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Community Businesses

The community-run businesses listed in this category are all businesses run by a community organization. The profits are typically placed in a community fund, which is used to pay for community needs such as electricity, health care, and educational programs. Visiting a community-run establishment in Izabal not only offers a wonderful opportunity to give back to the area you are visiting, but is also a unique and authentic way to experience the local culture and traditions. These community-run businesses will be happy to receive you and share their culture.

Comunidad Lagunita El Salvador

The community of Lagunita, nestled on the Río Dulce in El Salvador, is a pleasant sanctuary from the bustle of Guatemala's larger cities. Only half an hour from Livingston and Rio Dulce, you'll feel a world away whether you come for a meal, a tour, or to stay a few days.

Location: Lívingston

Rasta Mesa Garifuna Cultural Center

Rasta Mesa is a Garifuna Cultural Center that focuses on improving the quality of life for the youth and community in Livingston, Guatemala through arts, culture, education and agriculture.

Location: Livingston

Rasta Mesa Café

Rasta Mesa is a cultural center, restaurant, and bar with live Garifuna music every night. They offer delicious food, cooking classes, and a chance to experience local culture in an authentic way.

Location: Livingstone

Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes is a small community located on the Rio Dulce about half an hour from Livingston, 40 minutes from Rio Dulce, and an hour from Puerto Barrios. The residents here are happy to serve visitors local fare including fried fish, tapado, hamburgers, and pan de coco (coconut bread). The community offers a jungle hike that includes an exploration of a hidden cave.

Rio Sarstun

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.

Ak'Tenamit Community

Ak'Tenamit is an indigenous community development organization that promotes long-term solutions to poverty through education, health, income generation and cultural programs run by and for the Q’eqchi. The Ak'Tenamit community consists of two sites, one of which welcomes tour groups and individual travelers. It has a walking trail, an arts and crafts store, and a restaurant.

Location: Rio Dulce