Livingston Town & Garifuna Culture

Livingston feels like a different country from the rest of Guatemala. With no road connection, this small town at the mouth of the Río Dulce is home to the Garifuna, descendants of West African and Caribbean people who settled the coast around 1800. Their language, drumming and punta music are recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. From the boat dock, Calle Principal climbs gently past brightly painted wooden houses, small churches and cafés to the Caribbean side of town, where fishing boats line the beach. Try tapado, a seafood stew in coconut milk with plantain, and a fresh coconut bread. Keep an eye on the time: boats back to Puerto Barrios fill up quickly in the afternoon and stop around 17:00.