Río Dulce Gorge

Jungle-draped limestone gorge connecting Lake Izabal to the Caribbean

The 30-kilometre stretch of river between Lake Izabal and the coastal town of Livingston is one of the most dramatic waterways in Central America. Limestone cliffs rise 30 metres above the water, draped in hanging vines and jungle; kingfishers and herons work the shallows; small waterfalls emerge from the rock face. The canyon is at its narrowest and most impressive about halfway through, where the walls close in and the sky narrows to a strip of blue.

The only way to see it is by boat. Regular lanchas make the two-hour journey between Río Dulce town and Livingston throughout the day, passing through the gorge, the Golfete Dulce wetland, and the Biotopo Chocón Machacas manatee reserve. Sailing yachts also transit the gorge; Río Dulce town is a well-known hurricane hole and there are usually dozens of cruising boats anchored here.

things to do sight
A story
The Río Dulce was used by the Spanish to transport Peruvian silver inland from the Caribbean, away from the pirates who prowled the coast. The gorge's sheer walls and dense jungle cover made it a natural smuggling corridor — and also made it almost impossible to attack from the river.