The area called "the Rio Dulce" begins at the mouth of the river on the Bahia de Amatique at the Garifuna town of Livingston. Going up, the river passes through a spectacular steep walled canyon lined with jungle vegetation and wildlife. The river then widens into a small lake, El Golfete, whose shores are lined with beautiful spots, Mayan settlements and a manatee reserve. The river then narrows and passes the towns of Fronteras and El Relleno where there is an abundance of hotels, restaurants, marinas, services for boaters, medical care, communications and transportation. A short way further up, the river widens into 590 square kilometer Lake Izabal, the largest lake in Guatemala.
   

 
   
The Rio Dulce is a large river that is 500 to 1500 meters (1/3 to 1 mile) wide over much of its length. The narrowest spot is at a point called La Vaca where the river narrows to a little over 100 meters (300 feet) as it squeezes through The Canyon. The lakes and the Rio Dulce are navigable by vessels of modest draft. The river and lakes are fed by many smaller rivers and countless creeks and streams. Many of these rivers can be traveled for miles by dinghy or canoe through beautiful forests and grassy meadows.
             
     
             
   

You will find the people along the Rio Dulce to be among the friendliest you have ever encountered with a strong sense of community spirit, pride and service. The focus along the river is primarily aquatic with the emphasis on boating and water sports but many backpackers and travelers from all parts of the world use the Rio Dulce as a jumping-off point for trips into the Peten, the rest of Guatemala, to Belize and Honduras.

There are hundreds of cruisers moored along the Rio Dulce and the cruiser community sponsors many activities such as barbeques, potluck dinners, sailboat and canoe races and a weekly swap meet. Everyone is invited, whether or not they are a cruiser. It is easy to make many friends on the river.