The Río Dulce gorge

Reason enough to come to Lívingston is the spectacular trip through the Río Dulce gorge, a roughly 30km journey that eventually brings you to Río Dulce Town. From Lívingston, the river passes through a system of gorges with sheer, 100m-high rock faces draped in tropical vegetation and cascading vines. The birdlife is exceptional with white herons, sea eagles and squawking parakeets among the stunning tropical scenery. If you’re very lucky you may even see a manatee – dawn is the best time.

Cruising the Río

Most people experience the Río Dulce as a fleeting glimpse from one of the public boats that zip between Río Dulce Town and Lívingston, but to experience the río properly invest some time and take it slow. As the most spectacular section is near Lívingston it makes sense to begin a cruise there. Day-trips typically take in several attractions – including some hot springs, swimming spots, jungle tributaries and Ak’Tenamit – but the real pleasure is simply enjoying the spectacular gorge itself, with all the time in the world to soak up the idyllic scenery, which can be arranged through tour operators in Lívingston. Kayaking the gorge area and its jungle rivers from one of the hotels nearby is perhaps the perfect option.