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Antigua · Sacatepéquez · Guatemala
Paddle In Paradise - Rio Dulce Kayak Tour
Starting From
From $758.74 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
Experience inventory, live availability and secure booking provided by
Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
This 4-day full on adventure trip will take you from the Rio Dulce to the Caribbean coast. We pull out all the stops with this one! Swim river canyons, don headlamps to explore uncharted river caves, and soak under hot waterfalls. We will have two full days of sea kayaking down the Rio Dulce through amazing river habitat and pristine nature. This trip brings us to Livingston, Guatemala’s only Garifuna village, where we’ll check out the local fare and vibrant island-like culture. We end our trip in a riverside jungle bungalow and head out the next morning to a nearby national park to search out the elusive Manatee. On the way back to Antigua we stop at the Mayan Ruins of Quirigua, renowned for its impressively large stelae.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Kayak the canyon of the Rio Dulce and the biotopo del manati
- Walk the grounds of the Mayan ruins of Quirigua
- Sleep in riverside jungle lodges and explore Livingston, Guatemala’s Garifuna village
- Explore caves and soak in a thermal waterfall
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Antigua
A hotel pick-up at 05:00 a.m. begins our group’s 6-hour transport from Guatemala’s mountainous West out to her tropical East. After a short breakfast on the outskirts of Guatemala City, we continue heading northeast through the morning, traversing a wide range of diverse climates, terrain and topography.
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Livingston
Swimming at Lake Izabel. We’ll anter the Rio Dulce as we cross over Central America’s longest bridge, and continue the last 20 miles of our ride to arrive (
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Antigua
We’ll enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at our hotel and sleep peacefully our first night on the river.
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Antigua
Afterwards – water-logged and tired, we head back towards the mouth of the Rio Dulce and check-in at our waterfront cabanas at the old tropical plantation Hacienda Tijax.
Day 2
Antigua
Breakfast and coffee are served at 08:00 a.m. at our hotel.
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Antigua
45-minute boat ride downstream through the beautiful Golfete, we will leave our luggage with our boat driver and get settled into our kayaks for the day.
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Livingston
Kayaking at Chocón Machacas Protected Biotope. The lagoons and creeks throughout the Biotopo Chocon Machacas Manatee Reserve are full of lagoons, creeks, local birds and wildlife. We’ll spend all morning in this playground for paddlers.
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Antigua
Caving.
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Antigua
Hot Springs.
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Antigua
Accommodation provided.
Day 3
Livingston
Kayaking at Rio Dulce. Paddlers up before sunrise will have a chance to spot some of the many beautiful birds that commune at our hotel’s riverside dock, and breakfast for our group is served at 08:00 a.m. . After preparing our kayaks and packs for the day – our first stop is just upstream at the local indigenous association Ak’ Tenamit – where artisans from Rio Dulce communities employ sustainable natural resources (i.e. banana leaves and coconuts) to fashion the unique handicrafts available for sale. We continue paddling downstream for the morning through the steep limestone canyons of the lower Rio Dulce, finally arriving to the river’s mouth at the coastal town of Livington (
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Antigua
We’ll pick up some great Caribbean seafood in a favorite local restaurant, and have the rest of the afternoon to walk around this relaxed and funky beach community – the only town in Guatemala which hosts Caribbean Garifuna culture. We’ll be sure to search out a delicious restaurant for dinner – one that satisfies the hunger we earned today on the river and provides us cool drinks to beat the coastal heat.
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Antigua
Our waterfront hotel in Livingston is just a short walk from town-center.
Day 4
Antigua
Breakfast
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Antigua
After breakfast our group will embark at 09:00 a.m. for our
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Puerto Barrios
Archaeological Exploration at Quirigua. We break up today’s drive with a visit to the Mayan ruins of Quirigua – home to the largest and best-preserved centuries-old carved stelae (rock monuments) in all of Central America. We’ll enjoy lunch on the road, and arrive back to Antigua late in the afternoon/evening depending on road conditions.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
- Private, round trip transportation from Old Town Outfitters/Antigua Guatemala - 3 Nights hotel accommodations along the beautiful Rio Dulce - All park entrance fees to protected areas, private reserves, co-ops, etc - All paddling gear (sea kayaks, paddles, lifejackets, dry bags) - All meals throughout the tour as specified (drinks *not* included) - Full tour of the Rio Dulce by a local bilingual guide with certified 1st Aid training
Not Included
- Drinks *not* included
What to Bring
- Walking shoes, sandals, swimsuit & towel - (1-2) Changes of clothes + rain jacket - Personal toiletries & medications - Camera, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant - 2L bottle for carrying water - Flashlight - TIP for great service from your Old Town guide!
Meeting & Pickup
Hotel pickup available within Antigua area or meet us at Old Town Outfitters Shop (Our storefront is located on the corner of 5a Avenida and 6a Calle, one block south of Central Park).
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business
Traveler Impressions
What travelers are saying
2024-02-21
5.00 / 5
One of the best kayak tours ever! So many different experiences with nature, the people, the food and the different customs. Very pleased with our adventure and our guide Francisco. A once in a lifetime experience!
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