Rio Dulce Travel Guide
Sweet waters and breathtaking river journeys
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Guatemala's most famous river is the Rio Dulce, just 26 miles (42 km) long. With its clear water, abundant tropical vegetation and fascinating wildlife it is an attraction in itself, whilst on the coast is Lake Izabal, home to the endangered manatee. The largest lake in the country at a more than 45 kilometres, Izabal is surrounded by verdant rainforest which is in itself inhabited by hundreds of bird species, monkeys and many other animals.
The river begins its journey near the twin towns of Fronteras and El Relleno and finds its way into Lake Izabel and onward to its outlet into the Caribbean Sea at the town of Livingston, Guatemala's only Garifuna settlement. Halfway to the Caribbean the Rio Dulce widens to form the Golfete, this part of the river is around 10 miles (16 km) long and up to 3 miles (4.8 km) wide. As it winds its way closer to the Caribbean, the Rio Dulce narrows significantly and flows through a steep-walled canyon, made of white limestone cliffs, 400 feet high. The El Golfete region and the area where the Rio Dulce flows into Lake Izabal is known as the Rio Dulce National Park, covering an area of 17,784 acres of wetland eco-system, it is home to numerous species of birdlife including cranes, kingfishers, egrets, parrots and herons.
Attractions in Rio Dulce
The Golfete section of the Rio Dulce is home to the Biotopo de Chacon Machacas, which was established to protect the manatees ("sea cows"), on its shores there is abundant vegetation with a stunning variety of flora and fauna.
Situated at the mouth of the Rio Dulce where it joins the Bay of Amatique is the town of Livingston. Inhabited by the Garifuna people, this lively town has a Caribbean atmosphere and is a great place to enjoy lobster or coconut prawns and listen to the local African-style ‘punta’ music.
Activities in Rio Dulce
There are many activities to be enjoyed on the river and in the surrounding area but water-sports are the number one activity with numerous bays, coves and lagoons to explore. The river is also a great place for canoeing, windsurfing and swimming. Diving is also possible, but the visibility is very limited near the bottom.
On land, hiking and walking trails exist in many places including the Biotopo de Chocon Machaca and on the south shore of Lake Izabal, alternatively you can go horse riding. Fishing and bird-watching are popular as there are more than 600 species of birds and a variety of fish inhabiting the Rio Dulce including robalo (snook) and mojarra (a freshwater perch), river bass and catfish.
Relaxing
Taking a sailboat trip along the river is an unforgettable experience.
Getting Around
The easiest way to get around places on the Rio Dulce is to travel by boat.
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