Up the Rio Dulce — Someday Sherpa

Oct 19

Oct 19 Up the Rio Dulce

Some places are special. So special that you think the universe is putting on a special show, just for you. Welcome to Rio Dulce and Lago de Izabel - Guatemala’s largest lake.

This lake is so big that it appears more like a river - it twists and turns until it eventually opens up to the Caribbean sea. These windy bends of Lago de Izabel are overlooked by uninhabited jungle mountains. The phrase ‘immerse yourself in nature' was likely to have been born here.

This truly is a Robinson Crusoe style adventure.

Part one of the adventure was getting to the river mouth of Rio Dulce from Semuc Champey. This involved a 5 hour bus ride, 3 of which were not on a road as we know them. It was more like an open path layered with rocks, boulders, gapping holes and bordered by steep ravines. A sports bra and nerves of steel are essential for this bus ride.

Our bus driver, let’s call him ‘Crazy’, was on some sort of maniac schedule or suicide mission. I couldn’t work it out. Either way, once we finally hit the smooth tarmac, a welcome sight after the bouncy ride, Crazy proceeded to drive at 3 times the speed limit, taking corners on the wrong side of the road, overtaking without checking for oncoming trucks and generally causing chaos. It’s times like this that you have to hope that the universe has your back.

Arriving at Rio Dulce somewhat shaken, the pace changed dramatically as we hopped aboard a boat and cruised up Rio Dulce to find our jungle paradise home at Finca Tatin.

Swing on rope swings, lounge on the jetty or kick back on the hammocks.
Canoe to the hot springs, or to Livingston for a seafood lunch

EAT & DRINK

All meals at Finca Tatin were fresh and tasty. Again, the communal dinners are a nice way to mingle with new friends.

SLEEP

Finca Tatin, is a 45min boat ride up the river from Rio Dulce. It sits on the edge of the river with thatched roofed bungalows and a big, open communal hut adorned with hammocks, tunes and cold beer. It’s an open air pavilion with no windows so prepare to make friends with the creepy crawlies.
Owned by the same people is The Roundhouse, just up the lake and looks fabulous too.

IF YOU DARE