Livingston in Guatemala - Rio Dulce in Guatemala - Bahia de Amanique

Río dulce Livingston Guatemala / Photo: Pixabay
Río dulce Livingston Guatemala / Photo:

The town of Livingston, arises where the Dulce River opens and forms the bay of Amanique. Its location at the end of the Dulce River, its Caribbean beaches and the surrounding rainforest are attractions that draw visitors to this Guatemalan town every year.

Excursions along Guatemala's Rio Dulce River

Day trips up the Rio Dulce to the village of Rio Dulce, crossing the rainforest with several stops, are a must on our visit to the village. The tour leaves Livingston behind and enters a gorge called Cuerna de Vaca, which is rich in vegetation and tropical birds, before reaching La Pintada. Further on, tourists are often offered the chance to swim in hot springs, before continuing on to El Golfete, where the Río Dulce opens up and takes the form of a lake. On its banks is the Chocón Machacas Biotope, a reserve that protects valuable forests, mangrove swamps and local fauna such as tapir and manatee, which can be explored on foot along a marked trail. Many boats also visit the Bird Islands located in the middle of El Golfete, before reaching Río Dulce.

Livingston in Guatemala

In the town of Livingston itself, we can visit the Municipal Museum, located in the Municipal Park in front of the public pier, a place to learn about the history and culture of the area with a great ethnic diversity. Although there are beaches in the town, it is worth travelling a few kilometres to enjoy better beaches to the northwest, such as Playa Quehueche or Playa Blanca, the best beach in the area, which can be reached by boat.

Visiting around Livingston

Also to the northwest of Livingston, about 5km. walking along the shore of the bay of Amatique, you can enjoy a group of waterfalls and freshwater pools called Los siete Altares. Besides enjoying great natural beauty during the walk, the end of the walk is a good place to take a dip. There are several ecological tours offered by different local establishments that include this visit, as well as day trips to Sapodillas Cays, off the southern coast of Belize, a good place for diving enthusiasts.

Tropical rainforests, mangroves, rivers to sail on and beaches to relax, sunbathe and practice water sports await the visitor in and around the town.