Guatemala > Rio Dulce

Top Things to Do

Livingston is a small village located at the mouth of the Rio Dulce. It is the heart of the Afro-Guatemalan culture. Here you will find the Garifuna people whose ancestors were Africans that were brought to the island of Roatan as slaves. Today the area is popular amongst the backpacking scene as a place to enjoy the laid-back reggae vibe and some easily accessible, otherwise-illegal substances. It is also a stopping off point for yachts that have made their way through the Caribbean islands. As such, accommodations tend to cater to either end of the spectrum.

Livingston makes a great day trip, particularly for the breathtaking scenery along the way. The beaches here are not a highlight given the terrible pollution of the surrounding waters. If you stay for lunch try the Tapado (a local specialty - seafood soup). You might also try some Camarones a la Plancha. Coco Pan is another local culinary specialty - bread made with coconut milk, that is available at most markets here. Internet access is also available here.

From Rio Dulce you can organize a private water taxi or take one of the collectivos (Q75 one-way) that will stop at some of the interesting viewpoints including some hidden hot springs.

This fortress on the waterfront about 3km from town was built in the 1600s to protect the surrounding villages from looting pirates of the Caribbean. Today the area is a national park with a swimming pool, restaurant and picnic areas. There is a short, but amusing tour of the castle (Q20). To get there, take the bus from town marked San Felipe or a taxi (Q20). The collectivos heading to Livingston will sometimes drive by it as part of the tour, or you can hire a lancha on your own.

Hikes can be arranged from Livingston (about 1 1/2 hours walk) to this stunning set of freshwater pools. Nestled into the forest and protected from the Atlantic, these pools are formed from a waterfall and are the perfect place to relax and enjoy this natural setting. It is worth the climb to the higher pools, which are spectacular. If you prefer not to hike, boats will also take you there.

A backpacker haven, this resort is a good day trip for lunch or lounging. Denny's has wakeboarding, swimming and other activities. A free shuttle from Bruno's (in town) leaves every day at 3:30pm.

Along the way to El Estor, Finca El Paraiso makes an excellent day trip. Magnificent waterfalls of clear, hot water surrounded by jungle. The perfect temperature for bathing (some parts of the year it may even be hotter than you'd like). The bus from town towards El Estor will take you there (approx 1 hour), or you can take a tour arranged by your hotel. From town you can bargain with a taxi to take you there and wait for a few hours. This should cost around Q300 total. Be prepared for a bumpy ride, but it is well worth it.

If it’s your thing, it can be arranged by local tourist agencies and hotels. Fish for Robalo, Tilapia and Mojarra in the fine waters of Lago Izabal.

Kayaking through the calm, quiet morning waters of the Rio Dulce is an excellent way to explore the tributaries and lakeside communities of Lago Izabal. Paddle into the secluded bays to observe some of the areas nearly 300 bird species along the shoreline.