I have to be honest here. When first visiting Livingston (after a visit to Playa Blanca), I was underwhelmed. Based on the information I read online, I was very excited to explore this unique town on Guatemala’s Caribbean coast with a vibrant street life and the Garifuna culture. Moreover, Livingston is only accessible by both, making it a more off-the-beaten-path destination, so perfect if you want to explore an authentic part of Guatemala. As the boat to Punta Gorda (Belize) leaves from Livingston, we had to come back the next day to catch the boat and visit the immigration office (located in town). And.. the early morning buzz showed me the Livingston I had expected to see! So, if you are visiting Livingston, make sure to visit in the morning or evening to explore the local vibe. With this photographic guide to Livingston, I show you part of the local life and day-to-day scenes in Guatemala – including pictures from other destinations across the country.
Read a full travel guide to Rio Dulce here or check out my 2-week Guatemala itinerary.
Livingston: Hotel La Casa Rosada (€35), Casa Nostra (€35), Casa de la Iguana (€20)
Rio Dulce: Hotelito Perdido (€40) and they offer bunk beds too, Palmeras del Rio (€25), Tortugal Boutique River Lodge (€85), Boatique Hotel (€65)
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As mentioned, Livingston is known for its Garifuna community, creating a completely different culture and vibe than in the rest of Guatemala. It gives you a sneak peek of Belize’s culture, which is only 15 kilometres away. If you are lucky, you might catch a festive celebration or event. Else, the streets of Livingston include colourful murals and friendly people. If you are into photography, it is great to capture the essence of day-to-day life in Livingston, where children are playing, vendors are selling goods, and fishermen are at work. These candid shots provide an authentic glimpse into the local lifestyle.
BWhen you are visiting Livingston, make sure you catch the short boat ride to Playa Blanca. This beautiful white-sand beach with clear waters is the most beautiful beach of Guatemala and is a great place for beach photography (and of course – to relax).
Of course, Livingston is not the only place to capture the local life in Guatemala. In this photographic guide to Livingston, as a bonus, I’ve added some comparisons to the more traditional local life of Guatemala. As you can already see, capturing moments in this beautiful country is a treat!