EAST & CARIBBEAN  
 
The Motagua valley connects guatemala city with the Caribbean coast. It has two excellent mayan ruins, Quirigua and just across the border in Honduras Copan. The Polochic River drains from the eastern flank of the northern highlands and empties into Lake Izabal running into the Rio Dulce, which flows east to the delta on the Caribbean Coast. This is an excellent area for water sports such as sailing, swimming, fishing, water skiing, and boating. The most popular lakeshore beaches are near El Astor and Mariscos. Central America's most pristine Nature Reserves are in this region of Guatemala.

Castillo de San Felipe Lara is an impressive stone fortress that was built to deter pirates from ravishing the shores of this area in Guatemala where products were warehoused for exportation. The tower, originally constructed in 1595, was destroyed. The tower was rebuilt in 1604. Pirate raiding increased over the next fifty years and in 1651, the tower became a fort. The fort expanded in the 18th century, and in 1956 tourists began to flock the fort. One arrives at the fort via a motor launch from the Rio Dulce Bridge.

The Rio Dulce runs 42km from lake Izabel into the ocean. It measures 9km at its widest point, which is known as El Golfete. The river flows through some of the most spectacular gorges in jungle-covered hills that lie south of Livingston. Ultimately Rio Dulce empties into the Bay of Amatique. The Rio Dulce is popular with yachtsmen. It is navigable throughout its entire course. Marina facilities are located as El Golfete.

This region holds two mayan treasures, Quirigua just off the main highway and Copan across the border in Honduras. Quiriguais known for its magnificent mayan stelae carvings, the site is surrounded by a dense tropical jungle. A short side trip into Honduras will take you to the ruins of Copan