Izabal is the only department in Guatemala that has truly been influenced by its contact with the Caribbean. Located in the northeast region of the country, Izabal is surrounded by Petén in the north, Alta Verapaz to the west, and Zacapa to the south. The region meets the Caribbean Ocean to the east, and it's from the Caribbean that the region derives its greatest cultural influences. The department is filled with both natural and tourist attractions. Besides Río Dulce, Izabal's best known tourist attraction, you can also find Amatique Bay, Livingston, Punta de Palma, and the famous Cayos del Diablo.

Aside from beautiful beaches, Izabal has many different natural attractions which include wildlife reserves (Bocas de Polochic, Punta de Manabique), an ecological reserve (Cerro de San Gil) and a protected biotope (Chocón Machacas). All these areas are beautiful examples of the Guatemalan Ecosystem and of the country's natural beauty.

¿How do I get there?

By Car: You must take the CA-9 highway, better known as the Atlantic route. Izabal is in the northeastern region of the country.

By Plane: There are charter flights to Puerto Barrios airport through TAG (Transportes Aéreos de Guatemala). You can contact them on the Internet:
http://www.tag.com.gt

By Bus: Buses from Litegua go out every day from 6:20 am. until 5:00 pm. You may contact them at: www.litegua.com.gt

You may also can contact our transportation services that are presented in this segment.

¿What can I do in Izabal?

*Canoe excursions.
* Boat trips around the lake.
* Visit Castillo de San Felipe.
* Boat trips to Livingston.
* Endless variety of Water activities (water skiing, wake boarding, snorkel, etc)
* Visit the beautiful white sand beaches.

¿Did you know?

*Castillo San Felipe was originally built by the Spanish Colonists to keep British pirates from entering Guatemala
* Izabal Lake is Guatemala's largest lake at approximately 42 kilometers long and 24 kilometers wide.
* Aside from Spanish, the other major language in Izabal is Garífuna—a mixture of the three languages spoken by the region's ethnic groups
* Río Dulce is considered one of Guatemala's most beautiful regions.
* The Climate in the region is tropical and moist.
* Izabal was once populated by Mayans who left many examples of their culture in Quiriguá, Chapulco, Nito, Carpul, Araphoe, Playitas, Chinamito, Las Quebradas, Matilisguate, Xoocoló, Cuenca del Choón, and Miramar Bella Vista.
* You can also visit www.livingston.com.gt for more information about Livingston, Izabal.

The Tourism Business Center is located in Main Street, in front of the Town Hall in Livingston and they will gladly provide you with more information.