Castillo de San Felipe, Rio Dulce, Livingston

Livingston and Rio Dulce

Located on the eastern tip of Guatemala, tucked under Belize and at the mouth of the Rio Dulce is the town of Livingston, an often forgotten part of Guatemala, but one of great contrast.

Livingston, Guatemala
Livingston, Guatemala

Livingston

On the Caribbean coast and only accessible by boat, Livingston is a Garifuna village more akin to Caribbean isle than a Guatemala town. The Garifuna are a mix of indigenous Caribs and shipwrecked slaves from the seventeenth century. The town is fairly basic with painted clapboard houses and one main street that winds down to the sandy beach below. Their language (creole), culture and cuisine are all preserved, in part, by the town’s inaccessibility.

Rio Dulce Boats moored, Guatemala
Rio Dulce, Guatemala

Rio Dulce

The Rio Dulce begins from Lake Izabal, the largest lake in Guatemala, and flows through a vast area of National Park to the Caribbean coast. The river is the main access route to Livingston and is used to ferry supplies. Thatched roof villas dot the banks, with hidden thermal springs in the jungle. Turtles and lily pads bob on the water. The mangrove swamps are also home to the elusive manatee.

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Rachael Tallents

Adventure, discovery and my curiosity for people and the natural world is what drives my love of travelling.  I am grateful for my parents’ desire to explore, and from an early age my eyes were open to diverse landscapes, cultures, and underwater worlds.

For the last 16 years, I have worked for a leading luxury tour operator designing incredible journeys for discerning clients and travelled to some magical places. I am excited to have joined Steppes Travel, and to be working for a company with such strong ethical and sustainable values.

Talk with our experts
  • 1 800 571 2985

John Faithfull

John’s most recent trip to Guatemala was for Semana Santa (Holy Week), a heady mix of colourful processions where huge swaying floats are carried on the shoulders of purple-clad brotherhoods in high pointed headgear who shuffle through billowing clouds of incense.

Talk with our experts
  • 1 800 571 2985

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?


More about Steppes

F L E X I B I L I T Y P R O M I S E B O O K W I T H C O N F I D E N C E