where’s the best place to cross the border into Guatemala, and how should you plan your route after entry?
Option 1: Entering Guatemala from Oaxaca – A Step-by-Step Itinerary
Day 1: Oaxaca to Tapachula
Take a long-distance bus or private transport from Oaxaca City to Tapachula, a border town in the state of Chiapas, near the Pacific coast.
Day 2: Tapachula to Xela (Quetzaltenango), Guatemala
From Tapachula, head to one of the two nearby border crossings — Talisman or Ciudad Hidalgo.
Both are commonly used by locals and travelers alike and are considered safe and efficient.
After crossing the border, continue your journey to Xela (Quetzaltenango), a vibrant highland city in Guatemala known for its cultural richness and cooler climate.
Day 3: Xela to Lake Atitlán
Travel from Xela to the stunning Lake Atitlán, a must-visit destination surrounded by volcanoes and charming lakeside villages.
Day 4: Relax at Lake Atitlán
Take a full day to unwind. Whether you’re into yoga, kayaking, or simply enjoying lakeside cafés, this is your time to recharge.
Day 5: Lake Atitlán to Antigua Guatemala
Wrap up this leg of your trip by heading to Antigua, Guatemala’s picturesque colonial town and a hub for international travelers.
Who Goes to Guatemala and Skips Antigua? Raise Your Hand!
Strolling through cobblestone streets with volcano views—Summer says it’s the only place that rivals Bali for that laid-back vibe.
Days 6–10: From Antigua to Flores and Beyond
Day 6: Begin the 2-day Acatenango & Fuego Volcano Hike from Antigua.
Day 7: Reach the summit, watch Volcán Fuego erupt, and return to Antigua.
Day 8: Travel from Antigua to Flores, a charming island town in northern Guatemala.
Day 9: Take a day trip to Tikal, the famous ancient Mayan ruins deep in the jungle.
Day 10: Leave Flores and either:
- Cross through Belize to reach Cancún, Mexico, or
- Continue to your next Central American destination.
Tikal Is Hard to Reach—But Absolutely Worth It
Even after seeing many Mayan ruins across Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, standing at the base of Tikal’s towering temples is a whole new level of awe.
Think Tikal feels remote? You’re not alone—Summer felt the same!
When visiting Calakmul, Summer already thought she was deep in the jungle. But Tikal rivals it in remoteness, with one extra twist—it’s across an international border, hidden in the Guatemalan rainforest.
To get there, you’ll need to first enter Guatemala through another border, then make your way north to Flores, the gateway to Tikal.
Option 2: Entering Guatemala via La Mesilla from San Cristóbal de las Casas
Day 1: Depart from San Cristóbal de las Casas, cross the La Mesilla border, and arrive in Xela (Quetzaltenango), Guatemala.
Some travelers, like Summer, end up in San Cristóbal after a deep dive into Chiapas following Palenque. Yes—that charming town with the really long name!
From here, there’s no need to detour south to Tapachula. Instead, head straight to the closer La Mesilla border crossing.
You can either hop on local minibuses in segments or book a shuttle service from a tour agency for a more direct route.
Day 2: Travel from Xela to Lake Atitlán
Day 3: Relax and unwind at Lake Atitlán
Day 4: Head to Antigua, Guatemala’s colonial gem
Day 5: Begin the Acatenango & Fuego Volcano overnight trek
Day 6: Watch Volcán Fuego erupt and return to Antigua
Day 7: Travel from Antigua to Flores, gateway to Tikal
Day 8: Take a day trip to Tikal ruins
Day 9: Depart Flores via Belize to Cancún, or continue to your next destination
Option 3: Cross into Guatemala via El Ceibo from Palenque
With the Palenque ruins and Agua Azul waterfalls nearby, Palenque is a must-visit for many travelers in southern Mexico. And from here—you’ve got a new border crossing option: El Ceibo!
Day 1: Depart from Palenque, cross the El Ceibo border, and head straight to Flores, the perfect base for visiting Tikal.
Planning to see Tikal early in your trip? Then Flores is your top pick—it’s the closest town to the ruins.
Day 2: Take a day trip to Tikal from Flores
Day 3: Travel from Flores to Antigua
Day 4: Begin the 2-day Acatenango & Fuego Volcano hike
Day 5: Summit and descend the volcano, return to Antigua
Day 6: Travel from Antigua to Lake Atitlán
Day 7: Spend a full day relaxing at Lake Atitlán
Day 8: Head back to Guatemala City for your next destination
Already in Cancún and Want to Visit Tikal Without Going Through Belize?
Good news! There’s a direct bus from Cancún to a town called Tenosique.
From Tenosique, you can cross the El Ceibo border straight into Guatemala and continue on to Flores, the gateway to Tikal.
Want to go through Belize instead? Wondering what that route looks like?
No worries—Summer’s next post will cover that option!
Need more help planning your Mexico–Guatemala route or border crossings?
DM Summer for tips on transportation, routes, and hidden gems!
I’m Summer — an outdoor-loving backpacker.
I only recommend the most exciting, off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Follow me and let’s talk travel, trails, and the world beyond the map. 🌍✨
