mencos border from Guatemala to Belize.
The plan had been to take the boat from Livingston to Punta Gorda in Belize, but I baulked at the 50 USD fare and an unofficial 10 USD exit fee, plus the boat doesn’t run on the weekend.
So I travelled, once again from Livingston to Rio Dulce by boat, stayed the night and then took the Fuente Del Norte Bus to Santa Elena.
Last year, I crossed the Guatemala-Mexico border at El Ceibo. This time, I was heading the other way, to Belize.
As soon as I arrived at the terminal in Santa Elena (Flores), I went and scoped out my options for getting to the border at Melchor de Mencos.
Minivans from Flores to Melchor de Mencos go every 15 to 30 minutes from 7 am onwards, the fare is 40 Q.
I stayed the night in Flores, and then it was straight back to the bus station.
Flores to Melchor de Mencos minivan:
The ride took 2 hours. Exiting Guatemala and entering Belize was easy.
Guatemala exit and Belize entry stamps:
From the border to the first town of Benque Viejo Del Carmen is 3km. There are no buses, only taxis. So I just walked under the hot sun. Buses from Benque to San Ignacio go hourly from the bus terminal:
The ride is 20 minutes and the fare is 2.50 B$. I jumped out at the western part of town, near the Yellow Belly Backpackers.
The Yellow Belly Backpackers in San Ignacio makes a great place to base yourself, for visiting the Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve and the Xunantunich Mayan Ruins.