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  #1  
Old 13 Nov 2010
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Central American border crossings
Hey folks, anyone out there with any info on border crossings,corrupt cops, etc..., in Central America? All info that I find in searches seems to be dated, maybe time for a new thread on this one. I'm hearing a lot about corrupt cops in Honduras, and a bitch of a border crossing to get in there too. Any recent experiences at all for there or any other CA, send them on.....
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Old 13 Nov 2010
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Hey Mick,
We're crossing into El Salvador in 2 days from Guatemala and have friends crossing into Honudras from Guat. tomorrow. Will keep you posted. Which way are you heading?
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Old 13 Nov 2010
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Honduras
I crossed about a week ago into Honduras. Took 5 hours to get the paperwork and first corrupt cop was within shouting distance of the border. Within the 140kms across the country I was stopped 5 times. The game is that they ask you to produce your paperwork, when you do. The invent an infringement - No warning triangle or such. You don't get your paperwork back until you cough up. What I did was just wait them out and play the dumb gringo bit. All up the crossing cost me $2 in "fines".

No doubt that it is a beautiful country with its fine points, but the hassle from the coppers does sour your views.

Regards Ben.
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Old 13 Nov 2010
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Northern routes through Honduras are free of corrupt cops, at least in my experience. Along the normal southern route, 5 stops isn't bad at all.....

Most of them do pack it in during torrential rains, so you can actually make better time puttering along soaked to the skin. Some sit around bored under nearby trees, so you need to practice not noticing them when, belatedly, they jump to their feet and try to wave you over. Others go home, wherever that is. But under most circumstances you just need to leave extra time for the obligatory dumb gringo act.

And remember: they really have no interest in keeping your documents, even if you give them the genuine ones (not recommended). They want your money. Unless you show signs you're going to pay them off (not recommended), they'll give your documents back and wave you on your way in disgust.

Mark
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Old 13 Nov 2010
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Copan is a great place to cross in Honduras.

I only got one ticket with extensive exploring all around Honduras in the capital. It was for smoking while driving. lol The cop pointed to the fuel tank.

Talked my way out of a ticket in NIC and had to pay a bribe in CR.

Crossing from MEX into Guat was hard as well as the crossing into CR.
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Old 14 Nov 2010
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Everyone has different experiences. The Mexico/Guatemala crossing at La Mesilla took me all of 30 minutes IIRC. Honduras at El Amatilllo took 1.5 hours, not bad at all and I didnt pay anything to anyone other than the standard $35 aduana fee. The cops in Honduras along the Pan Am left me alone, completely.

I had no problems with the CA border crossings, so its difficult for me to comprehend when people say they are a nightmare. I did have a little issue with the aduana guy in CR, but I think that morning someone pissed in his Cheerios. Yes, the borders can be a PITA because of the procedures, the endless copies, signatures and stamps, the crowds, the heat, the speed (or lack of speed) at which everything happens, but its really not bad at all, and all part of the experience.

Just kick back, relax and dont let it phase you. I actually have a bit of fun smokin and jokin with most of the folks that inhabit those borderlands. Just relax and go with the flow which is slow, :-)
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Old 14 Nov 2010
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For reasons which continue to perplex, some people attract misfortune of all sorts while others do not. Presumably it's mainly attitude; what Vince considers an opportunity to kick back and relax others view as unmitigated hassle, as a result of which they get all wound up and eager to post terrible stories on internet forums. I seem to fall somewhere towards the Crashmaster end of the spectrum myself: I didn't exactly look forward to the Central American borders, but neither did I find them that difficult. Same with the cops, generally. And none of it was even in the same league as other places I've been for corruption, difficulty, fearsome-ness and all-around moral decay.

Or maybe it's the stickers. Maybe the hassle is a function of HUBB stickers on panniers and the absence of trouble a direct result of ADV stickers instead (me, I've got both). This would be worth some empirical research. If there's someone out there with fellowship money, I happen to be available these days.

Mark
Last edited by markharf; 14 Nov 2010 at 23:19.
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