Izabal Department, Administrative department with Caribbean coast in northeastern Guatemala
Izabal is an administrative region in northeastern Guatemala with tropical forests, the large Lake Izabal, and access to the Caribbean Sea. The area stretches across coastal and inland landscapes connected by rivers and waterways.
In the 16th century, Spanish colonizers built Fort San Felipe where the Río Dulce flows into Lake Izabal to defend shipping from pirates. This fortress marked the region's early importance for European trade in the Caribbean.
Ladino, Q'eqchi', Garifuna, and Afro-Caribbean communities live here, each speaking their own languages and following their own traditions. This mix of peoples shapes daily life throughout the region.
The region is easiest to reach through Puerto Barrios, the main city and commercial hub. Visitors should expect tropical weather with high humidity and frequent rainfall throughout the year.
The archaeological site of Quirigua holds ancient stone monuments and sculptures from Maya civilization. UNESCO recognizes this site as a World Heritage location for its artistic and historical significance.
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Quiriguá
70 km
Castillo de San Felipe de Lara
43.5 km
Cusuco National Park
41.9 km
Puente de Río Dulce
43.6 km
Chocón Machacas
30.6 kmEl Puente
72.4 kmCerro Azul de Copán National Park
75.1 kmSarstoon-Temash National Park
48.7 km
Playa Blanca
32.4 km
Parque Nacional Río Dulce
29.2 kmCabo Tres Puntas Lighthouse
26 km
Museo
69.7 km
Rio Dulce National Park
38.8 km
Las Conchas Natural Park
93.3 kmSierra de las Minas biosphere reserve
97.6 kmPuerto Barrios Lighthouse
724 m
Playa Cocoli
28.9 kmBruno’s Marina
43.8 kmBridge
20.4 kmHidden cave
20.7 kmGraffiti Cliff
19.7 kmSeven Altars
24.4 kmParque deportivo los chorros
53.7 kmPlaya de La Capitania
19 kmPlaya Punta de Palmas
5.6 kmSplash Water Park
44.1 kmSuspension Bridge
22 kmPatrono de Livingston
19.5 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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