Quick Rio Dulce Guatemala Travel Guide (+ Map)

Rio Dulce is a river town close to Livingston and the Caribbean coast of Guatemala. It is dotted by remote river lodges which makes it the perfect place to slow down and relax.

• Rio Dulce Travel Guide
  • Is Rio Dulce Worth a Visit
  • How to Get to Rio Dulce
  • How to Get Around Rio Dulce
  • Where to Stay in Rio Dulce
  • Best Things to Do in Rio Dulce
  • How Many Days Do You Need in Rio Dulce
  • Where to Eat in Rio Dulce
  • Infrastructure in Rio Dulce
  • Is Rio Dulce Safe
  • Rio Dulce Map

Rio Dulce Travel Guide

Is Rio Dulce Worth a Visit

Yes, mostly to relax and slow down your itinerary.

How to Get to Rio Dulce

From Guatemala

Rio Dulce is well connected to other Guatemalan destinations by shuttle.

• Shuttle Lanquin to Rio Dulce, ~10h, ~45$
• Shuttle Flores to Rio Dulce, ~4h, ~19$
• Shuttle Antigua to Rio Dulce, ~6h, ~45$

From Belize

Rio Dulce or Puerto Barrios to be more precise is a perfect spot to cross the border between Belize and Guatemala.

• Water taxi Punta Gorda to Puerto Barrios, ~5h, ~70$

Here’s our Guatemala and Belize itinerary which includes the crossing from from Rio Dulce to Punta Gorda:

Itinerary

Guatemala and Belize Itinerary & Map (14 Days)

2 countries, 1 trip. Spend 10 days backpacking Guatemala and 4 days backpacking Belize on this roundtrip. See the highlights of both countries like the Acatenango volcano, Tikal, and Lake Atitlan in Guatemala as well as the ATM Cave and the Caribbean beaches of Belize.

Carina

11.04.2022 · 10 min read

Open blogpost

From Honduras

Roneey Shuttle offers three trips per week from La Ceiba to Puerto Barrios.

How to Get Around Rio Dulce

You have three main options to get around Rio Dulce:

1. Boat. The main mode of transport in Rio Dulce is by boat.

   Most accommodations offer free boat transfers.

2. Walking. You can walk around the town centre and nearby accommodations like Tortugal Boutique River Lodge.

3. Colectivos. You can reach some mainland sights like Finca Paraiso by colectivo or shared vans.

Where to Stay in Rio Dulce

We stayed at Tortugal Boutique River Lodge and can 100% recommend it. The location is amazing, the rooms cosy, and the food delicious. The staff and service are outstanding – they offer free pickups, kayaks, water, and amazing tours.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, El Hotelito Perdido comes highly recommended.

Best Things to Do in Rio Dulce

These are the top things to do in Rio Dulce:

1. Relax

2. Kayak. Kayaking is a great way to explore the river and spot some wildlife. a. Tortugal Boutique River Lodge offers free kayaks.

   b. If you stay at El Hotelito Perdido, you can kayak to Sathu Waterfall.

3. Boat tour from Rio Dulce to Livingston. You can see most quintessential sights in the area on this boat tour

   a. Agua Caliente hot springs

   b. Lagoon Gardens with the opportunity to take pictures of marine turtles, birds, and aquatic plants.

   c. Isla de Pájaros or Bird Island

   d. Castillo de San Felipe de Lara

   e. Livingston

   This private tour gives you a good overview but you can also book shared tours once you’re there:

4. Alternatively, here’s a tour which focuses more on the Caribbean coast including

   a. Playa Blanca, one of the most charming white-sand beaches in Guatemala

   b. 7 Altars waterfall

   c. Livingston

5. Finca Paraiso Hot Springs

6. Castillo de San Felipe de Lara

Here are some more ideas if you want to stay longer or get more off-the-beaten-path:

7. Tijax Lodge (swinging bridge, a spring-fed swimming hole, nature tours)
8. Ak Tenamit Mayan association
9. Quirigua Mayan Ruins
10. El Boqueron Canyon
11. Biotopo Chocón Machaca for a chance to see manatees

How Many Days Do You Need in Rio Dulce

We suggest staying at least two nights in Rio Dulce. This will give you enough time to relax and go on the quintessential day trip from Rio Dulce to Livingston.

If you want more relaxation or off-the-besten-path exploring, you can easily stay longer.

Check out our Guatemala itinerary including Rio Dulce:

Itinerary

Guatemala Itinerary: 1, 2 or 3 Weeks in Guatemala (With Map)

Efficient Guatemala backpacking itinerary for 7 days in Guatemala, 2 weeks in Guatemala or 3 weeks in Guatemala with map!

Carina

15.01.2024 · 14 min read

Open blogpost

Where to Eat in Rio Dulce

There are many nice food options in Rio Dulce, many with river views.

• Taqueria Emanuel is close to the bus stop in the centre of town.
• Coworkafe & Coworkantina for WiFi with a view.
• The Shack on stilts on the river.
• Sundog Cafe for pizza.

Infrastructure in Rio Dulce

Supermarkets in Rio Dulce

We thought Rio Dulce would be sleepy but there’s actually a rather big shopping centre at Parador del Rio as well as several smaller shops.

ATMs in Rio Dulce

There are loads of ATMs in the town centre of Rio Dulce.

Internet in Rio Dulce

Our internet at Tortugal Boutique River Lodge was fast and worked well enough to work remotely.

Is Rio Dulce Safe

Rio Dulce is close to two international borders. You’ll most likely stay in one of the river lodges which are generally very safe. Be a bit more aware at night and be alert of petty theft – especially in town.

Rio Dulce Map

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