Livingston is a laid back Caribbean town in Guatemala. It’s located at the river mouth of the Rio Dulce river, which connects Lago de Izabal to the Carbibbean Sea. While some travellers choose to visit Livingston on a day trip, other seem glued to the village for ages. The town is definitely worth a longer stay, so that’s why we decided to list the most fun and laid back hostels in Livingston.
5. Casa Rosada
Casa Rosada is a vibrant hostel located on Calle Marcos Sanchez Dias in the laid back jungle town of Livingston in Guatemala. With a mix of both locals and international travellers, the place has a friendly, eclectic vibe that draws guests in. The hostel’s attractive restaurant serves up delicious, locally caught seafood in addition to vegetarian and international options. Visitors can also enjoy a refreshing smoothie or cocktail at the bar, which boasts some of the best coffee in town.
Casa Rosada offers comfortable rooms and dormitories, all of which are well-maintained and come with free WiFi. Rooms range in price from budget to mid-range, making it a great option for travellers on a budget. The hostel also features expansive open-air lounges and a private dock complete with hammocks, books, and games for guests to enjoy. Casa Rosada also offers rental equipment like kayaks and paddle boards for exploring the nearby waterfalls and beaches.
Guests rave about the stunning views at Casa Rosada and appreciate the cleanliness of the rooms. They also love the relaxed and social atmosphere, as well as the hassle-free booking experience for tours and rentals.
Address
Calle Marcos Sanchez Dias, Livingston, Guatemala
Price range
Budget-Friendly
Location
Rio Dulce River Mouth
Happiness
Superb
Casa Rosada is a vibrant hostel in Livingston, Guatemala, known for its eclectic vibe and mix of locals and international guests. It features an attractive restaurant with local seafood and varied menus, a bar with excellent coffee, a private dock, hammocks, books, games, and rental equipment for outdoor activities, making it ideal for budget travellers.
4. Cabaña Rio Lagarto
Located in Livingston, Guatemala, Cabaña Rio Lagarto is a cozy and charming hostel that offers a perfect mix of comfort and affordability. The hostel’s rustic architecture blends in perfectly with its lush surroundings, while the laid-back vibe makes it an ideal spot for backpackers and travelers looking for a peaceful retreat.
Cabaña Rio Lagarto offers a range of accommodation options that cater to different budgets and preferences. Guests can choose from private rooms with en-suite bathrooms or shared dormitories, all of which are equipped with essential amenities. The hostel also features a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious lounge area, and an outdoor terrace with stunning views of the surrounding greenery.
Guests at Cabaña Rio Lagarto rave about the hostel’s location, facilities, and overall value for money. Many appreciate the free Wi-Fi, recycling facilities, and water dispensers available on-site. The proximity to the town and the coast also makes it an ideal base for exploring the area, whether you want to stroll along the beaches or venture into the lush forest.
Address
Barrio Paris 00, 18002 Lívingston
Price range
Budget-Friendly
Location
Sea front
Happiness
Very Good
Cabaña Rio Lagarto in Livingston, Guatemala, is a cozy hostel that combines comfort with affordability in lush surroundings. The hostel features a fully equipped kitchen, lounge, and terrace with stunning views, ideal if you're looking for a peaceful retreat.
3. Casa de la Iguana
Casa de la Iguana is a cozy hostel located on the Rio Dulce river banks in Livingston. Surrounded by jungle, the hostel offers a relaxing and laid-back vibe perfect for travellers seeking a peaceful escape. With a small pool to cool off in and hammocks to relax in, guests can unwind and enjoy their surroundings.
Accommodation at Casa de la Iguana includes shared dorms and private rooms with shared bathrooms. Prices are cheap and offer good value for money. The hostel also features common spaces such as a cute dining area for breakfast, a courtyard filled with flowers and hammocks, and a restaurant serving local and Latin American cuisine.
Guests love the cleanliness of the shared toilets and showers, as well as the overall facilities of the hostel. The location is convenient, close to the port and good restaurants. The courtyard with its flowers and hammocks is particularly popular with backpackers, as well as the super clean bathrooms. Overall, Casa de la Iguana offers a comfortable and enjoyable stay for travellers who are on a budget.
Address
Unnamed Road, 18002 Lívingston
Price range
Budget-Friendly
Location
Rio Dulce River Mouth
Happiness
Very Good
Casa de la Iguana is a budget-friendly hostel in Livingston, nestled on the Rio Dulce riverbanks and surrounded by jungle. It offers a tranquil atmosphere with a pool, hammocks, shared dorms, private rooms, and common areas including a dining space and a restaurant serving local cuisine.
2. Villa Caribe
Villa Caribe is a charming hostel located on the river banks of the Rio Dulce. The hostel has a relaxed vibe and is surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens, allowing guests to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
There is a variety of rooms available at Villa Caribe, from budget-friendly dorms to private rooms with stunning sea views. The hostel also offers an excellent breakfast in their restaurant, which can be enjoyed on the terrace with breathtaking sea views. Additionally, guests can relax by the big pool or try birdwatching and photography from their balcony.
Travellers are very happy with the spacious rooms, amazing pool, and beautiful gardens at Villa Caribe. They enjoy the serene atmosphere and appreciate the friendly staff who ensure that everything is well-maintained. Overall, Villa Caribe provides great value for money for those looking for a peaceful and comfortable stay in Livingston.
Address
Barrio El Centro Calzada Livingstone, 18002 Lívingston
Price range
High-End
Location
Rio Dulce River Mouth
Happiness
Fabulous
Villa Caribe, nestled on the Rio Dulce's banks, offers a relaxed atmosphere amidst beautiful tropical gardens for a peaceful stay. With options ranging from budget dorms to private rooms with sea views, guests can enjoy excellent breakfasts with a view, relax by the pool, or engage in birdwatching and photography.
1. Casa Nostra
Casa Nostra is one of the most popular lodges in Livingston, especially among backpackers, digital nomads, and long term travellers. It offers an amazing paradise to stay for a few days, a few weeks, or even longer. The hostel has a chill and laid-back atmosphere that reflects the Caribbean vibe of the area. The owner is very kind and willing to give tips for activities in the neighborhood and help with transportation, making guests feel at home.
Casa Nostra has various types of rooms available, ranging from rooms with shared bathrooms to private ones. The prices are mid-range, and guests can opt for a fan or AC option. This hostel also offers common spaces such as a garden, balcony, and hammock area for guests to relax outside of their rooms.
Every travellers falls in love with the privileged seafront location in the centre of town, the clean rooms and bathrooms with great views. The breakfasts and dinners are tasty with good quality, and the common areas are perfect for chilling out. Overall, Casa Nostra offers a great value for money and a comfortable stay in Livingston.
Address
Calle Marcos Sanchez Diaz, 18002 Lívingston
Price range
Mid-Range
Location
Rio Dulce River Mouth
Happiness
Fabulous
Casa Nostra in Livingston is a favorite among backpackers, digital nomads, and long-term travelers, offering a paradise-like stay with options ranging from a few days to weeks or more. Its chill, Caribbean vibe atmosphere, along with the owner's hospitality and travel tips, makes guests feel at home.
How to choose the ideal lodging in Livingston?
The perfect accommodation is different for everyone. That’s also the case when looking for the best hostels in Livingston, Guatemala. But of course, there are a few things to look for in a region like this!
Budget vs splurge
Budget accommodation is very different from high-end accommodation. In a place like Livingston you will especially feel this in amenities like air conditioning and general appliances.
Budget hostels in Livingston will still be spotless and accommodation, but expensive lodging will probably be more comfortable.
You are in a hot and humid jungle location, so if you like a little bit of extra comfort, you might want to spend the extra quetzales!
Riverfront of seafront?
Most hostels in Livingston mention the fact that they have a seafront location. In theory, that would be a riverfront location, which is obviously just as good!
If you’re looking for true Caribbean destination with seafront lodges, then a place like Caye Caulker, Belize will definitely take your breath away!
In Livingston, seafront of riverfront are both good. They all look out over the amazing Rio Dulce River, which is an experience not to miss.
Cheap hostels in Livingston
The really cheap lodging is not in this list, even though we do have a few very budget-friendly options. There are actually hostels or rooms that are cheaper than the ones in our list, but you will have to go out there and walk into one of those, because they’re not in booking sites.
If you’re looking for a cheaper accommodation, take a lancha to Livingston, walk into the town and enter one of the hotels in the streets. Don’t select the ones that are riverfront or beachfront, because they will be prices similar to the ones in this list!
Wrapping up - 5 best lodges and hostels in Livingston
So, I hope that you find the perfect lodging for your trip in this list with the best hostels in Livingston.
Are you still planning your trip of are you already well along the way? We have quite a few detailled guides about travelling through Guatemala. Maybe there’s still some tips, tricks, or inspiration to be found for your own travels.
First of all, in the Livingston area, we have a nice itinerary for the Rio Dulce region, filled with things to do and places to visit. It contains the a planned out itinerary, but also a few things to see and do in Livingston itself.
Have a look at our guide about things to do in Rio Dulce as well. And if you’re still looking for accommodation, like a hostel in Rio Dulce, we got that too.
Furthermore, check out our itinerary ideas for Guatemala and our complete backpacker guide to Guatemala!