5 Steps To Get To Guatemala From Honduras

Path: San Pedro Sula -> Morales    -> to Rio Dulce -> Flores. 

An adventurous route was taken from Honduras to Guatemala, involving at least 20 hours of bus travel over 6 days.

Bus Companies: Many buses can take you on this journey. Transportes Fuente del Norte was used, but it’s good to check other options. You can find bus companies on Facebook and ask about prices and schedules directly.

Travel Timing: Night buses help save daytime for exploring, but daytime buses are often safer and more comfortable. They also provide better views and are usually less crowded.

Payment Methods: Bring cash for buying tickets, as not all companies accept credit cards. It’s best to check payment methods ahead of time and be ready to pay with cash.

Research and Booking: Look into different bus companies and read their reviews. Contact them through their websites or social media for the most reliable information. Booking tickets a day or two in advance helps secure your spot.

Additional Tips: Before you start your trip, check for any travel updates about the routes. Pack snacks, water, and personal items for the long ride. A travel pillow and blanket can make the journey more comfortable. Also, download offline maps or travel apps for areas with poor internet.

Proper preparation and consideration of these tips can lead to a smoother and more enjoyable journey.

Step 1. Buying Tickets

Step 2: The Border

At the border, start by going to the furthest left line to check out of Honduras. After that, move to the line on the right to get your passport stamped for entry into Guatemala.

You might see people offering to exchange money. While it’s usually better to avoid changing money at the border, it’s a good idea to exchange a small amount if you don’t already have Guatemalan currency. You’ll need some cash for transportation and food. Exchanging about USD 20, or roughly 150 quetzals, should be enough for these expenses.

Also, be careful when exchanging money and keep an eye on your belongings. Some vendors might charge more, so it’s smart to know the current exchange rate. This will help make your entry into Guatemala smoother and safer.

Step 3: Morales

Step 4: Rio Dulce

When arriving in Rio Dulce, a great place to relax was Tijax, an eco-resort right by the river. The cabins were beautiful and surrounded by water and greenery. The resort has a nice pool where you can enjoy cocktails while taking in the views.

One of the best parts of the stay was canoeing on the river. It was a fun way to see the local plants and animals. Tijax also offers guided tours and chances to spot wildlife, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.

Overall, Tijax was a wonderful place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of Rio Dulce, adding relaxation and adventure to the trip.

The most memorable part though was being rescued by the Guatemalan Navy . Why were we saved? Click here to read more about it.

Step 5: Rio Dulce To Flores

From Rio Dulce, take a bus to Flores. To purchase tickets, head to “Transportes Fuente del Norte” on the main street. It’s best to buy your tickets a day or two in advance to ensure you get a spot. Ticket sales usually start early in the morning, around 7 AM.

Once you arrive in Flores, you may need to take another transfer to reach your final destination. The journey from Rio Dulce to Flores involves a bit of travel, so be prepared for a full day of moving.

Flores is a charming town known for its colorful buildings and lakeside setting. It’s a great base for exploring nearby Mayan ruins, including Tikal. Make sure to plan and check for local transfers or tours to fully experience the area.

Taken Hostage

Once we arrived to Flores, the bus couldn’t take us the full way so they called a taxi for us. 

After a good night’s rest we made our way to Flores, where we were dropped off by a bus and taken hostage by a taxi.. We thought it was unusual but went with it. Of course we had to make a stop at a local shop, so they could try and sell us tickets to Tikal and other excursions. 

We were finally dropped off to our hotel, Hotel Peten, by the same guy. He could be seen waiting on us, presumably to try and convince us that his travel packages were good deal ( they were not).

I suggest getting the transport tickets to Tikal from your hotel or hostel just to save yourself the trouble. 

There are some things you should know before making your way to Tikal or buying any packages, here you’ll get some first hand experiences tips from my visit. Check out this post on things to know for your trip to Tikal  Lots of people get scammed don’t so it’s worth reading so you can prevent this. 

The buses will likely be able to arrange transport for you to get to your hotel. I wouldn’t worry too much, as there are usually taxis waiting at bus stops, ready to take you to your destination. 

Once you get there be sure to enjoy everything that Flores has to offer, from boat rides to a visit to the Mayan ruins of Tikal, check out this post on things to do in Flores.