Activities at Xalaja
Guests at Isla Xalaja can enjoy many activities on-site. Swimming, kayaking, banana-boating, birdwatching, enjoying a delicious meal in our restaurant or relaxing in a hammock are all part of the experience you can enjoy here. Guests are also able to rent jet-skis, and go waterskiing or kneeboarding.
Livingston
Livingston is an intriguing Caribbean town at the mouth of the Rio Dulce on the Caribbean Sea. Livingston is noted for its unusual mix of Garifuna, Maya, Indian and Ladino people and culture. In recent decades Livingston has developed a large tourist industry. Boats run from Rio Dulce to Livingston and back every day. The sounds of punta rock and reggae drifting out from the town’s numerous restaurants and bars complete the Caribbean atmosphere. Lying about 5km from Livingston is Playa Blanca, a clean, white-sand beach.
El Boqueron Canyon
The dramatic limestone canyone of El Boqueron lies 500 meters off the road to Rio Dulce. The canyone is accessible by boat and visitors are free to explore and admire the 250 meter high rock faces. There is also a small beach in the canyon to enjoy.
Cerro San Gil
This idyllic park, centered around Cerro San Gil mountain, comprises more than 7,700 hectares (19,000 acres) of lush rainforest. The area harbors an amazing level of biodiversity, including 56 species of mammals, including tapir and jaguars, 50 species of reptiles and amphibians, and more than 350 species of birds, including toucans, black and white hawk eagles, and keel-billed motmots.
El Castillo de San Felipe
The Castle of San Felipe de Lara is located at the mouth of Lake Izabal. The Rio Dulce, along with El Golfete, connects Lake Izabal with the Caribbean Sea, historically exposing it pirate attacks. In the 1600’s, King Philip II of Spain ordered the fort to be erected in an attempt to quell the plundering by the pirates. Today, the fort is nicely restored, and visitors can explore the inside of the fort and enjoy the surrounding park with amazing views of Lake Izabal. The for can easily be reached by lancha from Rio Dulce.
Finca El Paraiso
On Lake Izabal’s northern shore, between El Estor and Rio Dulce, is the wonderful waterfall hot springs of Finca El Paraiso, a working farm easily accessible from either town. The 12 meter high hot waterfall plunges into a clear pool cooled by the waters of surrounding streams. Above the falls are some caves worth exploring, so bring a flashlight. Buses go by every hour in both directions, with the trip lasting about an hour from Rio Dulce.
