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Blue boat on the Río Dulce beside the old fort wall

Caribbean coast · Jungle river to the Caribbean

A river journey through a towering jungle gorge to Livingston, a Garifuna town on the Caribbean coast reachable only by boat. This is a completely different side of Guatemala.

Overview

The Río Dulce flows from Lake Izabal, Guatemala's largest lake, to the Caribbean Sea. At its upper end stands the Castillo de San Felipe de Lara, a 17th-century Spanish fort built to guard the lake from pirates. Downstream, the river widens into El Golfete, then narrows into a dramatic gorge lined with cliffs draped in jungle, where herons, kingfishers and pelicans glide past.

At the river's mouth lies Livingston, a lively town that can only be reached by water. It is the heart of Guatemala's Garifuna community, descendants of West African and Indigenous Caribbean peoples, with its own language, punta music and cuisine. Try tapado, a rich coconut seafood soup, and spend an evening listening to drums.

We use boutique riverside lodges and private boats so you can explore at your own pace, from hot springs and hidden lagoons to the Siete Altares waterfalls near Livingston. The region pairs beautifully with Petén, a few hours north by road.

Best time to visit

  • JanBestBest time to visit. Dry season.
  • FebBestBest time to visit. Dry season.
  • MarBestBest time to visit. Dry season.
  • AprBestBest time to visit. Dry season.
  • MayRainyRainy season.
  • JunRainyRainy season.
  • JulRainyRainy season.
  • AugRainyRainy season.
  • SepRainyRainy season.
  • OctRainyRainy season.
  • NovBestBest time to visit. Dry season.
  • DecBestBest time to visit. Dry season.
Best months● Rainy season (May–October): mornings usually clear, afternoon showers

The Caribbean side is humid and can see rain at any time of year, but November to April is generally the drier, more comfortable period. During the May to October rainy season, heavy afternoon showers are common, and the later months overlap with the Atlantic hurricane season, so we keep a close eye on forecasts.

Highlights

  1. 01

    The river gorge

    Glide by boat between sheer cliffs covered in jungle, one of the most spectacular river journeys in Central America.

  2. 02

    Garifuna culture in Livingston

    Experience the food, music and warm hospitality of Guatemala's Garifuna community in a town with no road access.

  3. 03

    Castillo de San Felipe

    Explore a Spanish colonial fort built to protect Lake Izabal from pirates, with views over the water.

  4. 04

    Hot springs and waterfalls

    Bathe where hot springs meet the cool river, and swim in the cascading pools of Siete Altares.

Things to do

  • 01Take a private boat through the Río Dulce gorge
  • 02Visit the Castillo de San Felipe de Lara
  • 03Taste tapado and listen to Garifuna drumming in Livingston
  • 04Swim at the Siete Altares waterfalls
  • 05Soak in riverside hot springs
  • 06Kayak through the mangroves of El Golfete
  • 07Look for manatees in the Chocón Machacas reserve
  • 08Spend a day at Playa Blanca on the Caribbean coast
Traveller sitting on a dock looking at the volcanoes of Atitlán
Special occasionsFlexible, typically 8–14 days

Honeymoons

Volcano views, candlelit courtyards, just you two

From $220 per person

Practical tips

Travel by private boat
A private boat lets you stop at hot springs, lagoons and villages along the way, rather than racing straight through.
Pack for humidity
Lightweight, quick-drying clothing, sun protection and insect repellent are essential on the Caribbean coast.
Embrace the slower pace
Life here moves on Caribbean time. Build in downtime and enjoy the river views from your lodge.

Río Dulce & Livingston FAQ

Livingston has no road connection. Most travellers take a boat from the town of Río Dulce, a scenic journey of about two hours, or from Puerto Barrios across the bay.

More questions? See our Guatemala FAQ.

Every tour is private and fully adjustable around your dates and pace.

See all tours

9 days, 8 nights Antigua · Las Verapaces · Caribbean coast

Caribbean & Jungle

Daily breakfast · 6 guided activities · All private transfers

  • Swim the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey
  • Candlelit caving in the K'an Ba caves
  • Boat through the Río Dulce canyon to Livingston
  • Garífuna music and tapado on the Caribbean

From$3,350per person

≈ $6,700 for two · international flights excluded

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