Travel Information

Getting to and around Flores, El Remate, and Surroundings

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By Air

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• Guatemala City (GUA): Daily flights from major international cities like Miami, Houston, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Madrid, and more, operated by airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, Iberia, Aeroméxico, and others. 

• Flores (FRS): Flights are available morning and evening via Avianca and TAG airlines. Once you arrive at Flores airport, transportation options to your accommodation or further destinations are readily available.

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​In addition, there are daily international flights arriving in Belize City (BZE) from Miami, Atlanta, Houston, and others. From Belize, you can travel by bus or private transport to Flores.

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By Bus

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• From Guatemala City:
  Several bus companies operate nightly “luxury” buses (with A/C, reclining seats, bathrooms) from Guatemala City to Flores. Their departure times vary (typically 8 pm, 9 pm, 10 pm) and cost around $40 USD one way. The buses arrive in Flores or the nearby Santa Elena terminal, separated by a short causeway. Ask the driver whether to stop at Flores island or the mainland terminal; most tourists prefer Flores island for its convenience.

• From Belize City:

  • Marlyn Espadas and Maya de Oro buses run daily from Belize City to Flores and Chetumal, with travel times of approximately 4 hours to Belize City and about 7 hours to Chetumal. Fares are $25-$61 USD. 

  • From Belize City Marine Terminal, taxis or local buses head toward the border (Belize-Guatemala) or inland towns. 

  • To reach El Remate from Belize or Belize City, take a bus to the border, cross into Guatemala (about an hour). Then, continue by bus or taxi to El Remate, which is about 2 km from the border town of Melchor.

• Between El Remate and Flores:
  Local buses run almost hourly from early morning (6 am) until late afternoon (~7 pm). The ride takes about 40 minutes, costing Q25 (approx. $4 USD). Taxis or private shuttles are also available for around $40 for up to 5 passengers.

• From Chetumal or San Ignacio:

  • Express buses operate daily to Chetumal (Mexico) or Belize City, costing approximately $25-$61 USD. 

  • From San Ignacio, there are buses to the border (Ixlu), then onward to Flores or El Remate.

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By Car

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• Renting a vehicle provides flexibility. Several rental companies are at Flores or Belize’s international airport, such as Crystal Auto Rental (preferred). 

• Driving from Flores:

  • Follow signs to Tikal; after about 30 km, turn left near the village of El Remate. 

  • Roads may have potholes and potholes, so drive cautiously.

• From Belize:

  • Exit Belize via the western border (no border fee if in transit). 

  • The border crossing involves a $20 USD exit fee from Belize and a $10 USD vehicle permit into Guatemala. 

  • The drive from the border to El Remate is approximately 2 km via paved roads, but road conditions vary with some unpaved sections and potholes.

 

Border Crossings

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• Always carry copies of your passport, driver’s license, and vehicle documents. 

• Ask for receipts for tolls and fees, which can help in case of any issues. 

• Border procedures can take time and may involve waiting in line. 

• Be aware of possible fees or insurance requirements at borders; inquire beforehand.

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Additional Tips

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• Safety: Use official taxis in Guatemala (like Taxi Amarillo). 

• Ticketing: Buy bus tickets at authorized offices; avoid street vendors for refunds or security reasons. 

• Re-entry Requirements: If crossing borders multiple times, check visa regulations and re-entry rules in advance.

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