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BENQUE VIEJO |
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 The final town in Belize, 2km before the Guatemalan border, is
BENQUE VIEJO DEL CARMEN , where Guatemala and Belize combine in almost
equal proportions and Spanish is the dominant language. It's a quiet
place, but served by a constant stream of buses and shared taxis to and
from the border post; some buses continue all the way to the market in
Melchor. The Belize border is open from 6am to midnight - though you're
best advised to cross in daylight - and Guatemalan migración closes at
around 8pm.
There's nothing to pay to enter Belize, but leaving Belize you pay an
exit tax of US$10, plus the PACT Conservation fee of US$3.75; Guatemalan
officials routinely charge a Q10 (US$1.25) entry (and exit) tax; if you
require a visa (US$10) they can sometimes be issued here, but you might
have to go back to the embassy in Belize City, so it's best to equip
yourself with one in advance. Buses on to Flores call at the migración
to pick up passengers, and you'll certainly be approached by drivers of
the minibuses which shuttle between the border and Tikal (US$10-15) and
Flores; ask for Hugo Mayén or Manuel Sandoval.
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