In the midst of a region with very little tourist infrastructure, the Caribbean coast of Guatemala is abundant with beauty yet to be explored. While touring Guatemala's Jade Coast, enjoy the beauty of its animals, plants and tourist attractions: Río Dulce, city of Livingston and

Lake Izabal. Following a ride along the Rio Dulce river, you reach Livingston, a village with the magic of the Caribbean Garífuna people. The place becomes liveliest during their exotic Afro-Caribbean festivals and celebrations, mainly on December 12th, New Year's and during Carnival.

Above Livingston, the Río Dulce plunges through a great gorge between green cliffs. Tropical and sea birds flitter about and soar above the tangled vegetation. About two miles north of Livingston are the "siete Altares", a series of small pools and waterfalls where the river empties into the sea. Adequate accommodations are found in small hotels.

We also recommend a visit to the San Gil Ecological Reserve, to the east of the Sierra de los Micos mountain range, over Las Escobas River, a Central American wilderness refuge. It can be accessed from that point 15 km. on a paved and then dirt road. Las Escobas River gives the traveller the opportunity to gaze at the untouched forest, and venture into the jungle where he will find 24 crystalline pools and 14 waterfalls for a refreshing swim.