A practical first-time visitor guide to visiting Chichen Itza from Cancun, based on my own Mexico journey. Includes transportation options, what to see, day trip tips, Cancun ideas, and honest travel advice.

Some places feel familiar before you even arrive. For me, Rio de Janeiro was one of those places. Before visiting Brazil, I already had the classic image in my mind: Christ the Redeemer standing above the city with open arms, Copacabana Beach curving along the coast, Sugarloaf Mountain rising from the sea, and Rio’s dramatic mountains surrounding everything like a natural amphitheater. But seeing Rio in person felt different. It was not just about checking off a famous landma

Introduction: Finally Seeing Machu Picchu in Real Life Machu Picchu was one of those places I had seen so many times in photos, documentaries, postcards, and travel videos that it almost felt unreal. It was always there in my mind as one of the dream destinations — ancient stone terraces sitting high in the Andes, wrapped in clouds, mystery, and history. But seeing it in real life was different. It was not just about reaching a famous landmark. It was about the long journey t

Introduction Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was one of those Caribbean trips that felt beautiful, unpredictable, and very real. It was not the most polished island experience. It was not the easiest trip either. There were winding roads, closed attractions, a volcano covered in fog, a stressful ferry experience with our rental car, and the quiet reality of traveling during Holy Week. But honestly, that is what made this trip memorable. We visited Saint Vincent and the Grena

St. Lucia was one of those Caribbean islands I had always dreamed of visiting, mostly because of one image: the Pitons rising dramatically from the sea. But what I did not expect was how adventurous, scenic, and slightly chaotic the trip would feel once I actually arrived. The drive from the airport to Soufrière alone already felt like an adventure. The road was long, winding, and honestly, it almost made me puke. But once the mountains, coastline, and rainforest started appe

Costa Rica was one of the most unforgettable stops during my one-month journey through Central America. After traveling through cheaper countries in the region, Costa Rica immediately felt different. It was greener, more organized in many ways, more developed for tourism, and honestly, more expensive than I expected. But it was also one of those places where nature feels alive everywhere — misty mountains, volcano views, waterfalls, cloud forests, hanging bridges, hot springs

Nicaragua was one of those countries that quietly surprised me. Before visiting, I knew it as the “land of lakes and volcanoes,” but I did not fully understand how much adventure, history, color, and raw beauty this Central American country could offer in just a few days. During our January 2025 Central America trip, we explored two of Nicaragua’s most beautiful and interesting cities: León and Granada. This trip gave us a little bit of everything: colonial streets, local foo

A personal El Salvador travel guide based on my journey through Suchitoto and El Cuco, featuring pupusa making, indigo dyeing, colonial streets, Lago Suchitlán, peaceful beach days, and practical tips for first-time visitors.

From crossing into Guatemala from Belize to exploring Flores, visiting Tikal, walking through Antigua, and hiking Acatenango, this Guatemala itinerary shares my real route, practical tips, and unforgettable travel experiences.

Belize was the first stop of my one-month journey across Central America, and even though I only had a short time there, it gave me a beautiful introduction to the region. It was not the kind of trip where I tried to see everything. It was more of a quick but meaningful stop — a mix of city walks, island life, snorkeling, local food, cold beer by the water, and that nervous excitement of starting a much longer backpacking journey. As a Filipino passport holder, Belize also re

A practical first-time visitor guide to visiting Copán Ruins in Honduras, including how to get there, what to see, where to stay, a suggested 3-day itinerary, and personal tips from my Central America journey.

Hey!have you heard a place called Tulum in Mexico?

Some countries are planned months ahead. Others quietly appear in the middle of a journey, almost like a bonus chapter. That was Panama for me. After finishing the Colombian part of my trip, I was flying back to the Caribbean when I realized that Panama sat perfectly along the route. Instead of treating it as just another transit point, I decided to make the most out of my stopover and turn it into a short but meaningful travel experience. Panama had always intrigued me. It s

Stranded in Rio: A Passport to Adventure January 13th, a day etched in memory, not for the golden beaches I left behind in Copacabana or the buzzing anticipation of reaching Colombia, but for a twist I didn't see coming. As I bid goodbye to the vibrant Rio de Janeiro from the GIG airport, bound for Bogota, an unexpected bump appeared on my journey's radar. Unknown to me, a unique requirement - the yellow fever vaccine - was essential for travelers from Brazil to Colombia, bes

The Heartbeat of Bolivia: An Odyssey into Salar de Uyuni January 5 dawned bright and promising, a hint of what was to come in what was one of the most anticipated days of my life. Bolivia, with its mysterious landscapes and cultural richness, had been calling out to me for the longest time. And today, I was about to venture into its crown jewel - the vast expanse of Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat on the face of the Earth. The Salar de Uyuni is not just a salt flat; it'

Journey into Night: From Copacabana to El Alto's Heights January 3:To Lapaz Evening approached, casting its golden hue over Copacabana's emblematic "White Anchor." My morning was graced by the thrill of a hike, and now, with that same fervor, I stood ready for the next phase of my Bolivian adventure. The bus, booked seamlessly through Peru Hop, arrived right on time at 5 pm, beckoning us travelers to embark on our journey to the unparalleled altitudes of La Paz. As the road

My Bolivian Adventure: Crossing Borders and Discovering Copacabana January 2nd began with a sense of anticipation and wanderlust, as I bid farewell to the picturesque town of Puno, Peru. The journey ahead? A thrilling bus ride with Peru Hop, alongside fellow travelers, each brimming with their own tales and excitement. Our compass pointed firmly towards Bolivia, with the charming town of Copacabana awaiting us on the other side. Copacabana, not to be confused with its Brazili

"Unveiling Bali: An Unforgettable Journey Through the Island of the Gods" In the waning days of 2018, I made a pivotal decision, one that would set my course toward an incredible adventure across Southeast Asia. The bustling city of Manila, Philippines served as my launch pad, from where I embarked on this journey, breathing in the anticipation that hung heavy in the air. The thrust of the plane's engines mirrored the excitement in my veins as we took off towards our first st

Singapore: Unveiling Wonders in a City of the Future December 9,2018.When a thirst for adventure whisked me away from the heart of the...

Tales of Kuala Lumpur: Exploring Malaysia's Treasures Day 1: Arrival in Kuala Lumpur As the plane touched down in Kuala Lumpur, I could...

"Making the Most of a Layover: My Quick Getaway to Taiwan" #travelblog #filipinoarchitect #architect #wanderlust #solotraveller #taiwan #...

My First time New york experience

"Lost in Time: A Vibrant Journey Through the Streets of Havana" #CUBA #havanacuba #filipinotraveller #cubatravel #architect #wanderlust #solotraveller Cuba Travel:The Beginning of the journey My journey began with obtaining a Cuban visa from the Embajada de Cuba in Mexico City. From my hotel in the Colonial Zone, I embarked on a memorable pink taxi ride, paying 50 pesos for the one-way trip. The morning sun illuminated the vibrant streets as we made our way to the embassy. La

"From Ancient Ruins to Tropical Shores: My Epic Mexico Journey Pt1" #MEXICO #mexicotravel #travelblog #filipinotraveller #architect...