This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Rio Dulce.
Rio Dulce is one of the largest towns in the eastern part of Guatemala and is close to transport to Belize and Honduras. While it is large enough that you will find most of your major amenities such as banks, supermarkets, clothing stores, pharmacies, and anything else you may need during your travels, it isn't an overly exciting place to stay for a long time. Most people come here for a day or so and then move on, if they bother to actually stay at all.
Of the biggest attractions in Rio Dulce are boat tours through the spectacular jungle that lines the river here all the way to Livingston. You can take private tours or the boat that goes direct to Livingston. Along the way you may see the Castillo de San Felipe de Lara, a fortification along the side of the river, and many other different types of wildlife. The other popular thing to do here is the Seven Alters Waterfall which you can hike to or take a boat.
Hostels in Rio Dulce are not in the downtown area, but more on the waterfront. One of them is actually a ten-minute ride by boat from Rio Dulce towards Livingston nestled into the jungle, so if you are planning on staying in the Rio Dulce hostels, know that you will be a fair distance from any of the aforementioned amenities and as such if you need them, it is wise to stock up before you get to the hostels.
Written by local enthusiast for Rio Dulce hostels
Globetrotter