Rio Dulce, Guatemala

In a few moments we entered the Rio Dulce.  On each side, rising perpendicularly from three to four hundred feet, was a wall of living green.  Trees grew from the waters edge, long tendrils descended to the water, as if to drink and carry life to the trunks that bore them.  It was, as its name imports, a Rio Dulce, a fairy scene of Titan land, combining exquisite beauty with colossal grandeur.  As we advanced the passage turned, and in a few minutes we lost sight of the sea, and were enclosed on all sides by a forest wall:  but the river, although showing us no passage, still invited us onward.   

Written in 1841 by John Lloyd Stephens

Time to motor on up the Rio Dulce (Sweet River).  This is a first for T R I B E, river cruising…  The Rio Dulce slices through the jungle growth, twisting and turning like a shimmering green snake. 

Chris and Sascha

 T R I B E cruising along the Rio Dulce's jungle wall

T R I B E's transition from salt water to fresh water is a welcome change and the excitement of entering this Guatemalan River is heightened with the sounds of exotic birds, Howler monkeys and Harlequin Beetles.  

Rourke at the helm

The change in scenery is quite dramatic and we thoroughly enjoyed the cruise up the river, passing palm roofed wooden structures that are homes to the locals,  Q'eqchi' Maya and Garifuna.  Most homes along the river can only be reached by boat.

Indonesian readers, welcome!