Places of Interest - Guatemala

"rio dulce" and "livingstone"

introduction

The Caribbean coast is a part of Guatemala that is very different from the rest of the country. Palm trees, sandy beaches, jungle and swampy nature parks and people (inhabitants) that do not reside anywhere else in the country. The Dulce is a river of 43 kilometers in the "Izabal" department of Guatemala. The river flows from Lake Izabal to the Gulf of Honduras (Caribbean Sea). The Dulce ends at the village of Livingston in the Gulf of Honduras and passes Rio Dulce, the transport hub at the important bridge over the river. This town is still called "Frontera" as the border and as end of the world. A boat trip from the first to the second is a must-see in the region and Livingstone also has a special place in Guatemala. Here live the "Garifuna" people who are a mix between stranded African slaves and the ethnic "Carib" Indians. They speak a different dialect and live along the entire Caribbean coast here. In Rio Dulce it is interesting to visit and view the old castle on the river by boat or by foot, built to scare away the pirates.

highlights

El Castillo de San Felipe:

The castle of "San Felipe" is about 3 km walk (45 minutes) from the town of “Rio Dulce” built along the riverside and was intended to keep the pirates at a distance at the time. Built in the year 1652 we now see a reconstruction from 1956. Despite the fact that the castle was attacked by pirates in 1686 and was set on fire, it still frightened many pirates. At the end of the 17th century the pirates disappeared and the fort was used as a prison. Nowadays there is a beautiful park built around the castle and you can picnic and even swim in the lake/river around it. If you do not want to walk, there are opportunities every half hour to take a minibus from Rio Dulce (the bridge) to the castle (Q8).

Livingston:

Livingston is a small town located at the mouth of the “Izabal” river on the Carribean coast. It is best known for its unusual mix of Garifuna, Maya and Ladino culture and style. Especially the Garifuna culture prevails and despite the tourists, the population likes to stick to traditions, including the annual “Pororo” celebrations on 12 December. The Garifuna, a mix of Indian and African blood speaks its own language (a mix of French, African dialects and Carribian languages). Origin of the island "St. Vincent "the English had a heavy task in the 18th century to bring the Garifunas under the yoke of the British crown. When they succeeded, they deported the entire community and they ended up in the Trujillo region. From there the newly formed tribe spread over the entire coast of the Caribbean Sea. Today Livingstone is a very lively mixed city with a good (by water) connection between the different regions in the neighborhood.

In addition to the very interesting mix of people, architecture and culture, you can also visit the (sand) beach in and around Livingstone. Within half an hour you get to know the total village. There is a museum ("Multicultural de Livingstone") and you can hang out and laze on an old "colonial" terrace. Also a visit to "Los Siete Altares" (a series of waterfalls and pools of water) located about 5 km from Livingstone is a must. Finally, it is highly recommended to take a boat trip on the river "Dulce" and the lake. Between the aerial roots of the mangrove that covers the banks, here and there huts have been built on stilts by the Q'eqchi Indians, who live on fish and bird hunting.

Other attractions:

Natural parks such as "Bocas del Polochic" and "Punta de Manabique" are also very worthwhile to visit.

tips & advice (2007)

Rio Dulce has no bus station, buses stop on both sides of the bridge over the river "Dulce". Bus companies "El Fuente del Norte" and "Litegua" have bus offices opposite each other. The main pick-up point for boats (including Livingstone) is opposite the main road to "Bruno's hostel".

Rio Dulce - Livingstone: there are countless boats towards Livingstone. Fixed departure times from Rio Dulce are 09:30 and 13:30 while the trip takes 1.5 hours. In between there are numerous (unofficial) boats. There is certainly a boat back to Rio Dulce at 13:30 from Livingstone. Besides the boat you can also take a (mini) van; a single ticket costs about 125Q. This leaves from the new "dock" but be prepared for many stops.

Rio Dulce - Santa Elena/Flores: there are several bus companies that go to Santa Elena (or Flores). The journey should take about 4 hours and the costs are about 60Q but there are also bus companies that charge 100Q. There is certainly a bus at 08:00 in the morning. For a minibus ("Otitrans") you pay almost 300Q, but then you are a lot faster.

ATTENTION: the bridge is 3.5 km long; Pay attention to where you get off because you have no protection against the sun here and it can be a very sweaty 30 minute walk.
ATTENTION: always ask first the price for a boat trip before you get in.

NOTE: Shop around before you buy a bus ticket to Santa Elena (Flores); prices, quality and duration differ considerably.

Almost every hostel/hotel in "Rio Dulce" has its own restaurant. Bruno's is known for its good quality breakfast service.

If you go to Livingstone you should definitely try the "guifiti". This is a mix of coconut rum with herbs and is a local delicacy. It would contain medical magic.

Name: "Bruno's" (Rio Dulce)

Address: Rio Dulce (village)

Price: Q35 (dormitory)

Phone nr. : 7930 5721

Website: www.mayaparadise.com/bruno

Content:

This hostel is located near the bridge in Rio Dulce and is fully equipped. There are spacious, comfortable dorms but also "singles" and "doubles" some with large balconies and air conditioning and/or a view of the river. On the terrain which is perfect for people who want to leave early with a boat and/or bus is a good restaurant and a swimming pool. You can also enjoy an ice cold beer on the terrace.

Name: "Casa Perico" (on the riverside)

Address: On the river not far from Rio Dulce

Price: Q45 (dormitory)

Phone nr. : 7930 5666

Content:

Hostel Casa Perico is located in the middle of the jungle about 200 meters from the big river. It is a complex built literally on the water with a magical atmosphere. The he wooden buildings are all built on wooden platforms about one meter above the water under the jungle leaves and the high vegetation. You can take a bungalow but also sleep in a dormitory or "single". There is a buffet supper offered but there is also a menu that is offered in the joint central cozy building. You can exchange books here but also hang in your hammock and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere that hangs here. Finally, Casa Perico has a wide range of tours and information about the region. You can call for a pick-up service from Rio Dulce.

The websites www.mayaparadise.com and www.riodulcechisme.com give you a lot of information about the region and its population.

NOTE: especially in Livingstone it is wise to stay on guard. Besides the fact that the city is often used as a drug transit port, there are also known cases of "robberies" on tourists in dark Streets late at night.

Places of Interest - Guatemala

"rio dulce" and "livingstone"

introduction

highlights

tips & advice (2007)

see also:

LANDEN: