Rio Dulce to Poptun, Guatemala -

May 21,  Rio Dulce, Guatemala

Off this morning for a Rain forest walk!  The walk turned out to be on the land owned by the hotel.  Not much of a rain forest as the ground is very dry.  The guide, Emilio seemed to know his stuff, but he was very much into stopping global warming.  But even with his political statements he was very good.  Great walk as he pointed out and described the various trees and vines along the way.  Amazing as many have some medicinal properties that the natives have used for years!  A drug store in the back yard.

A few hanging bridges to cross, a hill to climb to a museum and a lookout tower (designed to look like a Mayan temple).  Great views of the river and lake as well as the huge rubber plantation on the property.

Then back to hotel for a quick swim and then off on the boat to the bus depot.  Caught the bus to Poptun, about 100 km away.  Then into a tuk tuk taxi for a ride to the hotel.  This is a farm that has many rooms for rent.  Organic with lots of homemade goodies!  May never leave.  The bread is awesome!  Hacienda Ixobel!  Great place, very warm welcome and is managed  by a guy from New York who arrived 19 years ago on his way to South America.  He has not made it to South America!  But have to admit I am not sure about the guy wandering around the hotel with a rifle!  And I do not think he is hunting.  Will have to see what is up tomorrow.

May 20,  Rio Dulce, Guatemala

Did a boat tour of the Rio Dulce.  Left about 9.30 and went to the main dock and then out to the Fort of San Felipe.  Protecter for the Spanish.  Not a big fort but interesting to see from the water.

Then headed toward Livingston.  Apparently you can only get to here by boat.  A shocker as it is more black people than Guatemalan.   I had forgot this fact.

The Rio Dulce river runs between Lakes Isabel and ?? and runs through Lake ?? to the Caribbean Coast.  The village of Livingston is not that big.  Took about 10 minutes to walk the main street from the dock to the beach,  The beach here was not that great looking, apparently you must travel a bit further to get to the nice beaches.

Lots of boat traffic.  Seems to be the way to travel.  We went by a couple of bird islands (lots of birds) and a beautiful water lily area.  Then stopped briefly at the hot springs.  These run into the river.  We stopped 2 times, once on the way to Livingson and once on the way back.  The first time I did not realize where the hot springs were.  But tested the water on the return trip.  Really hot!  They have rocked an area off.  Much to hot and humid here to enjoy hot springs.  Even the pool at the hotel is too warm!