Plizio Visual Lab

Chocon Machacas Manatee Coast

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Chocon Machacas Manatee Coast (Guatemala)

Weather…

The Chocón Machacas Biotope is situated on the northern bank of the Rio Dulce in the Izabal department. Established in 1981, it was specifically created to protect manatees and their sensitive coastal habitats. The reserve encompasses a complex network of rivers, canals, and lagoons fringed by dense mangrove forests. The shallow, nutrient-rich waters provide handy seagrass grazing grounds for the resident manatee population. Beyond manatees, the biotope serves as a vital sanctuary for aquatic turtles, iguanas, and over 100 distinct species of birds. The vegetation is a lush mix of tropical rainforest and wetlands where rare orchid species are known to flourish. The area is managed by the Center for Conservation Studies (CECON) of the University of San Carlos. Chocón Machacas is regarded as one of Guatemala's most successful wetland conservation models and is a significant destination for scientific research and low-impact ecotourism.

Location: Guatemala
Nearby: Melchor de Mencos (15 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	24	25	26	27	28	27	27	27	27	26	25	24
Rain mm	134	95	74	55	138	244	209	215	249	250	229	146

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The best time for observing manatees and birds along the Manatee Coast is the dry season from November to April when lagoons are clearer and animals are more concentrated. In the rainy season water levels rise and underwater visibility drops.

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Best time of day

Early morning features the calmest conditions on the lagoons when birds are most active and manatees often surface to breathe. At midday heat is high and animal activity decreases.

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Etiquette

Keep at least 15 meters distance from manatees - it is illegal and disturbing to touch or feed them. Use silent motors or paddle to avoid startling the animals.

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What to bring

Binoculars with waterproof coating are useful for spotting birds in mangroves and manatees at the surface. Sunscreen, hat, and plenty of water are necessary due to intense sun and high humidity.

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Getting there

The Chocón Machacas area is located in the Izabal department and is best reached by boat from Livingston or Río Dulce. Local providers rent boats or offer guided tours.

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What to expect

Manatees often surface only every 10-15 minutes to breathe - watch for ripples and noses in the water. It may take an hour or more to see one, but the quiet ride through the lagoons is already an experience.

Geography

Coordinates

15.77000, -89.02000

Facts

The biotope was officially established on July 2, 1981.
It covers a total area of approximately 6,245 hectares of wetlands.
Management is provided by the San Carlos University via CECON.
More than 100 different bird species have been recorded within the area.
The waterways are lined with three distinct species of mangrove trees.
It is one of the few locations in Guatemala with a documented stable manatee population.