The
Custom's official now hands out a map to help you find your way around.
Click on the map to enlarge it. Immigration is on the left at the end of the first block as you walk up
the steep main street hill. Stop here and get your 3 month stamp.
To get to customs, continue up the road and when you see a Bank to your right, look for the sign that points the right turn to Customs. Turn right and go half a block to Customs on your left. Customs will ask you to make a deposit into that bank and then return with the receipt. This is the time to let the Customs official know if you are planning to stay more than the 3 months you have received and apply for another (9 month) extension.
Note: In Guatemala, you will be able to obtain three extensions (three months, nine months and one year) for up to 2 years stay in Rio Dulce without having to take your boat out of the country.
Once you are finished with Customs, continue up the same street Customs is on to the dead end, take a right to another dead end where you will find a small boulevard. Continue left , until you see the fence and gate to the Capitania. Enter the gate and ask permission to enter the Capitania building where the Port Captain will give you permission to navigate the coastal waters of Guatemala.
New fees as of 11/06:
| Customs | Port Captitan | Doctor | Immigration | |
| Check in | Q50 | Q125 | Q75 | Q200/3months |
| Check out | Q55 | Q60 | 0 | Q80 per person |
The exchange rate averages around Q7.91 to 1 US$. Click here for the current exchange rate.
If you need help with the paperwork to keep your boat in Guatemala more than 3 months, contact Emy on VHF 11 or 5612-1415. Emy knows all the ins & outs of the Guatemala paper trails!
When people leave the Rio, they can send an e-mail to Raul ahead of time so that he has the paperwork done and ready. So, if you want to save some time, just e-mail the following to: navieraservamar@gmail.com 1. Zarpe - captain, crew, passport #'s, nationality and date of birth. 2. Boat name, the number of your declaration of arrival (it's printed in red in the upper right hand corner). 3. Date and time of expected appointment with Raul (yellow 2-story building behind Texaco station) 4. Date and time of expected departure 5. Expected destination 6. E-mail and/or cell phone number (in case Raul needs anything else)..
CHARTS & GUIDES WE FOUND HELPFUL
Cruising Guide to Belize and Mexico's Caribbean Coast, Including Guatemala's Rio Dulce
We carried two travel guides with us throughout
Guatemala... Lonely Planet Guatemala
Download the
NW Caribbean Charts
eBook. This book was put
together by several sailors, be sure to check out the
credits. As always, hurricanes, etc. change waypoints
and information. Be sure to check with fellow cruisers
for the most up-to-date and common sense rules. You
will need Adobe Reader to view this ebook.
