Río Sarstun is a nationally protected area and also a river which serves as the border between Guatemala and Belize.  Managed by FUNDAECO, an environmental NGO, the river is home to a number of local families, a host of exotic species, and a visitor’s center where guests can stay overnight in order to fully explore the area and take in the beautiful surroundings.  There is a well-maintained hiking trail and several mangroves and lagoons to explore.  Rio Sarstun is the perfect destination for bird watchers, sport fishers, or nature lovers.

One of Guatemala’s oldest parks, the waterway connecting the Caribbean Sea with Lake Izabal is protected as Río Dulce National Park, covering 7,200 hectares along the river’s 30 kilometer (19-mile) course. Much of the riverbank is shrouded in dense tropical forest punctuated at its most dramatic point by a large jungle canyon with hundred-meter rock faces known as La Cueva de la Vaca.

The biotopo is a reserve that protects jungle habitats, mangroves, streams, lagoons and rivers. Wildlife at this park includes toucans, parakeets, a wide variety of water birds, monkeys, crocodiles, otters and manatee. The manatee (sea cow), an endangered species in this part of the world have residence on the Lake Izabál and can be seen sometimes on the Rio Dulce river. 

Siete Altares, or the seven alters, is a beautiful hike through the jungle along a gently cascading waterfall.  Although in the dry season there is often no actual waterfall, the pools, or alters, remain full and the last one makes for a pleasant swim after the long hike.

An impressive jungle trail leading to crystal clear waterfalls, Las Escobas is open to visitors ($8, including guided tour).  The park is administered by private conservation group FUNDAECO, which in partnership with The Nature Conservancy has been able to buy large tracts of this rainforest ecosystem for preservation.