On our way from Tikal to the Rio Dulce we stopped in Flores for some lunch. Driving into the city we passed a military compound that had lookout towers facing the highway. We thought it strange but later on discovered that the country is full of people carrying guns. Even an attendant at a gas station we stopped at stood guard with a shotgun while the other employees pumped gas. When we stopped at the Inguat visitors center a gun-carrying guard stood at the front door.
Town of Rio Dulce, market and stores on the main road.
The highway to Rio Dulce was well maintained and the scenery was great. Rolling hills and farm land. Lots of buses and trucks on the road. The Guatemalans in this central part of the country seem to be hard at work.
I have always wanted to visit the Rio Dulce after having read about it in sailing magazines over the years. It is a beautiful place. Water and palm trees everywhere. There is a large sailboat community there. Pat and I have had interesting sailing adventures in the past and have always talked about someday sailing away and Pat has always left that decision up to me. However I always stop short of getting real serious about it. This time was no different. A lady showed me a 32 foot sailboat that she said could be bought for almost nothing as the elderly owner had returned to the United States and was not returning. After a quick look I decided that the van on terra firma was the better option…at least for now.
Woman doing laundry in the Rio Dulce river.
We had a nice room at the Mar Marina overlooking the river. The next day, after exploring the town, we headed for Antigua.
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