We didn’t really know much about El Salvador before we entered the country. In all our years of travelling, no one has ever told us to drop our sandwiches and head for El Salvador. Its neighbouring countries, Guatemala and Nicaragua, seem to get all the attention in travel blogs and guidebooks. Meanwhile, El Salvador is ignored like the middle child. (more…)
We wrote this post to help clarify the process for crossing the border from Belize to Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala with a vehicle. Having read various accounts of the “official” and “unofficial” costs of crossing this border, we wanted to share our research and experience so that other overlanders can prepare for their entry into Guatemala.
Gregor and I were sweating inside the van, hiding from the nasty swarms of mosquitos at our campsite. It had rained the night before, and the midday heat brought out a fresh crop of the biting devils. The breeze from our little 12-volt fan was not particularly refreshing – it was just pushing hot air around. Lucky was basically a giant convection oven, roasting two traveling chickens basting in their own sweat. The hungry mosquitos outside were waiting for their lunch.
We wrote these instructions for the benefit of other overlanders entering Belize via Chetumal, Mexico. This crossing was very smooth and easy to navigate, largely due to the English-speaking staff at the border.