El Remate was the gateway village to visit the ruins of Tikal. This Mayan architecture is notable for its size and some unique building features. The most visible unique feature is the stone “crest” on the top of the main temples. Some of the temples at Tikal have been featured in many photos and even … More Guatemala- Tikal
After nearly 30 days of exploring this small country, we found that leaving Belize was a fairly simple procedure. The Belize side requires a few fees and stamps upon exit. And try as I might, I could not get the agent to smile, even though we were all speaking English. But entering Guatemala was … More Guatemala- arrival
We received an email telling us that the animal import permit was ready, so we packed up and headed for the border. As soon as we arrived a “border helper” met us and walked us through the steps. He also led the dogs, on their leashes, into the administration building and no one seemed to … More Belize- week one
After the blockades, rough highways, and jungle ruins of Chiapas we were ready to head for the touristic coastline. We arrived into the still, humidity of the city of Villahermosa (located in the state of Villahermosa) late in the evening. Our campsite for the night was a museum parking lot. We planned to tour the … More Three more Mexican states: Villahermosa, Campeche and Yucatan
The Pan-American Highway held a couple of special highway conditions. In addition to more speed bumps than any other section of roadway in Mexico, it also has terrible potholes. Not the kind that bump a tire or make you splash your coffee in your lap. But this kind: This hole has consumed over half … More Pan-American Highway to Palenque
While we were visiting San Cristobal de las Casas we took our first trip with a tour guide! We paid for a van ride and boat tour of Sumidero Canyon. The van picked us up in town and drove us about 2 hours to the boat launch area. We boarded a boat with our puffy … More San Cristobal to Palenque – Roadblock! You can’t pass by here today!
Chiapas made us feel nervous. I will not lie about this fact. When we traveled across Mexico many years ago, Chiapas was the only state where we encountered a roadblock, a detour and a feeling of uneasiness back then. It is also the state that generated a lot of negative press when we were living … More Chiapas state- A few nights in the capital, Tuxtla!
Hogar means home. Infantil means children. Hogar Infantil is a children’s home with an excellent record of success. It is not really an orphanage, as many of the children have family elsewhere. But it is a place where they are safe, cared for, fed and can form a community that feels like family. Without exception, … More Visiting an “orphanage” in Mexico- Hogar Infantil
One of the highlights of Oaxaca City for most visitors is the ruins of the Monte Alban archeological site. This is huge area located on a mountain overlooking the city. There are crowds of visitors there, because it is easy to get to. But most of the structures are closed to climbing and all of … More Ancient ruins and water frozen in time! Oaxaca part two.
This city is in an ideal climate zone. It is surrounded by lush green mountains that send gentle breezes through. It blessed with a light afternoon rain almost daily and a torrential downpour occasionally. Although the valley can also become very warm, we found it to be pleasant during our time there. And there is … More Oaxaca City, Oaxaca.