A worthwhile pitstop when traveling to/from Livingston, but not a necessary delight if the timing is tight.
Certainly not named for its taste, this river does provide some super sweet (dulce) views.
A rebel yell shoots from the body of Lake Izabal, its reverberations pouring out a division between the towns of Fronteras and El Relleno and into the receiving ears of El Golfete. Only to then be stuttered out from the narrow lake, spilling forward through a GORGEous canal. Breathtaking flora and fauna crowd the sidelines spectating as the Río Dulce races to the finish line and is swallowed whole by the Caribbean sea.
If starting from Livingston expect to come via canal cruise. Otherwise a shuttle from your previous point will deliver you to the town dock, a boat waiting to whisk you away to your hostel destination.
Places to Eat in Río Dulce
It is important to know before you go that you will be stranded to the confines of your hostel. Keep your fingers crossed for a decent kitchen menu. Your only escape involves a boat ride back to town. Unfortunately, the same applies to the hostel pantry stockers, the gas prices conveniently covered in the higher food prices.
Things to do in Río Dulce
Finca El Paraíso
Cabin fever? Ditch the hostel for a spa day soak in the neighboring hot waterfall. A 40 minute cramped colectivo ride (~20Q) from town leaves you at the remote entrance (right side of the road). Head past the rambleshacks, following the forested path until reaching the instrumentalist of the cascade crescendo.
High step it through the shallows, a less intimidating but still sole burning tread compared to that of hot coals. As your body begins to sink into submersion so does the temperature.
Rejuvenate in the refreshing chills of the San Antonio River or turn up the heat, melting beneath the deep tissue caresses of the waterfall masseuse. Flip and flop between the 2 as the contrasting sensations pair perfectly for a continuous therapeutic rotation.
Dive down and under to share a private moment, heads bobbing, in the water filled cave concealed by the seemingly obstinate stonewall. Plunge carefully to avoid rocky confrontation.
After going under it, try going over to ensure all bases are covered in this pre-packaged spa deal. A climbing scramble and a stroll upstream reveals both mud bath and liquid preamble. Plaster on a personal facial or a full on suit before a final cleanse .
Places to Stay in Río Dulce
Hotel Kangaroo
Cozy up with a riverside read and a few happy hour Gallos for a relaxing retreat or mobilize your muscles for an afternoon of kayaking. The latter showcases the Castillo de San Felipe de Lara, a Spanish colonial fort on Lake Izabal. To avoid paddle pandemonium, pay close attention to where you started.
The top floor serves as the dorm room and although the beds lack in both comfort and curtains, guests are still afforded a translucent veil of privacy against the buzzy bodies.
A constant drizzle of chomping ants will have you wishing you had packed an umbrella, but the rope swing river dunk will suffice for now.
Dorms and private rooms are available.
