Caribbean Coast Travel Guide

Explore the beauty of Caribbean Coast in Guatemala with our comprehensive travel guide. From the best places to visit to the top things to do and where to stay, we've got you covered.


Introduction to Caribbean Coast

Located in Guatemala’s northeastern region, Caribbean Coast is a breathtaking paradise that boasts stunning natural landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant history. The coastline stretches nearly 250 kilometers (155 miles) along the Caribbean Sea, offering travelers a diverse range of landscapes to explore. From stunning coral reefs to lush rainforests, Caribbean Coast has something for everyone. Besides the natural beauty, the region boasts a rich history and culture with Maya ruins and colonial-era towns worth exploring.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take a closer look at the must-visit places, best things to do, where to stay, and what to eat in Caribbean Coast, Guatemala.

List of Places to Visit in Caribbean Coast

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Livingston: A historic town with a rich cultural heritage, Livingston is home to the Garifuna people, who have a unique Afro-Caribbean culture.
  2. Quirigua Archaeological Park: An ancient Maya city, Quirigua, features some of the most impressive stelae and zoomorphic sculptures in the Maya world.
  3. Casa Santo Domingo Museum of Colonial Art: Located in the charming town of Antigua, the museum houses an extensive collection of colonial-era art and artifacts.
  4. Izabal Museum: This museum is dedicated to the rich heritage of Izabal, one of Guatemala’s most important regions.

Natural Attractions of Caribbean Coast: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Semuc Champey: A stunning natural formation of stepped turquoise pools that are perfect for swimming and relaxing.
  2. Rio Dulce: A scenic river that runs from Lake Izabal to the Caribbean Sea, with mangrove swamps and tropical forests.
  3. Biotopo Chocón Machacas: A nature reserve known for its abundant wildlife, including monkeys, toucans, and jaguars.
  4. The Garifuna Settlement of Punta Gorda: A traditional Garifuna village with pristine beaches perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Caribbean Coast

  1. Trek to the Lost World Waterfalls: A challenging but rewarding hike that takes you through lush tropical forests to a series of stunning waterfalls.
  2. The Raxruja Green Hike: A scenic route that takes you through a dense cloud forest full of wildlife and rare bird species.
  3. The Bocas del Polochic Natural Monument Trail: A challenging trail that leads hikers through a diverse range of landscapes, including mangroves, wetlands, and rainforests.

Best Things to Do in Caribbean Coast: Activities and Tours

  1. Explore the Wildlife of Livingston: Take a boat tour of the Rio Dulce and explore the abundant wildlife in the mangroves and forests.
  2. Discover the Maya Civilization at Tikal: Take a day trip to Tikal National Park and discover the ancient Maya civilization.
  3. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea: Explore the colorful coral reefs and abundant marine life that flourish in the warm and clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.
  4. Try Garifuna Cuisine: Sample the local delicacies in Livingston, which combines African, Caribbean, and Central American flavors.

Week-Long Itinerary for Caribbean Coast

Day Activities
Day 1 Explore Livingston and learn about Garifuna culture
Day 2 Take a boat tour of Rio Dulce and visit the castle of San Felipe
Day 3 Trek to the Lost World Waterfalls
Day 4 Scuba diving or snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea
Day 5 Visit Tikal National Park and discover the ancient Maya civilization
Day 6 Relax on the pristine beaches of Punta Gorda
Day 7 Explore the Quirigua Archaeological Park and learn about Maya history

Food and Drink Scene of Caribbean Coast

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Tapado: A delicious and hearty seafood soup made with coconut milk, plantains, and yucca.
  2. Pulique: A traditional Maya-style chicken soup, seasoned with spices and herbs.
  3. Rellenitos: A dessert made with mashed plantains and beans, deep-fried and dusted with sugar.
  4. Caldo de Bolas de Verde: A hearty soup made with meat, vegetables, and green plantains.

Local Beverages

  1. Xcajul: A traditional Garifuna drink made with fermented cassava and spices.
  2. Horchata: A refreshing rice and cinnamon drink, served chilled.
  3. Guaro: A popular distilled spirit made from sugarcane, and often consumed in cocktails.

Where to Stay in Caribbean Coast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Hotel Mansion del Rio: A luxurious hotel with beautiful views of the Rio Dulce.
  2. Denny’s Beach Resort: This hotel on Punta Gorda’s beachfront is perfect for those looking for a tranquil escape.
  3. Hostel El Muelle: A budget-friendly option with comfortable beds and a central location in Livingston.

What to Buy in Caribbean Coast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Garifuna handicrafts: Wooden masks, baskets, and carvings are among the popular souvenirs found in Livingston and Punta Gorda.
  2. Guatemalan coffee: The coffee in the Caribbean Coast has a unique flavor and is a great souvenir.
  3. Maya textiles: Beautiful and colorful hand-woven textiles made by the Maya women can be found in many local markets.

Local Culture and Customs of Caribbean Coast

The Garifuna culture is predominant in the Caribbean Coast, and visitors should respect their customs and traditions. The Garifuna people celebrate several traditional festivals throughout the year, including the Dugu festival, which honors ancestors and includes drumming, dancing, and feasting.

Best Time to Visit Caribbean Coast

The best time to visit the Caribbean Coast is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During this period, the weather is sunny and warm, with little to no rainfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Caribbean Coast

Do:

  1. Respect the local customs and traditions.
  2. Explore the natural beauty of the region through hiking and outdoor adventures.
  3. Try the local cuisine and drink.

Don’t:

  1. Disrespect the Garifuna culture.
  2. Leave your belongings unattended on the beach.
  3. Get involved in illegal activities, such as drug trafficking.

Safety and Health

Safety in Caribbean Coast

Travelers should be cautious when traveling to certain areas of the Caribbean Coast. It’s best to avoid traveling alone at night and keep your belongings secure. The region is generally safe, but petty crimes like theft can occur.

Health in Caribbean Coast

Travelers should be up-to-date on routine vaccines, including Hepatitis A and B, and have adequate travel insurance. While Malaria and Dengue fever are present in the region, the risk of contracting them can be minimized by using bug repellant and wearing long sleeves and pants.

Getting to Caribbean Coast: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Caribbean Coast

  1. Mundo Maya International Airport, located in Flores, is the primary airport serving the region.
  2. La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City is another option, but travelers should expect a long drive to the Caribbean Coast.

Bus Stations Near Caribbean Coast

  1. Livingston has a bus terminal that connects the region to other parts of Guatemala.
  2. Buses run regularly from Guatemala City to other towns along the Caribbean Coast.

Other Options

Private transfers and taxis are available, but they can be expensive.

How to Get Around in Caribbean Coast

Many of the attractions in Caribbean Coast are spread out, so renting a car or taking a taxi is the best way to get around. Buses also run regularly, but they can be crowded and unreliable.

Where to Go Next from Caribbean Coast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Antigua: A charming colonial town full of history and culture, Antigua is only a few hours’ drive away.
  2. Lake Atitlan: One of Guatemala’s most picturesque destinations, Lake Atitlan, is around 4 hours away by road.
  3. Rio Dulce Canyon: A stunning natural wonder, Rio Dulce Canyon is just a short drive from the Caribbean coast.
  4. Copan: A significant Maya city, Copan, is located across the border in Honduras.

Conclusion

Caribbean Coast is one of the most beautiful destinations in Central America, offering travelers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and history. From exploring ancient Maya ruins to relaxing on pristine beaches, the region has something for everyone. By following this comprehensive travel guide, you’ll be able to make the most of your trip to Caribbean Coast, Guatemala.

The north face of the Stele E, Quiriguá The north face of the Stele E, Quiriguá


    Puerto Barrios