Rio Dulce, Guatemala

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After countless travellers had recommended the Rio Dulce region as a Guatemala highlight, I decided to make the 6 hour journey from Copán, Honduras before subsequently continuing my travels south. The praises and recommendations did not disappoint. The Rio Dulce area (between El Estor and Puertos Barrios) is tropical lowland featuring Guatemala’s biggest lake (Lago de Izabal), thick green jungle, swamps and banana plantations.

I lodged at the beautiful Casa Perico – a hostel run by 4 Swiss men surrounded by jungle and only accessible by boat spending my time swinging in one of the hammocks, listening to the sounds of the jungle (time here indeed passes slower), kayaking, swimming or conversing over candle light with some charismatic travellers (I met two fascinating people travelling for 6 and 2 years each with a repertoire of stories to fill many nights).

A definite highlight of the region is the Finca El Paraíso, a beautiful location in the jungle were a cold water river merges with a waterfall of natural hot springs. You can sit underneath the waterfall and enjoy hot water crashing down onto you massaging your shoulders or sitting behind the waterfall in a small cave forming a natural sauna heated by the water rushing by. This spectacular display is surrounded by lush green jungle and butterflies kissing your cheeks.