Guatemala / Destinations / Livingston & Rio Dulce

Livingston & Rio Dulce

  • Herons on rooftops in Livingston, Guatemala
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  • The banks of the Rio Dulce near Livingston, Guatemala
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  • A traditional riversidee house on the Rio Dulce near Livingston, Guatemala
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  • Quiet, cobbled street in Livingston, Guatemala
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  • Pond in Livingston, Guatemala
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  • Beach Of Playa Blanca Near Livingston, Guatemala
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  • Two young girls in canoe on Rio Dulce, Guatemala
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  • Old wooden house in Livingston, Guatemala
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  • House by sea in Livingston, Guatemala
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  • Harbour at Livingston, Guatemala
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  • Geese in Livingston, Guatemala
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  • Garifuna Cultural Centre sign in Livingston, Guatemala
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  • Boat with herons in the harbour of Livingston, Guatemala
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  • Creek at Livingston, Guatemala
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  • Jeep in quiet street in Livingston, Guatemala
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  • Woman pushing cart in Livingston, Guatemala
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  • Run-down wooden house in Livingston, Guatemala
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  • Wall alongside a quiet street in Livingston, Guatemala
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  • Statue at sea in Livingston, Guatemala
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  • Small fishing boat on Rio Dulce near Livingston, Guatemala
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  • Street sign in Livingston, Guatemala
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  • Jetty in Livingston, Guatemala
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Quite unlike anywhere else in Guatemala, Livingston can only be reached by boat and it is this relative isolation that has helped preserve its distinctive culture and way of life.

Unlike the rest of the country, the dominant ethnic group in Livingston are the Garifuna, referred to in the past as Black Caribs and the result of inter-marriage between escaped African slaves and native Caribbean islanders. The Garifuna can be found all along this stretch of coast, including neighbouring Honduras & Belize, and have traditionally stuck to the coast, fishing, farming and trading.

The Garifuna are proud of their roots and protective of both their culture and traditions, no more so than their music which can be heard throughout Central America.


Beyond The Ordinary arrange fully bonded, tailor made holidays and tours to Guatemala. Contact one of our experts on 01580 764796, email travel@beyondtheordinary.co.uk or contact us via our website.

For visitors to Livingston, there are no historic or archaeological sites, no museums or galleries and little to do apart from go for long walks, people watch and perhaps catch some live music. Despite being a coastal community, there is no beach at Livingston although local operators offer daily, return boat trips to nearby Playa Blanca with its sandy white beach.

Paradoxically, probably the main reason most people visit Livingston are for the boat journeys to and from it. Most visitors will arrive from Puerto Barrios on an enjoyable 30 minute journey that hugs the tropical coastline.

However, it is the route out, heading inland along the beautiful Rio Dulce towards Lake Izabal and Castillo de San Felipe de Lara that, for many visitors, is one of the highlights of their holiday to Guatemala.

For examples of holidays to Guatemala that feature both Flores and the boat trip down the Rio Dulce, please refer to our sample, suggested itineraries including Guatemala Highlights, Classic Guatemala & Complete Guatemala.

Accommodation in Livingston & Rio Dulce

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