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CUIDAD CUAUHTEMOC |
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A visit to the Lagos de Montebello is a good introduction to the
landscapes of Guatemala, but if you want to see the real thing, it's
only another 60km or so from the La Trinitaria junction (plenty of
passing buses) to the Mexican border post at CIUDAD CUAUHTÉMOC . There's
nothing here but a few houses, the immigration post, a restaurant and
the Cristóbal Colón bus station; the two hotels are not recommended.
Make sure you've been to a bank in Mexico to pay the Mexican entry fee
before you leave the country, otherwise the officials will turn you
back.
The Guatemalan border post is at La Mesilla , a three-kilometre taxi-ride
away (about US$0.50 per person in a shared taxi). As always, the
crossing is best attempted in daylight and you may not be able to get
your passport stamped after 8pm. If you require a visa , you should
really have got one before now: chances are you'll be let in if you
agree to pay the entry charge, which could be as much as US$10. The La
Mesilla border post has been one of the worst in the country for
exacting illegal charges from tourists. Buses onwards to Huehuetenango,
Quezaltenango and occasionally Guatemala City wait just over the border,
leaving at least every hour until about 5pm. After this there are a
couple more until midnight, when a comfortable Pullman run by
Transportes Velásquez (the best company) leaves for Guatemala City. The
money changers will give you reasonable rates for travellers' cheques or
dollars, not as good for pesos. There are a couple of basic but adequate
restaurants on the Guatemalan side, and several hotels up the street
from the border: the Maricruz is best.
Getting into Mexico is even easier: the Mexican tourist card will be
issued free, though you'll have to pay (currently US$18) at a bank
before you leave. Vans or buses will be waiting to take you to Comitán (passing
La Trinitaria junction for Lagos de Montebello). The last direct bus to
San Cristóbal is the Cristóbal Colón at 9.30pm (3hr 30min). Bear in mind
that Mexico observes Daylight Savings Time, making it one hour later
here during the summer than it is in Guatemala.
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