Rio Dulce is not a very popular destination for most travelers and is definitely an optional stop in Guatemala. However, if you have extra time and are willing to get off the beaten path a little bit, it can be quite a fun area to explore. It is a national park popular for sailers and full of waterfalls, hot springs and beautiful sites.
How to get to Rio Dulce
You will need to take a shuttle to Rio Dulce from wherever you are in Guatemala. Your accommodation will be able to organize this transportation for you.
NOTE: Most shuttles will drop you off in Rio Dulce town and a majority of accommodations are located throughout the Rio Dulce park by water. If this is the case for where you’re staying, be sure to contact them to organize a boat to pick you up from town.
There are various restaurants and docking areas in Rio Dulce town, where you will most likely be dropped off by your shuttle. This town can be busy and is full of many locals and few tourists so be sure to brush up on your Spanish if you’re going to ask anyone any questions.
Where to Stay
There are several options for accommodation in the Rio Dulce area, so feel free to do your own research. However, I stayed at Dreamcatcher Eco Lodge and highly recommend it! Find other options at booking.com
Normal Dorm Price: $15 USD / 120 Q
Private Room price: $75 USD / 610 Q (for 2 people)
There is a restaurant on the property as it is not located near any other restaurants. The owner is also the chef, a German-Guatemalan woman who will make you some of the best food you’ve ever had. On top of all that, the surrounding landscape feels like you are deep in a jungle oasis – it’s almost unreal waking up in this secluded hotel.
Learn more about the Dreamcatcher Eco Lodge HERE.
Book Some Tours
It is easiest to book your Rio Dulce tours through your accommodation once you arrive. I recommend giving yourself about two full days there to do the surrounding activities and tours. The options outlined below are based on the Dreamcatcher’s tour options, but most other accommodations will have similar itineraries available.
Option 1 – Boat Tour: A boat tour is the best way to see all that Rio Dulce has to offer. The sites include Agua Caliente (hot springs and cave exploration), mangroves, a lilypad filled lake, Castillo de San Felipe, and Playa Blanca on the coast of Livingston. Some other options are to stop at Restaurant El Viajero (a restaurant with a waterslide right into the river) or 7 Alteres (several waterfalls, including some you can climb and jump off of). You can determine the schedule and locations if you can communicate it with your boat driver.
To be transparent, I do not remember the price of my tour, however, the more people you can get in your group, the cheaper the day will be.
Note: Make sure to communicate with your boat driver and ask about price throughout the day. Some activities may require a fee at the entrance or the driver will request more money for driving you farther. Essentially, just be aware of what you are being charged throughout the day.
Option 2 – Local shuttle to Finca Paraiso: You can ask your accommodation to take you, or you can get a ride to Rio Dulce town and try your hand at taking the local shuttle there. When the van arrives, tell the driver where you want to go and they will get you there – money gets collected during the drive.
Once you arrive, there is a small trek to the waterfall and sometimes a guide to show you around. This waterfall is incredible because the water that falls from above is hot while the pool at the bottom is cold. You can use the area’s mud for a budget spa day as well!
Option 3 – Rent Kayaks: Some accommodations offer kayak rentals for you to meander along the river at your own pace. Many of the above locations are too far to kayak to, but it can be fun to just kayak around. Be aware, Rio Dulce does contain crocodiles and manatees so be careful and keep your eyes peeled for some awesome wildlife!
Rio Dulce is a true hidden gem in Guatemala. Not many travelers make the trip out to the park but it is well worth the time spent there. It is full of stunning and unique scenery as well as the opportunity to visit the culturally rich town of Livingston.
Sylvia's Gap Year 