mayan sites and border crossing Mexico

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nadincitah
nadincitah

Hello!

I live in Puerto Morelos - Mexico and plan a trip for a few days to discover some mayan sites and enjoy nature in Belize for 6 days.

I am planning to get the direct ADO nigth bus to get first to Orange Walk. Do you know if the migration offices are already open around 6AM when I will pass the border? I have an FM3 form and would like to avoid any problems re-entering Mexico.

In Orange Walk I would like to take the 1 day tour to Lamanai, stay overnight and if possible visit Altun Ha and continue to San Ignacio the same day. In SI I plan 1 day to visit Caracol, 1 day for the ATM caves and half a day for Xunantunich, leaving SI in the early afternoon to get back to Belice City and catch the direct ADO bus back to Playa del Carmen.

Please advise about the itinary and requirements at the border.

Muchas thank yous!

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misterbee
misterbee

Do you know if the migration offices are already open around 6AM when I will pass the border?
Yes, open.

Sounds busy, but you should be able to do it.

For you, no visa required to enter Belize and no fees to pay.

When you leave Belize, there are fees amounting to BZ$37.50 (BZ$30 departure fee plus BZ$7.50 PACT fee) -- payable in BZ$ or US$.

Here's my bus and transportation information: https://belizebus.wordpress.com
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nadincitah
nadincitah

Thanks a lot Misterbee,

I have been reading a bit more and I am thiking about skipping 1 site and instead take water taxi from Belice City to San Pedro, get some snorkeling and leave the next day to Chetumal, avoiding the departure tax, right?

By the way, do you know about special festivities in towns for the Holy Week?
I assume booking a hotel in advance is not a bad idea during these holidays. Any recommendation for a cheap but clean room with private bath is appreciated for Orange Walk, San Ignacio and San Pedro!

Thanks again! I am looking forward to take off for a new discovery tomorrow!

Nadine

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misterbee
misterbee

I've heard that the departure fee does not apply when leaving Belize by water taxi, but that's old news -- I don't know the current situation -- I think you might have to pay now. There is still the PACT fee of BZ$7.50, and at least one water taxi company charges a "port" fee of BZ$5 (no receipt issued) which might be a scam.

Some towns (San Ignacio and I think San Pedro) have a small procession on Good Friday -- usually one person portrays Jesus and drags a cross through town.

I would say reserving a room in advance is a good idea. It tends to be a busy period with tourists, and many Belizeans travel to the islands for the holiday weekend, so the lower budget places will fill quickly. If you don't reserve, you'll probably still find a place to stay, but not at the lower price range.

Here's a site with some choices...
http://www.belizeexplorer.com/

Here's my bus and transportation information: https://belizebus.wordpress.com
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nadincitah
nadincitah

Great!

Thanks for all the information! I will explore your link.

Have a nice day!

Nadine

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murreybn
murreybn

yes there are two water taxi companies and one of them was trying to charge me a $10 port fee. I said no and they lowered it to $5.

They mexican border guards also charge me $25 US as an exit fee before I got on the boat. They said I could either pay them or go to some other office and pay them.

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