Izabal Department

Guatemala's Caribbean gateway, with the Río Dulce canyon, Garifuna culture and the Maya stelae of Quiriguá offering a distinctive flavor.

Izabal lies in eastern Guatemala on the Caribbean Gulf of Honduras and is home to the country's largest lake, Lake Izabal. The Río Dulce links the lake with the sea, and its tropical rainforest canyon is ideal for boat trips, while near the mouth of the lake stands the Spanish colonial Castillo de San Felipe. The river-mouth town of Livingston is a center of Garifuna culture and can only be reached by boat. The archaeological site of Quiriguá is known for its tall Maya stelae and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Puerto Barrios is the main port. The climate is hot and humid, and the dry season is more comfortable. You can get here by long-distance bus from Guatemala City, or head south from Flores.

Destinations

• Livingston & Río Dulce

Itineraries

• Three Maya Countries: Copan, Tikal & the Caribbean – From Antigua via Copan, Rio Dulce, and Tikal, cross Belize to end at Caye Caulker.
• Guatemala Grand Loop: Volcanoes, Turquoise Pools & the Caribbean – A nationwide loop covering Antigua volcano camping, Lake Atitlan, Semuc Champey, Tikal, and Rio Dulce.