Melchor de Mencos border crossing is the only one between Belize and Guatemala. Melchor de Mencos is a municipality in the Petén Department of Guatemala with a population of 23,813. The border crossing has added interest as a short distance north is the Garbutt Falls border marker, one of the three markers on the Belize border. This a popular border crossing for western tourists being on the route between Flores and Tikel in Guatemala and San Ignacio in Belize. We visited this point as part of the IBRG CATEX-24 expedition.
Across the border lies Benque Viejo del Carmen which is the westernmost town in Belize. The atmosphere at the crossing was very relaxed, with no restrictions on photography. Once again, we missed the first checkpoint and drove directly into Belize. We walked back into Guatemala to get our passports stamped.
Guatemalan side of the border
There are 2 bridges that lead to the small segment of Guatemala that lies east of the Mopan river. We travelled across on foot to explore the border marker and took that opportunity to view the border infrastructure. Guatemalan military were present, but friendly and approachable. Central America is amazingly photogenic, the sights, people and rhythm of life are so interesting and engaging.
The Bridge
The People
Wherever you are in Central America, there are lovely people to observe and photograph.
Border Infrastructure
The border itself was not clearly marked. We drove straight across it without noticing, which was a good thing given our decisions at the Carmen Xhán-Gracias a Dios Border Crossing regarding gaining a Temporary Import Permit for our hire car when there were no customs at the Guatemalan crossing point. Lots of signs, and buildings to observe. The atmosphere was relaxed and somewhat chaotic.
Belizean Side of the border
We had entered Belize many times as we walked along and across isolated borders, however this was only our second entry into Belize at a formal crossing point, the first being at the La Unión – Blue Creek Border Crossing between Mexico and Belize. There is a different feel to Belize, the official language is English, it is a Commonwealth country and has a relaxed Caribbean vibe about it.
It took an age to gain the appropriate documentation to transit with a Mexican hire car through Belize from Guatemala to Mexico. We had the permission letter from the hire company, even so there was lots of form filling and fee payments, all in different places with different people before we finally were able to drive into Belize proper with the appropriate TIP stamp in my passport.
Date of Visit: 23 November 2024
Barry's Borderpoints 