Firmly on the Central America backpacker trail (AKA the Gringo Trail); Guatemala is home to all sorts of natural and historic wonders. From the jungle pyramids of the north to one of the most atmospheric colonial cities in the Americas there is so much to see while backpacking in Guatemala. I spent three weeks there, … Read more
It took us nine months to travel overland from Mexico City to Patagonia, roughly the amount of time it takes to learn the guitar, grow a baby or get over the trauma of watching an entire episode of 2 Broke Girls. Was it time well spent? The short answer is yes (as is the long … Read more
We spent a month in Mexico during our trip around the world and barely scratched the surface of what this country has to offer. From its giant pyramids to its stylish colonial towns, Mexico is full of throwbacks to a colourful (and often horrific) past. Add in plenty of delicious food, great beaches and unique … Read more
The cenotes near Valladolid are magical underground water worlds and exploring them quickly became a highlight of my time in Mexico. The translucent water, the streaks of natural light and the rocky enclosures make for some of the most surreal swimming holes you’ll ever see — no wonder the Mayans once believed them to be portals … Read more
Mexico is full of colourful colonial towns and mysterious ancient ruins, and if you’re spending 2 days in Oaxaca you’ll get to see great examples of both. The city’s colonial core boasts bustling markets, imposing churches and a sprawling convent, while Monte Alban, the Zapotec ruins above town, offers a captivating glimpse into Mexico’s pre-Spanish … Read more
I’d never given too much thought to backpacking in Hawaii. I always figured it’d be too expensive, but when the cheap flight gods revealed to me that the most cost effective way to get from New Zealand to Mexico was via Hawaii (and Las Vegas), we jumped at the chance to visit this iconic island destination. … Read more
Mexico City is a daunting, chaotic metropolis that is currently the 6th biggest city in the world (by population in the metropolitan area). The colonial centre is a great place to explore, but a day trip to Teotihuacan is the undisputed highlight of any trip to the city known locally as DF (Distrito Federal). These massive pyramids near … Read more
El Salvador isn’t a country you associate with luxury. While this tiny Central American country is relatively poor, it is home to plenty of rich people, and a lot of them seem to have houses next to Lago de Coatepeque. That’s not great news for tourists though. Huge sections of the shoreline are blocked off, … Read more