Guatemala City in a Nutshell Before my first visit to La Ciudad de Guatemala (“Guatemala City” aka “Guate”), I was warned not to go there alone. Known for its street crime, violence, and drugs, the words of caution about Guatemala’s capital city might have been justifiable. However, there’s more to Guatemala City than meets the…
Antigua in a Nutshell La Antigua Guatemala (“The Old Guatemala”), or Antigua for short, is a beautiful colonial town nested between four massive volcanoes. Likely Guatemala’s busiest tourist spot, Antigua’s chaming streets offer up cafés, international restaurants, and both markets and stores dedicated to selling Guatemala’s colourful artesanian goods at very low prices. Accommodations Showing…
Cobán in a Nutshell Cobán (pop. ~90,000) is the capital of Guatemala’s department of Alta Verapaz, located in Guatemala’s geographical centre. Towards the end of the 19th century, a number of German coffee growers developed the city. During the second world war, the Guatemalan government (pressured by the US) gave most of these Germans the boot. Today,…
After spending almost two months (of what was supposed to be a four-month-long trip) in Mexico, I was in a hurry to get to another country. It was time to leave Mexico City. Next stop: Guatemala! But first… Breakfast in Puebla Following a brief visit to Cuernavaca, we bussed and hitchhiked our way to the…
DF in a Nutshell DF (“deh-effey”) or Distrito Federal (“Federal District”) is the name used by locals to refer to Mexico’s capital – Mexico City. With a population of over 21 million, the Mexico City metropolitan area is the largest city in the western hemisphere. Large both in population and in land-mass, expect to see…
Puerto Escondido in a Nutshell Puerto Escondido (“Hidden Port”) is located on the coast of Mexico’s state of Oaxaca. Known for its surf‐worthy waves and affordable accomodations, Puerto Escondido draws beach bunnies from all over Mexico and the rest of the World. Getting There Travelling from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido was an adventure on…
Oaxaca in a Nutshell Oaxaca de Juárez or just “Oaxaca” is the capital of Mexico’s state with the same name. Oaxaca is abundant in some of the finest indulgences that this world has to offer: chocolate, hashish, mezcal, and coffee. Visiting Oaxaca will leave you wondering why anybody settled anywhere else, for that matter. Accomodations…
San José del Pacífico in a Nutshell Located about half-way between Pochutla and Oaxaca City in Mexico’s state of Oaxaca, San José del Pacífico is the perfect place to get away from civilization for a few nights. As San José in the mountains, you will find yourself watching sunsets from above the clouds. The name “del…
Zipolite and Mazunte in a Nutshell Zipolite and Mazunte are two beach towns in Mexico’s state of Oaxaca and are located about 10 minutes apart, by car. Zipolite is known for being one of Mexico’s only clothing optional (i.e. nude) beaches. Meanwhile, Mazunte is home to the National Mexican Turtle Centre, and apparently turtles like its beaches…
San Cristobal in a Nutshell San Cristobal de las Casas, or San Cristobal/San Cris for short, is the cultural capital of Mexico’s state of Chiapas. At an altitute of 2,200 m, San Cris can be much colder than what usually comes to mind when one thinks of Mexico. In the winter, the temperature can drop…
Agua Azul in a Nutshell Las Cascades de Agua Azul are beautiful waterfalls (Agua Azul means blue water) located in a national park of the same name. The falls are between Palenque and San Cristobal de las Casas, in the state of Chiapas in Mexico. No jokes, the water falls are as blue as in…
Palenque in a Nutshell Palenque’s Mayan ruins are a spectacular sight that will leave you dreaming of ancient royalty living in massive temples surrounded by the mysteries of the jungle. Half-way between Palenque (the town) and the ruins, a tiny but famous backpacker’s hangout named El Panchán is tucked away into the foliage of the…
Tulum in a Nutshell Tulum is a small town in Mexico’s state of Quintana Roo, about two hours (driving) south of Cancun. For those craving the turquoise-blue waters and white sand beaches of the Yucatán peninsula, but wanting to avoid large crowds of tourists and overpriced hotels, Tulum is the perfect place to chill. Check…
Leaving in January, this is what I left behind in Montreal: My journey began at 5 am, as I left my home after staying up all night. The destination: Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The airport nearest to Tulum is in Cancun. I expected to get a taste of Mexican sunshine by noon. Instead, due to…
In June of 2012, I ceremoniously walked across the stage and picked up the most expensive piece of paper I will ever own – a bachelor’s degree in engineering. After spending 5 years (or 21 years, depending on how you count) on my way to becoming “educated”, I had finally accomplished my objective. Before graduation,…
