These huge, friendly marine mammals can be seen among the mangroves along parts of the Río Dulce.  The mangroves provide a wide diversity of plant life that the herbivore relies on for food—1000-pound manatees eat about 10% of their body weight each day.

Quetzal feathers were also used as currency in the ancient world—a tradition which Guatemala recognizes with its own currency, the Quetzal.

Howler monkeys are among the largest species of primates in the Western Hemisphere.  They spend nearly all their lives in the protection of high tree branches and are frequently  seen—and heard—lounging around Lake Izabal.

Due to their large size, tapir have almost no natural predators, yet they are endangered and considered by many to be on the verge of extinction.  Habitat loss is primarily responsible for their dwindling numbers.