Border Approximate Location
Nearest Cities
🇬🇹 Anguiatú, 🇸🇻 Metapán
Coordinates
14.33°N, 89.45°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
~2000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Spanish
Currency Exchange
Limited near Anguiatú (GTQ, USD)
Accessibility Features
Ramps, assistance
Safety Information
Rural, minimal crime
About Anguiatú & Metapán Border Crossing
A Quiet Northern Crossing
The Anguiatú-Metapán crossing connects Anguiatú, Chiquimula, Guatemala, with Metapán, Santa Ana, El Salvador, via CA-12 near the Monte Cristo tripoint with Honduras. Open 24/7, this port links Esquipulas (1 hour north) to Santa Ana (1 hour south). A quieter crossing ideal for travelers exploring northern routes, it supports local trade and tourism. Check Guatemala’s Instituto Guatemalteco de Migración (502-2411-2411) or El Salvador’s migracion.gob.sv for updates, as scams and occasional protests can disrupt travel plans.
Historical Background
Formed after Central America’s 1821 independence from Spain, this crossing supported Chiquimula’s agricultural trade and El Salvador’s grain commerce. Named for a local village, it faced 1940s border disputes, with 530 pillars set in 1940 to clarify the boundary. A 1950s tale of smuggled textiles crossing the hills became local folklore, still shared today. Facility upgrades in 2024 improved trade efficiency, enhancing its role. Protests over poor roads, like one in October 2024, occasionally block the crossing, but its importance as a northern link persists, connecting vibrant communities.
Before Crossing
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Crossing Details and Wait Times
Southbound, stamp out at Anguiatú’s immigration office; U.S. citizens need a passport, while others require a CA-4 visa (90 days across Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua). Northbound, El Salvador mandates proof of onward travel. Open 24/7, vehicle waits range from 10–30 minutes, peaking at 45 minutes during mornings (8–11 AM). Pedestrians take 5–15 minutes to cross the 100-meter no-man’s-land. No exit fees for Guatemala; El Salvador’s entry fee is $10 USD. Check bookaway.com for updates. Cash-only vehicle permits cost $15 USD.
Scam Warnings
Scams occur in Anguiatú, with “visa helpers” charging $10–$30 for fake services. Stick to official immigration channels or endlessdistances.com for reliable guidance. Currency exchange scams offer poor rates (7 GTQ = 1 SVC); carry GTQ/SVC or use Santa Ana ATMs. Pickpocketing risks rise during crowds, so secure valuables. Avoid “fast-track” crossing offers, as they’re scams targeting travelers. Declare goods—produce like eggs is banned to avoid fines. Check elsalvador.com for protest alerts, as seen in 2024.
Transportation Options
From Esquipulas, buses ($8 GTQ) reach Anguiatú in 1 hour via CA-12. From Metapán, buses ($2 SVC) connect to Santa Ana in 1 hour. Shuttles ($50 USD, e.g., Roneey) run to Guatemala City, taking 4–6 hours, with bookings via bookaway.com. Shared taxis ($5–$10 USD) are available—negotiate fares upfront. Gas stations and ATMs are in Esquipulas or Santa Ana, 30–60 minutes away. Pedestrians walk the short bridge; vehicles may face delays during protests or peak hours.
Road Conditions and Views
CA-12 is paved but narrow; El Salvador’s roads have occasional potholes and sharp turns. Summer (June–August) reaches 30°C, requiring AC; winter (November–March) is milder at 15–25°C. The Monte Cristo hills offer scenic views of rolling forests and distant peaks. Check Guatemala’s (502) 2411-2411 for road updates, as protests or heavy rains can cause disruptions. The crossing’s lush hills, especially at dawn, create a serene backdrop for travelers seeking quieter, scenic routes. Poor road maintenance may cause minor delays.
Local Sights
Esquipulas’s Basilica de Esquipulas, 1 hour north, is a renowned pilgrimage site drawing thousands annually. Metapán’s Lago de Güija, 30 minutes south, offers boating and stunning views. Try Esquipulas’s tamales at Comedor El Peregrino or Metapán’s pupusas at Pupusería La Frontera. Copán’s Mayan ruins, 2 hours north in Honduras, or Santa Ana’s colonial cathedral, 1 hour south, are must-visit attractions. These sites highlight the region’s rich spiritual and natural heritage, ideal for adventurous travelers.
Cultural and Economic Role
This crossing blends Chiquimula’s Mayan heritage with Santa Ana’s colonial culture, evident in events like Metapán’s Fiesta de San Pedro, featuring traditional music, crafts, and local cuisine. It supports trade in grains, coffee, and tourism, driving both economies. Markets in Anguiatú thrive on cross-border shoppers, with local commerce fueling growth. Community festivals, shared pupusas, and vibrant dances foster a strong binational bond, with locals celebrating their love for spicy cuisine, markets, and rich cultural traditions.
Travel Tips
Open 24/7, but check migracion.gob.sv for schedules and updates. Carry GTQ/SVC for fees ($10 USD entry) or small shops. A CA-4 visa saves time for non-U.S. travelers. Summer travelers need hydration; check Guatemala’s (502) 2411-2411 for protest or road updates. Declare all goods—agents are strict on produce and alcohol. Secure valuables and pack snacks for waits, as facilities are limited during peak hours or protests at this crossing.
Extra Tips for Visitors
Cell service is spotty in rural areas—download maps ahead. Summer is warm and humid; winter is cool and rainy. Locals are welcoming—ask about Mayan trade stories or local festivals for fascinating insights. Try Esquipulas’s La Casa del Tamal for authentic tamales or Metapán’s El Portal for pupusas. Photographers, capture the Monte Cristo hills at sunrise for stunning, serene shots. This crossing’s quiet charm and cultural depth make it an unforgettable stop for adventurers exploring Central America.