These pictures were mostly taken by one of my guests Iva Clanton from the U.S. during her visit here.

During the colonial era Pirates of the Caribbean were a reality. The Rio Dulce and Lago Izabal were known as being a hurricane safe zone hense the marinas here today. In 1644, Diego de Avenda�o, Governor of Guatemala, ordered to re-raise a tower that was built in 1595 then called Torre de Bustamante (which is still there). But the Crown demanded more force against pirates, mainly English and Dutch, so in 1651 the oidor Antonio de Lara and Mogrovejo, designed this defensive structure to make it impregnable. Since then, in honor of the King of Spain and his person rename the fortress as Castillo de San Felipe de Lara, which has undergone innumerable modifications, although sufficient to be preserved today and be one of the attractions of the Guatemalan Caribbean. There is a LOT more to this history than what is here, but you'll just have to visit to see it!

This can be reached by either boat or land via the village of San Felipe. A five to ten minute drive from Rio Dulce.

Key Information:

Entry Fee: 20. Quetzales tourist rate