Two photos. A street and volcano on the left, a lifeguard tower on the right in Guatemala and El Salvador

How to Take the Local Bus from Guatemala to El Salvador

Kylee Hayes Destinations 20 Comments

Riding the famous chicken buses of Central America is a right of passage for many travellers. It’s an experience like no other. And while most travellers on the gringo trail take the shuttle between these two countries (we did the first time!), this is a much more interesting, and far cheaper method. So if you’re like us and like to save money and enjoy the thrill of local transport, here are the bus routes connecting the most popular destinations from Guatemala to El Salvador. …

Where to Eat in San Pedro Guatemala

The Best Restaurants in San Pedro la Laguna, Lake Atitlan

Mark Stewart Destinations Leave a Comment

Update Fall 2021: So happy to say that all of these fantastic restaurants are still open and thriving after the pandemic! Being the backpacker capital of Lake Atitlan, San Pedro has a ton of restaurant 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 …

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

A Budget Guide to the Best Restaurants in Antigua, Guatemala

Mark Stewart Destinations 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 delicious cheap eats in Antigua. So we’ve put together a list of some of the best restaurants in Antigua, Guatemala that have …

Plates of soup, meat and salad

Menu del Dia

Mark Stewart Destinations 2 Comments

There are many ways to travel Colombia on a budget. You can stay in dorms, cook meals for yourself, or ride local buses as often as possible. And those are all great ways to save a few dollars. But the best way to save a ton of money while also getting a great experience is by eating Menu del Dias. By taking advantage of this special lunch menu, found everywhere, you’ll not only save a pile of cash, but enjoy some of the best …

Boat in the sea near the beach

Touring the San Bernardo Islands Colombia: Is it Worth It?

Mark Stewart Destinations Leave a Comment

The Caribbean coast of Colombia is absolutely stunning. Impossibly blue water splashes onto the shores of tiny fishing villages, buzzing colonial cities, and the occasional spattering of islands off the mainland. One such archipelago is that of San Bernardo, a small group of islands between Cartagena and Tolu. These islands are a very popular spot to visit, especially for locals. And for good reason; they’re the postcard image of a Caribbean island. But are they actually worth visiting? Here’s what we think …

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

The Famous Central American Chicken Bus

Mark Stewart Destinations Leave a Comment

Taking local transport while travelling is one of our favourite ways to really experience a destination. It’s far more than simply a mode of transport, it’s en experience. And the legendary chicken buses of Central America are some of the best in the world. There are few experiences like taking a chicken bus. For many backpackers, it’s a right of passage, even a badge of honour, to travel this way. They’re not just exciting, they’re affordable. And, much like visiting …

Blue water beach with nice sand and a mountain behind it

Bahia Concha, Colombia: The Affordable Alternative to Tayrona National Park

Mark Stewart Destinations Leave a Comment

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 …

Palm trees on the edge of the sea in Santa Marta Colombia

13 of the Best Things to Do Santa Marta, Colombia

Mark Stewart Destinations Leave a Comment

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 …

Red white and blue boat in the water with a village behind it at Lake Atitlan

The Best Things to do in Lake Atitlan

Mark Stewart Destinations 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! What to …