Do you know What makes this area so special? It’s the different water cruise adventures to be had: A beautiful boat tour along the Rio Dulce to visit the bustling town of Puerto Barrios then sail on over to the isolated, Caribbean Coast funky town of Livingston. Where reggae beats sway through the air like you can on a hammock!
That’s not all there is here. The lowlands town of Esquipulas, bordering Honduras, is world known for its Black Christ who lives in the Basilica de Esquipulas. If you’ve never experienced a religious pilgrimage, they are a sight. Every January 15 the famous Cristo Negro festival draws thousands of visitors and pilgrims to this holy place. And most of them come walking on their knees (yikes!). And while you’re so close to the Honduras border, hop on over to visit the Copan Mayan ruins.
Guatemala Caribbean Coast Travel Guide
Where is it?
In the Izabal Department of Guatemala.
How’s The Weather?
Fantastic!
Yearly average: 74 F (23 C) – 83 F (28 C)
Warmest Months: June – September
Humid
Places to Be
These are the most popular hot spots in this region. But for the gotta-see-it-all traveler, scroll down to the CITIES LESS TRAVELED to get the goods on this whole region.
Lago de Izabal and Rio Dulce
The largest lake of Guatemala is full of adventure. Surrounded by tropical rainforests that are inhabited by hundreds of birds, monkeys, and other animals. The lake itself is rich with sea life and is the home to the famous, but very endangered manatee. The lake empties out into Rio Dulce which flows out to the Caribbean.
Can’t Miss This
- Castillo de San Felipe
- Rio Dulce and Lago de Izabal boat tours
- Finca el Paraiso
- El Boqueron
- Denny’s Beach
Puerto Barrios
Chances are the reason you’ll be stopping over in this port city is that you’re catching a boat to somewhere. However, while you’re here enjoy the surrounding area and do some side trips.
Can’t Miss This
* Catarata de Aguas Calientes
* Ruins of Quirigua
* Punta Manabique
* Quirigua
Livingston
Where Rio Dulce empties out into the ocean sits a charming, village. Livingston is completely unconnected to the rest of the country by road transport. Once you arrive here you’d never know you are still in Guatemala. The Garifuna, descendents of a shipwrecked slave ship off the island of St. VIncent, populated this isolated town, speak an interesting of mix of Caribbean, African and French and are eager to share their culture with you. They are a lively bunch and will keep you entertained with thier stories, cuisine and music.
Can’t Miss This
* Los Siete Altares (The Seven Altars Waterfalls)
* Walking tour of the town
* Playa Blanca
Beaches
- Denny’s Beach
- Playa Blanca
Museums and Gardens
- Museo Multicultural de Livingston
- Basilica en Esquipulas
- El Castillo de San Felipe
Parks & Reserves
- San Gil Ecological Reserve
- The Cave of the Cow
- El Golfete and Pajaros Island
- Mine Caves
- National Park Rio Dulce
- Bocas del Polochi Refuge
- Biosphere Sierra of the Mines Reserve
- El Boqueron
- Punta de Manabique
- Cerro Miramundo
- Silvino Caves
- Biotopo Chocon Machacas
Volcanoes
- Ipala Volcano
- Quetzaltepeque Volcano
Waterfalls
- Los Siete Altares
Hot Springs
- Finca el Paraiso
Ruins
- Quirigua
Nature Activities
- Bird and Wildlife Spying (if you’re lucky you can see the quetzal bird)
Adventure Activities
- Boat tours
- Sailing tours
- Caving
- Canoeing
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
- Wakeboarding
Cultural Activities
- Cristo de Esquipulas Festival (January 15)
- Garifuna National Day (November 26)
Less Traveled Cities
- Chiquimula
- Esquipulas
- El Estor
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