The seven altars are a stunning natural attraction located near Livingston, Guatemala. This series of cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear pools is nestled within lush tropical forest, offering visitors a refreshing escape from the heat and a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Caribbean lowlands. The name ‘Siete Altares‘ comes from the seven distinct pools formed by the waterfalls, which are said to resemble altars. For the indigenous Garifuna people and local Q’eqchi’ Maya, these pools hold spiritual significance, serving as sites for ancient ceremonies and rituals. The area is believed to be a place where the natural and spiritual worlds intersect, making it not just a tourist destination but also a sacred space for local communities.
To reach Siete Altares, visitors have several options. The most common and scenic route is by boat from Livingston, which takes you along the coast and allows you to enjoy the beautiful Caribbean scenery. Alternatively, for the more adventurous, there’s a hiking trail from Livingston that follows the beach and then cuts through the jungle, taking about 1.5 hours each way. This option offers a more immersive experience, allowing travelers to explore the local Garifuna villages and lush landscapes along the way. We walked all the way from Livingston to the Siete Altares which wasn’t the best idea: first of all, the beach is full of garbage, second their are many small flows into the sea that you need to jump over. If you’re not going by boat, take a tuk-tuk to the suspension bridge spanning river Quehueche. From there it is a more convenient walk.
When arriving at the Siete Altares you need to pay a small entrance fee to the people maintaining the site. Therefore you’ll find toilets and a small changing room there plus the water pools are clean and free of garbage. Lying there in the water within the rainforest is a unique experience and not to be missed. What surprised me most is the surface of the stones forming the pools. You would expecting them to be slippery, but they are extremely easy to walk on. For that reason you can also pass over the first of them to reach the upper area. The ropes spanned over the water are not necessary to do so, they are there rather for psychological reasons as you can’t believe that you can simply walk over.
Siete Altares
Livingston
Guatemala
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