As you come ashore in Livingston, which is only reachable by boat, you will be surprised to find black Guatemalans who speak Spanish and their traditional Garifuna language; some also speak the musical English of Belize and the islands.The town of Livingston is an interesting anomaly, with a laid- back way of life, groves of coconut palms, gaily painted wooden buildings and an economy based on fishing and tourism

The Garifuna (Garinagu or the black carib) people of Livingston are decedents of the Africans brought to the new world as slaves. They trace their roots to the Honduran Island of Roatán where they where settled by the British after the the Garifuna revolt on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent in 1795.

From Roatán the Garifuna spread out along the caribbean coast of Central America all the way from Belize to Nicaragua. Intermarrying with Carib Indians as well as with Mayas and ship wrecked sailors of other races, they've developed a distinct culture and language incorporating African, Indian and European elements.

Other people in Livingston include the indigenous Q'echi' Maya, ladinos and smattering of international travelers.
   
     

Around Livingston:

Livingston is the starting point for boat rides to Rio Dulce. Passengers enjoy the the tropical jungle scenery, have a swim and a picnic and explore the biotopo Chocón Machacas, 12km west along the river.

Shortly after you leave Livingston headed up river, you'll enter a steep-walled gorge called Cueva de la Vaca, its walls hung with great tangles of jungle foliage and bromeliad. The humid air here is noisy with the cries of tropical birds. Just beyond that is the La Painted, a rock escarpment covered with graffiti. Further on, a thermal spring forces sulfurous water at the base of the cliff, providing a delightful place for a swim.

Emerging from the the gorge, the river eventually widens into El Golfete, a lake like body of water that presages the even vaster expanse of Lago Izabal.

Los siete altares (The Seven Altars) is a series of fresh water falls and pools about 5Km (11/2 hour walk) northwest of Livingston along the shore of Bahía de Amatique. It's pleasant goal for a walk along the beach and a good place for a picnic and a swim.