Lago de Izabal

Introducing Lago de Izabal

Guatemala’s largest lake, to the north of the Carr al Atlántico, is just starting to register on travelers’ radar screens. Most visitors checking out the lake stay at Río Dulce town, by the long, tall bridge where Hwy 13, heading north to Flores and Tikal, crosses the Río Dulce emptying out of the east end of the lake. Downstream, the beautiful river broadens into a lake called El Golfete before meeting the Caribbean at Lívingston. River trips are a highlight of a visit to eastern Guatemala. If you’re looking for lakeside ambience minus the Río Dulce congestion and pace, head to Denny’s Beach at Mariscos or, closer, El Castillo de San Felipe, about 3km west of the bridge. The neat town of El Estor near the west end of the lake gives access to the Bocas del Polochic river delta, where there is lots of wildlife. There are many undiscovered spots in this area waiting to be explored, so don’t limit yourself.

Last updated: Oct 20, 2009