A Different Caribbean:
Guatemala's Caribbean Coast

Different in this context means no white palm-fringed beaches, no big resort hotels where waitresses in sarongs bring you drinks in hollowed-out pineapples. But many travelers like the fact that there are few tourist facilities on Guatemala's Caribbean coast. It is a ruggedly beautiful region whose natural attractions more than compensate for any lack of facilities.

The main town is Puerto Barrios, a former United Fruit Company banana port and, for tourists, the departure point for boats to Livingston and trips to the area's other major attractions.
Castillo de San Felipe is a fortress built in 1652 as a defence against pirates. When pirates left the area, it became a prison and today it is a well-preserved tourist attraction.
Lake Izabal, the largest lake in Guatemala, is surrounded by mountains and full of perch, tarpon and other game fish. Its most interesting inhabitant, however, is the freshwater manatee.
Livingston is a little fishing village populated by the Garifuna or Black Carib people who are descended from African slaves, shipwrecked sailors and the indigenous Maya. This quiet town is the starting point; for boat rides on the Rio Dulce to enjoy the jungle scenery, have a swim and explore the Chocon Machacas Nature Reserve.

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