Whether you love the thrill of paragliding over the coast or simply enjoy the solitude of a solo hike, adventure travel is a great way to get outdoors and get your blood pumping. Let our collection of articles be inspiration for your next travel adventure.
From river rafting down rapids in Mexico to camping under the stars in South America, we’ll give you all the information on our favorite adventure trips. We also provide you with an in depth travel packing list, as well as adventure travel tips that will save you money, keep you safe and make sure you have the most epic adventure of your life!
In a world characterized by its interconnectedness, the allure of exploring far-flung destinations has never been stronger. The call of distant horizons, novel cultures and breathtaking landscapes beckons us to set foot on the roads less traveled. While travel broadens the mind, it also presents its fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to transportation. This is where the International Drivers Permit (IDP) emerges as your trusted companion, transcending linguistic barriers and legal complexities to pave the way for unparalleled adventures. There are a ton of advantages when you obtain an International Drivers Permit, but before we explore that let’s look at why you need one.
Why You Need an International Drivers Permit
While your regular driver’s license might be your ticket to driving within your own country, it often falls short when you venture beyond your borders. This is where the International Drivers Permit (IDP) comes into play. An IDP is a globally recognized document that translates your native driver’s license into multiple languages, making it comprehensible to officials in various countries. This linguistic barrier breaker is essential because not all countries have road signs and driver’s license information in English.
Moreover, some countries have specific requirements for foreign drivers, and an IDP serves as a universal proof that you possess a valid driver’s license, making it easier to navigate foreign driving regulations. It’s a small investment that yields immense convenience and confidence as you navigate through unknown territories.
Legal Implications of Not Having an International Drivers Permit
Driving without the necessary documents in a foreign country can quickly turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. Legal repercussions vary from fines to having your vehicle impounded, and in some cases, even facing arrest. These consequences can not only ruin your travel plans but also tarnish your overall experience. It’s important to remember that road laws differ significantly from one country to another, and the absence of an IDP might lead to misunderstandings and complications in dealing with local law enforcement.
The Benefits of an International Drivers Permit
Global Accessibility
Imagine traveling through the cities of Italy, meandering through the vast Australian Outback, or cruising along the iconic Route 66 in the United States. The allure of these journeys lies not only in the destinations themselves, but in the freedom to navigate them on your terms. The IDP serves as your golden ticket, granting you access to a world of driving opportunities. Whether you’re planning a road trip in Spain or an expedition through the wild terrains of Guyana, the IDP dismantles the barriers that could otherwise hinder your journey. Suddenly, the notion of an international road trip evolves from a distant dream to a tangible reality, as you confidently set out to explore the diversity of our planet’s landscapes.
Some of the most enchanting destinations are tucked away from the well-trodden paths. These locales, though often inaccessible by traditional means, are the very essence of exploration. Armed with an IDP, you gain access to the roads less traveled, leading you to cascading waterfalls, remote monasteries, and untamed landscapes. The joy of discovering these hidden treasures lies not only in witnessing their beauty, but also in the satisfaction of having ventured beyond the ordinary tourist routes. The IDP becomes your gateway to unveiling these remarkable, lesser-known facets of the world.
Language Barrier Breaker
One of the most daunting aspects of driving in a foreign country is grappling with unfamiliar road signs, regulations and interactions with local authorities. Language barriers can easily turn a straightforward encounter into a confusing ordeal. This is where the IDP’s translation feature shines. By presenting your IDP alongside your native driver’s license, you transcend language constraints, instantly conveying your eligibility to drive and your understanding of local road rules. Whether you’re stopped at a checkpoint in Japan, renting a car in France, or seeking directions in Morocco, the IDP fosters seamless communication, ensuring that your journey remains fluent and devoid of unnecessary complications.
Ease of Car Rentals
Renting a car in a foreign country can often be a challenging process, with rental agencies requiring specific documentation to ensure your competence as a driver. The IDP simplifies this process by offering a globally recognized standard. As you step into the rental agency, armed with your IDP, you signal your preparedness and compliance with local regulations. The complex web of rental requirements is swiftly simplified, ensuring that your car rental experience is as smooth and efficient as possible. This convenience grants you more time to focus on the adventures that lie ahead rather than navigating bureaucratic hurdles. An IDP is recognized in over 150 countries, ensuring that you can hit the road in most corners of the world without worries.
Cultural Immersion
While tourist hotspots hold their own allure, some of the most memorable travel experiences are found off the beaten path. The IDP empowers you to delve deep into the heart of local cultures, granting you the autonomy to explore areas that may not be accessible by public transportation. Imagine stumbling upon a charming village market, witnessing a breathtaking sunset from a remote hilltop or sharing a conversation with locals in a quaint cafe. These authentic encounters, often missed by conventional tourists, become part of your journey when you have the freedom of a vehicle at your disposal. The IDP, in this context, transforms you from a spectator to an active participant in the tapestry of your chosen destination.
In the vast tapestry of travel experiences, an IDP serves as the thread that weaves together convenience, freedom and cultural immersion. It’s not merely a piece of paper; it’s your key to unlocking the world. As you contemplate your next international escapade, consider the multitude of advantages that an IDP brings to your journey. From conquering language barriers to embracing spontaneity, this document empowers you to embrace every facet of global exploration with open arms. So, embark on the road less traveled, armed with your IDP, and let the horizon be your only limit.
Flexibility and Spontaneity
Travel plans are often a delicate balance between anticipation and the unexpected. While structured tours have their merits, they may restrict your ability to seize spontaneous opportunities that arise. With a vehicle and an IDP, you possess the power to pivot your itinerary at a moment’s notice. Imagine stumbling upon a local festival, discovering a hidden beach or simply following a road that beckons with an air of mystery. The IDP enables you to weave these unplanned moments into the fabric of your journey, infusing your travel narrative with vibrant hues of unpredictability.
Obtaining an International Drivers Permit is more than just a document; it’s a gateway to global explorations. With its power to break down language barriers, ensure legal compliance, and offer unparalleled travel opportunities, an IDP is an indispensable asset for any adventure-seeking traveler. As you plan your next international escapade, remember that the freedom of the open road is only a permit away. Embrace the benefits of an IDP, and set out to create memories that will last a lifetime.
So, gear up, get your IDP, and get ready for the journey of a lifetime. Your international road trip awaits!
Welcome to Guyana, an adventure travelers heaven! A place where you can ride a horse up a mountain, zoom across the savannah on an ATV, shoot a shotgun, swim in a gorgeous creek, learn to throw a lasso and get involved in authentic ranch life…. all in a single day!
Guyana might be unknown to a lot of the world, but that’s all changing fast! With some recent tourism pushes, Guyana is really starting to make its mark on the world as a premium destination for adventure travel. And after spending 10 days adventuring around the rugged south, we can see exactly why.
It had been a long time since such a strong sense of adventure and excitement had ran through my veins. Guyana revitalized my passion for exploring the unknown and getting off the usual tourist track. So sit back, strap in and get ready for one hell of a trip.
Starting the Guyana Adventure Travel
The adventure started as soon as we touch down at Georgetown International Airport and made our way out to the small propeller plane at Eugene F. Correia International Airport. We boarded an hour long flight with Trans Guyana Airways southwest to Lethem, a small town that borders Brazil, where there’s little more than an airstrip, a few hotels and some empty looking shops.
It’s on our flight from Georgetown that we met Ian, who is the owner and organizer of Bushmasters, an extreme adventure tour company that specializes in survival training and awesome times. Over the next six days Ian would be taking six professional travel bloggers across the wild savannah of southern Guyana.
Note: We regret to inform everyone about the sad and unexpected passing of Ian Craddock in July 2020. Ian died doing what he loved, adventuring in Guyana, and will forever be remembered for providing so much joy and adventure to so many. May he continue to be exploring and pushing the limits in his next adventure. We hope this post can showcase even just a little bit of his amazing spirit. Rest easy legend!
Bushmaster Tours in Guyana
Aside from being an absolute survival master, Ian is a real character. Years of service in the British Special Forces has prepared him for just about any challenge in life. For Ian, there’s no such thing as it can’t be done, and his wild explorations around Guyana are proof of that.
We arrived at Ian’s house after dropping off our gear at the Takutu Hotel in Lethem. It was a short drive from the airport, yet even in that drive we got a sense for just how remote and isolated this part of the world is. Paved roads are replaced with red, dusty streets. There are a handful of hotels to stay at, but other than a jumping off point for jungle and savannah exploration, there doesn’t seem to be a lot to do in Lethem.
Ian’s house was like an adult adventure playground. Outside in the yard there were four ATVs (quad bikes), along with two 4×4 vehicles. Inside there was an authentic 6ft Amerindian bow and arrow resting against the couch. In one of the rooms a jaguar pelt, from one of the indigenous villages, was mounted on the wall.
Across the room there are piles of camping and survival gear spread out everywhere. As I scanned the room my eyes found the stack of machetes sitting on a small table, each one in a leather sheath with a small branded logo of Bushmaster on the front side. Everything in this room shouted adventure, and I could barely contain my excitement for the trip to start.
Ian gathered us all together in the room to explain the next steps. He ran us through all the gear we needed to pack in our rucksacks. We were given a hammock with built in mosquito net, a hammock rain cover, light blanket, foldable chair, canteen, spoon and eating containers. We also got a 3L camelback, our food provisions, dry bags to keep everything in, and of course, a machete!
Preparing for the Adventure
The next day we woke up early, eager to start our adventure tour in Guyana! After a quick breakfast at the Takutu Hotel we grabbed our rucksacks and headed over to Ian’s to collect the vehicles. The four ATVs were all lined up in a row, tanks full and ready to hit the road.
Terry, Frankie and Lionel, three local Guyanese who work for Ian, were busy loading up the 4x4s with all our equipment. Water tanks, tools, inflatable kayaks, medical kits, generator and all the other things we were going to need to survive for a few nights. Once the vehicles are ready to go, it was a concise explanation from Ian about the plan and we were off.
This is Ian’s style as a tour organizer. He is energetic, funny, full of crazy stories and knows his stuff. He doesn’t give you an answer if he doesn’t know it. And when he does, he only likes to say it once, and he does it with a precision and conciseness of a skilled expert in the survival field. He also has an amazing ability to teach you how to do something, without holding your hand throughout the process. It was this type of unguided adventure travel that I’d been missing after so many years on the road.
ATV and 4×4 Adventure
We hit the road with pace! The four ATVs led the charge at the front of the convoy, with Ian directing first, followed by two of us and then Lionel at the back. Behind him the two 4x4s were driven by others on the trip, with Frankie and Terry each manning one of the vehicles to ensure everyone was on track. I was on the first round of ATV driving and had an absolute blast. We bumped around on the trails, trying to avoid large potholes and termite mounds that had hardened like concrete in the sun.
As I rounded a corner I slammed down the accelerator and a sudden burst of speed erupted from the ATV. The back tires slid out as I continued to crank the handlebars to the right and held the accelerator down. Just as the ATV started to slide out of control I let go of the accelerator, straightened up, hit the gear up button and burst off down the trail, leaving a trail of red dust in my path.
We approached a river and slowed down to assess the level of water and our ability to cross it. Ian took a calculated look and said we were good to go, so he sent the 4x4s across first and then we hit the water with speed and determination to make it across.
On the first day of adventuring we rode 105km out of town and into the savannah. Day two we rode 101km, with all of us rotating between driving the ATVs and 4x4s. During this time we crossed rivers, hammered down dusty red roads, bumped across the savannah and carved a path through the very sparse terrain of southern Guyana.
On a couple of occasions we passed small shops and used this an opportunity to fuel up on an ice cold beers to wash out the dust. At one shop there was a large bottle of murky white liquid being sold in old Coke bottles. After an inquiry we found out it was a bottle full of cow fat! Our shocked faces were met with equally shocked expressions from the locals at the thought that we’re not using large bottles of cow fat regularly in the kitchen.
Over the next few days we continued along the trails. Six riders, over 350km and only two crashes. Naturally I was one of them. After getting a little too confident on the trails I decided to take the ATV off road and hammer through the uncharted savannah. As I bumped along, trying to avoid 3 foot tall termite mounds, my vision was blurred through the long grass, obscuring the obstacles in my way.
I looked to my right to see the convoy of vehicles running along the trail and then directed my attention back to the savannah just in time to see that I was heading straight towards a fallen tree. I had a split second to brace myself before the ATV hit the tree at 50km an hour and I was bucked from the seat. Momentarily, I held onto the handlebars, thinking I was going to land it, before I was ripped from the vehicle and thrown into the air.
I tried to tuck and roll mid flight and managed to land on my shoulder, before spinning onto my back and sliding several feet though the padded long grass. The spectacle ended with my limbs catching up to my body, me on my back and my legs in the air. From the microphone in my ear I heard someone call out, ‘man down!’. I took a moment to compose myself, before standing up and assessing the damage. A banged up elbow, but thankfully I was fine. I jumped back on the ATV, rejoined the track bashfully and decided to stick to the trail in the future.
Camping Under the Stars
After each day of riding we established a camp under the stars along the river. On the first day Ian delivered a safety instruction on machete use, before setting us free onto the barren landscape to find a tree and hang our hammocks. Having this complete independence was one of the best parts of this trip. Ian gave just the right amount of instruction, before letting us fend for ourselves like real life jungle adventurers.
As each of us found a suitable area, we chopped and slashed our way to a clearing and strung up our hammocks for the night. After getting our bedding organized we returned to the communal camp area where Ian already had a fire going. After a quick jump in the river, to clean our clothes and wash off the dust, we spent the night sitting around the fire, cooking up our camp meals and exchanging stories underneath the stars. With no light pollution whatsoever, and only a slither of a moon, the stars were incredibly bright.
Where we slept was not your average camp spot. There were no facilities or other established areas. It was just us and the wild. Ian told us that we were among only a dozen other people who had stayed near this spot before, and they were all just from his previous trips. After swapping a few more stories we retreated back to the hammocks to avoid the mosquitos and to try and get some sleep.
From my hammock I could see the stars through the black mosquito net mesh that protected my hammock from an army of mosquitos that awaited my fresh blood. Even through the mesh the stars shone bright enough to light up the ground below. The faint light of my iPhone illuminated my little cocoon bed for the night, as a soft breeze slowly swung my hanging hammock.
Even though I was stripped down to my underwear it was still boiling and I could feel the beads of sweat dripping down my forehead, temporarily resting on my eyebrows and creating a small pool of water, before dropping down into my eyes. I felt like I was never going to get to sleep in this heat, but before I knew it the vibrant colors of a savannah sunrise are awakening me from my hammock.
Saddle Mountain Ranch Guyana
After a few days on the trails we arrived at Saddle Mountain, where the real ranching adventures begun. Situated deep in southern Rupununi, Saddle Mountain Ranch is any aspiring cowboy’s dream. Operating as an active ranch since 1990, Tommy and Joan, have made their own little slice of paradise out in the middle of nowhere in Guyana.
Named after a nearby mountain that looks like a horses saddle, Saddle Mountain ranch is full of exciting adventures, delicious home cooked meals, stunning landscapes and plenty of opportunity to immerse yourself within authentic Guyanese ranching life.
This simple, yet beautiful, homestead is surrounded by miles and miles of open savannah, with the property itself enclosed between luscious mango trees. There are goats, chickens and all kinds of Guyana wildlife that can be found on the ranch. There’s even the rare spotting of a jaguar. If you make it to Saddle Mountain Ranch, be sure to ask Joan about her story fighting off a jaguar with a machete. The rooms are simple and open aired, making the afternoon breeze a very much welcome feeling after a sweltering day. Fortunately there aren’t as many bugs here, so you can leave your window open and catch a breeze during the night.
Riding a Horse at Saddle Mountain Ranch
As an active ranch, Saddle Mountain Ranch has plenty of horses that get used on a daily basis to assist with the work duties. While leisurely horse riding is not an activity these horses usually encounter, it must be a welcome break from the demands of ranch life that sees them out herding cattle across the savannah.
For our horse riding experience we got up early to make the most of the cooler temperatures of dawn. After the local crew saddled up the horses we received a crash course in handling and riding, but the real learning came from just doing. It had been at least 20 years since I’d last straddled a horse, and I was pretty sure my horse knew it. I awkwardly tried to synchronize my erratic jolting with the horse’s trotting, but end up bouncing around so much I thought I was about to fall off.
After half an hour, a numb backside and plenty of gorgeous views, I was finally starting to get the hang of it a little more. I tried less to find the rhythm and instead just let the horse jolt me into a rhythm. Walking was easy, trotting was hard, but cantering was much simpler, as the smooth gait of the horse made it easier to work with.
The only problem with cantering is that it meant the horse was now going a lot faster! I tried to hold on, with one hand on the ropes and the other holding onto the saddle for dear life. It was only towards the end of my third horse riding session that I realized the more I relaxed, the easier it was to ride.
My final cantering moment down the home stretch was the real highlight of my career as a horse rider. My horse, finally understanding my lack of abilities, gracefully gliding down the track; me, one handed holding onto the ropes, furiously swinging my hat in the air like a real cowboy. It felt pretty damn cool!
Ranching Activities
One of the biggest draws to Saddle Mountain Ranch is the opportunity to experience authentic Guyanese ranching life at its best. And while you’re there you’ll be able to learn from the best, because at the ranch you’re amongst cowboy royalty with Tommy and Judah.
Tommy, the former Rodeo King of Guyana, has a long history of being involved in movie productions and any cowboy / Western related content that was filmed in Guyana. With that type of pedigree it’s no surprise that Judah, his son, is currently a two time Rodeo King of Guyana himself. Not only that, but Tommy’s daughter is also a legendary barrel racer.
Ranching activities start off by learning how to throw a lasso, with a lesson in technique, as well as some attempts on a target. Don’t worry if you end up in a tangled mess of rope, or trip yourself up, we were doing plenty of that. If you’re up for it, you can take your latest skill into the corral, and test out your talents on a real life moving target.
As part of an active ranch, the herd occasionally requires some maintenance and looking after. One of these jobs is to brand the calves and to castrate the bulls. Please note that this is not a staged activity put on to appease tourists. This is just one of many everyday ranch activities that help support the livelihood of the whole ranch. Some people may feel a little uneasy about the idea of branding calves, but every person is free to choose how they want to participate.
Whether you show up at the ranch or not, these are activities are performed daily in order to maintain the herd and support the business. For anyone who considers this an act of cruelty, I’d only ask you to compare that to the lives of cattle in other parts of the world. One act of branding on a thick cow hide, ensures this cow can live in the open savannah, free from antibiotics, pesticides and enclosures. This is the real free range.
Swimming in the Creek and Eating Delicious Food
After a long day of ranching there’s nothing better than taking a short walk down to the waterhole to take a refreshing swim. Forget changing your clothes, just walk down in your filthy, sweaty clothes and jump straight into the cold water. We all took a bar of soap down and scrubbed our clothes while wearing them, before splashing about in the water and jumping off the overhanging palm tree.
After cleansing ourselves from a hard day on the ranch, that home cooked meal from Joan felt so rewarding to tuck into. Casserole, mashed potatoes, rice, beans, veggies and so much more delicious food. If you’re a meat eater you can eat the beef straight off the ranch, where it doesn’t get more sustainable than that. Everyday we were on the ranch Joan and the kitchen crew whipped up some amazing food. There was a selection of fishes, chicken and beef, always accompanied by huge platters of sides and ice cold jugs of fresh lemonade and fruit juices.
Kayaking on the Takutu River
After five days of hardcore adventure travel in Guyana, we didn’t think this trip could get anyone more jam packed until we finished the trip with a kayak down the Takutu River. On the last day we traveled on the vehicles out to a section of the Takutu River, which works as the border between Guyana and Brazil.
Even though we were running out of time, Ian wanted to give us a taste of the kayaking trips he offers. We only hit the water for a few hours, but usually Ian offers multi-day, even multi-week, trips that venture deep into the pristine rainforest and jungle.
The ATVs and 4x4s stopped at a spot along the river and we unloaded the inflatable kayaks. After a brief, yet concise, demonstration we set off on preparing our kayak. We lugged them down to the river and docked them along the bank. Across the width of the river we could see Brazil, so Chris and I took this opportunity to swim across to the other side for a laugh.
After launching our kayaks onto the river we paddled along for the next couple of hours, stopping a couple of times along sand banks to take in the scenery and chat with local fisherman from both sides of the river. Even in these few hours we got a sense of how awesome an adventure along the rivers would be.
Picture this, each night, deflating the kayak, walking into the jungle to set up camp for the night, experiencing the real jungle, before doing it all again the next day. It’s on those sorts of trips that Ian told us we’d be likely to encounter Guyana wildlife like anacondas, jaguars, pumas, ocelots and the other cat species found in the jungle.
After deflating the kayaks and jumping on the bikes for an hour we arrived back in Lethem. Dusty, dirty but definitely not defeated, we sat around at the Takutu Hotel with a cold beer and reflected on what an incredible six days we just had.
Between six professional travelers and bloggers, we all agreed that this trip was one of the most authentic adventure experiences we’d had in a long time. No fancy hotels or meals, no private transport, no guides holding your hands, just pure exploration like the old days. So, who’s ready for an adventure?
Traveling to Guyana
Located in the northeast corner of South America, Guyana is a little harder to get to than other more popular hotspots on the continent, but once you’re there it’s definitely worth it. Traveling overland to Guyana is difficult, as it borders Venezuela to the left, which isn’t the safest country to travel through at the moment. To the east and south it borders Brazil and Suriname, but the easiest way to enter Guyana is by air.
Cheap flights to Guyana can be found if you book ahead of time, with Caribbean Airlines being the major airline that flies into Georgetown. A lot of flights to Guyana from the US go through New York or connect through Florida on your way past other Caribbean countries.
Guyana Packing List
The key to adventuring in Guyana is to pack light, as you’re often going to be carrying a lot of your gear with you. Lightweight, quick dry clothes are key, as well as things that are going to protect you from the elements and bugs. Here’s a list of our top things to pack for Guyana adventure travel.
Long sleeved microfibre top – I wore this everyday, literally! The long sleeve is key, as it keeps the sun off you during those long days on the ATV and horses. It’s also good to defend yourself against the bugs.
Brim hat – Another thing to protect your head and face from the intense sun! It’s absolutely brutal out there, and without a good hat you’re gonna get burnt.
Buff – When you’re tearing up the track on the ATV you’ll need something to cover your mouth. A scarf or Buff works great. It also keeps the sun off your face.
Hiking boots – For this trip they weren’t super essential, but you will need them if you go deeper into the jungle and do more trekking.
LifeStraw – We take our LifeStraws Go bottles absolutely everywhere, because when you’re out in the middle of nowhere, the one thing you need to survive is safe drinking water!
Sunglasses – Get yourself a good pair of sunglasses, because between the dust and the sun you’re going to need eye protection. We always recommend SunGod glasses, because they’re basically indestructible. And believe us, we’ve put them to the test!
Thanks to all the amazing people at the Guyana Tourism Authority for making this trip happen! Everything about this trip was incredible and I can’t wait to visit again. Thanks also goes to Caribbean Airlines for helping assist with flights, and Inmarsat Global for keeping us connected, even in the middle of nowhere! As always, all opinions are my own and I would never recommend a destination I didn’t truly believe in.
Mexico is famous for its turquoise blue coastline in the east and rugged beaches in the west, but outdoor lovers might find that the southernmost region of Mexico, the state of Chiapas, is where the real adventure is. Traveling into Chiapas you can start to see the landscape changing, from the dry desert Mexico is known for, to a much more lush, tropical jungle.
We recently visited Chiapas with the team at LifeStraw, the water filtration company that is helping support safe drinking water around the world. The first half of our week was spent installing their LifeStraw Community water filters at rural schools that don’t have access to safe drinking water. It was an incredible project to help document, so be sure to check out our article and video recapping that program!
The rest of our week was spent putting their consumer water filters and bottles to the test around Chiapas! From jungle hikes and river rafting, to scaling ancient Mayan ruins and exploring the contemporary towns. Being able to fill up our bottles at any stream, lake, bathroom sink, and yes, puddle, without the risk of getting sick was so easy!
Here are some of our favorite locations for adventure travel in Chiapas, Mexico:
Adventure Travel in Mexico, watch our video below!
Palenque Mayan Ruins
Whether you’re a history buff or not, the Mayan ruins of Palenque are an absolute cannot miss in Chiapas. These ruins date back to the 7th century and saw the rise and fall of many prolific rulers along the way. While not as big as neighboring ruins like Tikal, there’s still so much to see at Palenque.
Climb the start of the Temple of the Red Queen and wander inside the dark passageways, imagining what it was like for explorers to unearth this for the first time. Next, climb to the top of El Palacio to get an amazing view of the Temple of Inscriptions, which stands over 27 meters high and runs 42 meters deep into the ground!
Around the backside of the archeological site And they believe only 10% has been uncovered, which means over 1000 ruins are likely buried far into the jungle!
We’re not normally tour people, but we really recommend hiring a local guide to take you around the site. These ruins are visually spectacular, but learning about the history of the civilization that ruled here is what really makes it interesting. If you want to do a little homework beforehand, NOVA by PBS has an amazing program on how historians cracked the code of Mayan hieroglyphs and were able to piece together a timeline of the civilization’s history. You can read more about that here: Cracking the Maya Code.
At Palenque, Jules also had a great opportunity to test out the original LifeStraw by taking a drink from one of the muddy puddles on top of the ruins. Needless to say he got some odd looks, but he was also the most hydrated out of the group as Palenque is HOT and doesn’t have many places to fill up safe drinking water.
Agua Azul
Agua Azul is a series of stunning waterfalls about 80 miles from San Cristobal de las Casas. It’s best to visit this site in the dry season, when the water is at its bluest. During this time the high mineral content of the water causes limestone deposits on the rock below, creating a bright shade of blue across the water.
Because of the relatively low slope of the falls, small pools form that you can swim in, or simply laze about for an afternoon. If you’re not looking to get wet, there’s a path you can follow up the side of the waterfall to reach or stunning views.
Misol Ha
This impressive solo waterfall in the Chiapas region is 35 meters high. You can swim in the murky waters below but don’t get to close to the falls, there’s a lifeguard on duty who isn’t afraid to blow his whistle! There’s a cave system behind the waterfall so you can actually walk along the path and feel the spray from just a couple meters away.
If you continue until the end of the rocky path, you’ll find a small cave. Just inside the cave is a man renting flashlights for 10 pesos and beyond him, at the back of the cave are….bats! Lots and lots of bats! If you have any sort of fear of these nocturnal creatures, I would avoid it. But if you’re chill with bats, head back and enjoy the cool, dark cave!
Lacanja River Rafting
Before we went on our river rafting trip, the excursion was described to us as a lazy day floating down the river, with no actual rapids. While it’s true that we didn’t come across any “rapids”, we did have to contend with small waterfalls that sent us bounding down the river. And it was an absolute blast!
We went cruising down the Lacanja River with our local guides who were fearless in navigating the 2-3 meter drops. We ended up with a mouthful of water and I ended up in Jules’ lap at one point, but it was so worth it. During the quiet parts of the river, it was lovely to kick back and feel completely enveloped by the trees and wild plants around us.
After the river we went on a walk through the jungle, stopping by a small ruin that seemingly came out of nowhere. Our guides called it part of la Cuidad Perdida, which means ‘The Lost City’. In the middle of literally nowhere, it’s easy to see how they city was lost. It was an awesome reminder that ruins like these are hidden all over.
After finishing our tour with the guides we had a hilarious exchange where we gifted them a couple of LifeStraw products to try out and keep. They were extremely hesitant to try them out, but after seeing us use them in the river they gave it a shot. They were really surprised that the water tasted just like ‘normal’ water and especially interested in know it was now filtered and safe to drink.
Yaxchilan Ruins
The only way to get to these off-the-beaten track ruins is by boat, which just adds to the adventure. You’ll board the boat at Frontera Corozal and ride along the Usumacinta River, which acts as the border between Mexico and Guatemala. The boat ride takes about half an hour, but try not to sleep, because there’s plenty to see along the way. Aside from the gorgeous tropical landscape, you may get lucky and see a cayman or two lounging on the riverbed.
Once you arrive at the dock, its a short walk past the entrance to get to the ruins. Yaxchilan are some of our favorite ruins in southern Mexico, because you really do feel like Indiana Jones trekking through the jungle and coming across a clearing of incredible stone structures.
There are three main areas of structures, the first of which has a maze-like interior that is full of bats! The entire site is lush and green. At the top of the trees you can watch spider monkeys swing from branch to branch and hear the howler monkeys defending their territory with dinosaur-like screams.
This is just a short list of all the adventure activities in Chiapas you can do. Our guides in the Lancandon region also told us about overnight excursions through the jungle that require machate-ing your way through the brush. We’ll definitely be back!
What to Pack for an Adventure in Mexico
LifeStraw Filter or Bottle– Not only do you help reduce your single-use plastic for the environment, but you can also fill up wherever the adventure takes you. Stopped off at a dirty looking bathroom? Only got a muddy puddle in front of you? You’ll never get caught out without access to safe drinking water when you’ve got your LifeStraw product.
Plus, more importantly, for every LifeStraw product sold, the company donates one year of safe drinking water to a child in need. This program has singlehandedly provided tens of thousands of children in rural areas with safe drinking water, and was the whole reason we were down in Mexico to begin with!
Mosquito Repellent– If you’ve got sweet blood, the mosquitos are going to find you! Those buggers are out in the jungle in full force!
NO-AD SPF50 Sunscreen – Most of these adventure activities have you in the sun for hours. When you’re walking up and down the ruins at Palenque, exploring the ground, there is very little shade cover. Avoid getting burnt like toast! We’ve always used NO-AD sunscreen because it’s extremely affordable and works exactly like the expensive sunscreens.
Lightweight Pants – Travel pants may not be the most Instagrammable item of clothing you own, but they’ll save you from bug bites and scratches from brush in the jungle. They’re light, fold up small and also dry quickly. They really are the most practical item of clothing to travel with, even if they can be a bit bland.
Lonely Planet Mexico – Why stop at visiting Chiapas? Mexico is an incredible country with an infinite amount of places to visit. From the beautiful beaches of the Yucatan peninsula to the incredible cuisine of Oaxaca, Mexico has it all!
Travel Adapter – Most US based cords will work in Mexico, but sometimes you’ll only find the two prong outlets which won’t work for computer chargers, etc. The all-in-one adapters work particularly well because they also have USB outlets, so you can charge multiple devices at once. We’ve traveled with a few of this brand and have never had any problems.
Travel Insurance! – If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a thousand times. You never know what’s going to happen out there, and you don’t want to blow your savings because you weren’t prepared. Get travel insurance! It has saved our butts a number of times over the years! From a lost camera in Indonesia, to Christine being hospitalized with dengue fever in Cuba.