Livingston
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Tips
6 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
The main street of this Garífuna town, full of colour, music and street life.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Evenings bring punta music
- Look for coco bread sellers
- Walk it from the dock uphill
📷 Photos
- 2
The town dock where boats arrive from Río Dulce and Puerto Barrios.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Book river trips here
- Watch your bags in the bustle
📷 Photos
- 3
Dramatic jungle gorge with 100-metre walls on the boat route upriver.
3 tips
- Take the boat ride to Río Dulce town
- Look for herons and pelicans
- Bring a rain jacket on the boat
📷 Photos
- 4
A chain of waterfalls and pools in the forest near the coast.
3 tips
- Reach it by beach walk or boat
- Go in the wet season for flow
- Small entrance fee
📷 Photos
- 5
Protected wetland reserve on the Río Dulce, home to manatees and birds.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Visit as part of a river tour
- Bring insect repellent
📷 Photos
- 6
Riverside restaurant training local youth, known for Garífuna tapado.
3 tips
- Order the tapado seafood soup
- Lovely water views
- Supports a local NGO
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Livingston tips
Transportation
- Arrive by boat: Livingston has no road connection, so take a lancha from Puerto Barrios or from Río Dulce town through the river canyon.
- Take the Río Dulce boat trip: The ride between Río Dulce and Livingston passes jungle-covered cliffs, bird colonies and hot springs; it doubles as transport and a tour.
- Cross to Belize by boat: Lanchas run to Punta Gorda in Belize; get your exit stamp at the immigration office in Livingston before leaving.
Security
- Go to Siete Altares with a group: The beach walk to the waterfalls has a history of robberies, so go in a group or with a local guide.
- Bring cash: ATMs in Livingston can be unreliable, so bring enough quetzales from Puerto Barrios or Río Dulce.
- Watch belongings on the dock: The boat landing gets crowded, so keep your bags close when arriving and departing.
Saving
- Eat at local comedores: Small eateries serve rice, beans and fried fish for much less than tourist-oriented restaurants.
- Share lancha rides: Public lanchas are cheaper than private boats, though they leave when full.
- Stay in simple guesthouses: Livingston has budget lodgings near the waterfront, often cheaper than resorts on the river.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack for heat and humidity: The Caribbean coast is hot and sticky year-round, so bring breathable cotton clothing.
- Prepare for rain: Heavy showers are common, especially in the wetter months, so a rain jacket is essential.
- Use insect repellent: Mosquitoes are common, so pack strong repellent and long sleeves for evenings.
Cultural
- Experience Garífuna culture: Livingston is a center of Garífuna culture, with drumming and punta dancing in the evenings.
- Try tapado: This seafood soup with coconut milk and plantains is the town's signature dish.
- Celebrate Garífuna Day: On November 26, Livingston holds celebrations marking the arrival of the Garífuna people.
Local Hacks
- Taste guifiti: This herbal rum drink is a local Garífuna specialty said to have medicinal properties.
- Buy coconut bread: Pan de coco is sold fresh by local bakers and makes a good snack for boat trips.
- Visit Playa Blanca: A boat trip to this white-sand beach makes a relaxing day away from town.
1-day itineraries in Livingston
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.