A Travel Guide for the Caribbean Coast of Guatemala

Why should you trust me and take my advice?

I moved to Guatemala City to be with my husband, and I’ve been lucky to call this country my new home. We spend all our free time exploring all over this incredible country and we’ve traveled four times to the Caribbean coast of Guatemala.

If you have a long list of questions or if you need help creating a customized Guatemala itinerary then please click here to book a travel consultation with me. For an introduction to traveling to Guatemala, click here for my Ultimate Guatemala Travel Guide.

An Overview of the Caribbean Coast of Guatemala

The Caribbean coast is located in the department of Izabal and this is the side of Guatemala that most tourists don’t see. Izabal feels like a different country compared to the highlands, where most travelers visit. The cultural identity, climate, vibes, music, and food makes this unique destination for tourists.

I think the reason why this part of Guatemala is less visited is because Izabal is far from the most popular tourist destinations of Antigua and Lake Atitlán. This part of Guatemala doesn’t receive as much attention on social media since most tourists visit the beaches on the Pacific coast. However, if someone wants to see white sand beaches then they’ll need to travel to the Caribbean coast.

Not only can tourists explore white sand beaches but this part of Guatemala is culturally rich. Tourists can experience and learn about the Garífuna culture, eat delicious seafood and coconut-based dishes, and explore some of the most beautiful, tropical landscapes in the country.

There are several key destinations to visit along the Caribbean coast of Guatemala. Río Dulce, Livingston, Castillo de San Felipe de Lara, Punta de Palma, and Playa Blanca are the most popular places to visit. Puerto Barrios, Punta de Manabique, and El Boquerón are also great destinations to visit but are less visited. In this guide, I will share all my tips and recommendations for these places in Izabal.

Is it safe to visit Izabal?

I have personally felt safe everywhere I’ve been in the department of Izabal and along the Caribbean coast of Guatemala. I have traveled mostly with my Guatemalan husband but once without him. One thing to note is that I have been told by Guatemalans that although the tourist areas are safe to visit, there are two places considered to be unsafe.

The main tourist destinations of Río and Livingston are very safe to visit and this is where most foreign tourists go. The two places in Izabal that are considered to be dangerous are some areas in the cities of Puerto Barrios and Morales. The road leading to the Atlantic from Guatemala City and Antigua passes through Morales. I wouldn’t recommend stopping here. However, some tourists will make a stop in Puerto Barrios if they are arriving by airplane, bus, or even private transportation.

I have visited and stayed in Puerto Barrios twice and I didn’t have any issues. I never felt unsafe or threatened and in fact, the locals have always been very nice to me. I traveled to Puerto Barrios twice with my husband and we walked around the El Rastro neighborhood, ate at several restaurants, and explored along the malecón (waterfront boardwalk). I am certain that there are dangerous neighborhoods in the city of Puerto Barrios but we avoided those places.

In my opinion, most travelers will feel safe in this part of Guatemala. Especially if they stick to the typical tourist areas. Sometimes, a follower will contact me on social media and mention that they want to visit family in Puerto Barrios. Even though there are some areas that are considered to be dangerous, I think it’s fine to visit. Especially with family guidance. Also, I would not hesitate to travel alone and explore Livingston, Río Dulce, and Playa Blanca. I think most tourists can and will have a great trip to this part of Guatemala!

How to get to the Caribbean Coast of Guatemala

The department of Izabal is located in the Eastern part of the country and borders Honduras and Belize. There are several ways to arrive here and I recommending using the Guatego.com platform to search for flights, buses, and tourist shuttles.

One thing to note about traveling to Izabal from the Western highlands (Guatemala City or Antigua) is that unfortunately, there are many accidents along this route. The traffic can be terrible and sometimes the journey can day an extra hour or several hours.

By Airplane

TAG Airlines is based out of Guatemala City and they fly to various places throughout the country and including the city of Puerto Barrios along the Caribbean coast. They typically have one flight per day from the capital to Puerto Barrios at 7 am and for approximately $150-$170 USD one way (this is the time and price as of May 2026 but it’s subject to change). The flight takes one hour on a small plane and it’s the quickest and most convenient option to arrive at the Caribbean coast. You can search for flights on the Guatego platform.

One thing to keep in mind with TAG Airlines is that they charge for a checked bag but by weight. Therefore, if your bag is heavy then you should expect to pay more. The overall price for the flight to Puerto Barrios is expensive but I believe this is for two reasons. First, it takes a long time to drive to Puerto Barrios from Guatemala City. Also, they have a monopoly on this route and can set the rate.

By Bus

The private buses in Guatemala are great and I have always felt safe using them. I do not recommend using the camionetas (chicken buses) for long haul trips. They are somewhat safe in the small towns or from one small town to the next. However, I would avoid using these buses leaving Guatemala City due to robberies. Moreover, it’s an uncomfortable journey

From Guatemala City, it is possible to take the Litegua bus to Puerto Barrios. On this route, there are several direct buses leaving throughout the day and they make only 3 stops. The bus ticket costs approximately $25-$35. The journey is supposed to take 4.5 – 6 hours but it can take much longer depending on the time of day and if there are any accidents along the route. You can search for these bus tickets using the GuateGo platform.

Another bus option from Guatemala City is to book the Litegua, FDN, or Maya de Oro bus to the town of Río Dulce. This route takes 5 – 7 hours and the prices run from $20 – $50. Once again, I would use the GuateGo platform to search these options and book a bus ticket.

If you’re traveling from Flores (Tikal) you can book a 4 hour bus with Maya de Oro. The price for the bus ticket is approximately $25-30 USD but there is only one bus leaving per day and it doesn’t necessarily run every day. It depends on the time of year and day of week. Once again, I always use the GuateGo platform to search for all transfer options.

One thing to keep in mind is that if you suffer from motion sickness, you should bring medicine with you if you plan to use the bus. Travelers often complain about feeling sick on the buses in Guatemala and even I’ve thrown up. I recommend buying less drowsy dramamine and taking this before your journey.

By Tourist Shuttle

In Guatemala, there is a network of tourist shuttles that runs somewhat efficiently throughout the country. I mention somewhat because there are routes between all the major tourist destinations and sometimes multiple times per day. However, they can run late and sometimes travelers complain about the drivers. Just like my advice on taking the bus, I recommend bringing medicine if you plan to use the tourist shuttles.

The shuttles usually transport 15 passengers or less and are different from the private buses which are much larger vehicles. I recommend using the GuateGo platform to book the shuttles. The shuttles only drop off at Río Dulce (not Puerto Barrios). Below you can find a list of the most popular routes.

Antigua -> Río Dulce (7.5 hours)
Flores -> Río Dulce (4 hours)
Lanquín -> Río Dulce (7 hours)
Panajachel -> Rí0 Dulce (13 hours)

With a Private Driver

Hiring a private driver in Guatemala is the most expensive but convenient option. I recommend GuateDriver because they have professional drivers all over the country, some of their drivers speak English, they are cautious, and offer competitive rates. If you want to know the cost, you’ll need to contact GuateDriver directly as the price depends on the group size, the time of day (transfers during the middle of the night can cost more), and the exact route. Their email address is info@guatedriver.com and the WhatsApp number is +502-3775-7831. You can write to them in English or Spanish.

If you hire a private driver then they will likely drop you off at the boat dock in Puerto Barrios or Río Dulce (unless you’re staying in Puerto Barrios or at a hotel in the town of Río Dulce). They can also make stops at other places in Izabal along the way such as Quiriguá Archaeological Park, Finca el Paraíso, or El Boquerón.

By Boat

There is no road access to get to the town of Livingston so the only way to arrive is by boat. Also, boat transportation is the only transfer option for some of the hotels along Río Dulce and to get to Playa Blanca. This is why many tourists get dropped off at the boat dock in Puerto Barrios or Río Dulce. At the dock, passengers will need to buy a ticket at the office and simply ask where the water taxi is located. The other option is to hire a private boat captain.

The boat ride and transfer from Puerto Barrios to Livingston is shorter than the ride from the town of Río Dulce to Livingston. You can buy a ticket and the boat will leave once it’s full. I’ve never waited any longer than 30 minutes and the journey drops off at the main dock in Livingston.

It’s more expensive to hire a private boat captain but much more efficient and easy. The captain I recommend is Jose and he is located in Livingston but can pick up almost anywhere along the the Caribbean coast. I’ve hired a few private boat captains but he is the best! He offers prices better than the local hotels and he’s very reliable. He does not speak English but you can use Google Translator to communicate with Jose. His WhatsApp # is +502-3598-3211. If you contact him, he can provide a quote based on the group size, destination, and time of day.

Transportation Options Within the Caribbean Coast of Guatemala

Uber does not exist along the Caribbean coast. The main methods of transportation in the different places you’ll visit will either be by tuk tuk, boat, or private driver.

The reason boat transportation is so popular is because there are are no roads leading to many of the destinations in this part of Guatemala. Livingston, Playa Blanca, some of the hotels along Río Dulce, and Punta de Manabique can only be access by boat.

Most tourists will arrive at Livingston by utilizing the water taxi system from the town of Río Dulce or hiring a private boat captain. This is the most popular water taxi to use because the tourist shuttles drop off at Río Dulce. However, taking the water taxi from Puerto Barrios is also an option but it is the more local experience. The boat crossing from the town of Río Dulce to Livingston is one of the most beautiful journeys a tourist can take.

As I mentioned above, Jose is the best private boat captain to hire. You can contact him on WhatsApp at +502-3598-3211. If you need to transfer from main dock in Puerto Barrios or Río Dulce to Livingston or a hotel along the water, he can bring you there. You can also ask your hotel to provide a private boat captain but whenever I’ve compared the price, Jose has been the most affordable.

Where to Visit + Explore Along the Caribbean Coast of Guatemala

The department of Izabal sits along the Caribbean coast of Guatemala and there are multiple destinations where tourists can stay, visit, and explore. Not just one! Some destinations are more touristy than others and I have these listed below.

Río Dulce

Río Dulce is probably the most popular place to visit along the Caribbean coast and for good reason! Most tourists stay at a hotel in Río Dulce or in Livingston.

So what is Río Dulce? Well, it’s the name of both a town and a river and it literally means sweet river. The town is where most tourists arrive before they transfer to their hotel along the river Río Dulce. Although there are some hotels located in the town or nearby and are accessible by road. The rest of the hotels along the river are only accessible by boat.

The river flows from Lake Izabal to the Caribbean Sea and it’s surrounded by a lush landscape with dense rainforest and calming waters. It’s considered to be the longest and cleanest river in Guatemala and it’s the perfect place for nature lovers and those who want to get off the beaten path. It is the most visited place along the Caribbean coast but it’s a lot more quiet compared to Antigua, Lake Atitlán and Tikal.

Most tourists come here for a boat tour and to stay at a hotel or lodge in the jungle. The town of Río Dulce itself doesn’t offer much for tourists. The main reason tourists visit is to explore the river and nature. There is also a historical fort to visit at the end of the river (where it meets the lake). Usually tourists visit the fort during a boat tour up and down the river.

In my opinion, the highlight of Río Dulce is riding on a boat through the canyon. At this point, the river narrows and there are 100 meter limestone walls that rise on both sides. The water in this part of the river is a dark jade color and it is one of the most breathtaking landscapes to see in Guatemala.

The best way to explore along the river is to take a full day boat tour. You can book this through your hotel in Livingston or Río Dulce, or you can hire a private boat captain. The best private boat captain in the area is Jose as I’ve previously mentioned. I’ve compared his rates and service to several other captains in the area. He is the best! You can contact him on WhatsApp and inquire about his rates for a private tour depending on your group size, the length of time for the tour, etc. His WhatsApp number is +502-3598-3211.

The boat captains will typically take you on a full day tour which will include the following:

Castillo de San Felipe de Lara – a historical fort built to protect against pirates.
The canyon – the most visibly dramatic section of the river
Wildlife sightseeing – you might see manatees, birds, dolphins, fish, etc.
The hot springs – this is a section of the river where the water is hot and it’s a great place to swim or relax
Puente de Río Dulce – the largest bridge in Guatemala which is very prominent in the town of Río Dulce.
Lunch – you’ll typically stop at one of the fantastic restaurants along the water to eat lunch.

If you want to take a boat tour you’ll need to either stay in Río Dulce town, one of the hotels along the river or in Livingston as the town sits at the end of the river where it meets the Caribbean Sea. You can also take this tour if you’re staying in Puerto Barrios. However, you’ll need to leave early in the morning as it takes approximately an extra 30 minutes to arrive to the river and 30 minutes to return.

Castillo de San Felipe de Lara

This is a historic Spanish colonial fortress located at the entrance of Lake Izabal and the end of the Sweet River. You can access the fort by boat or by road. If you book a boat tour you’ll likely visit but you could also go to the castle without a boat tour. The hotels along Río Dulce will likely offer guided tours.

This fort was built in the mid to late 1600s and it’s well preserved. The gardens and water surrounding the fort are beautiful and locals love to visit this place. It’s open from 8 am to 4 pm every day and the cost to enter (for foreigners) is 75 Quetzales ($9.60 USD).

The fort is quite far from Puerto Barrios and Livingston. It is possible to take a day trip to get to the fort which is what most tourists do when they book a Río Dulce boat tour.

Livingston

The town of Livingston is the second most popular place to visit and stay along the Caribbean coast. This is the place to visit and stay if you want to learn about Garífuna community – an Afro-Caribbean culture with its own language, music, food, and traditions. This part of Guatemala feels much more like Belize or Honduras compared to the highlands of Guatemala.

The story of the Garífuna people is extraordinary with centuries of survival, displacement, and cultural preservation that produced one of the most distinct communities in the world. The Garífuna people trace their roots back to St. Vincent, an island in the Eastern Caribbean.

The people originally descended from Africans on a transatlantic journey when the boat was shipwrecked in 1653 near the island of St. Vincent. The community settled on the island and developed language, spiritual practices, music, food, and identity. Eventually the British took control of the island and forced the Garífuna people to relocate to Honduras. The Spanish also got involved and eventually moved the Garífuna people even further to Belize and to Livingston along the Caribbean coast of Guatemala.

Livingston became a key settlement for the Garífuna people and because of this, it’s also become a tourist destination for people who are visiting Guatemala (although not nearly as popular as Antigua and Lake Atitlán). Travelers come here to eat the traditional food, listen to Garífuna music, explore the beaches, and experience the tropical vibes.

I’ve been to Livingston two times and these are my favorite places to visit and things to do:

Siete Altares – these are 7 natural and beautiful swimming pools located in a remote area close to Livingston.
La Capitania Beach – this is the most popular beach in Livingston and oftentimes, the restaurant located on the beach will have live Garífuna music. It’s easy to walk to this public beach.
Quehueche Beach – This beach is approximately 2 miles from the center of the town and you’ll need to take a tuk-tuk to get here. You can ask any driver and they’ll take you here.

One thing to note that the beaches in Livingston are places where locals like to hang out, but they are not the most beautiful beaches along the Caribbean coast. if you keep reading below, I share information about visiting the famous white sand beach and the beautiful beaches in Punta de Palma and Punta de Manabique.

If you’re staying at a hotel along the Sweet River or in Puerto Barrios then it’s easy to take a day trip to visit Livingston. You can use the water taxi system from Puerto Barrios or the town of Río Dulce. Once again, another option is to hire Jose as a private boat captain. His WhatsApp number is +502-3598-3211.

Siete Altares

I mentioned Siete Altares above but I also want to share this as a separate destination to visit. This is because it is possible to visit Siete Altares while staying in Livingston or on a day trip from Río Dulce or Puerto Barrios. It is one of the most beautiful places to explore along the Caribbean coast but there are some things to know before you visit.

Siete Altares is a group of 7 turquoise waterfalls and freshwater pools. It takes almost 2 hours to hike here or it is possible to visit by boat. There is a small entrance fee (cash only) and most people come here to swim inside the beautiful pools. You have to walk in water to get to the final pool so I recommend wearing very comfortable (not flimsy) water shoes if you want to visit.

I’ve been to Siete Altares twice both during a full day boat tour from Livingston to Playa Blanca. It is very easy to stop at Siete Altares on the way to Playa Blanca or on the way back. You can book one of these tours through your hotel or by contacting Jose on WhatsApp at +502-3598-3211. Jose offers private boat tours to both places and if you want to know more about Playa Blanca, then keep reading!

Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca is the most famous white sand beach in Guatemala. If you don’t know, most of the beaches in Guatemala are black sand beaches and located along the Pacific Coast. The only white sand beaches can be found on the Caribbean coast and Playa Blanca is the one that everyone wants to visit.

There is a good reason that tourists love coming here! The beach is stunning, very clean, there is a fantastic restaurant, chairs, tables, and a fun swing located at this beach. It is a private beach and it costs approximately 30 Quetzales (cash only) to enter. The fee includes a free drink from the restaurant which is usually a fresh coconut or a beer.

This private beach has great facilities. The bathrooms are clean, they offer 3 cabins or guest houses where tourists can stay, and the restaurant serves the most delicious food.

It is only possible to visit Playa Blanca by boat. If you’re staying in Livingston then it takes approximately 30 minutes to get here. If you’re in Puerto Barrios then it’s just over one hour and if you stay at a hotel in Río Dulce then it can take one hour or more to get here.

The hotels in Livingston and some along Río Dulce will offer group tours to Playa Blanca. There are tour companies in Puerto Barrios offering tours as well as many locals will book this for a day trip. Another option is to book a private day tour with Jose. He’s my favorite boat captain and lives in the town of Livingston. You can contact him directly for a quote as the price will depend on the group size, time of year, etc. His WhatsApp number is +502-3598-3211.

Punta de Manabique

This is one of the least visited places on the Caribbean coast of Guatemala. I don’t think most people know about it but if the weather is nice during your trip, then it is 100% worth it to visit the private beach at Punta de Manabique.

Punta de Manabique is a peninsula located along the coast. it’s one of the most remote places in the country and it’s not accessible by road. It is only possible to arrive here by boat and there are no water taxis that can take people here.

Since access is limited and the place is so remote, it is quite the experience to visit Punta de Manabique. There is a private beach with a sunken ship, a family-owned restaurant, and places to sit and relax. The family lives in a house located on the beach. They do not charge an entrance fee as long as you buy something from the restaurant.

The sand on the beach is not as white and beautiful as Playa Blanca. However, the water is turquoise, calm, and very clear. The best part about visiting the beach is snorkeling above and next to the sunken ship. The ship has been in the water for some time and has now become an artificial reef attracting different types of fish. Schools of fish are constantly swimming by which is why I recommend to bring snorkeling gear if you visit this beach.

Since the only way to visit is by private boat, I recommend contacting Jose. His WhatsApp number is +502-3598-3211 and if you tell him you want to visit the private beach to snorkel and eat lobster, he will know where to take you. Jose can also provide snorkeling gear and he will give you a quote based on your group size and pick up location.

The best place to stay in proximity to Punta de Manabique is at a hotel in Livingston. However, it is possible to visit on a day trip from Puerto Barrios and possibly from a hotel along Río Dulce (although this can be a long trip).

Punta de Palma

This is a very popular and laid back white sand beach along the Caribbean Coast. In my opinion, it’s almost as beautiful as Playa Blanca but since it’s much more accessible, it can get very busy.

Many locals living in Puerto Barrios visit Punta de Palma as they can take a quick an inexpensive water taxi (15 minutes) to the beach or they can drive since it’s accessible by road. There are many restaurants and vendors located along the beach so it’s usually easy to find a place to sit and relax.

Quiriguá ancient Maya site

This is an ancient Maya and archaeological and UNESCO World Heritage site located in the department of Izabal. It’s more inland compared to the other destinations I’ve listed and I recommend visiting as a day trip from Puerto Barrios, Río Dulce or on the way to or from the Caribbean coast. For example, if you hire a private driver to bring you here from Guatemala City or Antigua to izabal, then this is a great place to stop for a few hours.

The site is located just off the highway and it costs 80 Quetzales ( approximately $1o) to enter. Even though it’s a small site, the area is home to some of the most amazing stelae and hieroglyphs in the Maya world.

El Boquerón

This is one of the most incredible places we’ve visited in Guatemala and I think we felt that way because it’s in such a remote place and hardly any tourists come here.

El Boquerón is a stunning, natural limestone canyon in El Estor, Izabal. This is another destination that is inland in the department and the best way to visit is by staying at a hotel located in the town of Río Dulce or along the river. In fact, many of the hotels offer tours and I would inquire about this once you book.

It costs approximately 10 Quetzales ($1.30) to enter and another 20 Quetzales per person ($2.50) to take a boat ride in a canoe up the river and deep into the canyon. When we were here, we took a 15-minute peaceful ride in a wooden canyon to a place where we could swim and relax. The water was clean and refreshing. There was almost no one else when we went during the week and I absolutely recommend coming here if you have the time.

Puerto Barrios

Puerto Barrios is the largest city in the department of Izabal but it is not a typical tourist destination. Most tourists arrive in Río Dulce and take a boat to their next destination. If they arrive in Puerto Barrios then they also usually do so to transfer to their next destination. However, I’ve been here twice and I loved visiting the city!

Puerto Barrios is a vibrant, bustling port city and is the economic and maritime hub for the department of Izabal. It has a very distinct culture with Afro-Caribbean influences, tropical cuisine, and there is a Garífuna neighborhood in the city (El Rastro). This city handles a massive portion of Guatemala’s international cargo and if you visit, you’ll notice giant ships docked near the shore as well as many large trucks parked near the docks.

Since this is not a typical tourist destination, there isn’t a lot to do. However, I recommend checking out many of the fantastic restaurants (I have them listed in another section of this blog focused on food), walking along the Malecón) and exploring the El Rastro neighborhood to learn about the Garífuna culture. It’s the type of destination to visit for an authentic cultural experience.

It is possible to take day trips to Livingston, Playa Blanca, and Río Dulce if you stay in Puerto Barrios. I recommend contacting Jose to book a private boat tour. His WhatsApp number is +502-3598-3211.

Where to Stay in Izabal

There are several different areas where tourists can stay when they visit the Caribbean coast of Guatemala. If you have a lot of time, then you can stay in two different places. If you’re visiting family in Puerto Barrios then it’s fine to stay there and take day trips to explore the area. If you’re goal is to explore the Río Dulce area then I recommend staying at one of the wonderful hotels along the river! If you’re the most interested in visiting the beaches and learning about Garífuna culture, then I recommend booking a hotel in Livingston.

One thing to note is that it gets very hot and humid in this part of Guatemala. Most of the hotels offer air conditioning with the exception of a few located at Río Dulce and Playa Blanca. I have indicated below which hotels have A/C and which ones do not.