Guatemala, Antigua - Honduras, Copán

The following day after that was Robbie’s birthday, so of course we celebrated that in San Cristobal (it seemed that this was my party town in México, first the independence day, and now a birthday)… On Robbie’s actual birthday we met with some other Australians, naturally we met them in a bar, crazy I know - Aussies in a bar?! Anyway, that night we went with a few locals to a back street party, normally I’d be a little cautious of this, however I was with 6 guys and it seemed like a good idea at the time, that it was. Great night and good company.

Guatemala, Antigua
The next day we again explored the town and got ready for our long bus ride to Guatemala. 

Once we managed to cross the border to Guatemala and survived the night bus, Robbie and I checked into a hostel. We decided to stay close to the Lake Atitlán (Lago de Atitlán). This area was very sweet, little shops and restaurants, and a market, surrounded by beautiful scenery – as you can see below that the lake is stunning.

The next day I took my next bus to Antigua, the capital city of Guatemala. Here I met my next tour group for the following 2 weeks and begin the “Volcano Tour”, 15 people in total, plus tour guide Kaylie from Canada and practicing tour guide Eduardo from Costa Rica.

Day one was pretty much finding the hotel and introducing yourself to your roomie for the next 3 weeks… mine was an 18 year old English girl called Hebe, immediately we hit it of - totally adorable!

Honduras, Copán

We all went for dinner that night to get to know one another before our move to Honduras the following day. I soon learnt on this trip that there is a lot of border crossing, a lot and very fast!

We arrived quite late in the day in Honduras, Copán, so after we had checked into our hotel we all decided to go for dinner and discuss the next day’s activities. We pretty much all decided that we would visit the Jaguar Hot Springs and evening barbeque. The hot springs were amazing and located just 45 minutes North of Copán. This area was all natural with a variety of waterfalls, 13 hot and cold water pools and a mud bath pool. I really liked it here and would  recommend it to others visiting Copán. 

The Heart of the Mayan World

After my time spent with Ling in Playa Del Carmen, I had to then work out how I was going to get from México to Guatemala, Antigua “The Heart of the Mayan World”. I decided the best route (and to avoid the entry fees to Belize) was to go back to San Cristobel, México, and then take an ADO night bus straight to Antigua. Ok, it may sound like a troublesome backwards journey, but it really wasn’t so bad. On the bus to San Cristobal I met an Australian guy called Robbie. Robbie was also travelling alone and was the only ‘gringo’ in sight, so I decided to talk to him. Both Robbie and I were going to Antigua so we decided to stick together and hang out. Our second day together in San Cristobal we decided to go to a native village up in the hillside. Rather than walking we got there via horse, I had missed horse riding so much that I was very pleased we were not walking and riding instead.

From this village members of the Tzotzil and Tzeltal groupings. Within these groups are the Tenejapans who wear black knee-length tunics, the Chamulans who wear white wool tunics and the Zinacantecoswho wear multi-coloured outfits. I also learnt that they were ribbons on their hats to signify how many children they have. We had to very much respect the people there and be cautious of taking photos as individuals do not wish to be photographed. Within this small village was a traditional Mayan church, one that survived the Spanish Roman Catholic invasion. I found visiting the church very interesting. Looking around the church you could mistake it for Roman Catholic church due to the paintings and saint statues. According to what I have since read, the churches showed the Roman Catholic saints to disguise the church of still worshiping the Mayan religions. One ceremony that did throw me was the sacrifice of the chicken on the tiled floor, I have never seen this before - let alone inside a church! I would recommend going on this trip, after all, how long will this be available for with times changing rapidly...

Tulum, México

With being so close to Tulum, Ling and I simply had to visit! I had read many great things about the coast line of Tulum and seen some wonderful pictures. The two of us went with 3 people we had met at  our resort and travelled together along the bright coast! Once we arrived at the beach, I was simply speechless! I had never seen a beach so bright and beautiful with crystal clear seas. I thought that Playa Del Carmen was incredible, this was absolutely off the scale, some may say it was delicious! God bless the Caribbean's magical beauty. We decided to go to a hotel where we could rent some seating loungers, get some drinks and food so we chose to go to El Paraiso Hotel Tulum. We ran into a spot of trouble here at this beach (I'd rather not go into details), but I want to express how amazing their staff are. Many many thanks are shared to the hotels managers Enrique and his wife - absolutely marvelous. One day I plan to go back to this hotel and stay here, not only because they were such helpful, kind, and friendly people, but also because the hotel looked AMAZING - I would highly recommend this to anyone looking to stay in the area for a touch of pampered relaxation!!

This is one destination I will be sure to go back to, the pictures are nothing in comparison to real life!!

CoCo Bongo, Playa Del Carmen

One of the nights at the hotel (The Bluebay Grand Esmeralda) Ling and I decided to go to CoCo Bongo after hearing many of the guests talk so highly of it. I had also previously heard of Coco Bongo through the film The Mask where Jim Carrey's character The Mask has numerous interactions here... Just watch the film to understand.

Once we had our dinner, got glammed up, and had a few pre-drinks - we were ready to party. Coco Bongo I felt was one of the most happening, interactive, and engaging clubs I have ever been to. From Spider Man to Freddie Mercury, Lady GaGa to LMFAO – they had it all. Ling and I had a fantastic night dancing at CoCo bongo, from the dance floor, to on top of the bar, to right on the stage – we had a ball. If I had the option to go back, I certainly would… Apparently the one in Cancun is bigger and better… I find it hard to believe so one day I will have to see for myself. 

Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda Spa Resort

On the previous trip I made a great connection with one of the girls, Ling, from Edinburgh. She was travelling with a friend, Terry, also from Edinburgh. At last minute Terry and I decided that for the next 2 weeks we would make a spontaneous change to both our plans. I was originally supposed to go straight on another GAP Adventure trip to Belize, and Terry was supposed to accompany Ling to a 5 star spa resort. I myself was enjoying the Gap Adventures how with knowing that I had another 5 weeks of nonstop Gap Adventure travelling, I proposed to Terry that we should switch. Terry was keen on switching because on the trip I was supposed visit the blue hole in Belize, Rio Frio Cave. Ok, this cave is amazing, absolutely stunning, and to be honest it’s every divers dream – it was mine… however I was devastated to find out that you can only dive this if you have had 40 minimum dives, and with my little 3 dives I was not allowed to take part. HOWEVER Terry is a strong diver, so he was good to go. So in conclusion, I went to the resort and Terry was Fiona Hawkins for 2 weeks.

Ling and I packed our bags and went off to The Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda Spa Resort… all I can say was that this was heaven. 

After 2 weeks of busses, backpacking, budgeted food, etc -  this all inclusive, 5*, aller carte restaurant filled, spa and gym was a perfect escape. Our daily routine for the next 9 days simply involved being pampered at the spa, daily workouts at the gym, swim in the pool, beach sunbathing, afternoon cocktails at the bar, and evening meals at one of 5 selected cuisine restaurants. What I found most enjoyable about this part of the trip however was bonding with Ling. She’s a very intelligent and fun girl with great potential in life – I look forward to visiting her in Edinburgh upon my return to the UK.