Why the El Salvador Border Wouldn’t Let Us In

We had it all planned.

This great trip to the beach in El Salvador. Surf, sand, sun.

We convinced our friends (four other families from Panajachel, all with four or more kids.)

Taking the lead, we arrived at the border first and 'checked out' of Guatemala (about an hour long  process.)

Then we crossed the bridge into El Salvador, anxious to be on our way to the coast.

But they wouldn't let us in...

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It started at the far side of the bridge where the guard took a really long time looking through our passports. Then he motioned for us to park, and directed us into a building.

Sitting down in front of a desk in a dimly lit room, we waited patiently until the official arrived.

He looked through our passports again, then said, "These are illegal. You cannot come into our country."

Greg and I looked at each other...Huh??!!

"Why?" we asked.

"You have not left Guatemala for a long time. You have no Mexico stamps. It only shows you came into Guatemala in February 2012. That is more than 90 days. We cannot let you in. You are illegal."

"Really? We had no idea. Guatemala let's us do it this way, we didn't know it was illegal. Is there no way you can let us in?"

"We can give you a seven day transit visa, but it is $200. Otherwise there is no other way. I'm sorry."

Okay. Well, I guess we'll go now. Back across the bridge we drive. Back to tell our friends we can't get in. Our El Salvador beach trip is no more. Sorry.

No worries. Turns out many of them can't get out of Guatemala. Phew!

After another hour on the Guatemala side, we finally checked back in. We all had to get a photo at the El Salvador border before we left.

Turning back north we drove to the nearest beach town we could. Chapeton, a little 'one-horse-town' in southern Guatemala.

Guess what? We had a really great time. It couldn't have turned out better if we'd planned it that way. That's what we call serendipity.

(Click here to see how much fun we had at our Unconventional Family Convention in Chapeton.)

And watch this video to see the crazy border stuff...

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2024 UPDATE!

We’re excited to share that we’ve made a big move! We are now living in beautiful Portugal and have taken ownership of the Worldschool Family Beach Resort. We are now known as the Extraordinary Family Life, where we focus on coaching and mentoring moms, dads, and teens to create fulfilling, joyful, extraordinary family lives. With over 20 years of experience traveling the world with our seven children, we’re passionate about sharing the lessons we’ve learned along the way.

Check out the links below to learn more about what we do!

ABOUT GREG DENNING

Greg left home at the age of 16 and difficult circumstances forced him to find a way to find happiness and build his own happy family life.

Discovering the answers to some of life's biggest questions has continued in a lifelong pursuit of learning and personal growth.

He's married to his best friend and they have seven incredible kids. He's traveled, adventured, and taught in 49 countries on five continents.

ABOUT RACHEL DENNING

Rachel is an ambitious mother of seven children. She homeschools, manages a multiple six-figure business, and organizes trips for her family and friends.

She loves to read, learn, travel, and create resources for her children to get the 'best education possible' which often includes incredible experiences around the globe.

Rachel provides the 'logistics' behind the program -- from tracking to curriculum to trip planning.

Learn to save money on travel  here!

Visit us at the Worldschool Family Beach Resort in Portugal!

Listen to our podcast.

Check out Rachel's YouTube Channel, Raising Well-Adjusted Kids.

Take Rachel's 28-Day Challenge for moms.

Join Greg's Formidable Familye Man Tribe.

Tune into Greg's Formidable FAmily Man podcast.

Visit Greg's Formidable Family Men YouTube Channel.

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