IT'S A DOGS LIFE
SAILING AROUND THE WORLD WITH SPIRIT OF ARGO
IT'S A DOGS LIFE
SAILING AROUND THE WORLD WITH SPIRIT OF ARGO
Guatemala

Guatemala, Rio Dulce, Livingston to Burnt (Texan) Bay – Pictures and charts of travelling up the river

by |Published |3 Comments

With check-in completed in the town of Livingston, at the mouth of the Rio Dulce, it was time to go explore up the river.

The start of the Rio Dulce
The start of the Rio Dulce

The river immediately narrows and we entered a long stretch of beautifully forested gorge.  Unfortunately it was an overcast day and our pictures really do not do ‘this section’ justice.  Still hope you enjoy the picture ‘tour down the gorge’.

A3

The hills and jungle ensure that the river is the main highway for the movement of people and goods
The hills and jungle ensure that the river is the main highway for the movement of people and goods

A4

A5

A6

A7A8

A10

A9

A11

A12

A13

A14

A15

A16

A18

A19

I thought the pictures would describe the gorge that winds into the interior of Guatemala far better than any of my lame words.  If this is not enough, how about a short video clip.  (Sorry about the quality.  Still working with a rubbish used camera a cruiser was willing to sell to us in the Bahamas.)

Near the end of the gorge is the sulphur hotsprings.  You can not miss them as they have built a restaurant beside it.  You can anchor in the river, right beside the hot springs, purchase a beer and have a wee soak.

Boat anchored right off the shore.
Boat anchored right off the shore.
Inviting hot sulphur springs
Inviting hot sulphur springs
We had the place to ourselves
We had the place to ourselves

 

No sooner did we get back to the boat than a horde of day trippers arrived.
No sooner did we get back to the boat than a horde of day trippers arrived. None went in.  They just looked over at them and went to the restaurant for a cold drink.

We lifted anchor and continued up the river. After the hot springs the river widens and the banks become less steep.

By hot springs
By hot springs

We saw a lot more homes (huts) and people actively fishing.

A17A1

And then the river opened up into Lake El Golfete.

A3

A2

To find our anchorage for at Burnt Bay is a little bit tricky.  At first you feel you are heading for a dead end, and then as you approach the Marina you see that the lagoon continues around the corner.

Coming towards the Marina
Coming towards the Marina
Anchored up surrounded by jungle, but still within easy reach of the amenities at the Marina.
Anchored up surrounded by jungle, but still within easy reach of the amenities at the Marina.
The owner and staff at Burnt Bay Marina, formerly known as Texan Bay Marina, are super warm and inviting to anchored cruisers.
The owner and staff at Burnt Bay Marina, formerly known as Texan Bay Marina, are super warm and inviting to anchored cruisers.
There main hut, stituated on the top of the hill to give you the best breeze and view, has free (by very slow) internet, book exchange, restaurant, bar, showers and even a pool table!
There main hut, situated on the top of the hill to give you the best breeze and view, has free (by very slow) internet, book exchange, restaurant, bar, showers and even a pool table!
Some places try to give the 'chilled out' feel. This place is truly laid back. The most popular chairs in the place are a row of rocking chairs facing the lagoon and the breeze.
Some places try to give the ‘chilled out’ feel. This place is truly laid back. The most popular chairs in the place are a row of rocking chairs facing the lagoon and the breeze.

We were told by the owner that we could not leave without exploring the mired of rivers and lagoons that wind themselves through the area. (look back at the map of the area).

And this is where traveling with kayaks really pay off
And this is where traveling with kayaks really pay off
Do not worry about getting too lost, as everything leads back to Burnt Bay....eventually. The beautify here will intoxicate you!
Do not worry about getting too lost, as everything leads back to Burnt Bay….eventually. The beautify here will intoxicate you!
The maze of rivers and lagoons is great.
The maze of rivers and lagoons is great.
Just when you think you are all alone, you will round a bend and find a home-stead with laughing children swimming in the river or someone just paddling by in their traditional wood boats called
Just when you think you are all alone, you will round a bend and find a home-stead with laughing children swimming in the river or someone just paddling by in their traditional wood boats called Cayucos.

After a long days paddle it is great to go for swim in FRESH water for a change.
After a long days paddle it is great to go for swim in FRESH water for a change.

The humans liked it here so much they stayed another day to go and check out the Lake.

Traditional homes along the rivers here in the jungle
Traditional homes along the rivers here in the jungle
It is spring time and all the birds are mating, including cormorants.
It is spring time and all the birds are mating, including cormorants.
We had a nice little paddle around the lake
We had a nice little paddle around the lake
We even found where the egrets where nesting.
We even found where the egrets where nesting.

I could bore you to death with jungle pictures, but it was time to move on and ascend the river to our berth, pre-booked, at Tortugal.

You may also like

3 thoughts on “Guatemala, Rio Dulce, Livingston to Burnt (Texan) Bay – Pictures and charts of travelling up the river”

Comments are closed.