Just above the name Guatemala and to the right you will see Lake Izabal (Lago Izabal) which feeds the Rio Dulce (meaning "sweet river"). Lake Izabal is the largest lake in Guatemala and home to the town of Fronteras on the shore of the Rio Dulce . The Rio Dulce in turn flows through the steep wall canyons to the Caribbean Sea at the town of Livingston. Rio Dulce is centralized among the heart of the Mayan civilization. Tikal, Copan, Quirigua and many other famous and popular Mayan ruins are within hours of this location and we have tours available. In any case, this is where your amazing adventure will take place and a paradise I am proud to consider home.

Full country name:
Republic of Guatemala

Area:
109,000 sq. km ]
(42,500 square Miles)

Population:
11 million (growth rate 2.5%)

Capital City:
Guatemala City (population 2 million)

People:
56% Spanish descent,
44% Mayan descent

Language:
Spanish, Garífuna and
21 Mayan dialects

Religion:
Roman Catholic, Mayan-Catholic

Fusion Government:
Democratic

Visas:
Depending on the country you come from, stays are limited to 30 or 90 days. Check with the closest Guatemalan embassy for up-to-date information.

Minor Health risks:
Cholera, dengue fever, malaria

Time:
GMT/UTC minus 6 hours

Electricity: 110V, 60Hz

Weights / Measures:
Metric

Climate:

The climate here is relatively consistent, between 70 - 90 degrees and humid with an average rainfall of 80 inches per year since it IS a rainforest. In November thru January however cold fronts do occasionally come this far south, and it can get down into the 60's so appropriate clothing should be with you just in case.

Skin protection Information:

As was mentioned on the introduction page, there are some, but very few mosquitos here although a good repelent is always good to have at hand in case. If flying into Guatemala, many flights do not allow aerosol type cans onboard so keep that in mind if bringing repellent with you. When purchasing sun screen keep in mind that this is a tropical climate and the sun is intense so a powerful sunscreen is good to have on hand as well for any long trips in the sun.

Water:

The water in the lake and upriver from the town of Rio Dulce is clean for swimming and some areas drinkable. However for newcomers it is advisable to stick to purified water.

Medical services:

There are local doctors and, within minutes of Rio Dulce is a local hospital with all the modern technology and services comprable to any I ever received in the United States. Many of the doctors here were trained for their profession in United States universities. The rates are remarkably inexpensive by anything we are accustomed to.