Livingston

Amérique centrale

Guatemala

Thématiques & Destinations

Accommodation & Transportation

Livingston

Guatemala

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Livingston

Recommended length of stay: 2 Days

Caught between the jungle and the Caribbean Sea, Livingston is a small lost paradise accessible only by boat. This charming fishing village takes advantage of its isolation to preserve its environment and its culture. Come and discover this little haven of peace: between postcard beaches, turquoise waters and wild nature, this idyllic village has so much to offer! Its mixed and smiling people will make you spend the most beautiful stay.

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The history of Livingston

The origins of this town date back to the mid-18th century. Named after an American politician, Edward Livingston, who wrote the codes of the same name. It was in this city that the fundamental texts for the government of the United Provinces of Central America were written.

- Livingston, a port of international importance

Thanks to this river, coffee, banana and palm oil crops were transported from the land to Livingston before being exported to other territories. The city also became a very important fishing and fish exporting place for the region, before its commercial port was moved to the city of Puerto Barrios. The bustle that animated the city in its heyday then gradually diminished, leaving the inhabitants isolated from the mainland. From this period of intense trade, the city preserves its typical architecture and a charming fishing port, today the main attractions for tourist development.

- Livingston, home to 4 ethnic groups

Livingston is characterized by its very mixed population which is composed of 4 ethnic groups: the Garifuna (or Afro-Caribbean), the Quiché, the Maya and the Ladino (born from the interbreeding between Hispanic settlers and people from Central America). The first ethnic group, the Garifuna, is a people whose history is closely linked to the triangular trade. With their origins in black Africa, they were displaced and enslaved by the British crown to work in the banana plantations of Central America. They then took refuge on the coasts of Guatemala, Honduras and Belize after having escaped or after having been left for dead on shipwrecks. During the Guatemalan civil war, the indigenous Maya and Quiche peoples joined them on the coast to escape persecution. Like a thriving haven, Livingston allows these three cultures to live together in harmony, keeping each other's culture alive. In the school, the children of the village are taught in the Garifuna, Mayan and Spanish languages.

- Livingston's culinary traditions

This mixture of cultures is also evident in the food. Here, the culinary specialties are numerous and very different from the rest of the country. Among them, the traditional Pan de Coco or the Tapado which are cooked in family, and while singing! If the atmosphere is so sweet and festive on Livingston it is largely due to the influence of the Garifuna culture. Known for their rhythmic music and dances, they take care of the bars and restaurants of the city, guaranteeing great convivial evenings! Between the relaxed atmosphere and the Gifiti, the local rum, you won't be done having fun.

Planning of visits

Livingston in Guatemala | Recommended length of stay: 2 days

The key word of this trip is "spontaneity"! Livingston allows visitors to disconnect from any negative emotion: here everything is joy, sharing and conviviality. It is good to let yourself be carried away by the encounters you will make on the spot...

Day 1: the sweetness of life in Livingston

The village:

For your first day, go to the port of Puerto Barrios, where several companies offer you to join Livingston on their boats. As soon as you arrive, you will find yourself charmed by the small colorful streets and the inhabitants who will lead you from one business to another. You will feel like you are on a Caribbean island. For lunch, you will have the choice between many restaurants. We recommend you try the Garifuna cuisine, it is tasty and very different from the rest of Guatemala.

Playa Blanca:

In the afternoon, let yourself be carried away by the sweetness of life that reigns over the city and so go bask on this heavenly beach. However, this getaway has a cost. It costs about 10 euros per person to get there by boat.

Rasta Mesa:

a little later, you could go meet the locals by exploring the colorful streets. Go to this small cultural center where the Garifunas will welcome you with great warmth. You could try a language or music class. In the evening, the bars and restaurants of the city are lively. To the rhythms of Garifuna music, you could be tempted by the local cocktails. It's a great way to dance the night away!

Day 2: Exploring around Livingston

Siete Altares:

how about diving into the heart of the jungle? We suggest you go on an excursion to the Siete Altares, natural pools with turquoise blue water. From Playa Blanca, you can simply walk along the coast following the paths to this site or take a lancha. Once there, all you have to do is enjoy the place! You can have lunch in the association restaurant. It offers Garifuna specialties and you will learn more about the origins of this exiled people. Back in Livingston, you can enjoy a sunset by the water before taking your lancha back.

Places of interest

Livingston Village:

Colorful, cheerful and very welcoming, the streets of this small village are full of surprises. The village has many typical restaurants where you can taste the specialties of the different ethnic groups that inhabit Livingston.

Playa Blanca :

Fine sand, crystal clear sea and green palm trees, this beach has everything the Caribbean has to offer. It is the most beautiful beach of Livingston, so go and bask there without moderation!

Siete Altares:

World Heritage Site in 2001, it is a sumptuous protected area that oscillates between virgin forests and natural pools with turquoise waters. This little frequented place is ideal to relax and enjoy the still wild nature. This excursion is more than disorienting, a true haven of peace in the middle of the jungle.

Rasta Mesa :

Come and discover the Garifunas during a language course or a cooking class in this small and friendly cultural center. This very welcoming people with their communicative laughter will make you spend an excellent moment. Unforgettable moments of sharing are waiting for you.

How to get there

How do I get to Livingston?

Livingston is only accessible by sea. To reach the city, you must first go to Puerto Barrios, from where you will take a lancha.

By bus / car to Puerto Barrios :

By plane :

from Flores : 30 min
from Guatemala City : 45 min

Livingston in Guatemala | Recommended length of stay: 2 days

Day 1: the sweetness of life in Livingston

The village:

Playa Blanca:

Rasta Mesa:

Day 2: Exploring around Livingston

Siete Altares:

Livingston Village:

Playa Blanca :

Fine sand, crystal clear sea and green palm trees, this beach has everything the Caribbean has to offer. It is the most beautiful beach of Livingston, so go and bask there without moderation!