Border Crossing @ Chetumal en route to San Ignacio and Hopkins Beach Transit Options

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berkeleyklw
berkeleyklw

Returning to Belize via Chetuma, MXl with the intent on crossing the border this time via bus or otherwise (i.e. not rental car) - and, big caveat, with a 4 y/o in tote. Not opposed to rental car but don't want additional hassle.

Can't find anything recent here or elsewhere that can tell me how long it will take via bus or arranged van, etc. and details for the best transit options. We'll be coming from Mahahual with our initial destination in BZ to San Ignacio. I presume we'll be able to work something out with our hotel or otherwise, no?

Additionally, does anyone have ideas for San Ignacio with a 4 y/o other than the Butterfly Farm? She is on the fence with small boats but likes hiking and horses, but she is only 4 so has limitations. At this point, we're essentially using S/I for a stop over en route to Tikal, but will linger in S/I if we can find something specifically for her.

Also, what is the travel time from San Ignacio to Hopkins and how have your gotten there? Have booked a place for some beach time, but not sure it's worth the effort for just two nights. We can extend to 3 but will then shave off a day from San Ignacio.

So the bottom line is either two nights in S/I after returning from Tikal en route to Hopkins or just one night in S/I to add another night for a total of 3 in Hopkins en route to CC (for a week).

P.S. Total trip is 18 nights with a mix of MX, BZE and Tikal. At this point, I have little flexibility for schedule changes.

Thanks in advance.

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misterbee
misterbee

Mahahual to Chetumal
I went by colectivo. The trip was 1.5 hours and cost 80 pesos. Colectivos leave Mahaual from the football / soccer field one street back from the Malecon. The colectivos arrive at the ADO terminal in Chetumal. At one time, there was an ADO express bus that ran a couple of times per day, and a Mayab bus. The colectivo will stop anywhere you want, so if you don't want to go into Chetumal, you could get off at the turn-off to the border (before reaching Chetumal), but it's still a couple of km to the border, so you'll need a taxi then find a bus after crossing the border.

Chetumal to Belize
If you want a Belzean bus, go to Nuevo Mercado -- that's where the buses wait. It's only 1 or 2 km from the ADO terminal, but with a child & luggage, a taxi might be the best idea. The Belizean buses are old school buses and depart about every hour. The trip to Belize City is about 4 hours and costs about BZ$12 (US$6) per passenger. I don't know if young children pay reduced fares, but infants on laps do not pay.

The bus terminates at the bus terminal in Belize City. Get off and change to a bus to San Ignacio - the sign in the front window of the bus will read "Benque" which is the final stop for the bus. This trip will take 2 to 2.5 hours and cost BZ$7 per passenger.

The easiest way would be by transfer service (arranged van), but it will cost more. The trip from Chetumal to San Ignacio will take 4 to 5 hours. A list of transfer services is on the "BelizeBus" website.

For things to do, visit the Belize Zoo, about 10 miles east of Belmopan. In San Ignacio, visit the Cayo Welcome Centre for tourist information.

San Ignacio to Hopkins
Bus from SI to Belmopan (45 minutes), change to a bus to Dangriga (1.5 to 2 hours), change to a bus to Hopkins. The Hopkins bus runs only a couple of times per day -- if you find it inconvenient, get a taxi. Again, the easiest way is by transfer service. I'm sure you'll find Hopkins worth the effort.

Here's my bus and transportation information: https://belizebus.wordpress.com
Copy and paste the url below to share the link.
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