Hands holding a plate with a fried tortilla, topped with lettuce, meat, cabbage, egg and sauce in Antigua

Where to Eat in Antigua, Guatemala: A Budget Guide

Mark Stewart Food, Travel Tips Leave a Comment

Antigua is the most architecturally stunning city in Guatemala and is undoubtedly the most visited in the country. This UNESCO-listed town is not only home to some of the most well-preserved colonial architecture in the region, but also some mind-blowing food. With dozens of options, from high-end steakhouses to western fast-food chains, it can be difficult to find simple, yet delicious cheap eats. So we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite restaurants in Antigua that have phenomenal …

Wooden watchtower beside a sign that reads "El Tunco" with a beach in the background

Complete Guide to El Tunco: El Salvador’s Backpacker Playground

Mark Stewart Travel Tips Leave a Comment

Updated: December 2019! Almost every backpacker destination has one. In Thailand, it’s Bangkok’s Khao San Road; in Nepal, it’s Thamel. Here in El Salvador, you’ve got El Tunco. This once-sleepy coastal town has exploded in recent years into the country’s biggest backpacker hub. Nearly every traveller who passes through El Salvador will stop in El Tunco — for many, it’s their only stop. Though little more than two streets, this town packs a serious punch of eating, drinking, and shopping …

Where to Eat in San Pedro Guatemala

Where to Eat in San Pedro, Lake Atitlan

Mark Stewart Food, Travel Tips Leave a Comment

Being the backpacker capital of Lake Atitlan, San Pedro has a ton of eating options. Whether you’re looking for local places to eat, vibrant pubs to meet other travellers, or grab a familiar flavour from back home, you’ll likely find it at a restaurant in San Pedro. Since our last visit, we’ve updated this list with a few of our favourite places to eat from around the village, including some info for self-catering and a few extra tips for your …

What to Do in San Pedro, Lake Atitlan

Mark Stewart Travel Tips 2 Comments

Updated: November 2019! During our most recent visit to Guatemala, we needed to spend some time in San Pedro la Laguna. It’s without question one of our favourite places in not only Guatemala, but the whole of Central America. There are so many great things to do in San Pedro; from hiking and kayaking, to learning or simply relaxing. Like the islands of Southern Thailand or the beaches of Goa. Certain places have a vibe; a feeling unexplainable to those …

Empty baggage carousel at the airport. What to do if you need to deal with Aeromexico lost luggage

Has AeroMexico Lost your Luggage? Here’s What to Do!

Mark Stewart Travel Tips 2 Comments

We arrived red-eyed and exhausted into Guatemala City, after 16 hours of travel paired with a good amount of airport beers. Clearing customs is a breeze, and we’re excited to get this trip going. As we reach the baggage claim, it appears that one of our bags isn’t on the carousel. We’re frantic, searching the entire baggage claim area. But the truth quickly sank in, somewhere en route, AeroMexico lost our luggage. Does this sound familiar? Whether you’re flying with …

Volcano on the edge of a lake with a village on the bottom.

Where to Stay in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Mark Stewart Travel Planning, Travel Tips 10 Comments

Updated: November 2019! Many who visit Guatemala are pressed for time and often struggle with deciding where to visit and for how long. This is especially true when planning a visit to the magical Lake Atitlan. With so many wonderful villages to choose from, deciding on which one(s) fit your style can get overwhelming. So before you make your final decision, read through the guide we put together to help you choose the right place to stay at Lake Atitlan! …

Red bus with flashy decals and stickers passing a blue building. This is one of the buses that can take you from Antigua to Panajachel

How to Get from Antigua to Panajachel, Lake Atitlan

Mark Stewart Travel Planning, Travel Tips Leave a Comment

If you’re visiting Guatemala for any length of time, you’re almost guaranteed to be spending some of it in both Antigua and at Lake Atitlan. Many visitors come to Guatemala specifically for these two incredible destinations! And once you arrive, you’ll understand why. Regardless of your budget or travel style, here are some of our favourite ways to get from Antigua to Panajachel, the gateway to Lake Atitlan. As a major backpacker and tourist hub, getting to Antigua is easy from almost …

Backpacking El Salvador [The Ultimate Travel Guide]

Mark Stewart Travel Planning, Travel Tips 57 Comments

“Don’t Skip El Salvador.” It’s a slogan found all over the tiny country, grasping at the tourism market that seems to have passed it by. Wedged between three rapidly growing destinations of Central America: Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua; the smallest of the group is often overlooked. Having recently spent several weeks backpacking El Salvador, we’ve decided to help shed some light. Let us help you explore this fascinating little nation with our travel guide. El Salvador is eager to break …

Man sits by a lake with two volcanoes in the background at Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Reflecting on Five Months Central America

Mark Stewart Travel Stories, Travel Tips 25 Comments

It’s such a tiny area. The entirety of Central America – including the regions of Mexico we visited – could fit within the country of France. Yet every country is different than the next, each one having its own distinct culture. In Guatemala for example, the Mayan roots are very obvious; from physical features to traditional clothing and general way of life. While right next door in El Salvador, due to several tragic moments in recent history, the Mayan culture …

The Best Things to do in Lake Atitlan

Mark Stewart Travel Tips 12 Comments

Lake Atitlan is one of the most popular destinations in all of Guatemala, for good reason. Between the seemingly endless activities and laid-back vibes, visitors usually end up staying much longer than planned! To help you make the most of your time, we’ve put together a list of some of the best things to do in Lake Atitlan and around! Although you’ll likely stumble upon many more on your visit, these are a few that you shouldn’t miss! Trek to …