Livingston is a laid back Caribbean town on the coast of Guatemala. It can only be reached by boat, through the Rio Dulce canyon or by ferry over the Caribbean Sea.
Want to know if Livingston Guatemala is worthy of your time and how you can reach this beautiful town? Read our in depth guide with fun things to do in Livingston, and a lot more interesting information.
1. Relax at Playa Blanca beach
As Livingston is located on the Caribbean coast, more specifically: at the Bahia de Amatique, there will be beaches!
Playa Blanca is probably one of the most idyllic beaches in Guatemala. It has beautiful palm trees and white sand. If you have an extra day in Livingston, the trip here is totally worth it!
Playa Blanca is quite far from Livingston, but it’s worth the trip. You can go there with a boat or you can hike over 10 km to get there. The boat trip there lasts about 1,5 hours.
If you book a tour to this beach, you might as well inquire about visiting the Natural Reserve of Tapon Creek, which is a mangrove forest with a small waterfall.
2. Explore the Garifuna restaurants and bars in town
Livingston is a Garifuna community, which means that there are a lot of mixed race inhabitants who have been living here for many decades. Garifuna people usually have an African / Caribbean heritage and their culture is a beautiful mix of different backgrounds.
This means that you Livingston offers a lot of different tastes, smells, and habits to explore.
Make sure to visit some of the local restaurants where you can taste the amazing local food.
3. Book a boat tour on the river
Boat tours on the river usually take you to Rio Dulce, which is a very impressive journey on the Rio Dulce river. Chances are good that if you are in Livingston, you already crossed through the canyon by boat. But, in case you haven’t…
Boat tours from Livingston through the Rio Dulce are pretty impressive. In this direction, boats leave Livingston and go into the river mouth. First, you’ll see a lot of boats and sea birds, while you’re still near Livingston.
Then you’ll be taken into El Canyon, one of the most impressive parts of the river. The steep canyon sides are lush and green. The majestic jungle starts right next to the river in the canyon.
When leaving the canyon, El Golfete awaits: a wider part of the river, which resembles a lake. After that, you reach Rio Dulce town, which you can recognize when you see the bridge.
This is the very short itinerary that does not describe the journey as well as it truly is. We really enjoyed this trip and we were completely impressed by the natural surroundings. So, I totally recommend taking the time to experience this journey.
You can start in Livingston or in Rio Dulce, but most travellers start in Rio Dulce, visit Livingston and then return to their river lodge.
4. Book a Caribbean boat tour
Aside from exploring the Rio Dulce river by boat, you can also book a boat tour along the Caribbean beaches near Livingston. This tour is completely different from the river tour, as you will get some amazing views over the open ocean and also get a chance to visit some of the most beautiful beaches in Guatemala along the way.
Most Caribbean boat tours will also take you to the Siete Altares Cascadas. If you want to do a boat tour and you also want to visit Siete Altares, then doing the combination tour is probably a very good idea. Otherwise, prepare for a long hike!
5. Hike to the Siete Altares Cascadas
Siete Altares Cascadas is a small series of waterfalls in the jungle near Livingston. You can either hike there (about 5km) or visit the cascadas on a boat tour from your hostel.
If you have already visited Semuc Champey, you’ll see the resemblance with those natural pools, but then smaller.
Siete Altares waterfalls are located on private property, but the falls are open to visitors. You just have to pay an entrance fee in order to visit.
This excursion might be best to do with a few fellow travellers from your hostel or when visiting as a part of a boat tour with other travellers. The hike is quite far and it’s probably more fun if you have a few friends to go along.
6. Visit Rio Dulce town
Rio Dulce town also has a lot to offer for travellers and explorers. While it’s easy to get discouraged by the first view of the town, you should really give this place a chance to shine.
There are a few activities you can do from Rio Dulce and the village also has a few nice accommodation options. So, take a minute to check out our detailed guide on things to do in Rio Dulce to find out what’s going on!
7. Go kayaking on the Rio Dulce river
The Rio Dulce is a wide river, but it also has a lot of small tributaries where you can go exploring the jungle surroundings.
What’s so fun about kayaking here is that there’s not too much traffic, so you can choose where and how you want to go. Some travellers like to stay near their lodge, while others venture out and kayak all the way to the Castillo de San Felipe de Lara in Rio Dulce.
Most lodges have a few kayaks you can either use for free or hire for a day.
8. Spend the night in a river Lodge in Livingston
The lodges on the river near Livingston have more of a beach vibe to them, even though most of them are actually located in the river mouth, near the sea.
In these lodges, you can feel the Caribbean and Garifuna vibe a lot. So, the feeling will be quite different than in one of the jungle lodges along the river. Have a look at these amazing lodges in Livingston.
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.
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.
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.
9. Spend a night in a river lodge in the Rio Dulce jungle
River lodges on the Rio Dulce are actually more jungle lodges. These accommodations are located on the riverfront, allowing easy access by boat. But they are, in fact, located in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle.
Many of the lodges also offer day or night tours into the vast jungle, in order to spot wildlife.
Staying in one of the river lodges is a once in a lifetime experience.
Have a look at these amazing river lodges.
El Hotelito Perdido, located on Rio Dulce's banks, provides a magical jungle experience with a laid-back vibe perfect for couples and solo travellers. It features common areas for relaxation and activities like cooking classes, cultural tours, and hiking, fostering a communal atmosphere.
Casa Perico River Lodge in Guatemala offers serene jungle stays by the Rio Dulce, blending rustic charm with a laid-back atmosphere. It accommodates all budgets with private and dormitory options, featuring amenities such as a restaurant, bar, and family-friendly accommodations for an authentic experience.
Boatique Hotel and Marina provides a tranquil, modern stay in a serene spot away from town, featuring a free boat shuttle, unlimited high-speed internet ideal for digital nomads, and relaxing amenities like a pool and hammocks. You can do activities like paddle boarding, massages, manicures, and tasty meals at the on-site restaurant.
How to get to Livingston from inland Guatemala
Most travellers arrive to Livingston from inland Guatemala, which is the ost common way, but you can also arrive from the sea. Let’s see!
Getting from Rio Dulce to Livingston Guatemala
From the town of Rio Dulce, you can get a boat tour to Livingston or you can get a regular lancha. Boat tours are a little more touristy (and more expensive). They will make a tour before bringing you to Livingston.
So, if you just want the transportation, and the beautiful views along the way, get the cheaper lancha that goes straight to Livingston.
Lanchas or public boats go to Livingston twice a day: at 9h and 14h. They leave from the main boat dock near the bridge. You can just go to the docks, on the left side before the bridge. Ask for the lancha to Livingston.
You pay the fee to the boat conductor before getting in the boat. Prices can vary, but anything in between 50 – 75 Quetzales is a regular price in 2024.
The journey takes around 1 hour and it is very beautiful. Keep your camera ready.
Getting from inland Guatemala to Livingston
If you’re coming from Flores or Antigua or Lanquin, or anywhere inland Guatemala for that matter, you will be arriving in the town of Rio Dulce first.
Whether you want to stay there for a while or not, is up to you… We recommend staying in a hostel in Rio Dulce town for a night or 2 in order to visit a few beautiful gems, like the Castillo de San Felipe de Lara and Finca Paraïso hot springs.
When in Rio Dulce town, follow the guidelines above to get to Livingston.
Reaching Livingston over sea
The Caribbean town of Livingston is located on the Bahia de Amatique. You can reach the town from various cities in the neighbourhood. If your journey involves a border crossing, which it might, then it will be a little more tedious.
We researched all these options, but decided it was easier to go through the mainland. This was also the case because we wanted to visit all the other Guatemalan destinations and we had a complete itinerary for Guatemala worked out.
Mainly, if you want to come in over sea, these are the 2 best options.
Puerto Barrios to Livingston
Both of these towns are in Guatemala, so you won’t have any border crossing difficulties on this route.
The ferry from Puerto Barrios to Livingston takes about 30 minutes. There are 2 ferry lines operating this route. In total, there are (usually) 3 boats a day.
But actually, Puerto Barrios is completely off the tourist trail. So most travellers don’t go there during their trip. This is not the most ordinary route to follow.
Punta Gorda to Livingston
Punta Gorda is located in Belize and it is on the tourist trail (or the backpacker trail). This option is a great way to skip a part of Guatemala, if you’re not interested in it. I wouldn’t recommend skipping all these great destinations, but if you’re in a rush, you can get a ferry from Punta Gorda to Livingston.
The boat trip takes around 1 to 1,5 hour. Multiple ferry lines operate this route, so there’s plenty of options to get on a boat between these 2 destinations. The price for this trip starts at 55€ per person (2023).
Keep in mind that you’re crossing a border, so there will be police checks before you get onto the boat. There might even be dogs sniffing all the bags before they get loaded.
Where to stay in Livingston
Livingston has quite a few beautiful and comfortable accommodation options.
We listed the very best beachfront river lodges and hostels in Livingston in this article.
Is Livingston worth visiting?
Yes, it is! If you have the time to spare.
We thought it a very beautiful and interesting trip. The vibe and culture in Livingston is so different from the rest of Guatemala and that makes is worth the detour.
But, I can imagine that, if you’re in a rush, that you’re wondering if Livingston is worth it.
We decided not to spend the night here, as we had a few nights in a river lodge nearby. If you have a lot of time to spare, you can spend a night in Livingston. And, if you are really in a rush, then you might visit this town on a quick day trip.
So, it all depends on your itinerary. Not sure about your itinerary for Guatemala yet? Have a look at our Guatemala itinerary ideas. We offer a few options for different trip durations. You perfect itinerary might be in there. And it might or might not include Livingston!
7 Altars - Livingston - Cocoli River - Playa Blanca
Embark on a relaxing Caribbean tour! Experience the serene beauty of Siete Altares with its seven natural pools and a waterfall, explore the Cocoli River's mangroves, and relax on the pristine white sands of Playa Blanca. Discover Livingston's unique Garifuna and Maya cultures, shop for handicrafts, and enjoy a cozy lunch in a local restaurant.
7 hours tour - hotel pickup
How to integrate Livingston into a Guatemalan Itinerary?
Livingston (and Rio Dulce) are not on the itinerary for every traveller and backpacker in Guatemala. It’s usually only added if a traveller has more than enough time after visiting Antigua, Atitlan, Tikal, and Semuc Champey.
But hey, we still think it’s worth adding it to your itinerary. It all depends on how you plan on travelling and on the route you want to take. Don’t know your route just yet? Have a look at our itinerary ideas for Guatemala.
Would you rather visit Livingston with a group?
Want to visit Rio Dulce and Livingston, but doubting about doing it on your own? You’re not the only one! My first visit to Guatemala was with a tour group as well. If you join a tour, you will be quite sure to see as much as possible in a short period of time.
Back then, I joined the Central American Journey, all the way to Costa Rica. It was the adventure of a lifetime. And I also visited Livingston during this trip. Later, Lobke and I traveled back there on our own. That was a complete different type of adventure.
There are a few other guided tours that go through Rio Dulce and make a day trip to Livingston.
Guided trips to Guatemala
Interesting destinations nearby
Of course, Livingston is not the only beautiful destination in this part of the world! Guatemala has a lot of things to see and do for travellers and backpackers.
It’s a great idea to start out with our backpacking guide to Guatemala to get an idea of all the things to see, do, and expect. Then, start crafting your Guatemala itinerary. Fill it up with the destinations you definitely need and want to visit.
These nearby destinations are also worthwhile.
Rio Dulce town
Rio Dulce town is a destination with divided opinions. Most people don’t fall in love at first sight. Neither did we. But, we did spend a few nights in order to check out a few interesting sights and activities.
So, have a look at the things to do in Rio Dulce before deciding to skip it!
Finca Paraïso hot springs
Finca Paraïso hot springs are one of the main highlights in this area. It’s a little bit of the beaten path, but if you follow our guide on how to visit Finca Paraïso hot springs, you will probably have an amazing day trip in Rio Dulce!
Ruinas de Quirigua
The Ruinas de Quirigua are located South of Lago de Izabal, not too far from the border with Honduras. In fact, they’re actually pretty close to Copan Ruinas in Honduras.
Unfortunately, we didn’t visit these ruins, so I can’t get into the details. One thing is certain, if we ever visit Rio Dulce again, these ruins are definitely on our itinerary.
Did you know there are tons of beautiful Mayan ruins in Guatemala?
Flores and the Mayan ruins in the North
For us, Flores was one of the stops before visiting Rio Dulce and Livingston. We also visited Yaxha Mayan ruins, which was a true highlight on our trip.
Flores, on the other hand, is a great hub for visiting different Mayan ruins in the Northern part of Guatemala.
Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey is also one of these destinations you really can’t afford to skip if you’re visiting Guatemala.
These natural pools are hidden in the Guatemalan jungle, even though they’re not that hidden anymore now. Backpackers and tourists really love this area, as it has a lot to offer for explorers, discoverers, and adrenalin junkies.
Read our detailed guide to Semuc Champey and plan your visit.
