Guidebook for Río Dulce and neighborhood
Food Scene
Restaurante Rositas
Excelente seafood!
Restaurante El Viajero
Down a laneway opposite the Litegua bus office (200m up the main street past the end of the bridge), this open-air riverfront bar-restaurant makes great sandwiches on homemade bread and offers a good selection of vegetarian dishes, tasty brick-oven pizzas and fresh juices. It's also the place to come for unbiased information about the area.
SunDog Cafe, Rio Dulce
Down a laneway opposite the Litegua bus office (200m up the main street past the end of the bridge), this open-air riverfront bar-restaurant makes great sandwiches on homemade bread and offers a good selection of vegetarian dishes, tasty brick-oven pizzas and fresh juices. It's also the place to come for unbiased information about the area.
Casa Nostra is a pizzeria, vegetarian and seafood restaurant and boutique guesthouse located in Livingston, Izabal. They serve specialty meals three times daily and offer riverfront private rooms with a shared bathroom and shower.
Casa Nostra
Casa Nostra is a pizzeria, vegetarian and seafood restaurant and boutique guesthouse located in Livingston, Izabal. They serve specialty meals three times daily and offer riverfront private rooms with a shared bathroom and shower.
A welcome addition to the Rio! Chef/Owner Liesel is an accomplished restaurateur who brought her formidable culinary skills to this part of the jungle. Based on the freshest ingredients, her creative sauces and sides perfectly compliment the imported beef, fresh fish and seafood, and lovely handmade pastas that she produces.
There is a full bar and and the variety of margaritas is staggering, with choices ranging from tamarind to jalapeño (delightfully refreshing yet slightly spicy ...a marvelous combination) and at happy hour the two for one pricing makes it fun and affordable to try different flavors.
Dreamcatcher Eco Lodge
A welcome addition to the Rio! Chef/Owner Liesel is an accomplished restaurateur who brought her formidable culinary skills to this part of the jungle. Based on the freshest ingredients, her creative sauces and sides perfectly compliment the imported beef, fresh fish and seafood, and lovely handmade pastas that she produces.
There is a full bar and and the variety of margaritas is staggering, with choices ranging from tamarind to jalapeño (delightfully refreshing yet slightly spicy ...a marvelous combination) and at happy hour the two for one pricing makes it fun and affordable to try different flavors.
Parks & Nature
Hotel Hacienda Tijax - Jungle Lodge & Marina is part of the Hacienda Tijax Project, which is a large farm nestled in a magical and natural surrounding at Rio Dulce. We are seriously dedicated to conservation, ecotourism, light adventure tourism and sustainable farming. We have a rubber plantation and a nature reserve with trails ideal for hiking, learning about trees, medicinal plants and bird watching. There are many things to do in and around Hacienda Tijax such as horseback riding, hiking, swimming in our pools and sailing.
Hacienda Tijax Hotel y Marina
Hotel Hacienda Tijax - Jungle Lodge & Marina is part of the Hacienda Tijax Project, which is a large farm nestled in a magical and natural surrounding at Rio Dulce. We are seriously dedicated to conservation, ecotourism, light adventure tourism and sustainable farming. We have a rubber plantation and a nature reserve with trails ideal for hiking, learning about trees, medicinal plants and bird watching. There are many things to do in and around Hacienda Tijax such as horseback riding, hiking, swimming in our pools and sailing.
FINCA IXOBEL is the perfect getaway for friends and family any time of the year and one of the most memorable places to visit in Guatemala. We are a must see on your way to and from TIKAL. In today's world it is nice to know that there is such a place as FINCA IXOBEL where you can escape to relax and enjoy the natural world around us.
We are an eco friendly hotel and campground located in the foothills of the Mayan mountains at an elevation of 600 Meters. We are in the northern region of Guatemala, less than 5 kilometers south of the town of Poptún, in a unique setting of pine forest and jungle.
Feel free to explore our website and see why FINCA IXOBEL is the place to visit.
Finca Ixobel
FINCA IXOBEL is the perfect getaway for friends and family any time of the year and one of the most memorable places to visit in Guatemala. We are a must see on your way to and from TIKAL. In today's world it is nice to know that there is such a place as FINCA IXOBEL where you can escape to relax and enjoy the natural world around us.
We are an eco friendly hotel and campground located in the foothills of the Mayan mountains at an elevation of 600 Meters. We are in the northern region of Guatemala, less than 5 kilometers south of the town of Poptún, in a unique setting of pine forest and jungle.
Feel free to explore our website and see why FINCA IXOBEL is the place to visit.
Sightseeing
The people of Livingston are a mixture of the Black Garifuna, Spanish Guatemalans and Mayan Guatemalans. A number of languages are spoken including Spanish and Garifuna, and English is also widely spoken.
17 habitants recommandent
Livingston
The people of Livingston are a mixture of the Black Garifuna, Spanish Guatemalans and Mayan Guatemalans. A number of languages are spoken including Spanish and Garifuna, and English is also widely spoken.
The Castillo de San Felipe was built to protect the port of San Antonio de las Bodegas on the south shore of Lake Izabal from frequent pirate attacks, mostly by English pirates. After nightfall, passage along the river into the lake was blocked by a large chain that crossed from the fort to the far bank. San Antonio was the main port for receiving Spanish shipping carrying goods for the Captaincy General of Guatemala and was responsible for supplying and garrisoning the fort. Guatemalan records contain details of captains being appointed to the fort well into the 18th century.
16 habitants recommandent
Castillo de San Felipe
The Castillo de San Felipe was built to protect the port of San Antonio de las Bodegas on the south shore of Lake Izabal from frequent pirate attacks, mostly by English pirates. After nightfall, passage along the river into the lake was blocked by a large chain that crossed from the fort to the far bank. San Antonio was the main port for receiving Spanish shipping carrying goods for the Captaincy General of Guatemala and was responsible for supplying and garrisoning the fort. Guatemalan records contain details of captains being appointed to the fort well into the 18th century.
Finca Paraiso is a private property near Rio Dulce that’s well known as a local daytime hangout. The property boasts plenty of shaded and cool riverside areas, a few natural hot springs with water reaching about 40 ºC (100 ºF), and a sunny beach for those days that are cool enough to sunbathe. There’s a small restaurant near the entrance to the park that serves three meals daily. Vendors often work in and around the area selling coconuts, fruits, candies and more. The park can be uncomfortably busy during the winter holidays (late December through the first week of January) as well as near Semana Santa (the week preceding Easter Sunday).
10 habitants recommandent
Finca EL Paraíso
Finca Paraiso is a private property near Rio Dulce that’s well known as a local daytime hangout. The property boasts plenty of shaded and cool riverside areas, a few natural hot springs with water reaching about 40 ºC (100 ºF), and a sunny beach for those days that are cool enough to sunbathe. There’s a small restaurant near the entrance to the park that serves three meals daily. Vendors often work in and around the area selling coconuts, fruits, candies and more. The park can be uncomfortably busy during the winter holidays (late December through the first week of January) as well as near Semana Santa (the week preceding Easter Sunday).
Tikal was the capital of a conquest state that became one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya. Though monumental architecture at the site dates back as far as the 4th century BC, Tikal reached its apogee during the Classic Period, c. 200 to 900 AD. During this time, the city dominated much of the Maya region politically, economically, and militarily, while interacting with areas throughout Mesoamerica such as the great metropolis of Teotihuacan in the distant Valley of Mexico.
71 habitants recommandent
Tikal
Tikal was the capital of a conquest state that became one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya. Though monumental architecture at the site dates back as far as the 4th century BC, Tikal reached its apogee during the Classic Period, c. 200 to 900 AD. During this time, the city dominated much of the Maya region politically, economically, and militarily, while interacting with areas throughout Mesoamerica such as the great metropolis of Teotihuacan in the distant Valley of Mexico.
The Classic Maya sites of Yaxhá, Nakum and El Naranjo form a triangle that is the basis for a national park covering more than 37,000 hectares and bordering the Parque Nacional Tikal to the west. Yaxhá, the most visited of the trio, stands on a hill between two sizable lakes, Lago Yaxhá and Lago Sacnab. The setting, the sheer size of the site, the number of excellently restored buildings and the abundant jungle flora and fauna all make it particularly worth visiting.
During its heyday in the 8th century, it was home to a population of 20,000. Its 400-plus structures included five acropolises, two astronomical observatories and three ball courts.
22 habitants recommandent
Yaxha National Park
The Classic Maya sites of Yaxhá, Nakum and El Naranjo form a triangle that is the basis for a national park covering more than 37,000 hectares and bordering the Parque Nacional Tikal to the west. Yaxhá, the most visited of the trio, stands on a hill between two sizable lakes, Lago Yaxhá and Lago Sacnab. The setting, the sheer size of the site, the number of excellently restored buildings and the abundant jungle flora and fauna all make it particularly worth visiting.
During its heyday in the 8th century, it was home to a population of 20,000. Its 400-plus structures included five acropolises, two astronomical observatories and three ball courts.
Uaxactun (pronounced [waʃakˈtun]) is an ancient sacred place of the Maya civilization, located in the Petén Basin region of the Maya lowlands, in the present-day department of Petén, Guatemala. The site lies some 12 miles (19 km) north of the major center of Tikal. The name is sometimes spelled as Waxaktun.
Uaxactun
Uaxactun (pronounced [waʃakˈtun]) is an ancient sacred place of the Maya civilization, located in the Petén Basin region of the Maya lowlands, in the present-day department of Petén, Guatemala. The site lies some 12 miles (19 km) north of the major center of Tikal. The name is sometimes spelled as Waxaktun.
Flores is the capital of the Petén, Guatemala's landlocked, northernmost department (province). The old part of the city is located on an island on Lake Peten Itza, connected to the mainland by a short causeway. On the mainland is the suburb Santa Elena and, to the West, a contiguous municipality San Benito.It was here, on the island of Flores on the shore of Lake Petén Itzá, that the last independent Maya state held out against the Spanish conquerors. In 1541, Hernán Cortés came to the island, en route to Honduras, but needed to move on and did not try to conquer it. The Spanish did not manage to conquer the island until 1697, when they marched in, attacked via boats, and destroyed it.
13 habitants recommandent
Flores Island (Guatemala)
Flores is the capital of the Petén, Guatemala's landlocked, northernmost department (province). The old part of the city is located on an island on Lake Peten Itza, connected to the mainland by a short causeway. On the mainland is the suburb Santa Elena and, to the West, a contiguous municipality San Benito.It was here, on the island of Flores on the shore of Lake Petén Itzá, that the last independent Maya state held out against the Spanish conquerors. In 1541, Hernán Cortés came to the island, en route to Honduras, but needed to move on and did not try to conquer it. The Spanish did not manage to conquer the island until 1697, when they marched in, attacked via boats, and destroyed it.
Nakum ("House of the pot") is a Mesoamerican archaeological site, and a former ceremonial center and city of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. It is located in the northeastern portion of the Petén Basin region, in the department of Petén. The northeastern Petén region contains a good number of other significant Maya sites, and Nakum is one of the three sites forming the Cultural Triangle of "Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo". Nakum is approximately 17 kilometres (10.6 mi) to the north of Yaxha and some 25 kilometres (15.5 mi) to the east of Tikal, on the banks of the Holmul River Its main features include an abundance of visibly restored architecture.
Nakum
Nakum ("House of the pot") is a Mesoamerican archaeological site, and a former ceremonial center and city of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. It is located in the northeastern portion of the Petén Basin region, in the department of Petén. The northeastern Petén region contains a good number of other significant Maya sites, and Nakum is one of the three sites forming the Cultural Triangle of "Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo". Nakum is approximately 17 kilometres (10.6 mi) to the north of Yaxha and some 25 kilometres (15.5 mi) to the east of Tikal, on the banks of the Holmul River Its main features include an abundance of visibly restored architecture.
A beautiful, lushly vegetated canyon abutting the tiny Maya settlement of the same name is about 6km east of El Estor. Pay your Q10 entry fee, and for around Q20 per person, villagers will paddle you 15 minutes up the Río Sauce through the canyon, drop you at a small beach, where you can swim and if you like scramble up the rocks, and wait or return for you at an agreed time.
6 habitants recommandent
El Boquerón
A beautiful, lushly vegetated canyon abutting the tiny Maya settlement of the same name is about 6km east of El Estor. Pay your Q10 entry fee, and for around Q20 per person, villagers will paddle you 15 minutes up the Río Sauce through the canyon, drop you at a small beach, where you can swim and if you like scramble up the rocks, and wait or return for you at an agreed time.
Quiriguá’s history parallels that of Copán, of which it was a dependency during much of the classic period. Of the three sites in this area, only the present archaeological park is of interest.
Quiriguá’s location lent itself to the carving of giant stelae. Beds of brown sandstone in the nearby Río Motagua had cleavage planes suitable for cutting large pieces. Though soft when first cut, the sandstone dried hard in the air. With Copán’s expert artisans nearby for guidance, Quiriguá’s stone carvers were ready for greatness. All they needed was a great leader to inspire them – and to pay for the carving of the huge stelae.
Acropole de Quirigua
Quiriguá’s history parallels that of Copán, of which it was a dependency during much of the classic period. Of the three sites in this area, only the present archaeological park is of interest.
Quiriguá’s location lent itself to the carving of giant stelae. Beds of brown sandstone in the nearby Río Motagua had cleavage planes suitable for cutting large pieces. Though soft when first cut, the sandstone dried hard in the air. With Copán’s expert artisans nearby for guidance, Quiriguá’s stone carvers were ready for greatness. All they needed was a great leader to inspire them – and to pay for the carving of the huge stelae.
Old fort that protected the entrance to Guatemala through lake Izabal
16 habitants recommandent
Castillo de San Felipe
Old fort that protected the entrance to Guatemala through lake Izabal
Essentials
Cheap place to buy groceries, and an excellent place to be picked up by our launch.
Despensa Familiar
CA-13Cheap place to buy groceries, and an excellent place to be picked up by our launch.
Tienda Reed
CA-13The original store at Río Dulce, owned by Chiqui Lupitou!
Supermercado La Torre Rio Dulce
Supermarket in Fronteras, Río Dulce
Entertainment & Activities
The main attraction of Denny's Beach is its' magnificent beach and crystal clear water for swimming and water sports.
The hotel is situated on the south shore of supernatural Lake Izabal just 8 km east of Mariscos or 20 km south of Fronteras, Rio Dulce. As there is only water access we one free boat ride to and from Mariscos for overnight guests of the hotel. As it is a total distance involving 34km or 20 milesfor the two round trips, additional trips have an additional cost.
Along the beachfront are dining palapas to protect the clients from sun and rain and a huge dock complex complete with hammocks and palapas. There is also a covered restuarant right in front of the bar and reception.
Denny's Beach Resort Hotel
The main attraction of Denny's Beach is its' magnificent beach and crystal clear water for swimming and water sports.
The hotel is situated on the south shore of supernatural Lake Izabal just 8 km east of Mariscos or 20 km south of Fronteras, Rio Dulce. As there is only water access we one free boat ride to and from Mariscos for overnight guests of the hotel. As it is a total distance involving 34km or 20 milesfor the two round trips, additional trips have an additional cost.
Along the beachfront are dining palapas to protect the clients from sun and rain and a huge dock complex complete with hammocks and palapas. There is also a covered restuarant right in front of the bar and reception.
Drinks, Food & Nightlife
Rio Dulce's best hideaway! At Casa Perico they strive to offer their guests the highest quality of service, excellent food and drinks and a lush, quiet, clean and comfortable place to sleep.
While you are there they will spoil you with their famous home cooked meals, and their friendly staff will help you with all your needs during your stay. As there are lots of things to do in and around Casa Perico you might stay much longer, than you planned.
Hotel Casa Perico
Rio Dulce's best hideaway! At Casa Perico they strive to offer their guests the highest quality of service, excellent food and drinks and a lush, quiet, clean and comfortable place to sleep.
While you are there they will spoil you with their famous home cooked meals, and their friendly staff will help you with all your needs during your stay. As there are lots of things to do in and around Casa Perico you might stay much longer, than you planned.
Hostel .The Shack
Great chicken wings and burgers - our favorite, the "Shack Burger"
Getting Around
Litegua
Bus connection to Guatemala City and Tikal/Yaxha.
Rio Dulce Travel
If you want to book some transport or a local tour, this is the place!