Google Maps Location Approx
Border Countries
🇬🇹 Guatemala 🇸🇻 El Salvador
Nearest Cities
🇬🇹 Valle Nuevo, 🇸🇻 Santa Ana
Coordinates
14.00°N, 89.55°W
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wait Times
15-60 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (6-9 AM)
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles
Daily Crossings
~1000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Spanish
Currency Exchange
Limited near Valle Nuevo (GTQ, USD)
Connectivity Options
Basic 3G coverage
Accessibility Features
Ramps, limited assistance
Safety Information
Remote, rural hazards
Emergency Contacts
🇬🇹 110/123 🇸🇻 911
Google Maps Location Approx
Country Information
About 🇬🇹 Valle Nuevo, 🇸🇻 Santa Ana
Warning and Introduction
Keep your wits about you at the Agua Caliente-Santa Rita border crossing, also called Agua Caliente Frontera or Santa Rita Border: unofficial fees and persistent touts are common, and recent migrant surges have led to closures, so check official sources before heading out. This crossing connects Guatemala’s Esquipulas with Honduras’ Ocotepeque department along the CA-10 highway, making it a busy route for travelers aiming for Santa Rosa de Copán or San Pedro Sula. Its role as a trade hub, especially for cargo trucks, means you might face congestion during peak hours.
Historical and Geopolitical Context
The Guatemala-Honduras border, spanning 256 km, was established by the 1859 Wyke-Aycinena Treaty, with 1,028 boundary markers set in 1933. Agua Caliente, located in Santa Fe, Ocotepeque, is a key trade point for coffee and electronics, with Honduras importing 15% of its goods from Guatemala. The 2017 Customs Union introduced integrated customs processes, including the DUCA-F electronic declaration, streamlining trade. Migrant movements, like those reported in July 2025, have occasionally disrupted operations, underscoring the crossing’s geopolitical weight. The nearby Basílica del Cristo Negro in Esquipulas adds cultural significance, drawing pilgrims and boosting regional tourism.
Crossing Procedures and Wait Times
The crossing operates from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily, with a juxtaposed system soon shifting to a shared customs building on Guatemala’s side. At Guatemala’s immigration, get your passport stamped for exit; no official fee applies, but some travelers report Q10-20 ($1.30-2.60 USD) “charges”—always ask for a receipt. Walk 200 meters to Honduras’ immigration in Santa Rita, where you’ll pay a $3 USD (75 HNL) entry fee, accepted in USD, quetzales, or lempiras. A passport with six months’ validity and proof of onward travel are required; most nationalities get a 90-day visa-free stay under the CA-4 agreement. Wait times are 30-60 minutes in the early morning, stretching to 1-2 hours in the afternoon or during holidays. For vehicles, Guatemala requires a $20.78 USD import permit and $2.34 USD fumigation fee; Honduras charges 800 HNL ($32 USD) for a temporary import permit, needing copies of your passport, license, and registration. The entire process typically takes 45-120 minutes, with 2024 reports noting helpful staff and a streamlined flow.
Route Details and Transportation
From Esquipulas, Guatemala, colectivos to Agua Caliente take 30 minutes (Q10, ~$1.30 USD), departing frequently from the bus terminal. From Nueva Ocotepeque, Honduras, buses to Santa Rita cost 40 HNL ($1.60 USD) and take 45 minutes. The CA-10 highway is paved, offering views of coffee plantations and the Merendón mountains, but fog at night can slow travel. The border area is lively with comedores selling baleadas for $0.50 USD and a copy shop charging Q4 per document. Avoid touts offering “express” services, as they may charge $10 for nothing. Public buses to Guatemala City or San Pedro Sula are available just past immigration, but evening options are scarce. A 2024 traveler noted a 1-hour crossing thanks to the DUCA-F system.
Travel Tips and Scam Warnings
Exchange money in Esquipulas or Nueva Ocotepeque, as border changers give poor rates (e.g., $1:22 HNL vs. $1:24 HNL). Scams include Q20 “exit fees” or overpriced shuttles; politely refuse and insist on receipts. Carry USD or lempiras for Honduras’ fees, and have proof of onward travel and accommodation ready. Cross before noon to beat crowds and secure transport. For vehicles, use Honduras’ migration app for pre-registration and bring document copies. Check for closures, as migrant surges in July 2025 disrupted nearby borders. A Honduran SIM card ($5 USD) from Nueva Ocotepeque keeps you connected. Keep valuables secure near busy comedores, as pickpocketing has been reported.
Nearby Attractions and Cultural Significance
Esquipulas, 10 km away, is home to the Basílica del Cristo Negro, a major pilgrimage site. In Honduras, Nueva Ocotepeque’s markets offer local crafts, and Santa Rosa de Copán, 1.5 hours away, features colonial architecture and coffee tours. The crossing supports trade in agricultural goods and tourism, blending Mayan and Lenca cultures, seen in Esquipulas’ festivals and Honduras’ baleada stalls ($0.50 USD).
Seasonal Considerations and Planning
The dry season (November-April) brings clear roads and mild temperatures (~24°C), perfect for crossing. The rainy season (May-October) can muddy roads and cause delays, especially after storms. Holidays and pilgrimage seasons, like January’s Cristo Negro festival, increase traffic, so aim for early mornings. Budget 4-6 hours from Esquipulas to Santa Rosa de Copán, including 1-2 hours at the border. Stay in Esquipulas for better lodging than Santa Rita’s limited options. Carry USD, confirm CA-4 visa days, and monitor news for migrant-related disruptions. With careful planning, this crossing opens access to Guatemala’s spiritual heritage and Honduras’ coffee-rich west.