Livingston, Guatemala: A Stone's Throw From Belize

Livingston, Guatemala is around 20 miles from the transit cities of Rio Dulce and Puerto Barrios in Guatemala, and the Belizean town of Punta Gorda. However, despite its proximity to these towns, Livingston is one of the most isolated population centres to access. The town is only accessible by boat, with no connecting roads or airstrips. This unique characteristic, along with its rich cultural history and proximity to scenic destinations, makes Livingston a captivating stopover for travellers journeying between Southern Belize and Guatemala.

The distance between Livingston, Guatemala, and Belize is approximately 20 miles

One unique characteristic of Livingston is its isolation and lack of road access. The town is only accessible by boat, which contributes to its allure and unique cultural atmosphere. Despite its small size, Livingston boasts a diverse population comprising Garifuna, Afro-Caribbean, Maya, Ladino, and other ethnic groups. The town is named after Edward Livingston, an American jurist and politician who wrote the Livingston Codes, which were later translated into Spanish and used as the basis for the laws of the liberal government of the United Provinces of Central America.

Livingston has a thriving tourism industry, and its cultural vibrancy and natural attractions make it a worthwhile destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in Guatemala. The town's proximity to Belize, approximately 20 miles away, also makes it a convenient stop for travellers exploring the region.

The journey between Livingston and Punta Gorda, Belize, can be made by boat, with daily departures from Livingston and additional trips on Tuesdays and Fridays. The boat ride offers a glimpse into the beauty of the region, including the stunning Rio Dulce Gorge.

In addition to its cultural attractions, Livingston also offers natural wonders such as the Siete Altares Waterfalls, a set of seven freshwater pools and waterfalls nestled in the rainforest. The town's isolated location and diverse cultural influences make it a captivating destination for those seeking an authentic and immersive travel experience.

There are no roads to Livingston; you can only get there by boat

Livingston, Guatemala is only accessible by boat. There are no roads or airstrips connecting the town to anywhere else. This makes Livingston one of the most isolated and challenging population centres to access. However, this very fact adds to the town's allure, making it a unique and intriguing destination for travellers.

The journey to Livingston is part of the adventure. Visitors can take a boat from either Río Dulce or Puerto Barrios. From Puerto Barrios, the boat ride takes around 40 minutes, while from Río Dulce, it takes between one and two hours. Boats from Puerto Barrios to Livingston depart at 10 am and 5 pm, returning at 5 am and 2 pm, and cost Q15. Faster boats also run throughout the day and take just 30 minutes. From Río Dulce, collective boats leave daily at 9 am, 11 am, and 1 pm, costing Q115 one-way or Q180 return.

Once you arrive in Livingston, you'll find that the town itself does have some paved streets and a few cars. However, the only way to get there is by boat, making it a truly unique and memorable destination.

The town has a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of Maya and Garifuna cultures, as well as a vibrant Caribbean vibe. It is known for its Caribbean lifestyle, with coconuts, seafood, palm trees, and ocean breezes. Livingston is also a great jumping-off point for exploring nearby attractions, such as Siete Altares and Playa Blanca, as well as jungle hiking and other scenic natural attractions.

Whether you're a culture enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a restful stopover on your way to Southern Belize, Livingston is definitely worth the trip. Just remember, the only way to get there is by boat, so be prepared for a unique and memorable journey!

Boats run from Puerto Barrios to Livingston several times a day

The boat dock and ASOTRANSLALI office, where you can buy tickets, are located at the end of Calle Principal, at the bottom of a steep hill. Boats depart from Puerto Barrios to Livingston at 10 am and 5 pm, and return at 5 am and 2 pm. However, faster boats leave throughout the day as soon as they are filled with passengers.

It's worth noting that there are no roads into or out of Livingston, so boat travel is the only option. This isolation makes Livingston one of the most challenging population centres to access, but it also adds to the town's allure and unique cultural heritage.

The town has a rich history, having served as a port town and a haven for people fleeing oppression. Today, Livingston is home to Guatemala's Garifuna community, who have their own distinct language, traditions, history, and rituals. The Garifuna Day celebration, which takes place every year, is an authentic cultural fest that commemorates the arrival of the Garifuna people to this land.

Boats from Punta Gorda, Belize, to Livingston depart daily, with additional services on Tuesdays and Fridays

If you're looking to travel from Punta Gorda, Belize to Livingston, Guatemala, you'll need to take a boat. There are no roads connecting Livingston with the outside world, and no airstrip, so boats are the only way in or out. This can make it challenging to access, but it's part of the town's allure.

Boats from Punta Gorda to Livingston depart daily at 1 pm, with additional services at 10:30 am on Tuesdays and Fridays. The journey takes around 30 minutes to an hour and costs around $30 USD per person. You can buy tickets from a shack next to the immigration office. The boats are small, with a functional capacity of 6-30 passengers, so if you're travelling with a large amount of luggage, you may need to wait for a boat with fewer passengers.

You can also travel from Punta Gorda to Livingston via Puerto Barrios in Guatemala. Boats from Punta Gorda to Puerto Barrios depart daily at 9:30 am and 2 pm, with additional services at 10 am on Tuesdays and Fridays. From Puerto Barrios, you can take a 40-minute boat ride to Livingston.

If you're arriving directly from Belize, you'll need to check in with immigration once you get to Livingston. The immigration office is a few minutes away from the port, straight up the main road on the left.

Livingston is named after Edward Livingston, an American lawyer and politician

Livingston, Guatemala is located around 20 miles from the transit cities of Rio Dulce and Puerto Barrios in Guatemala, and the Southern Belize frontier town of Punta Gorda. The town is only accessible by boat, and there are no roads or airstrips connecting it to the outside world. Livingston is named after Edward Livingston (1764-1836), an American lawyer, legislator, and statesman.

Edward Livingston was born in Clermont, colonial Albany County, in the Province of New York. He was a member of the prestigious Livingston family, and his father, Robert Livingston, was a Judge of the New York Supreme Court of Judicature. Livingston graduated from Princeton University in 1781 and was admitted to the bar in 1785, after which he began practising law in New York City. He was a prominent member of the Democratic-Republican Party and served as a U.S. Representative in Congress from 1795 to 1801. In 1801, he was appointed United States Attorney for the district of New York and, in the same year, became the 46th Mayor of New York City.

Livingston's tenure as Mayor of New York City was marked by the outbreak of yellow fever in the city during the summer of 1803. He worked tirelessly to prevent the spread of the disease and alleviate the suffering of those affected. Unfortunately, he also fell victim to the fever himself and, upon his recovery, found his private affairs in disarray. He was heavily indebted to the government due to the mismanagement or dishonesty of one of his clerks, and so he resigned from his positions and moved to New Orleans in 1804.

In New Orleans, Livingston established a successful law practice and prepared a provisional code of judicial procedure that was in force in Louisiana from 1805 to 1825. He also played a significant role in the drafting of the Louisiana Civil Code of 1825, which was based largely on the Napoleonic Code. This code gained wide influence in Europe and the United States, and its spirit was remedial rather than vindictive. It included provisions for the abolition of capital punishment and the reform of prison discipline.

Livingston returned to Congress in 1823 and served until 1829, after which he became a U.S. Senator from 1829 to 1831. From 1831 to 1833, he served as Secretary of State under President Andrew Jackson and was one of Jackson's most trusted advisers. In this role, he prepared the anti-nullification proclamation concerning South Carolina's opposition to the protective tariff. He then served as Minister to France from 1833 to 1835, where he successfully negotiated the fulfilment of a treaty regarding the payment of indemnities for American shipping spoliations by the French government.

Livingston's contributions to law and politics were recognised during his lifetime and continue to be commemorated. He was elected a member of the American Philosophical Society in 1825 and the American Antiquarian Society in 1833. Additionally, the town of Livingston, Guatemala, is named after him, honouring his influential work on the Livingston Code.

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