Río Dulce

Ahhh....and what a sweet river it is. After kickin' it in Lívingston for a few days we headed up river a couple of hours to the area of Río Dulce town and Lago Izabal. This area is one of the most beautiful in the country and also very popular with boaters around the world.

The trip up the green river offered a light breeze and a lush greenery view. We diverted into a few tributaries to check out locals paddling in canoes, birds, and a field of Lily pads. One stop along the way Aguas Calientes had hot water coming out from rocks into the river. Up from the steaming water we climbed a hillside to reach a muddy cave where formations are still alive. Funny enough a fellow traveler we were with touched a formation, and we advised him no to do so because it kills the growth. He replied with a, "Oh, I know that. I'm a geologist. I just forgot." Seems like something that basic a GEOLOGIST would remember!


Since most places are situated along the lake or hotel Toby and I stayed at the lovely Swiss-owned Casa Perico, only reachable by lancha (boat). The hotel was hidden up a stream and privately tucked away in the swampy jungle area. One main restaurant/patio area connected to the other bathrooms, rooms, and kitchen by wooden boardwalks. We felt so secluded from the rest of the world here. It was a great environment to relax and just enjoy the warm weather. Included at the hotel were wooden canoes that we use to paddle out to the main river area to swim and lay out on a floating dock. This was one of the highlights for sure!


While in the Río Dulce area we also took a few day trips to see some other sights in the area. One majestic site we visited is the Castillo San Felipe built on the narrowed part of land where the lake and river come together. This was originally built in the 1600s to protect the booty stored along the lake shore from attacking pirates. Consequently it was sacked, rebuilt, stocked with more soldiers time and time again. Today it has been restored to its former glory, hosting great views of the lake and river areas.


Another great spot to visit is the Finca Paraíso hot waterfall. On this farm's property a river flows steadily towards lake Izabal, and along the way a big hot spring fed waterfall cascades down. We tucked under a stone ledge in the rock wall where the hot water falling turning this little space into a toasty natural steam room. Although our attempts to make it back to town and our hotel became quite a fiasco, we're trying to focus on the majestic waterfall instead. It was a gorgeous site and our first experience with a hot waterfall.

Needless to say, we certainly enjoyed the opportunity to swim every day of our vacation. Quiché does not offer pools and beautiful streams to splash around in, nor the humidity to escape. However, this trip was just the ticket and gave us time to be in nature, relax, and rejuvenate before the new term of classes.