Day 1 continued...

Brian had booked accomodation for our first night online, just to reduce the stress of trying to find ourselves in Guatemala.

Driving on to Rio Dulce was a breeze in the end - roads nicely surfaced, passing well kept aldeas (villages) as we made our way Northeast.

Arriving in Rio Dulce at 2pm we managed to encounter our usual street market - Mandy will be proud! - and slowly progressed through the main street looking for our turnoff.

Tijax Jungle Lodge was  a wonderful surprise waiting for us. Taking the usual back road and dirt track, (glad we got those new tyres), wondering if we were going the right way,

then walking over the wooden swing bridges and footpaths through the forest,

we were suddenly in little oasis , a beautiful clear pool and well apointed bar and cafe looking out over the jetty where there were boats moored on the lake. It was a welcome sight as we were sweltering from the heat and humidity, looking forward to getting in the pool.

After checking in we were shown to our accomodation.

Tijax Jungle Lodge, what a wonderful find for $30US a night!

Tips
We stayed 3 nights. It was the down season and even so quite full. When we stayed on our way back there was only the choice of 2 accomodation units left - so best to book in advance.

Places to visit;

Day trip on Collective water taxi to Livingstone - does a scenic tour, stops at a hot water spring, past local jungle villages, wildlife - monkeys and birds.
Have lunch at Tilingoling (near the beach) in Livingstone - seafood chowders, spicy thai flavours with coconut
Watch the local Garifuna families playing and swimming on the beach, listen to the music playing in the beachside bars

Early morning kyak to the jungle to hear howler monkeys if you are lucky

Visit Castillo de San Filipe, a fortress originally constructed in 1595 to protect against pirates. A must-do - the castle and grounds are manicured, safe and a favourite picnic/swimming spot for locals..

Visit and swim in the Caliente Cascadas for a hot natural water shower.