2017年6月3日 星期六

Cross the border to Guatemala 3.6.2017

Benque Viejo del Carmen --> Melchor de Mencos

The westernmost town in Belize, is just 2km before reaching the Guatemalan border.  It is served by frequent buses.  After visiting the Saturday Market, I got back to check out from the Midas Resort.  I was lucky to wave down a passing bus to Benque, right outside the resort, to avoid a long walk back to the bus stop.

There was a taxi waiting at the bus terminal for passengers to the border (each pay Bz$3 for shared taxi).  Leaving Belize, I paid an exit tax of Bz$40.  After passing through the border, another taxi driver waving me for a drive (for US$1).  He also waited for me to pass through the Guatemalan immigration for a stamp, leaving me no time to exchange for Quetzals.  I was then driven to the minibus station for Flores.  My bargaining skill was too weak that I paid US$10 (got 30Q changed back) for the minibus fare (it actually costs 30Q)

Flores' Coyotes

A boy acted as a conductor in the minibus that the waved for passengers and controlled the door.  The minibus finally stopped at Terminal Nuevo at Santa Elena.  Once I got off the minibus, a tour salesman approached and took my luggage and I was "forced" to follow him to his office.  My clear mind went off after a long ride (travel-weary) that I decided to exchange US$100 for Quetzals and joined Tikal tour and even bought the bus ticket to Rio Dulce through him. (He'd made a good profit of at least US$10 more from me).  He then drove me to the hotel at Flores.

Tikal map as displayed at the Tour Office


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