Livingston — Caribbean Feeling in Guatemala

Livingston is located on the short Caribbean coast of Guatemala and is only accessible by boat — there is no road leading there. The journey over the Río Dulce or from Puerto Barrios is already an adventure. The town feels like another country: Here lives the Garífuna community, descendants of West African slaves and indigenous Arawak people, with their own language, music, and cuisine.

What Makes Livingston Special

• Garífuna Culture: Drum rhythms (Punta music), the Garífuna language mix, Afro-Caribbean cuisine with coconut milk and seafood — Livingston is culturally unique in Guatemala. Visit a Garífuna dance performance or a music concert.
• Tapado: The Garífuna national dish: a rich soup made of coconut milk, fish, shrimp, crabs, plantains, and spices. You won't find this taste anywhere else in Guatemala — a must-try!
• Playa Blanca: A white sandy beach, accessible by boat (20 min., about 5€ return). Simple palapa restaurants right on the beach, turquoise water. No luxury, but real Caribbean feeling.
• Siete Altares: Seven natural waterfalls and bathing pools in the jungle, accessible by beach walk (1.5h on foot or by boat + short hike). Most beautiful in the dry season. Don't go alone — in groups or with a guide.

Getting to Livingston

• From Río Dulce (Fronteras): Boat down the Río Dulce (1.5h, about 15€). The most beautiful journey — through the canyon with cliffs, mangroves, hot springs, and tropical vegetation.
• From Puerto Barrios: Speedboat (30 min., about 5€) or ferry (1.5h). Puerto Barrios can be reached by bus from Guatemala City (5h).
• From Belize (Punta Gorda): Boat across the border (1h, about 20€).