Tulum is a famous stop for many along the backpacking trail. We had a got wind of an all inclusive hostel that sounded too good to be true. Imagine on a backpacking budget suddenly being able to drink, eat, and play as much as you wanted for the one inclusive price. For around $40 NZD…
Category: Mexico
playa & isla número tres
Playa Del Carmen (or just Playa as it’s commonly referred to as) is about a 45 minute colectivo ride south of Cancún. I decided to stay at The Yak Hostel thinking it would be a good place to recharge and detox for a couple of days before heading across to Isla Cozumel. This lasted one…
island magic – uno, dos
The beach was calling my name once again so jumped on yet another bus, this time to Chiquilá, then a 30 minute ferry across to Isla Holbox, a small island at the top of the Yucatán Peninsula. Lisa from Germany was heading the same way and so our island adventures began. Isla número uno: Isla…
off the beaten track and the most touristy place yet
Before finally leaving the beautiful town of Mérida for Valladolid, I thought it would be fitting to frequent Marlin Azul for a third and final time. Taking some new friends from the hostel we went all out with ceviche and tacos and fish fillets. Muy deliciosa!! Teamed up with Carlos who was also leaving for…
the safest city in Mexico
Mérida is a place less heard about on the backpacking trail but it seemed a logical place to spend a couple of days before heading closer to the Yucatán Coast. A planned couple of days turned into 8 days but for me it was a welcome retreat away from being a tourist. The hostel was amazing…
jungle everywhere
I heeded my fellow backpacker’s warnings about the night buses through the north eastern Chiapas region (I know I already did a night bus and sure it would have been fine but when you hear first accounts of stories you learn along the way), and opted for an early 6:00am bus to get to Palenque…
the fresh mountain air
A super air conditioned night bus from humid Mazunte saw me arrive to a very different climate (almost 10-15° colder) in the mountainous state of Chiapas, in the beautiful colonial town of San Cristóbal de las Casas. Arriving bright and early the town was not yet awake except for some street cleaners. I made my…
get me to the coast
Time to leave the lovely city of Oaxaca and head to the Pacific Coast of Mexico. I decided to skip on the more touristy Puerto Escondido and head to a small hippie town called Mazunte. It was a windy 6 hour trip through the mountains but I was lucky to get the front seat of…
wah-hah-kah
The first longish haul bus experience was very comfortable. Nice plush seats that recline, a clean, working toilet and power for my devices saw the 5 hour journey through the mountains pass very quickly from Puebla to Oaxaca (wah-hah-kah) City. The state of Oaxaca is rich in culture, colour and cuisine. The people are warm…
couchsurfing in Pueb… la
What a welcome change of pace from big busy Mexico City to Puebla staying with the coolest couple around. Jazmin and Andres were the most generous hosts I’ve ever stayed with and a great start to couch surfing my way around the continent. For those new to the concept of couchsurfing, it is one of…
the mexican capital #2
Teotihuacan is about 1 hour by bus north east of the city. There are organised tours to get out there but after a bit of research I figured I could just get the subway and then the bus so got on my way nice and early to try and beat the crowds. My first taste…
the mexican capital #1
So pleased that I flew to Mexico City during the day as you really get a feel for the mammoth size of the sprawling metropolis. As you fly over it keeps going and going and going and going and going…and going. I didn’t sleep that well the night before my flight as I was feeling…
aimtowanderlust 