El Florido Border Crossing

Other Types:
Border crossings

By Mike Karanicolas

One of the most popular ways to enter Honduras is via the town of El Florido, due to its proximity with the Mayan ruins of Copan. The town of Copan Ruinas, gateway to the site, lies a mere ten minutes drive from the frontier.

But while it is conveniently located, this border lacks amenities. There are no banks or ATMs, no restaurants or facilities. Just a checkpoint and an immigration building, as well as the obligatory horde of aggressive money-changers.

On the plus side, this makes the process much simpler. Immigration windows for the two countries are located in a neat line just a few meters apart. Simply step up to the counter, get your stamps, and you're on your way: it's a model of efficiency

The only issue with crossing here is that you have to make sure you have enough cash on hand to pay the exit and entrance fees, which work out to around $4 altogether. Payments can be made in quetzales, lempiras, or US dollars, though exchange rates offered at the window are a bit unrealistic.