Santa Marta is the stepping-off point for most of northern Colombia and the Caribbean coast. And one of the most popular nearby destinations is Tayrona National Park. With its crystal-clear waters, palm-fringed beaches and beautiful jungle trails, it’s easy to see why. However, it’s also busy, a bit expensive, and especially tricky to pull off if you’re on a tight schedule. On the far southwestern edge of Tayrona park is a separate cove, unknown to many foreign visitors. Technically, Bahia …
What to Do in San Salvador: A City Changing
San Salvador. The name alone invokes an air of unease for many, myself included prior to my first visit. And while it still has some way to go before it’s a highlight on the world travel scene, there are still many great things to do in San Salvador. For years, San Salvador remained near the top of every “most dangerous city” list. Today, however, things in the capital are changing faster than many can follow. A newly restored city centre …
13 of the Best Things to Do Santa Marta, Colombia
Santa Marta has come a long way in the two years since our first visit. Its rise in popularity as a base for exploring Colombia’s north has seen a heavy increase in travellers. And with those numbers, some much-needed new life has been breathed into the gritty coastal city. Most travellers find themselves here merely as a stop-off point for exploring the surrounding mountains and beaches. And while the city itself doesn’t have a ton of activities, there are still …
The Best Beaches in El Salvador
El Salvador is known for many things: volcanoes, civil war, pupusas, and coffee to name a few. But the biggest draw to this Central American gem, by far, is the selection of awe-inspiring beaches. Given its jagged coastline, there are dozens of very different yet equally stunning El Salvador beaches, often just a few minutes’ drive apart. After many weeks travelling this country and exploring its gorgeous coast, we’ve put together this list of the best beaches in El Salvador! Perhaps …
Month in Review: January 2020
Wow. It’s been a wild start to the New Year. Entering the beginning of February, this is the first time we’ve had to slow down a little. Yet as fast as we’ve been moving around, it’s hard to imagine that only a month has passed. For a second, I thought we’d missed an update, only to realize it’s just the effect of travel on our experience of time. This year couldn’t have started in a more incredible place. We’ve been truly …
Santa Ana, El Salvador: What You Need to See, Do and Eat
Santa Ana is El Salvador’s second-largest city and has some of the most well-preserved colonial architecture in the country. It’s conveniently located between San Salvador and the Ruta de las Flores, and is a short drive from the Guatemalan border. Because of this, Santa Ana is a popular base for many travellers exploring the region. Like many cities in El Salvador, it’s still fairly new to tourism. Yet despite its somewhat “rough around the edges” vibe and armed guards aplenty, …
11 Times When Things Should have Ended Badly, but Didn’t
Bad things will happen in life. There’s no avoiding this unfortunate fact. Sometimes it happens entirely out of our control, like hitting black ice while driving. Other times it’s a direct result of our own stupid decisions, like drinking too much and accidentally lighting your face on fire while trying to perform circus tricks at a house party (this is entirely hypothetical, of course). And while some of us can pad ourselves against these moments better than others, nothing can …
The Ruta de las Flores, El Salvador: A Comprehensive Guide
The Ruta de las Flores is arguably one of the most magical regions in El Salvador. Tucked away in the western highlands, this scenic destination is one of the most popular places in the country. The long, winding road snakes along lush green hillsides and coffee plantations, connecting the colourful towns that dot the countryside. During spring, vibrant flowers bloom in every colour along the route — giving la Ruta de las Flores its name. In the distance, volcanoes stand …
Detailed Guide to Hiking the Santa Ana Volcano in El Salvador
Hiking Santa Ana Volcano is on nearly every traveller’s list when they visit El Salvador. And it’s easy to understand why. Who wouldn’t want to hike through brilliant jungles and up the face of an active volcano, to stare into the impossibly turquoise crater lake? If you’re planning to hike the Santa Ana volcano in El Salvador, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll break down everything you need to make this incredible experience happen. El Salvador has a Ton …
The Madness of the Festival del Cristo Negro in El Salvador
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting the famous Ruta de las Flores in El Salvador during January, you’re in for a real treat. During this time, the town of Juayua celebrates the annual Festival del Cristo Negro, coming to a climax on the 15th of the month. La Festival del Cristo Negro Latin America loves to take celebrations to extremes, often throwing caution to the wind – and Salvadorians are no different. It starts days earlier, as the weekly …