Rio Dulce National Park, Natural reserve in Izabal Department, Guatemala

Rio Dulce National Park lies in Izabal Department, eastern Guatemala, about 200 km northeast of Guatemala City, at 44 metres above sea level. The land around it is flat to the south and east and rises into hills to the west, with Cerro San Gil reaching 1,273 metres about 17.7 km to the east. The climate is tropical, averaging 23 °C, with May the warmest month at 26 °C and January the coolest at 20 °C.

The area served as a colonial defense point where the fortress Castillo de San Felipe de Lara was built to protect shipping lanes from pirate attacks. This fortification played a strategic role in safeguarding trade in the Caribbean during the colonial period.

Local Q'eqchi' Maya communities continue to use traditional dugout canoes for daily transportation across the river and lake waters. These wooden boats remain a common sight as fishermen and residents go about their routines on the water.

Boats are the practical way in: the park sits on the Dulce River about 200 km northeast of Guatemala City, in Izabal Department, and the water is the main route between its sections. The land rises from 44 m near the river to hill country, with Cerro San Gil, 1,273 m, about 17.7 km to the east. Rainfall is heavy, averaging around 2,535 mm a year, with October the wettest month at roughly 309 mm.

The park sits 44 metres above sea level, and its surroundings rise toward Cerro San Gil, a 1,273-metre peak about 17.7 km to the west. The nearest settlement, Biotropo Choncon Mecacas, lies 12.2 km to the south. Rainfall averages around 2,535 mm a year, with October the wettest month at about 309 mm.