Alongside the central American Tripoints, a primary aim of the IBRG CATEX-24 expedition was to visit the 3 border markers on the Belize – Guatemalan border.
- The Guatemala – Belize border is defined in Article I of the Wyke–Aycinena Treaty of 1859 and confirmed by an exchange of notes in 1931:
- Beginning at the mouth of the River Sarstoon in the Bay of Honduras, and proceeding up the mid-channel thereof to Gracias a Dios Falls; then turning to the right and continuing by a line drawn direct from Gracias a Dios Falls to Garbutt’s Falls on the River Belize, and from Garbutt’s Falls due north until it strikes the Mexican frontier.
- There are 3 border markers on the BZGT border: Gracias Adios, Garbutt’s Falls and Aguas Turbias. Close to to the 89th meridian west, Map 1 Map 2 Treaty 1 Treaty 2 provide context regarding the location of the border markers
This was the second of the 3 border markers we had visited, the first being Aguas Turbias, the tripoint monument between Belize, Guatemala and Mexico BZGTMX. In contrast this was very easy to visit, walking in from the Guatemalan side, across the bridge and then left following the fence, across uneven ground to the border marker. The waterfall is a short distance away.
The Border Marker
The marker is easily accessible, it is however slightly neglected, leaning off true. The country names are inscribed on the top – however it is British Honduras rather than Belize.
The Falls
Garbutt’s Falls marks the border between Belize and Guatemala. To the west is the town of
Melchor de Mencos (Guatemala) and to the east is Benque Viejo del Carmen (Belize). Across the river there was a road leading down to the rivers edge. (Point A).
Point A
On the other side of the river the border continues north. The porous nature of the border is clear with there being tracks across the border and Guatemalan families, relaxing and picnicking in Belize.
Date of Visit: 23 November 2024
Getting to Know The Garbutt’s Falls Border Marker 7 News Belize (June 2013) Details 
Barry's Borderpoints 
