Caribbean coast: Rio Dulce and Livingston holidays
Caribbean coast: Rio Dulce and Livingston holidays at a glance
This region shows a side of Guatemala Caribbean Coast travel that differs dramatically from Antigua and the Highlands. East of Guatemala City, the Motagua Valley broadens into a steamy tropical floodplain carpeted with banana plantations before giving way to the cool, clear waters of Lake Izabal, the country’s biggest lake.
The journey along Río Dulce is often considered one of Guatemala’s most scenic experiences, the river ploughing a furrow through unbroken rainforest on its way from the lake to the Caribbean Sea.
At the lake’s mouth stands Castillo de San Felipe, the castle-like fort that once protected this trading route from pirates in colonial times. The river eventually reaches Livingston, a Garífuna settlement with an Afro-Caribbean identity unlike anywhere else in the country.
Further north, deep within the Petén rainforest, lies Tikal – one of the greatest archaeological sites in the Maya world. This vast lowland city began developing before 250AD and grew into a major religious and commercial centre before its collapse around 900AD, after which its jungle remoteness kept it largely untouched until roads and airstrips opened it up in the late 20th century.
Its temple pyramids now pierce the canopy above a wildlife-rich national park, revealing the scale of one of the most powerful civilisations the Americas ever produced.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Caribbean coast: Rio Dulce and Livingston
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
This journey showcases Guatemala’s incredible variety, from the Caribbean character of Livingston and Río Dulce’s lush waterways to the awe-inspiring Maya ruins of Tikal.
When to visit Caribbean coast: Rio Dulce and Livingston
The region can be visited throughout the year, although tropical conditions vary depending on location. Conditions remain warm and tropical throughout the year. Early morning visits often provide the most atmospheric conditions and excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities.
The warm tropical days and odd bursts of rainfall make this area slightly humid even in the dry season.
With the arrival of the rainy season from May onwards humidity rises and temperatures are generally over 30°C meaning it can feel fairly sweltering.
Top Things to do in Caribbean coast: Rio Dulce and Livingston
The region offers a unique mix of culture, nature and archaeology, from boat trips along Río Dulce to exploring the ruins of Yaxhá near Tikal itself.
Stop off at a jungle-shrouded Mayan ruin en route between Tikal and Belize.
Explore the most impressive of all Mayan sites with a knowledgeable guide to bring the ruins to life.
Accommodation in Caribbean coast: Rio Dulce and Livingston
Accommodation ranges from rainforest lodges and riverside retreats to comfortable hotels near Tikal and boutique properties along Río Dulce, many positioned to make the most of the wildlife, scenery and archaeology on their doorstep.
Simple accommodation in a lovely location at the mouth of the Rio Dulce, surrounded by tropical greenery and often visited by exotic wildlife.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
FAQs about visiting Caribbean coast: Rio Dulce and Livingston
Caribbean coast: Rio Dulce and Livingston is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When To Go
The lowlands of the Caribbean coast are hot and sultry, with temperatures over 30°C from May – Oct. This is the period of most rainfall too, though it is copious throughout the year. There’s plenty of sunshine all year though – Mar – Aug are the sunniest months.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- Language
Spanish.
- Getting Local Currency
Quetzal. Notes can be withdrawn using a UK credit or debit card, although there are few ATMs. You may have ask your bank to authorise withdrawals before you leave leave UK and each transaction is limited to about £100. US dollar notes can be exchanged at banks in Puerto Barrios, Rio Dulce and Livingston.
- Time Difference
GMT -6 hours.
- Combines With
- Getting There
The Atlantic Highway runs from Guatemala City to Puerto Barrios (3.5 hours) but Livingston is only accessible by boat from Rio Dulce or Puerto Barrios.
- Key Events
Virgen del Rosario: Livingston, 24 – 31 Dec. Traditional dancing.
Garifuna Day: Livingston, 26 Nov.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.
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