Bethel is a small border town in Northern Guatemala located on the bank of the Usumacinta River, across which is the State of Chiapas in Mexico. Access across the river border is by small motor boat, there is no bridge. The immigration office for Bethel is located 12 km by road inside Guatemala with pickup truck and bus transports running regularly.
Bethel has limited infrastructure in its one block long Main Street that terminates at the river landing. Travelers can access one of the half dozen restaurants, pick up tourist information or stay in the simple hotels. Mexican pesos are generally accepted. Local public transport and river launches provide access to several Mayan ruins including Yaxchilan in the immediate area as well as locations further into Guatamalua such as UNESCO site Tikal, 4–5 hours away by road.