Border Approximate Location
Nearest Cities
🇸🇻 La Hachadura, 🇬🇹 Pedro de Alvarado
Coordinates
13.95°N, 90.00°W
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 24 hours
Wait Times
30-90 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (6-9 AM), weekends
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles, commercial
Daily Crossings
~5000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Spanish
Currency Exchange
Limited near La Hachadura (GTQ, USD)
Accessibility Features
Ramps, elevators
Safety Information
Caution, road hazards
About La Hachadura & San Miguel Border Crossing
Caution
The La Hachadura-San Miguel and Anguiatú-Metapán border crossings have faced disruptions due to protests and road conditions, particularly on the Guatemalan side. Check official sources for updates, and be cautious of potential delays or scams when crossing.
General Overview
The La Hachadura-San Miguel and Anguiatú-Metapán border crossings connect Guatemala and El Salvador, facilitating travel between two vibrant Central American nations. La Hachadura, often just called La Hachadura, lies along the Pacific coast, linking Guatemala’s Jutiapa department with El Salvador’s Ahuachapán department. Anguiatú, also known as Anguiatú-La Ermita, sits farther north in Guatemala’s Chiquimula department and El Salvador’s Santa Ana department. These crossings serve travelers moving between Guatemala City, Antigua, or El Salvador’s coastal regions and are vital for regional trade.
Before Crossing
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Historical and Geopolitical Context
The Guatemala-El Salvador border, stretching 203 km, was formalized after El Salvador’s 19th-century independence from the Federal Republic of Central America. La Hachadura, positioned on the Pan-American Highway, has long been a key trade route, handling significant cargo traffic. Anguiatú, near the tripoint with Honduras, supports smaller-scale commerce but sees heavy local use. Both crossings operate under the CA-4 agreement, allowing visa-free travel for 90 days across Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua for many nationalities. However, recent protests in Guatemala over poor road conditions have disrupted both crossings, with blockades reported in 2025 at La Hachadura and Anguiatú, stranding truckers and travelers. Always verify border status before departure.
Crossing Procedures and Wait Times
Both borders operate 24/7, except La Hachadura, which typically runs from 6 AM to 10 PM unless extended during peak periods like December to January. At La Hachadura, you’ll exit Guatemala at Ciudad Pedro de Alvarado, walk a short no-man’s land, and enter El Salvador at San Miguel. For Anguiatú, you’ll process through La Ermita in Guatemala, cross a 100-meter no-man’s land, and enter at Metapán. You’ll need a passport with six months’ validity and, for El Salvador, proof of onward travel and a $12 tourist card fee for non-CA-4 citizens. Guatemala requires no exit fee but forbids crossing with fresh produce. Wait times at La Hachadura average 30-60 minutes for pedestrians during off-peak hours (early mornings), but peak times, like holidays, can extend to two hours due to truck traffic. Anguiatú is quieter, with waits of 15-45 minutes, though blockades can cause longer delays. Vehicles face additional customs checks, adding 30-90 minutes. Have all documents ready, including vehicle registration if driving, to avoid complications.
Scams and Challenges
Scams are less prevalent here than at some Central American crossings, but vigilance is key. At La Hachadura, touts may offer “expedited” services for a fee; decline and head to official immigration counters. Overcharging for tourist cards ($15 instead of $12) has been reported at both borders, so carry exact USD change. At Anguiatú, unofficial guides may misdirect you to fake offices; stick to marked immigration buildings. Pickpocketing risks exist in crowded areas, especially at La Hachadura’s busy roundabout. Recent protests over Guatemala’s road conditions have blocked both crossings, with a February 2025 La Hachadura blockade causing 12-km truck queues. Monitor local news and carry extra food and water for potential delays.
Route and Transportation Options
From Guatemala City, La Hachadura is 126 km via CA-2, a 2-3 hour drive on paved roads with coastal views of sugarcane fields and distant volcanoes. Public buses from Guatemala City to the border cost $3-5, or take a shuttle to Antigua ($40-45, 5-8 hours). From El Salvador’s San Miguel side, buses to San Salvador (2 hours, $2-3) or taxis to El Tunco’s beaches ($30) are available. Anguiatú is reached via CA-12 from Chiquimula (1.5 hours, $2 bus fare), with Metapán offering connections to Santa Ana (30 minutes, $1). Road conditions are generally good, though Guatemala’s side may have potholes during the rainy season (May-October).
Nearby Attractions and Tips
Near La Hachadura, Concepción de Ataco, 45 minutes from the border, offers coffee tours, colonial architecture, and hiking in El Imposible National Park. On the Guatemalan side, Chiquimulilla (30 minutes away) has family-friendly camping at La Combi, with ATVs and playgrounds. Near Anguiatú, Metapán’s Parque Nacional Montecristo, a cloud forest 40 km away, is a nature lover’s gem, though access requires a 4×4 vehicle. Guatemala’s Chiquimula has vibrant markets for local crafts. Stay hydrated, as temperatures hit 32°C in the dry season (November-April). Carry small USD bills for fees and local purchases, as ATMs are scarce.
Seasonal and Weather Considerations
The dry season (November-April) offers clear skies and manageable temperatures, ideal for crossing, though La Hachadura gets crowded during holidays. The rainy season (May-October) brings muddy roads and potential delays, especially at Anguiatú, where unpaved sections worsen. Protests, common in Guatemala’s rainy season, can block roads, so check updates via El Salvador’s Customs Service (@aduanas_SV) or Guatemala’s Migration Institute (2411-2411). Allow extra time during Holy Week or December.
Planning Recommendations
Book shuttles for La Hachadura if traveling from El Tunco or Antigua for convenience, but public buses are cheaper and reliable. For Anguiatú, stick to public transport, as shuttles are rare. Carry a photocopy of your passport and proof of onward travel. Avoid crossing during protests; Las Chinamas or San Cristóbal are alternate routes if La Hachadura or Anguiatú are blocked. Stay in Ataco or Chiquimula for a pre-crossing rest. With preparation, these crossings connect you to El Salvador’s beaches or Guatemala’s cultural heartlands efficiently.