Livingston is just another pretty little town situated near the Caribbean Coast but its proximity to other tourist attractions along the coast and the slow and peaceful pace of life serve as major attractions.

Guatemala’s namesake Caribbean coast is washed over by warm blue waters. It is a tiny stretch squashed between Belize and Honduras dotted by tiny coastal towns that are home to the Garifuna – descendants of African slaves and Carib Indians – population of the country. The Rio Dulce river that flows past the town provides some of the most scenic boat rides in the country.

The local culture is different from what you’ll find in any other part of the country – the music, the language and the food. The locals believe in having fun and there are all-night through-the-week parties.

The sights of Livingston lie in its beaches and it’s pace of life that livens up at night. Most tourists come to the town to relax and ‘live it up’ in the town’s active nightlife or to visit the places near it. There are many beautiful places worth exploring that lie a few kilometres off Livingston.

The main street of the town is called Principal Street and is lined with shops and restaurants. The street ends at the main dock. A boat ride along the Rio Dulce offers an interesting excursion. This is a little town and you can easily walk all over the place. Principal Street, Secondary Street and Calle Marcos Sanchez-Diaz are lined with establishments big and small where you can eat. Mouth watering seafood dishes ranks high on the menus. Even the most conventional palate should try the local cuisine. The setting sun is the alarm for the locals to wake up. Livingston hums with action till the wee hours of the morning. You’ll hear the enthusiastic stamping of dancers taping in tune (and sometimes out of tune!) with the rhythmic thumping of the Bongo drums. There is live music at most places. Livingston has a number of popular discos on the beach and on Principal Street. Visit one to see how the locals spend just another night in Livingston.

The Siete Altares waterfalls are well worth a visit. This is where the waters of Rio Dulce empty into the Carribbean Sea. The result is a series of crystal clear pools and a cascading waterfall. If there has been no rain recently, the waterfall will not be impressive. The pools offer a refreshing dip. Various travel agencies offer tours to Siete Altares. The tours often include lunch and a mountain hike.  The other alternative is to walk to Siete Altares from Livingston. The trek will probably take you about an hour and half. This is not a safe option but if you’re set on walking, it’s advisable to go in a group.

 Dating back to the 17^th century, the Castillo San Felipe  was built to defend the warehouses located around Lake Izabal by the Spanish. The castle has an interesting history, plundered as it was several times by the pirates. At some points in history, the fortress was also used a prison. Several parts of the fort have been reconstructed though it rests on original foundations. The gardens of the castle are popular picnic grounds and are equipped with bathrooms and a restaurant.

There are several tour agencies and individual organisers who organise trips up the Rio Dulce river. The Fort is located up stream from Livingston.

The village of Livingston is only accessible by water. There are buses from Guate City, Flores and Tikal to the town of Fronteras. From here, get into one of the launches or ferries headed by the Rio Dulce. There are launches that ferry between Punta Gorda (Belize), Puerto Cortes (Honduras) and Oman (Honduras).

Accommodation is available in all shapes, sizes and for every budget. The budget traveller will have no problem finding a place to stay most places to stay in. Most places are neat and well kept.

The best time to visit Livingston is the month of May for the fest of St. Isidore when practically the entire Garifuna population from the surrounding area and from southern Belize come to Livingston. May 13^th to May 15^th the town sings, dances, eats and practically never sleeps. This festival is celebrates the arrival of the first settlers in the region. Carry cool cotton outfits. Comfortable and casual summarise the dress code. Restrict the beachwear to the beach, and cover up when you head into the town. Remember to carry your sunscreen lotion, mosquito repellent and water when you head for the beach.
There is an immigration office on Principal Street. The office is open from 7am to 6pm, seven days a week. 

For detailed country information, click on Guatemala.