Rio Dulce is a unique riverside destination in eastern Guatemala, where you’ll find a combination of jungle tranquility and traditional Caribbean vibes. When people say they’re going to Rio Dulce they don’t always mean they’re going to stay in Rio Dulce town exactly; sometimes they’re talking about Rio Dulce Town (also known as Fronteras), somewhere a bit further down the river, or quite a bit further down the river in Livingston.
Each of these areas has its merits, and I’ll run through each of them below.
Unlike more traditional tourist destinations, Rio Dulce’s accommodation options are quite spread out along the river system. Whilst this does mean that each place has its own unique selling points, it also means there’s not a huge build up of accommodation in any one area.
Here’s my guide on where to stay in Rio Dulce.
🇬🇹 Read more: A Travel Guide to Rio Dulce
Contents
- Where to Stay in Rio Dulce, Guatemala
- Where to Stay in Rio Dulce Town (Fronteras)
- The River (Between Fronteras and Livingston)
- Livingston
- Things to Consider When Choosing Where to Stay
- How Long to Stay
- FAQs About Where to Stay in Rio Dulce
Where to Stay in Rio Dulce Town (Fronteras)
Best for: Convenience & Transport Connections
The town of Fronteras, situated conveniently next to the impressive bridge spanning the Rio Dulce, is the main transport hub for the region. It’s not the most picturesque place in the world, but this is where you have the best travel options and the best amenities, like shops restaurants, etc.
Staying in town puts you close to the local market, numerous restaurants, and boat services to other parts of the river. (So, even if you’re staying in Rio Dulce, you can still use the boat connections to visit other places in the area). Like I said, it’s not the most beautiful place and there aren’t masses of things to do here, but it is a convenient location if you’re short on time.
Best Hotels in Rio Dulce Town (Fronteras)
Hotel Hacienda Tijax – has comfortable rooms and private bungalows just outside the main town. Their location provides a good balance between convenience and natural surroundings, with a private jungle trail system and dock facilities.
Tortugal Boutique River Lodge & Marina – has lovely, clean rooms attached to a popular restaurant and bar. Their location near the bridge makes it convenient for arrival and departures, and they can arrange all local tours and transport.
Best Hostels in Rio Dulce Town (Fronteras)
‘The Shack’ Hostel – This is the only hostel I can recommend, because it’s the only one I heard real reviews, from real people, about. Apparently it can get loud in the dorm room, but other than that the Shack Hostel has great vibes and a great view over the river.
The River (Between Fronteras and Livingston)
Best for: Immersion in Nature & Hiking
The stretch of river between Fronteras and Livingston has some of the area’s most unique accommodation options. I’m talking jungle lodges and tree house vibes. The hotels, hostels and lodges around here are only accessible by boat, so you get a fully immersive jungle experience.
The river widens into Lake El Golfete, so you get a really stunning backdrop of water, jungle, and distant mountains. These riverside retreats offer a peaceful escape from the town’s bustle, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to go kayaking, paddleboarding, birdwatching, or simply enjoy the natural surroundings. Most lodges and hotels have their own docks and offer various tours and activities on the river.
Best Riverside Lodges
Boatique Hotel and Marina – this place has some of the best views over the river I’ve ever seen, and really cosy vibes. Part of it is actually build on the river with walkways!
Hotel Casa Perico – this is slightly further back from the river and, without those spectacular river views, is a bit more of an affordable option. It’s still a really high quality jungle lodge, and there’s a free shuttle service to help you to arrive there.
Livingston
Best for: Caribbean Culture & Beach Access
Livingston offers a completely different atmosphere from the rest of Rio Dulce. Whilst Livingston is in the region of Rio Dulce and sits on the mouth of the same river, it is very distinct as its own town and is more complete with Caribbean culture. This Caribbean town is, again, only accessible by boat, which gives it a really off-the-beaten-track kind of feel.
Staying in Livingston gives you access to some of the most impeccable beaches you’ll ever see, beaches, Garifuna cuisine, and a more lively evening atmosphere than you’ll find upriver. It’s also a good base for taking boat trips on the river, but of course you have to get there first, so it’s not the most ideal place if you only have a couple of days available in your itinerary.
Best Hotels in Livingston
Hotel Villa Caribe – has comfortable rooms with sea views and a swimming pool. Their location on the waterfront provides easy access to both the town and boat services.
Hotel Casa Rosada – provides simple but clean rooms in a central location. Their garden setting and home-cooked meals make it a comfortable base for exploring the area.
Things to Consider When Choosing Where to Stay
When planning your stay in Rio Dulce, keep in mind that boat transport is an essential part of your experience here, whether its physically how you get to your accommodation or just a big part of how you explore the river.
A lot of the riverside lodges include boat transfers from Fronteras in their rates, but definitely check before you book anything.
This area cis be hot and humid all year round, so accommodation with good ventilation or air conditioning is a must if you have trouble sleeping in the heat. Air conditioning is also great at keeping the mosquitos away, which are quite prevalent around here (So many sure you have a bug net and insect repellant where necessary).
Internet connectivity varies throughout the area; accommodation based in Fronteras town is likely to have much better internet and infrastructure in general than accommodation based along the river. I’m not sure what connectivity is like in Livingstone, but it’s surely better than it is along the river.
How Long to Stay
Most people spend two to three nights in the Rio Dulce area. This is plenty of time to explore the river, visit the Castillo de San Felipe, take a trip to Livingston (or to somewhere else if you’re staying in Livingston), and enjoy some relaxation time. If you’re interested in sailing or extensive wildlife watching, you might want to stay longer.
Rio Dulce offers a unique opportunity to experience Guatemala’s tropical side, and I really recommend going if you get the chance. The combination of jungle, river, and sea creates a distinctive environment unlike anywhere else in Guatemala.
FAQs About Where to Stay in Rio Dulce
Which area of Rio Dulce is best for first-time visitors?
Rio Dulce Town (Fronteras) is best for first-time visitors as it offers the best transport connections and amenities. While it may not be the most picturesque area, it provides easy access to boat services, restaurants, and local markets. From here, you can easily explore other parts of the region whilst having all the necessary facilities at your doorstep.
Are the riverside lodges accessible by road?
No, most riverside lodges between Fronteras and Livingston are only accessible by boat. However, many accommodations include boat transfers from Fronteras in their rates. It’s important to check this when booking, as you’ll need to arrange transportation to reach your accommodation.
What’s the best area for experiencing local culture?
Livingston offers the most distinctive cultural experience in the Rio Dulce region. This Caribbean town is home to Garifuna culture, featuring unique cuisine, beautiful beaches, and a livelier evening atmosphere than you’ll find upriver. It’s only accessible by boat, which adds to its unique character.
How is the internet connectivity in different areas of Rio Dulce?
Internet connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. Accommodation in Fronteras town typically offers the best connectivity and infrastructure. Riverside lodges often have limited internet access due to their remote locations. If reliable internet is essential for your stay, it’s best to choose accommodation in Fronteras.
What should I pack for staying in Rio Dulce?
Essential items include insect repellent and light, breathable clothing as the area is hot and humid year-round. If staying in riverside accommodation, ensure your lodge provides mosquito nets. It’s also wise to pack water-resistant bags for boat journeys and comfortable walking shoes for exploring.
