Guatemala-Borders and Driving

Don't let the recent history of Guatemala, including bloody civil wars and cruel dictators of the 1970s and 1980s, scare you off from visiting. The people of Guatemala are some of the friendliest you may find in Central America. Explore the archeological wonders in Northern Guatemala such as awe-inspiring Tikal, enjoy the friendly Garifuna culture on its small Caribbean coast, wander the gorgeous colonial streets of Antigua, observe the thriving Mayan culture in San Andres Xecul, or shop-till-you-drop in the huge market of Chichicastenango. You'll leave with great memories and start planning your next visit as soon as you get home.  Learn more about border crossings, roads, and driving. 

Basic Facts

• Population: 13,000,000
• Capital: Guatemala City
• Fun fact: During the Quema del Diablo or Burning of the Devil celebration in the market town of Chichicastenango, men wearing suits of fireworks dance through the people with streets sparks shooting into the crowds.

Border Crossing Information

Entry Requirements

Necessary documents

• Passport
• Vehicle Title
• Proof of cancellation of Mexican vehicle import permit: Importancion Temporal de Vehiculos - Certificado de Retorno

Costs

• Q18 fumigation
• Q10 tourist permit
• Q40 for vehicle import permit

(Fees apparently scheduled to change at the whimsy of the border official)

Procedure

It is wise to change Mexican pesos to Guatemalan quetzales before you arrive at the border, as the people offering to exchange money will not likely give you a favorable rate. After completing the necessary paperwork in Mexico, proceed into Guatemala where you may need to have your car fumigated. After paying Q18 to have the car sprayed (count the change they give you carefully, they may ´accidentally´ forgot to give you correct change), proceed to the migracion station with the proof of fumigation document. After examining and stamping your passport, you will pay for a tourist permit permisso 131 rp, which costs 10 quetzales. Next at the aduana the officer will inspect your car and ask to see you car title, passport, and the receipt showing that you canceled your Mexican vehicle import permit. You may also need your driver's license. You will get a receipt to bring to the Banrural nextdoor to payment for the necessary documents. After paying Q40, return to the aduana with proof of payment, where you will receive your vehicle import sticker for the window. They will also stamp your passport to indicate that you have imported a vehicle.

Exit Requirements

Necessary documents

Procedure

Exiting Guatemala is a fairly simple process. You will show the border officials your passports and vehicle import permit documents. The countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua are part of the CA-4, and for a period of 90 days tourists should be able to travel between the 4 countries without paying any fees (vehicle import permits are a separate issue). If you do not plan on driving back through Guatemala in the near future, surrender the sticker-permit you placed on our windshield when you entered Guatemala, and ensure that the stamp in your passport is cancelled. If you do plan to return within 90 days of your entry date, ask them to leave your permit "open" and not stamp you out. The process is fast, efficient, and free.

Individual Experiences

People's experiences vary depending on crowds at the border, corrupt or honest border officials, and rules can also change. People's individual experiences are described in the Guatemala- Additional Border Crossing article. 

Roads and Driving

Topes

In Guatemala, speed bumps are called topes or tumulos, and you will find a large amount of them on many roads, sometimes unmarked.

Driving Etiquette

The drivers in Guatemala tend to be more aggresive, especially trucks, chicken buses, taxis, and combis.

Road Conditions and Updates

(Updated: December 13, 2008)
Around Lago Atitlan The road from San Pedro La Laguna to Santiago Atitlan is unsafe according to a local person, claiming that the road swings far around the Volcan San Pedro and into an area that was once a Guerrilla training ground. This area is still an easy ambush road for persons to be attacked. The roads from Panajachel around the lake to San Marcos La Laguna are well travelled and pose no threat.
Antigua to Lago Atitlan Some guides will recommend not driving the direct route between Antigua and Lago Atitlan which winds through Patzicia and Patzun. This route is now safe due to an increased police force in the area due to the desire to keep tourism dollars flowing.
Highway 1 Highway 1 from the border in Mexico to Quetzaltenango (Xela) is in great shape - you will find this road in better shape than most roads in Mexico. Highway 1 from Quetzaltenango (Xela) to Antigua is in construction to turn the road into a four lane highway. This will cause delays and dangerous situations due to poorly marked constructions signs. It is advised to follow other vehicles since the road will change from a four lane highway to both directions of traffic sharing one side of a 4 lane highway without good signs indicating the change. You will also encounter hazardous low shoulders and low visibility due to dust.

Gas Prices

Gas prices are expressed in the units of the specific country.

March 2012:
$4.92 per gallon

Premium Unleaded:

12/20/08:

• Price is in Guatemalan Quetzales per liter Regular:
• Q27/gallon
• Conversion: 1L=0.26 gallons, 7Q=$1.00 (US)