Drive to Tikal

Crystal Auto Rental Limited Belize – allows driving to the Tikal Mayan Ruins- Wildlife spotting in Tikal is best at sunrise and sunset.

drive01
previous arrow
next arrow

Crystal Auto Rental Limited offers customers the unique opportunity to drive their rental vehicles across the Guatemalan border to explore the stunning Tikal Mayan ruins, with travel permitted up to the Tikal ruins and Flores, Peten.

PLEASE NOTE: 

  1. Vehicle Restrictions – Only A-Class vehicles are permitted to travel to Tikal.
  2. Mandatory Coverage – The Credit Card Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is required for all vehicles traveling to Tikal.
  3. Advance Notice Required – A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is needed before pickup so we can notarize the required Tikal Permit.
  4. Insurance Coverage Limitations – All third-party insurance and CDW coverage are valid only within Belize and do not extend into Guatemala.
  5. Liability Insurance in Guatemala – Guatemala does not require liability insurance for visitors, and there is no location at the border to purchase it.
  6. Driving Conditions – The drive from the Belize border to Tikal takes approximately 1.5 hours. Traffic is very light, and you may pass only a small number of vehicles along the way.
  7. Safety Record – Driving to Tikal is generally safe. In over 36 years, we have experienced only one incident, caused by another driver.
  8. Important Border Requirement on Return – When returning to Belize, you must stop at the Guatemalan border to stamp both your passport and the vehicle paperwork before re-entering Belize.

Car Fees at Guatemalan border:

  • $18.00 GTQ/ $3.00 USD for fumigation
  • $160.00 GTQ/ $22.00 USD Car papers
  • $20.00 GTQ/ $3.00 USD Toll fee for municipality

About $28.00 USD in total in Car border permits and another $13.00 USD to have someone help you with your car papers.

Please Note Entrance fee at Tikal $200.00 GTQ per person ($26.00 USD)

What to expect when crossing the Belize-Guatemala border:

  1. At the Belize Western Border: When you arrive at the Western Border, you may be approached by people offering to exchange your US or Belizean dollars for Guatemalan Quetzales (GTQ). Don’t be alarmed; it’s common.
  2. Everyone needs to exit the vehicle and go into Belize Immigration to have their passports stamped and pay $20 USD departure fee per person.
  3. ENTERING GUATEMALA:  you’ll drive through a fumigation booth (a tunnel-like building). Once you exit, park on the side of the road and pay a fee of 18 GTQ (about $3 USD) at the building marked “SAT” in blue.
  4. Making Payments: To make the vehicle crossing payment you have two options: a) you can get your payment slip from the Guatemalan Immigration building and then make the 15 walk into town to the nearest bank to make the deposit and then walk back to provide them with the proof of payment or b) For a stress free experience, to save you the 30 minutes walk and waiting in line at the bank, we recommend you  hire “Ingrid” at the Guatemalan border for about $13 USD. Be sure to contact her before your arrival and she will be waiting for you at the spray booth-  via WhatsApp at +50241205843 or email at multiserviciosagi@hotmail.com. Let her know you’re a Crystal Auto Rental Limited client, your arrival time, and your vehicle’s license plate number.