Are you planning a vacation in Guatemala? We’d like to invite you to discover the Rio Dulce, a must-see site with impressive tropical flora and fauna!
Guatemala is full of secrets and regions untouched by mass tourism. It’s a little-known country, and some regions have barely fifty establishments to welcome you! Such is the case of Rio Dulce, in the north-east of the country. Head for Rio Dulce, a paradise for jungle lovers!
What to do in Rio Dulce
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Jake Brown
The main activity is obviously linked to the Rio Dulce river and its surrounding lush jungle. The best thing to do is to take a kayak for at least half a day to navigate the river and enjoy the scenery. Many hotels offer kayaks and paddles for hire.
Among the activities and excursions on offer, one of the must-sees is the town of Livingston, which can be reached in 20 minutes by boat: this town is unique in that it’s a veritable melting pot of cultures! It’s home to the Garifuna community, a black population that settled here because of slavery. Today, their culture is blended with that of the Caribbean and the Mayan world. On the lake itself, there are several beautiful waterfalls and numerous bathing spots.
The Rio Dulce is a must for all those who want to discover the diversity of Guatemala: in just a few hours, the road takes you from the Pacific to the Caribbean, from mountains and volcanoes to idyllic beaches, and it’s all very impressive!
How to get to Rio Dulce
Rio Dulce is the name of a Guatemalan city on the banks of the river of the same name. It’s an impressive city, built almost entirely on water. Indeed, to the right is Lake Izabal, Guatemala’s largest lake, while to the left is the Caribbean coast, a twenty-minute boat ride away! Rio Dulce can be reached in several ways: either by flying into Puerto Barrios airport, then taking a shuttle and boat, or by arriving from Flores and its sublime Mayan temples of Tikal. There are daily shuttles from Flores to the Rio Dulce.
To find a cheap flight to Puerto Barrios, you can search on our partner website Skyscanner.
Where to stay in Rio Dulce?
The whole point of the Rio Dulce is to be able to take full advantage of its grandiose setting! Above all, it’s a very relaxing place, right in the middle of nature. A number of hotels have opened on the banks of the river, and most are accessible only by boat! Enjoy a moment of peace and solitude in the middle of a tropical jungle. There’s something for every budget: from youth hostels to luxury hotels, you’ll be able to find the accommodation you need to enjoy this unique part of Guatemala. What’s more, almost all hotels offer their own boat service to pick you up at Rio Dulce or even at the airport. You can find your hotel by searching on this hotel comparator.