Guatemala (#04): Rio Dulce

The area called "the Rio Dulce" begins at the mouth of the river on the Bahia de Amatique at the Garifuna town of Livingston on the Caribbean coast. Going upriver, one passes through a spectacular steep walled canyon lined with jungle vegetation and wildlife. The river then widens into a small lake, El Golfete, the shores of which are lined with beautiful locations, Mayan settlements and a manatee reserve. The river then narrows and passes the towns of Fronteras and El Relleno (at the bridge) where there is an abundance of hotels, restaurants, marinas, services for boaters, medical care, communications and transportation.

A little further and the river widens into 590 square kilometer Lake Izabal, the largest lake in Guatemala.The Rio Dulce is a large river that is 500 to 1500 meters (1/3 to 1 mile) wide over much of its length. The narrowest spot is at a point called La Vaca where the river narrows to a little over 100 meters (300 feet) as it squeezes through The Canyon. The river and both lakes are navigable by vessels of modest draft. Many smaller rivers and countless creeks and streams feed the river and lakes. Many of these rivers can be traveled for miles by dinghy or canoe through beautiful forests and grassy meadows. The Rio Dulce is an aquatic community. The highway passing through Fronteras / El Relleno on its way up to the Peten is the only access road to the area. Outside the towns there are no roads or footpaths other than a road leading to Castile San Felipe and El Estor.

The get around to different places on the Rio one must travel by boat. Homes and businesses on the Rio Dulce have a boat dock ...cruisers usually have a dinghy with a small outboard so getting around is easy. Travelers arriving by land will have to hire a speedboat (lancha) to get around. The people along the Rio Dulce are among the friendliest. The Rio Dulce is a favorite vacation spot for many wealthy Guatis. Emphasis is on boating and water sports. Backpackers and travelers from all parts of the world use Rio Dulce as a jumping-off point for trips into the Peten, the rest of Guatemala, and to Belize and Honduras.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Guatemala
• Rio Dulce
• Sweet River
• Bahia de Amatique
• Garifura
• El Golfete
• Fronteras
• El Relieno
• Castile San Felipe

[vicmur1]

Wonderful Video!! My wife and I traveled down the Rio Dulce to Livingston. The sights along the river are absolutely beautiful. Want to return soon.

[DonCocales2008]

Great job. Glad you all had a good time there. I enjoyed the music too. Keep up the good work.