central america – Page 3 – VirtualWayfarer

BackpackingMarch 17, 2010October 11, 2011

The Island-City of Flores in Guatemala

The city of Flores is an unusually picturesque city. Situated on a small island in the middle of lake Peten Itza, Flores is connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. The causeway connects Flores to the two surrounding towns which are home to most of the area's population. The two neighborin…

BackpackingMarch 12, 2010October 1, 2012

The Mayan Ruins of Tikal

Hundreds of years ago a booming civilization fought its way to become a major empire with massive architectural achievements, sprawling cities, and a stunning system of roadways hacked through the lush jungle underbrus…

BackpackingMarch 8, 2010March 9, 2011

My Introduction to the Colectivo

The time came to say goodbye to San Ignacio and the amazing adventures it held. With slightly damp shoes, a spring in my step, and my two backpacks resting on my shoulders I made my way towards the central square. …

BackpackingMarch 4, 2010March 9, 2011

Tallying up the Cost: How I Afford to Travel

No matter who you are one of the biggest obstacles and considerations when planning a trip is cost. Out of all of the reasons regularly given for why people "can't" travel, cost is the one I've found to be the most co…

BackpackingMarch 2, 2010March 9, 2011

The City of San Ignacio in Belize

Though the ATM Cave tour was the highlight of my trip to Western Belize, I enjoyed my time in San Ignacio. A small town which gently sprawls along a beautiful, slow moving river a brief 15 minute taxi ride from the Gu…

BackpackingFebruary 16, 2010March 9, 2011

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) – The Sacrificial Caves

**This is the 2nd part of a two-part series covering the Actun Tunichil Munkal Cave tour. Don't miss part one [here]*** Actun Tunichil Muknal I hate to see things like that happen, but was immensely relieved - as it meant that after an incredibly rough start, the trip was finally getting on …

BackpackingFebruary 16, 2010April 19, 2011

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) – An Adventure Begins

I'd spent the previous day exploring San Ignacio and comparing tours, tour companies, and their prices. Everyone I spoke with informed me that the Actun Tunichil Muknal or ATM tour was an absolute must. I was still he…

BackpackingFebruary 9, 2010March 9, 2011

Christmas in Placencia

Of all the cities I spent time in during my stay in Belize the city of Placencia was the least captivating. Despite being located on a long peninsula with a beautiful crescent white sand beach. I'll admit, that my ex…

BackpackingFebruary 4, 2010March 9, 2011

Sailing the Belize Barrier Reef – Day 2 and 3

The following morning we struck camp; laughing at the slow, stiff movements and pained, hungover looks that plagued our group. The tents proved every bit as difficult to break down as they had been to put up leading t…

BackpackingFebruary 2, 2010March 9, 2011

Sailing the Belize Barrier Reef

The morning was damp. The occasional sprinkle fell to challenge our merry mood. Despite the weather's best efforts we could sense that the storm had blown itself out and was able to but threaten more rain, clouds and …