Guatemala has two main commercial ports where imported vehicles arrive. Your shipping route and the origin port in the US determine which one your car lands at. Here’s everything you need to know about both ports, including costs, procedures, and what to expect when you pick up your vehicle.

Quick summary: Puerto Quetzal (Pacific coast) handles 90%+ of US vehicle imports — it’s closer to Guatemala City and has more frequent sailings from Florida/Texas. Santo Tomas de Castilla (Atlantic coast) is used for some East Coast and European shipments.

Port Comparison

Feature Puerto Quetzal Santo Tomas de Castilla
Location Escuintla, Pacific coast Izabal, Atlantic coast
Drive to Guatemala City ~2 hours (110 km) ~5 hours (300 km)
Main US routes Miami, Houston, LA New York, some Miami routes
Volume Higher — main vehicle import port Lower for vehicles
Customs office On-site SAT/Aduana On-site SAT/Aduana
Free storage 5-7 days typically 5-7 days typically
Storage after free period $15-$50/day $15-$50/day
Operating hours Mon-Fri 7:00-17:00 Mon-Fri 7:00-17:00

Puerto Quetzal (Primary)

Location & Access

  • Address: Km 110 Carretera a Puerto Quetzal, Escuintla
  • From Guatemala City: Take CA-9 South (Pacific Highway) — approximately 2 hours
  • From Antigua: ~1.5 hours via Escuintla
  • GPS coordinates: 13.9234, -90.7901

What to Expect

Day of arrival (your broker handles this):

  1. Ship docks and vehicles are offloaded (1-2 days after arrival)
  2. Port authority logs the vehicle and assigns a storage slot
  3. Your customs broker is notified

Customs clearance (your broker handles this): 4. Broker files DUCA with SAT customs office at the port 5. SAT inspects the vehicle (VIN verification, condition check, document review) 6. SAT calculates duties and taxes 7. You (or broker) pays at authorized bank 8. SAT issues release order

Pickup day (you or your representative): 9. Present release order and ID at the port gate 10. Port staff escorts you to the vehicle 11. Inspect the vehicle for any shipping damage 12. Drive it out

Costs at Puerto Quetzal

Item Cost
Port handling/unloading $100 - $250
Free storage 5-7 days
Storage after free period $15 - $50/day
Gate exit fee ~$20
Fumigation (if required) $30 - $50

Tips for Puerto Quetzal

  • Arrive early — port operations slow down after 14:00
  • Bring your DPI/passport — security is strict at the port gate
  • Check the vehicle thoroughly before driving out — once you leave, damage claims are harder
  • Fill up on gas in Escuintla — the port area has limited fuel stations
  • The road back to Guatemala City has tolls — bring cash (~Q10-20)

Santo Tomas de Castilla (Secondary)

Location & Access

  • Address: Puerto Barrios, Izabal
  • From Guatemala City: Take CA-9 North (Atlantic Highway) — approximately 5 hours
  • From Puerto Barrios town: 5 minutes
  • GPS coordinates: 15.6932, -88.6171

When to Use Santo Tomas

  • Your vehicle is shipping from the US East Coast via Atlantic route
  • Some RoRo services from Miami occasionally route through the Atlantic
  • European vehicle imports (rare for personal imports from the US)
  • Shipping companies sometimes offer lower rates to Santo Tomas

Tips for Santo Tomas

  • Plan for an overnight stay — the 5-hour drive from Guatemala City means you likely arrive late or need to leave very early
  • Hotels in Puerto Barrios are available and affordable
  • The Atlantic Highway (CA-9) has known safety concerns — drive during daylight hours only
  • Fewer customs brokers operate here — verify your broker has Santo Tomas experience

Storage Fees: Why Speed Matters

Port storage is the hidden cost that catches people off guard:

Days at Port Approximate Cost
1-5 days Free (grace period)
6-10 days $75 - $250
11-20 days $150 - $750
21-30 days $300 - $1,500
30+ days $1,500+ (and potential abandonment proceedings)

The #1 cause of excessive storage fees: Missing documents, especially the original title. If your title arrives late, the car sits and you pay.

How to avoid storage fees:

  • Have ALL documents ready before the ship arrives
  • Hire your broker before shipping so they can prepare the DUCA
  • Wire customs duty funds 2-3 days before arrival
  • Respond immediately to your broker’s WhatsApp messages

What to Bring on Pickup Day

  • Valid ID (DPI or passport)
  • SAT release order (your broker provides this)
  • Insurance proof (get Guatemala vehicle insurance before pickup)
  • Cash for tolls and gas
  • Spare key (if you shipped two)
  • Phone charger (you’ll be on WhatsApp with your broker)
  • A basic tool kit (in case battery is dead from sitting)

After Pickup: Next Steps

  1. Drive to Guatemala City (or your destination)
  2. Complete vehicle registration with SAT
  3. Get plates and circulation card
  4. Get a vehicle inspection if required
  5. Purchase Guatemala vehicle insurance
  6. Get your driver’s license if you don’t have one