2023 Vegan Tours

As the interest in plant-based diets continues to rise, so does the demand for vegan-friendly travel options. Whether you're a long-time vegan or just looking to try something new, there are now more options than ever for vegans who want to explore the world. From vegan food and safari tours in South Africa to adventure tours in Costa Rica, there is something for everyone. 

These tours not only offer delicious plant-based meals, but also provide opportunities to learn about sustainable and ethical practices, and immerse in local cultures. This article highlights the top 10 vegan tours of 2023 that offer a unique and unforgettable vacation experience.

Vegan Food Europe Explorer (13 days)

An exciting and unique tour that takes you on a culinary journey through some of Europe's most delicious vegan food destinations. This tour is perfect for vegan foodies who want to experience the best plant-based dishes that Europe has to offer.

The tour starts in Berlin, where you will get to explore the city's vibrant vegan food scene, and then heads to Prague, where you will enjoy dinner in one of Prague's first vegan restaurants. From there, you will travel to Vienna, where you will indulge in yummy plant-based food that packs a serious sustainability punch. The tour also takes you to Budapest, where you’ll get to down goulash and cabbage rolls on an evening Danube cruise, and finally to Krakow and Warsaw, where you will get to taste some of the best vegan food in the world.

This 2023 vegan tour is planned for August 27 2023, and it's a great opportunity to experience the best of European summer, beautiful cities, culture and food. It includes accommodation, transportation, and some meals, as well as activities and experiences, but also gives you free time to explore on your own.

Why choose this tour: It doesn’t get more vegan than a tour filled with other vegans looking to experience all the culinary delights Europe has to offer. On top of this, Contiki achieved carbon neutrality in 2022 and aim to create conscious travel experiences that have positive social and environmental impacts on local communities.

Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (4 days)

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a classic and popular trek in Peru that leads to the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu. The trail is approximately 26 miles (43 km) long and takes 4 days to complete. It passes through a variety of ecosystems, including cloud forest and high Andean mountain terrain, and offers stunning views of the Andes mountains.

Along the way, hikers will pass by Incan ruins, including the Sun Gate, from where hikers have their first views of Machu Picchu. The trail culminates at the Machu Picchu citadel, which is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. 

The tour includes a guided tour of the citadel and the opportunity to explore the site on your own. It's important to note that permits are required for the Inca Trail and are often sold out months in advance, so plan accordingly.

Why choose this tour: While not a fully vegan tour, the tour operators are knowlegable in vegan diets and are happy to cater vegan versions of the Peruvian foods on offer. TreXperience is committed to sustainable tourism and seeks to minimize the environmental impact of their tours while also supporting local communities. Most importantly, you’ll find that its porters have the proper equipment and are paid fairly.

Deluxe Safari In Botswana (7 days)

A 7-day vegan safari in Botswana offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience. You will get to explore the stunning wilderness of one of Africa's most breathtaking countries, while also having the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and giraffes.

After landing in nearby Cape Town, you'll start your journey at Savute Safari camp, a beautiful wilderness area located in the Savute marsh region. This reserve is known for its exceptional animal viewing and intense predator encounters. 

After that, you'll head to Camp Okavango, where you'll have the chance to take part in water-based safaris and get close to hippos and crocs. The tour features 100% plant-based meals and snacks and includes local specialties.

Why choose this tour: You’ll get your own professional award-winning wildlife photographer on the tour to take photos of everything. You won’t need to spend precious viewing time fiddling with camera settings and changing lenses and can simply enjoy all the sights Southern Africa has to offer.

Walking in the Canadian Rockies (13 days)

This 13-day tour is a thrilling and unique way to experience the natural beauty of Canada's Rocky Mountains. The tour will take you on a journey through some of the most spectacular wilderness areas in the country, with a focus on hiking and exploring on foot. If you need a break from the standard vegan hotels and resorts, this should be exactly what you’re looking for.

You'll start your journey in the town of Banff (by way of Calgary), where you'll have the opportunity to explore Alberta's breathtaking mountain playground. From there, you'll head to the stunning Jasper National Park, where you'll hike through alpine meadows, forests, and along glistening glaciers. You'll also have the opportunity to see wildlife such as bears, moose, and mountain goats.

The tour also includes a visit to the iconic Kootenay National Park, where you'll have the chance to hike to the Kindersley-Sinclair summit and trek the scenic Stanley Glacier Trail. Along the way, you'll discover unspoilt wilderness and views of glaciers, waterfalls and jagged mountain peaks.

This tour is perfect for those who love the outdoors and want to experience Canada's Rocky Mountains in a unique and intimate way. With experienced guides leading the way, you'll be able to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region while also learning about the history, geology, and ecology of the area.

Why choose this tour: Throughout your walking adventure you’ll be in the great outdoors, enjoying hearty meals cooked and shared over a campfire. This tour is not fully vegan but most meals are prepared by your tour leader who will be able to cater for vegans using fresh local ingredients.

This year’s best vegan tours offer a wide range of experiences and destinations for those who want to explore the world while following a plant-based diet. These tours not only provide an opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the world but also offer a chance to learn about different cultures, history and local customs.

Whether you're an adventure seeker or a nature lover, there's a vegan tour out there for you. With experienced guides leading the way, you'll be able to fully enjoy your trip and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the world in a sustainable and ethical way!

Looking for more? Check out these Luxury Trips to Costa Rica.

Vegan tours - Frequently asked questions

What activities are included in a vegan tour?

A vegan tour may include activities like visiting vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes, cooking classes and demonstrations on how to prepare vegan meals, visiting farmers markets and organic food stores, learning about vegan nutrition and health and visiting animal sanctuaries and learning about animal rights in the region. Some vegan tours may also include activities such as yoga and meditation, hiking and nature walks, and cultural or historical tours that highlight the local area and its vegan-friendly options.

What vegan-friendly attractions are included in a vegan tour?

A vegan tour may include a variety of vegan-friendly attractions, depending on the tour's location and focus. Some examples of vegan-friendly attractions that may be included in a vegan tour include:

• Vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes. These may include establishments that exclusively serve vegan food, or those that offer a wide variety of vegan options alongside non-vegan options.
• Vegan grocery stores, health food stores, and farmers markets. These may include places where participants can learn about and purchase vegan-friendly products and ingredients.
• Animal sanctuaries and wildlife refuges. These may include places where participants can learn about and interact with animals in a more ethical and sustainable way, without supporting the animal agriculture industry.
• Vegan festivals, events and fairs. These may include events that celebrate the vegan lifestyle and offer various activities, such as cooking demonstrations, lectures, and product samples.
• Vegan and plant-based cooking classes and workshops. These may include classes and workshops that teach participants how to prepare vegan meals and ingredients.
• Natural and outdoor sites, such as national parks and gardens, that align with the vegan lifestyle and environmental sustainability.
• Museums and cultural sites that showcase the history and culture of the vegan and plant-based movement.

What vegan restaurants are included in a vegan tour?

Some tours will include all of your meals in the tour price while others may offer just breakfast with the opportunity to sample restaurants of your choosing.

Hey there! Just wanted to be transparent and let you know that some of the links in this blog post may be affiliate links. What does that mean? It means that if you click on one of those links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. But don't worry, it doesn't cost you anything extra! In fact, it helps support the blog and allows us to keep creating awesome content for you.

Best ATV Tours in Playa del Carmen For All Types of Travelers

As beautiful as the beaches are in Playa del Carmen, there’s a whole Mayan jungle out there on the outskirts just waiting to be explored. Playa, as the locals call it, is a playground for outdoor adventurers, and riding ATVs in Playa del Carmen is one of the most fun ways to explore.

The best part is, you can couple your ATV ride with a cenote swim, Mayan ruins, and even boat tours with the whole of the Riviera Maya on your doorstep. Read on to find out all about which ATV tours in Playa del Carmen to choose, where to book to get the best experience, and answers to any of those burning questions you might have.

ATVs Playa del Carmen

Best ATV Tour in Playa del Carmen for: Culture Lovers

Couple your adrenaline-filled adventure with the chance to fully immerse yourself in the culture of the Riviera Maya.

On this ATV tour, you’ll get to visit a local Mayan village and meet some of the local people. With the help of your guide, you’ll learn more about their culture, history, and traditions and experience life outside of the bustling tourist areas.

A swim in a private cenote is also included where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the dense Mayan jungle and cool off after your ride.

Best ATV Tour in Playa del Carmen for: Cave Exploration

Drive a shared ATV or go solo and navigate the 17-mile-long jungle route on your own. Then you’ll take your Indian Jones-style adventure to the next level by heading underground to explore a cavernous cenote.

You’ll get to learn all about how these natural sinkholes are formed and discover the amazing formations including ancient stalactites and stalagmites.

Best ATV Tour in Playa del Carmen for: Kids

While drivers need to be 16 years old and above, passengers of the ATV can be as young as 6 on this action-packed adventure tour. 

This ATV tour is also a great all-rounder that’s suitable for families as you’ll get to experience a little bit of the best the Playa del Carmen area has to offer. Soar through the trees ziplining, take part in a Mayan blessing ceremony, swim in a cenote, and of course, ride through the jungle on an ATV.

Everything happens at Emotions Native Park Adventure which is great for families as you’ll have a tour guide who will help you through all the experiences and also explain the natural sites you’ll visit along the way.

Best ATV Tour in Playa del Carmen for: A Full Day Adventure

If a simple ATV experience isn’t going to cut it, then this full-day ATV tour will have you bouncing from one thrilling experience to the next.

The list of activities is long but includes some of the best things to do in Playa del Carmen, including a challenging ropes course, thrilling zip-line circuit and a jaw-dropping bungee swing along with the chance to go off-road on a Polaris RZR buggy or speedy ATV. A light lunch is included and when you need a break from all the activities, you can indulge in a dip in a hidden, private cenote.

Best ATV Tour in Playa del Carmen for: When You’re Short On Time

This ATV tour is located just 10 minutes from Playa del Carmen and goes for a fun-filled 3-hours. You can be splashing through the jungle on a dune buggy in the morning and get back to enjoying the beaches and serenity of your resort in the afternoon.

You’ll even have time to cool down with a swim in a cenote and the chance to snorkel and check out the underground formations.

What can I pair my Playa del Carmen ATV tour with?

Save money and couple your ATV tour in Playa del Carmen with another adventure activity. Some of the best tours in the Riviera Maya are packaged together so you can get your ATV fix while also experiencing more of what the area has to offer.

Jetski + ATV tour

Get your adrenaline pumping with the ultimate speed machines from both land and sea. First, you’ll get your thrills on a WaveRunner riding through the crystal clear waters of the Mexican Caribbean and then you can explore the jungles and mangroves of Playa del Carmen by ATV.

To top it off, you’ll be located on Maroma Beach, which has been dubbed one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by The Travel Channel.

Zipline + ATV tour

Head deep into the jungle to take in the ultimate views as you fly high above the canopy on this Zipline and ATV combo tour. This activity includes one of the best ATV tours Playa del Carmen, a ride on the fastest zip line in Riviera Maya, and an authentic Mexican lunch to fuel the adventures.

Speedboat + ATV tour

Fuel your adrenaline high with the best of both land and sea. On this combo, you’ll get to challenge the waves in a speed boat and then head inland for ATVs in Playa del Carmen jungle. You’ll get 45 minutes on both as well as roundtrip transportation so you can relax on the way there and back.

Horseback riding + ATV tour

Couple your day out riding ATVs in Playa del Carmen with a more natural riding experience. You’ll get to explore the verdant area on horseback, with time to trot your way through the forest and truly take in your surroundings. Keep an eye out for monkeys winging through the trees and colorful toucans which would usually be scared off by the noise of the ATVs.

This experience is great for both experienced and novice riders, so you won’t have to worry if you’re a first-timer.

Snorkeling + ATV tour

Ride a Can-am 4X4 across the jungle to visit three extraordinary ecosystems of the Mayan world. Snorkeling is available in both an open-air and underground cenote, along with a dive in the waters of the Mexican Caribbean where you’ll get to experience the exotic marine life surrounding the area. Roundtrip transportation and lunch are also included on this ATV tour.

How much do ATV tours in Playa del Carmen cost?

Half-day tours start from $80 while full-day ATV tours start from $100 and can get up to $200 depending on inclusions.

For example, this 2.5 hour ATV Ride and Secret Caves Tour starts from $83 and includes pick-up and drop-off and a cenote swim.

While this Full-Day Selvatica Jungle Adventure Park Trip includes zip-lines, a ropes course, bungee swing, parachute jump, cenote swim, and an ATV off-road experience along with a light lunch and round-trip transport and starts from $170.

What do ATV tours in Playa del Carmen include?

Usually, you’ll get roundtrip transportation from your hotel, at least a light snack for short tours or lunch for full-day ones, water, and non-alcoholic drinks.

ATV tours also include any necessary safety equipment, goggles for dust protection, and sometimes a bandanna.

Note: If you do have any special dietary requirements, it’s a good idea to pack some snacks or a light lunch for yourself. While some tours do provide lunch, many tour operators are still not 100% across how to best cater for gluten-free or vegans in Playa del Carmen.

Where to book ATVs Playa del Carmen?

When booking a tour for myself, my go-to’s are usually Get Your Guide and Viator. With both tour booking sites, you’ll have access to reviews from past visitors, customer support, and a variety of payment options.

The best part is that you will have total flexibility as you can book now and most tours offer worry-free cancellation up to 24-hours before. So if it looks like it might rain or you’ve changed your mind and want to hang out at the pool bar instead, you’ll have the peace of mind that you can cancel if you choose.

What should I bring on an ATV tour?

What you bring along on a Playa del Carmen ATV tour will largely depend on which activities you’ll be pairing it with. In general, however, here are some of the ATV tour essentials not to forget:

• Insect repellant. The mosquitoes in the jungle can be particularly ferocious. Make sure to slop on some eco-repellant to avoid getting covered in bites.

• Water shoes or clothes-toed shoes. These aren’t the sexiest footwear but they are easy to clean and give you a bit more traction when riding through mud and water.

• Swimsuit. Many ATV tours include a trip to a cenote and after getting all hot and sweaty riding through the jungle, you won’t want to miss jumping in.

• Change of clothes. You should expect to get dirty so bring along some spare clothes to pop on after your tour.

• Towel. Likewise, you’ll want something to dry off with.

• Phone or camera with waterproof case. There’s likely to be a photographer on your tour but if you’re planning to bring your phone or camera, make sure it has the right protection.

• Cash. Most tours won’t include a tip so it’s a good idea to bring some cash along to show the tour guide your appreciation. You might also want cash to buy snacks or souvenirs.

• Reusable water bottle. The Riviera Maya is quickly becoming a very eco-friendly destination and although drinks are usually provided on these ATV tours, many will be happy to fill your bottle for you to save on plastic.

Playa del Carmen ATV tour tips

• Get as close as possible to the leader. Many of the tours will involve riding through narrow, windy jungle trails and if you’ve opted for a group tour, there will likely be at least 10 other people in your group. In the dry, winter season, you really don’t want to be at the back of the pack, blinded by all the dust that’s blown about by the riders in front of you.

• Book in advance. If you know which tour and when you’d like to go, I strongly suggest booking as soon as possible. I’m usually a fan of spontaneous travel but many of these tours are popular and can get booked out due to the limited number that can go at once.

• Save money and combine. While you don’t need to do a tour for every activity in Playa, if you are planning on doing another tour, look out for ways to combine the two together. Or, consider spending a day at one of the adventure parks, like Xplor or Xavage (my personal favorite) where you can get a chance to ride ATVs more than once if you love it.

ATVs Playa del Carmen: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do an ATV tour if I’m visiting on a cruise ship?

Your cruise is likely going to dock in Cozumel which is a 45-minute ferry ride away from Playa del Carmen. It’s certainly possible to fit in an ATV tour in Playa del Carmen but you can also find a selection of ATV tours in Cozumel that are just as fun.

What is the minimum age to ride an ATV?

Most tours will require drivers to be at least 16 years old and riders to be 6 years and older.

How many can people go in an ATV?

Some ATV tours in Playa del Carmen are designed to have just one person riding while others can have up to two people on an ATV.

When should I book my ATV tour?

ATVs Playa del Carmen are a popular tour option so you should book your tour as soon as you start planning your trip.

Playa del Carmen Vegan Guide

Whether you’re a brand new vegan in Playa del Carmen or you’ve lived here a while, there’s always something new to discover. In my four years living in Playa, I still haven’t managed to try every vegan option there is but this guide should hopefully get you started on the best of the best the Playa del Carmen vegan scene has to offer.

Read on to find out which restaurants are vegan-only, where to go to find other vegans and support the community, and where to shop to get the best produce for your own creations.

Plantivoros tacos

Vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen

These are the top vegan restaurants in Playa that only cater to vegans so you don’t need to worry about getting any surprises on your plate. Many of these restaurants are owned or run by a vegan chef, as well so when you eat here, you know you’re supporting a vegan business.

1) Plantivoros

This is currently my favorite vegan restaurant in Playa del Carmen. Plantivoros’ relaxing open-air palapa setting alone should make it to the top of any list but you’ll be happy to know that it’s run by a vegan chef who has a long history here in Playa.

On the menu, you’ll find some classic Mexican dishes that you may not otherwise be able to try including enchiladas, chile relleno, and (my personal favorite) albondigas. There’s a long menu, however, with something for everyone so it’s a great place to head back to again and again, and again so you can try it all.

If you’re feeling like a night in, Plantivoros also delivers. They use bicycle delivery as well so you don’t need to feel guilty when you’re being a little lazy.

2) The Pitted Date Vegan Restaurant

The Pitted Date is a bit of an institution here in Playa. Known for its protein bombs and vegan egg, you’ll find a wide variety of vegan eats here, whether you’re after some classic Mexican dishes or something that reminds you of home.

The Pitted Date Vegan Restaurant has been around Playa for a while but moved to its current location just a few years ago. While it’s a little bit outside of the center, it’s actually a great location for coupling with an afternoon at the beach because it’s near one of the best spots in Playa. If you’re looking for what to do in Playa del Carmen for the day, head to Coco Beach where you’ll find lots of sand to spread out on, crystal-clear water, and a more local vibe.

3) Comet 984

An oldie but a goodie, Comet 984 is one of those off-the-beaten-track treats that should be more popular. I really don’t want to ruin the surprise but this 50’s-stlye diner is all-vegan junk food goodness.

Think, thick, creamy milkshakes, hot dogs, chilly cheese fries, and a huge variety of burgers. Comet 984 has some locally-made patties but also carries some imported favorites like Gardein and Beyond. Give them a go when you’re feeling like some comfort food and keen to indulge. My top pick is the Snickers milkshake.

Smoothie bowl at Corazon Contento

4) Peace & Bowl

Tucked away inside Mercardo 30, Playa’s favorite shared eating space, Peace & Bowl is the place you go when you just want a solid vegan meal that you know won’t disappoint. They started off selling their star acai bowls at markets around the city but now the offering includes hummus bowls, salad bowls, and pizzas topped with all the good stuff.

This is a very busy location, however, so you either need to trust the gods you’ll find somewhere to sit and enjoy, grab something to go, or get it delivered. Although you will miss out on their very pretty presentation if you do.

5) Hummus - Comida Vegana

This is a relatively new entry here in Playa but Hummus has been making waves among the vegan community here. And, don’t worry. It’s not just all hummus. Although, the hummus is very good here.

You’ll find a selection of salads including a classic Israeli salad and a yummy chickpea one filled with veggies. Falafel dishes include a pita, giant hamburger, and the Imperial Plate which is stocked full of everything you could ever want in one meal. Finish your meal off with some sweet treats like a very moist tres leches cake or a selection of vegan cookies.

6) Fresco Habito

Found tucked into a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it corner of Playa, Fresco Habito has actually been around for a while. You just need to know how to find it first.

At Fresco Habito, you’ll find lots of good-for-you but great tasting choices like buddha bowls and giant smoothies packed with fresh ingredients. My obsession is their toasts topped with their house-made almond cheese. I swear, I could eat that stuff by the bucket full. There’s an extensive menu here and everything is good so I definitely recommend you stop by.

7) ARCANA restaurante

This is the newest entry to the small but mighty Playa del Carmen vegan restaurant crew. Arcana is located on the prettiest street in Playa and is a good option for breakfast or lunch.

On the menu, you’ll find a selection of wholesome milks infused with spices, fresh juices, smoothies, and even special rainwater collected from the Mayan jungle. Food-wise, there are some delicately-made dishes here that are just begging for a photo to share. Overnight oats, smoothie bowls, and the oyster mushroom spiced shawarma are all enticing.

8) Corazon Contento

This one might be a bit confusing for Playa's old-timers. Corazon Contento used to be a delivery-only service but now has a residence in Ressio Cafe. Now, with a landscaped courtyard to sit in and enjoy some of Corazon Contento’s hearty treats, there’s no excuse not to give them a shot.

Corazon Contento’s menu tends towards the street food with lots of tacos, tortas, and other Mexican specialties but if you’re looking for something a bit more healthy, they also have a variety of smoothie bowls that should hit the spot.

Need more Playa del Carmen vegan restaurants?

If eight’s not enough, check out my full list of the best vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen for more options that might not be all vegan but do have a full vegan menu or have something special to offer a Playa del Carmen vegan.

Playa del Carmen vegan stores

For when you want to cook for yourself and source the best vegan products in Playa, I’ve made a rundown of the best stores to check out. Being a vegan in Playa del Carmen doesn’t mean you have to miss out on any of your favorites back home

Mr Tofu is a staple here in Playa and any vegan will be excited with what you can find in store. From vegan meats and cheeses to ready-made foods, you’re likely to find whatever you’re looking for here. Bear in mind that they carry both local and imported goods and the imported products will fetch a similar price to what you’d find back home.

Olio Mercardo is a gem for vegans in Playa del Carmen. Besides some organic and dispensary items, you’ll find a kitchen stocked with homemade ready-made vegan meals, desserts, and even vegan pizza. The owner has a great system where if you bring the tubs back from the meals, you get a small amount off your next purchase.

Diosa Vegana is another all vegan store that stocks mostly local items. You can find ready-made snacks, protein powder, non-dairy milk, and plant-based meat replacements.

Farmer’s Market (replaced the old Clorofila) is all about vegan cheeses and dairy. They make high-quality products that are delicious and always happy to have a chat about what’s in store. You can also find a fridge stocked with other vegan goodies along with some organic produce.

Both Bio Natural and Bio Organico also have stores with predominantly vegan items. Just be mindful that some things are not vegan so you’ll need to check labels to be sure.

DAC is a fruit and vegetable store that also carries a decent amount of vegan items. Head to the back counter where half is dedicated to vegan meats and cheeses.

Panneria is a bakery that stocks vegan bread, pastries, and desserts. Similar to Olio, they have a reward system for those who bring their own containers.

The larger supermarkets also stock some vegan items and it’s worth asking what’s in store when you visit. In Mega, Wallmart, and Chedraui specifically, you can find vegan yogurt and soy chorizo as a minimum.

Playa del Carmen vegan food delivery

For those times you don’t feel like leaving the house and you want some vegan goodness delivered right to your door, Playa has actually got a lot of vegan delivery options. 

Chillin Chilakil

Just chilaquiles done very well, Chillin Chilakil offers two vegan toppings, a crispy oyster mushroom, and an al pastor. Top it all off with vegan cream and cheese and you’re in for a treat. Service is impeccable and delivery is usually super fast.

Veganons

Veganons does lunch deliveries for those after a regular healthy vegan lunch option. Menus are published the weekend before and you can pick and choose which days you’d like to order or go for the convenience of having the whole week ordered for you. I also love that they use reusable containers that you exchange at each delivery.

ALV Tacos

Solid tacos, tortas, and burritos for when you just want some comfort food delivered to your door. These guys can be a little slow but I think it’s worth the wait. Just don’t order when you’re starving!

Sushi Playa

These guys have a ton of vegan sushi offers and are willing to make any amendments that you want. Along with sushi, you’ll find a selection of noodle and rice dishes. Sushi Playa is available on the ordering apps but it’s a lot cheaper (and faster) to order direct.

Many of the restaurants mentioned above either do their own delivery or use one of Playa’s popular delivery services. Some services are app-based while a couple use Whatsapp for ordering. Here are some to try if you can’t find anything that you’re craving:

• Rappi

• Uber EatsRappi

  Uber Eats

• Playa Now

• Playita Express

Pizza at Peace & Bowl

What is hard to find as a vegan in Playa del Carmen?

While you can get most things you might need locally in town, there are some items that Playa just doesn’t have. Specialty teas, herbs, and spices can be somewhat of a bother to find.

If you’re live here or are going to be hanging out for a while, you can order from:

• Amazon.mx

• Mercardolibre (like Latin America’s Amazon)

• iHerb

I’ve ordered from all three with no issues but you should make sure you’re comfortable with how the address system works here. It can be tricky to figure out for newcomers to Playa but if you’re staying in a condo with security or reception, you should be fine.

Vegan in Playa del Carmen wishlist

If you’re still on your way to Playa, here are some suggestions of things you might want to bring with you as they are either hard to find or lots more expensive:

• Nutritional yeast

• Vegan siracha

• Gluten-free items

• Matcha powder

• Mineral makeup

• Spelt flour

Vegan Playa del Carmen resources

Playa has a very active vegan community that is very passionate about fostering one of the best places to live as a vegan. To help get you started, here are some key resources where you can meet other vegans and find out about what’s happening in the community.

Playa del Carmen vegan communities

If you’ve got some free time on vacation or are keen to strengthen your ties to the community of vegans in Playa, you can’t look past Casa Animal. It’s Playa’s first community center for animal lovers that often hosts workshops, information nights, and fun events to promote animal welfare. Check out its Facebook page for the latest on cooking classes, movie nights, and other fun activities that happen regularly here.

For those who will be in town for a while and would like to get more involved with the community, you can join the Playa del Carmen vegan Telegram group. A great place to organise meet-ups with other vegans, ask any burning questions, and find out the latest events.

Vegan Playa del Carmen Facebook groups

It’s usually quicker to ask any questions in the Telegraph group but, for more of a wider reach, these Facebook groups have hundreds of members who can help:

• Vegan Playa

• Vegan in Playa del Carmen

• Veganos en Playa del Carmen (mostly Spanish but great for keeping up with events)

Playa del Carmen vegan accommodation guide

Maybe when you think of all inclusives, you think of sun-burnt tourists overindulging in both food and drinks. Luckily, Sandos Caracol Eco Resort is a bit of an oasis in the resort world here and it’s one of my favorite places to stay. Sandos’ emphasis on “eco” can be seen in the restaurants, bars, and entertainment. From the natural cenotes you can swim in to the jungle walks lining the property, Sandos Caracol is a treat.

It used to have a vegan restaurant on site but now it’s gone one step further and has a separate vegan menu for each one of its seven restaurants. The best part about the change is that you can join your friends or family at any of the restaurants (even the steakhouse) and still get to have a great dinner.

Read reviews of Sandos at TripAdvisor or get booking details here.

What else would you like to see?

I’ll keep adding to this Playa del Carmen vegan guide as I discover new options but if you have any questions or notice any changes, please let me know in the comments below.

Best vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen

I’ve been living in Playa del Carmen for four straight years now and vacationing here for many years before. It’s possibly one of the most vegan-friendly places to visit and its strongest attraction is that you can easily find vegan versions of local cuisine.

Saying that, if you’re new in town or just new to being vegan, it can be tough to figure out where to eat in Playa del Carmen and that's where I come in!

This list of the best vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen are either all-vegan or very vegan-friendly and as you can see there are a lot of options. It’s a veg fest over here! Plus, these are just the ones I’ve tried personally or those that consistently make the lists of the best food in Playa del Carmen so it will be great to hear of any great ​​vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen that you find in the comments.

Fresco Habito

Vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen

These are the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen that only serve vegan food. So no meat, dairy or other nasties are on the menu at all. 

Note: I’ve kept the opening hours vague because restaurants in Playa del Carmen tend to open and close when they want and it’s common to turn up somewhere, only for them to still be closed half an hour after opening time. Check out the restaurant’s Facebook for the most up-to-date times (or when they’ve decided to take a cheeky day off).

1) The Pitted Date Vegan Restaurant

This is my number one choice when it comes to places to eat in Playa del Carmen. I take all my guests here, vegan or not and it doesn’t fail to impress. It can get a little pricey but if you stick to local options like my favorite — chilaquiles — it’s actually on par with most places.

A lot of menu items are made in-house and are freshly prepared including the vegan egg, cakes and sauces. I think everything is good on the menu but usually stick to the all-day breakfast options where you can have indulgent items like the french toast made with a French-style brioche, the croissant sandwich or the croque monsieur. There are also tons of healthy options for when you want something light.

Note: They do tend to run out of items and service can be slow so I wouldn’t suggest the Pitted Date if you’re super hungry or in a hurry.

Open: Breakfast, lunch, and an early dinner

The Pitted Date menu - Website - Facebook

2) Plantivoros

Probably the best vegan restaurant in Playa right now, Plantivorous has a varied menu of Mexican classics like tacos, enchiladas, tortas along with lots of healthy eats made vegan.

Plantivoros is located in a breezy open-air setting in a small cafe a short walk outside of the tourist zone. Bright murals, enticing eats and warm service make it worth the trip.

Honestly, I tend to either eat in or get delivery here at least once a week now and I can say with my hand on my heart that vegan food in Playa del Carmen doesn’t get any better than this.

Open: Lunch and dinner

Instagram

3) Comet 984

This Playa restaurant is a fun place to visit even if you’re not vegan. Vegan junk food served in a 50’s diner with burgers, hot dogs and corn dogs featuring prominently. Give their Snickers a milkshake a try and you’ll see why I avoid this place like the plague. That thing is way too good and I still need to fit into a swimsuit occasionally.

Open: Lunch and dinner (closed Sunday)

Facebook

4) Peace & Bowl

This is a tiny, little, colourful spot in the back of Mercardo 30 that does bowls — smoothie bowls, salad bowls and (my favourite) hummus bowls — toasts with delicious toppings, juices, smoothies and desserts. Everything is super fresh and homemade and the presentation is beautiful.

Open: Breakfast and lunch

Peace & Bowl menu - Facebook

5) Fresco Habito

I am not a fan of this place but it is very popular and might be worth a try for you if you are nearby. They have multiple locations along the Riviera Maya and do juices, smoothies, toasts and bowls. Much the same offering as Peace & Bowl so if you wanted to support a small, local business with a lot of heart, I’d head there instead.

Open: Breakfast and lunch

Facebook

Vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes in Playa del Carmen

These are also great places to eat in Playa del Carmen that are either mostly vegetarian or have clear vegan options on the menu.

Bio-Organicos

Another personal favourite, this quiet spot off Fifth Avenue is mostly vegetarian with eggs on the menu. Most things are vegan, though, or your can easily veganize it. The food style feels very much like home cooking and I often come here when I’m seeking some comfort food.

There is also a mid-size health food store attached with some vegan options on offer.

Open: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Facebook

La Ceiba de la 30

A small cafe located inside of DAC fruit and vegetable shop that serves up healthy and affordable juices and smoothies along with a bunch of vegetarian and vegan dishes. These are in my top two places to get chilaquiles in Playa (along with The Pitted Date). Make sure you tell them you’re vegan so they can eliminate the cream and cheese.

Open: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Trujillos

Creative cocktails, a lively atmosphere and Mexican food like you’ve never tried before. What more could you need? Trujillos is a fun place for cocktails and appetisers or for a sit down meal on my favourite street in Playa del Carmen, Calle 38. After your visit, make sure to head down to the beach for a stroll in the sand.

Open: Dinner

Trujillos menu - Facebook - Website

Bio-Natural

Popular enough to have two locations, this Playa restaurant is all vegetarian with clearly-marked vegan options. There is a huge variety to choose from with Mexican specialties along with international favourites and the large store inside is stocked with vegan goodies along with health and wellness products.

Open: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Bio-Natural menu - Facebook - Website

Piola

Another favourite on Calle 38, Piola is all about Italian food. The best part is, they have vegan cheese and tons of veggie options to choose from. Regular specials keep me coming back for more including their 2 for 1 margaritas on Thursday night.

Open: Brunch, lunch and dinner

Piola menu - Facebook - Website

Eat Bar

A small restaurant close to the centre of the city who understands vegan well. They have really tasty falafel pitas, hummus and a Beyond Burger option. Vegetarians can try the shakshuka or omelette baguettes.

Open: Late breakfast, lunch and dinner

Facebook

Uno Japanese

If you’re craving Asian food in Playa, you’re likely to find a giant sea of sub par sushi and a few Thai options. Uno opened last year with a refreshing change to the scene and, thankfully, tond of vegan options on the menu. I’m a big fan of the ramens, gyoza, bao and dumplings.

Open: Lunch and dinner

Facebook

Po Thai

Clearly-labelled vegan options are on the menu and the staff are eager to tailor dishes to meet most dietary requirements.

Ojo de Agua

One of the most popular restaurants Playa del Carmen, Ojo de Agua has big fresh juices and smoothies with delightful combinations, huge sandwiches that come with an equally large salad and super creative breakfast options. Definitely worth a visit at least once!

Open: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Facebook

Falafel Nessya

If you’re craving falafel, this is the place to come. They’ve got falafel pitas and hummus and that’s about it. They obviously stick to what they know and it shows.

Open: Lunch and dinner

Facebook

Jonny Como Pizza

While many of the vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen serve their own version of pizza, if you’re craving the real thing, make a beeline for Jonny Como. Or better yet, give them a call and get them to deliver it. It’s one of the best vegan pizza Playa del Carmen options and they really understand what vegans do and don’t need.

Open: Lunch and dinner

Facebook

Fresco Habito

Chez Celine

A French cafe that’s great for breakfast, brunch and delicious vegan treats. Try their vegan omelettes, baguettes, salad bowl and parfaits. Check out the bakery inside for take away options and vegan pastries. Service is friendly and super quick.

Open: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Website - Facebook - Chez Celine menu

Choux Choux Cafe

Another French cafe that has some big fans in Playa and I can see why. It’s in a great location, there are some creative vegan options on the menu and the coffee is really good. 

Vegan waffles, omelettes and tartines are all served with a French touch. Service is usually awful here, though so make sure you’ve got some time to kill when you visit. You’ve been warned.

Open: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Facebook

Choux Choux Cafe Vegan Molettes

Les Amis

If you’ve got some time on your hands, and I mean at least 20 minutes, this is a tasty sandwich spot where you can customise your fillings. The owner is super friendly and always up for a chat and he’s also got some yummy juices, smoothies and mostly vegetarian breakfast options as well.

Casa Sofia

A lively Italian restaurant with almost nightly events, Casa Sofia offers several vegan options including some of the best vegan pizza in Playa del Carmen, several vegan pastas, and even some appetisers.

Restaurant Nativo

This one makes the list because of its super cheap smoothie options. A one litre cup of whatever fruit and vegetable combination you can think up is just $40 and there are a whole lot of options. The downside is that takeaways are served in a styrofoam cup so bring along your own container if you’re going to grab one on the go.

Xquitelicious

A bit out of town but worth it if you’re keen to try the popular Mexican street food of esquites. Esquites are traditionally made with a base of sauteed mature corn and topped with a combination of lime juice, hot sauce, chile powder and mayonnaise.

Xquitelicious offers a vegan alternative with fresh corn, sauteed organic tofu, mushrooms, grated vegan cheese, toasted pumpkin seeds and roasted garlic vegan mayo. My mouth is watering just thinking about.

Open: Lunchish

Facebook

Vegan enchiladas - La Cueva Del Chango

La Cueva del Chango

This is one of the best vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen that isn’t actually vegan! At La Cueva del Chango you’ll find a full-page vegan menu filled with Mexican specialties like chilaquiles, enchiladas, and sopes along with a ton of other options. The vegan plate gives you the chance to try a variety of their yummy fillings and the fresh juices (or a margarita or two) are a great way to round off your meal.

Moshe Cube

If you’re craving falafel or hummus, this is my current go to. Bonus points for being fast and very filling.

Sakura Ramen

Very new on the scene, these guys pump out traditional ramen with a big smile and have a vegan option on the menu.

Open: Lunch and dinner

Facebook

Las Hijas de las Tostadas

There are three of these guys in Playa and I’m a big fan. Especially when you’re dining with seafood-loving friends because there are plenty of choices on the menu for vegans. You’ll find hot and cold tostada options and a portobello burger (minus the cheese) plus lots of yummy cocktails.

Open: Lunch and dinner

Website - Facebook

Vegan stores in Playa del Carmen

Mr Tofu

Some say it’s the most pricey place to buy vegan products but it’s certainly the most vegan grocery in Playa del Carmen. Everything in store is vegan and you’ll find tons of vegan meats, cheeses, convenience meals and beauty products.

Website - Facebook

DAC Playa del Carmen

When looking for any hard to find ingredients, most people will point you in the direction of DAC. A large selection of market fresh fruits and vegetables, international grocery items, vegan cheeses and meats and spices, nuts and other goodies you can purchase by weight.

Website - Facebook

Vegan bakeries in Playa del Carmen

Basic Foodie

A cafe as well as a bakery, you’ll find vegan loafs, bagels, cookies, mollettes, savory and sweet toasts, desserts.

Open: All day Monday to Friday and for breakfast and lunch on the weekend

Website - Facebook

Shoebox bakery

Vegan cupcakes and cakes are on offer at this adorable bakery in the centre of town.

Open: All day Monday to Saturday

Facebook - Website

Panneria

All sorts of tasty treats including breakfast, lunch and a ton of bakery items.

Open: All day Monday to Saturday

Facebook

Das Brot

A popular German bakery which has a handful of vegan loaves and yummy granola.

Open: All day Monday to Friday and until 2pm on Saturday

Facebook

Carlotta Home Bakery

A smaller selection of vegan goodies than the rest but they do have salads, sandwiches and fresh juice also on hand. If you’re in the market for any reusable coffee or tea mugs, cute tea cups and other adorable odds and ends then they’re worth a peek.

Open: Breakfast and lunch

Facebook

Vegan burgers in Playa del Carmen

These Playa del Carmen burger restaurants all offer at least one veggie burger option on the menu. Make sure you advise that you are actually vegan as standards can be a bit lax when it comes to burger spots.

• 3XL Burger: There are four veggie and vegan options and you can customise your burger

• Branton Burger: A more local spot that was one of the first to offer a veggie option with a Portobello burger. Now you can also get one made with Beyond meat

• Mu Burgerhouse: This is a popular burger restaurant but the ‘No Como Carne’ is just vegetarian sadly

• ALV Tacos: Along with tacos and tortas, ALV Tacos has some great vegan burgers with some interesting twists.

• Mamalonas Burgers: A decent selection of tasty vegan and vegetarian burgers.

Beach bars in playa del carmen

One of the great pleasures of living by the beach is grabbing a bite to eat with your feet in the sand. The following beach bars have at least a couple of vegan offerings:

• Lido Beach Club: This is my favorite beach bar with comfy beds that you can spend all day laying out on. There are nice big fresh juices and smoothies to drink and for eating you’ve got a whole bunch of vegan options including a cauliflower and mango ceviche, fajitas, tacos, nachos and chilaquiles with jackfruit, mushrooms, and other yummy toppings. They also have vegan cheese that you can add to everything.

• Mamitas Beach Club: One of the fancier beach clubs and possibly the most well-known, you’ll have to pay a fee to use the beds here. On the menu, you’ll find a couscous or quinoa salad and a vegan burger.

• Fusion Beach Bar: Fusion is known for its nightly fire show at 11pm. Definitely worth a visit and you only really need to grab a drink and chair to see the show. If you’re hungry, though, vegan options include baba ganoush, hummus, falafel, guacamole, a few salads, a veggie burrito (minus the cheese), and a couple of pastas. They also usually have some live music going.

• Zenzi: Breakfast is your best bet here when you can find fruit salad or chilaquiles without the cheese and cream. After breakfast, you’ve got guacamole and nachos minus the cheese. What they’re lacking in food options, they make up for with live music and regular salsa nights throughout the week.

Vegan delivery services

One positive that came out of the pandemic that shall not be named was the rise of in-home vegan delivery services. Now you can sit back and order vegan junk food, vegan versions of Mexican meals and healthy vegan choices all from your phone. No pants required!

Here are some of my favourites:

• Chillin Chilaqil

• Vegan On

• Pichis

• Corazon Contento

• La Tamaleria

• Vegan Rock

• Hecho Con Love

• Lusanti

• Gourmet Hummus

• Playa Pop

Vegan Playa del Carmen tips

• Portions tend to be on the large side, presumably to cater to the American tourists, so I like to carry a small Tupperware container with me for the inevitable leftovers. Most places on this list will have environmentally friendly containers but it’s still a great idea to reduce waste where you can.

• Most coffee shops in Playa have at least one non-dairy milk option, usually an almond, coconut, or soy milk.

• Unless you’re in one of the specific vegan or vegetarian restaurants, make sure to highlight that you’re vegan and what you don’t want to eat. While Playa is a very vegan-friendly place, mistakes do still happen, especially if you happen to get a new employee.

Plantivoros tacos

Vegan Playa del Carmen resources

• Read my full Playa del Carmen Vegan Guide for more on where to shop as well as all the necessary vegan Playa del Carmen tips and resources

• Happy Cow is a great tool here

• Kay Tours is a sustainable ecotourism company that offers small-group and private tours in Playa del Carmen and are happy to cater to vegan travelers. (website: www.kay.tours) 

Facebook groups to join for all Playa del Carmen food love

• Vegan Playa

• Vegan in Playa del Carmen

• Veganos en Playa del Carmen (mostly Spanish but great for keeping up with events)

Share your favorite vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen

Now that you can see all of my favorite vegan food Playa del Carmen, it’s time to share your own! Whether you’re visiting or live here, there’s plenty to discover as a vegan in Playa del Carmen with new options popping up every day. If you notice any changes or you find a new gem, please share your vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen that you find in the comments below. Happy eating!

What to do in Playa del Carmen (A Local's Perspective)

Flights booked and hotel paid for but still not sure what activities to fill your days with? If you’re wondering what to do in Playa del Carmen, I’ve got you covered. 

As a local to the area, I’ve had the chance to cover most of Playa’s big activities and the lesser-known ones and luckily you won’t have to travel far to enjoy your time here.

Many lists include the big tour excursions that involve a full day. Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Cozumel are all great examples of great day trips to consider. But if you’re keen to just stick close to the city, here are the best things to do in Playa del Carmen and nearby.

What to do in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue

Stroll along Fifth Avenue

Playa del Carmen has its very own Fifth Avenue (or Quinta Avenida) and it’s known as the main vein that runs all the way through the city. Even though I’ve been here for years, I still enjoy an evening stroll every now and again to get a feel for the pulse of Playa.

The main stretch between Benito Juarez Avenue in the south and CTM Avenue in the north is where you’ll find the brunt of restaurants, bars, souvenir shops and street vendors and you could easily spend a few hours ducking in and out of whichever tickles your fancy.

Local tip: Keep venturing past CTM Avenue and you’ll find yourself in the more local neighbourhood of Colosio. This is a good opportunity to get an insight into where people actually live here outside of the tourist zone. You’ll still find a few great restaurants, cafes and ice cream shops to explore along with some bright murals and more local beaches. Stay away from any ATMs in Playa Del Carmen on Fifth Avenue if you can. These are easily tampered with.

Head to the beach

One of the best things about being in Playa is that the beach is never far away. Head east and take your pick of beautiful beaches. If you’re after a lux day at a beach club, make a beeline for popular Mamitas for a chill day, Martinas for a lively vibe or Coralina for a day-club feel amongst the beautiful people of Playa.

Or just bring along a beach towel or sarong and grab a patch of sand at any one of Playa Del Carmen’s popular beaches. Access points at Calle 38, 88 and 108 and generally, the further north you go, the fewer tourists you’ll see. 

There’s almost no need to bring any snacks with you as hardy vendors walk up and down the beach with tempting treats and even offers of cocktails from nearby bars. Freshly cut mangoes, sweet pastries and savoury snacks are all common.

For the adventurous, you can access Playacar’s wide stretch of sand by heading south from the ferry terminal. Just keep walking past the Senor Frog’s and you’re likely to have the beach all to yourself.

What to do in Playa del Carmen? Snorkeling in Puerto Morelos!

Snorkel in Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos is a smaller city north of Playa del Carmen and a great option when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Fifth Avenue. You’ll find quaint seafood restaurants located right on the beach and bars with fresh coconut water and fruity cocktails. While not technically in Playa, if you’ve got the time, I highly suggest a visit.

When you’re ready to get wet, you can take a snorkeling tour into what I think is one of the best spots to snorkel in the Riviera Maya. There’s a snorkelling area right off the shore where you have a chance to spot turtles and rays that feed off the seagrass and coral a bit further out for the more confident swimmers.

If you’re keen to experience more of what the world’s second-largest reef system has to offer, you can opt for a snorkeling tour with a boat and guide. You’ll find numerous operators offering you similar experiences for around $500 or USD$25 with all your equipment included.

If you’re going it alone, you can rent all your gear, including a life jacket, from one of the dive shops. Just be careful to stay within the area marked by the buoys.

Have it all organised for you with a Puerto Morelos snorkeling tour that includes roundtrip transportation, all your equipment, a guide plus lunch at a local beach club. You’ll also have access to a locker to store your stuff for the day plus time for exploring and shopping.

Laura’s Quiz

Join locals and expats alike in one of the most prominent events of the weekly calendar, Laura’s Quiz Night. Held every Tuesday from 6:30 pm, teams go head to head in a friendly battle of wits where the top three places are heavily challenged while the rest of us are just there for fun.

Teams can have up to six people so you can bring some friends along or just turn up on your own and Laura will find some teammates for you. The event is held at Buzos, a seafood restaurant that also has vegetarian and vegan options on the menu.

Check out my full guide on Vegan Restaurants in Playa del Carmen for more choices.

Enjoy an evening out on Calle 38

As the sun starts to set, savvy tourists head to what is known as the prettiest street in all of Playa del Carmen. Calle 38 from Fifth Avenue all the way down to the beach winds and curves through the natural landscape with romantic lighting dotted along the way.

You can start with a drink at La Vagabunda which is likely to have live music, before choosing from one of the many restaurants on offer. Amate 38 has Yucatecan food amongst natural water features and tree top canopies while Luma Taverna offers Mediteranean meals with glimpses of the beach. Cueva del Chango has Mexican classics in a cave-like setting while Trujillos Cantina offers sophisticated cocktails and seafood dishes.

Calle 38 is actually where you’ll find some of the best eating options in all of Playa del Carmen so make sure to spend at least one night exploring all the little surprises.

Local tip: Keep an eye out for the hidden cenote found close to Chela de Playa.

Go wild on an ATV

ATV tours in Playa del Carmen are a rare treat where you can take a wild ride through the jungle and find some treasures most will never lay their eyes on. Secret cenotes, clandestine snorkeling spots and even Mayan ruins are all on the agenda with the right tour.

For a half-day jungle adventure, I’m a huge fan of this 3-hour buggy tour which includes a swim and snorkel in a cenote. If you’re keen for some extra adrenaline, you can also combine some ATV tours with ziplining that will take you high above the jungle canopy.

Check out my full guide to the best ATV tours in Playa del Carmen for all your options.

Hit up a rooftop pool

Wondering what to do in Playa del Carmen that’ll make you feel like a VIP? Sure Playa del Carmen has more than its fair share of beaches but one of my favourite ways to spend the day is a few storeys above sea level at a rooftop pool bar.

You can have a few cold drinks, grab some lunch and enjoy the views over the city. Some of the best rooftops still have views out to sea so you get the best of both worlds minus all the sand at the end of the day.

A rooftop pool is also one of the best places to watch the sun set in Playa. Some of my favourites include The Fives, The Thompson and The Palm, all of which offer day passes and have great bars and restaurants.

Venture outside of the tourist zone

What to do in Playa del Carmen to mingle with the locals? One thing I missed the first time I visited Playa del Carmen was the chance to explore beyond the few blocks past my hotel, Fifth Avenue and the beach. Central Playa stretches up to the 55th Avenue close to the highway and between the beach and there, you’ll find a huge diversity in neighborhoods that are interesting to explore.

Colonia Hollywood has more than its fair share of Italian and Argentinian restaurants and cafes thanks to its large expat community living there. Zazil Ha has more of a local feel but is a popular choice for digital nomads. Playacar is a gated community to the south and is a great place to go for a walk, bike or jog to see how some of the other half live.

You won’t find this on many ‘Best things to do in Playa del Carmen’ lists but it’s certainly one that I’d recommend to any guests. Take your time to wander down a few streets while you’re visiting and you’re guaranteed to spot a colorful mural, discover a secret garden cafe or take a peek into the local life of Playa.

If you venture north to Colosio, keep your eyes peeled to the treetops in the protected area between the beach and Fifth Avenue. There are monkeys and other wildlife in Playa and this is where you’re most likely to spot them. Especially early in the morning when there are fewer people about.

3D Museum of Wonders

If you’ve got some little ones in tow and are looking to venture away from the beach for an afternoon, the 3D Museum of Wonders is a fun way to help you pass the time. If you’re considering what to do in Playa del Carmen when it rains, this is a top choice as well.

The whole experience is engaging and interactive and a must-visit for any budding Instagram influencers. The 3D Museum lets you discover a world that will make you question everything you see.

Hey there! Just wanted to be transparent and let you know that some of the links in this blog post may be affiliate links. What does that mean? It means that if you click on one of those links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. But don't worry, it doesn't cost you anything extra! In fact, it helps support the blog and allows us to keep creating awesome content for you.

Hey there! Just wanted to be transparent and let you know that some of the links in this blog post may be affiliate links. What does that mean? It means that if you click on one of those links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. But don't worry, it doesn't cost you anything extra! In fact, it helps support the blog and allows us to keep creating awesome content for you. Thanks for your support!

ATM and Banks in Playa del Carmen Guide

If it’s your first time traveling outside the country or you’re new to Mexico, there are some quirks about banking here that you should be prepared for. Banks in Playa del Carmen are not necessarily going to be like what you find at home and ATMs in Playa also have their own quirks.

After four years living here and experience with visitors trying to navigate the banks around town, here are my top tips to help you avoid the mistakes I made and hopefully save you some money as well.

ATM and banks in Playa del Carmen guide

Decline the conversion 

One thing I’ve noticed here more than in other places I’ve traveled is ATMs and banks in Playa del Carmen will often give you the option to lock in a conversion rate when you’re withdrawing cash and even sometimes when you’re buying from restaurants and stores.

This is one way banks make money on top of all those fees they like to charge you. So you might be paying the Mexican bank’s ATM fee, your bank may have international transaction fees and then the Mexican bank will add this exchange rate markup on top of the real exchange rate.

In most cases, you should decline the ATM’s conversion rate. Usually, it’s a very unfavorable exchange rate and you could end up forking out much more than you anticipated. You can confirm with your bank but more often than not their rate is closer to the real exchange rate.

Watch out for the middle and the end of the month

This is one quirk about banks in Playa del Carmen that I didn’t pick up on until I actually started living here. Locals usually get paid twice a month: once in the middle and once at the end of the month. You’ll notice long lines at banks as everyone is getting their pay packet at the same time.

The most troublesome part about this situation, besides having to wait in a line, is that ATMs will often run out of cash or there will be a limit to how much you can withdraw. In general, the end of the day and Fridays are also busier times so it’s a good idea to plan around these if you can. If you’re traveling to Tulum as well, this can be even worse because there are less ATMs around and banks can be more spread out.

There are usually two lines

So often in the past, I would walk past a bank desperate to get some cash out and keep moving when I saw a long line snaking outside the branch. It wasn’t until I had to get money out one day to pay for my rent that I joined the end of a long line, beholden to my fate, and started chatting with the person in front of me.

Luckily I did because she pointed out that she was waiting for a teller in the bank and if I wanted the ATM, there was a much shorter line inside. Facepalm to me because once I actually walked through the doors into the refreshing AC, there was only one person waiting to use the ATMs.

So the moral of the story is, always ask at the end of the line if it’s for the ATM (cajero automatico in Spanish) or not. Chances are you will get to avoid a long wait.

Your card might not work in some ATMs

This is a given for anywhere you might be traveling and is one of my top travel tips. You should always travel with multiple cards in case one doesn’t work. If possible, you should have at least a credit card and a debit card but also, a Mastercard and a Visa.

Your card not working is less common compared to 10 or 15 years ago but I do see it still happening now. And it’s not fun when you need to take out a bunch of cash for a tour to Chichen Itza and you’ve left it to the last minute. Cue me running around the city at 7 in the morning trying to figure out why my card doesn’t work.

Some banks are only associated with one type of financial institution, either Visa or Mastercard, also known as the Plus and Cirrus networks. So if you try to withdraw money using a Mastercard and the machine only accepts Visa, then you won’t be able to use it and need to hunt for another ATM.

The network could be one issue or it could just be that the two banks don’t talk to each other (my technical term). Either way, if you’ve tried a couple of times and you’re getting no luck, then try a different card type or move on to a different ATM.

Having multiple cards also helps in the unfortunate situation of your card getting stolen or the ATM eating your card. The practice in banks in Playa del Carmen (and nearby Cozumel) is if something goes wrong and your card gets taken by the ATM, then they won’t return it to you, it will get destroyed.

Don’t use ATMs on Fifth Avenue

While out exploring all the things to do in Playa del Carmen, you might notice all the conveniently placed ATMs dotted along Fifth Avenue. My suggestion is to avoid these like the plague.

Many have been tampered with in the past leaving you with a greater chance of getting your card read. They also have the highest ATM fees that you’re likely to find. I’ve seen upwards of USD$15.

Likewise, if there is a problem with your transaction or your card gets eaten by the ATM, you’re much more likely to get help if you use a machine connected to or inside a bank.

Watch out for ATM fees

Unlike some countries where ATM fees have mostly been abolished (hello, Australia), these fees are alive and well in Playa del Carmen. Not only that but depending on which ATM or bank you choose, you might end up paying two or three times as much as a bank right next to you.

Each bank not only has its own ATM fee but you might also have a different fee depending on which card you’re using.

So my Card A might attract a fee of $32 at Bank A and a fee of $96 at Bank B while Card B could have a fee of $50 at Bank A or $17 at Bank B. If my bank has a relationship with the Mexican bank, I might not get charged a fee at all. Clear as mud, right?

If you’re going to be in Playa for a while, it’s worth a little effort to figure out which banks charge you the least as this could add up to savings in the long run. As a long-term traveler, I know how important it is to not only save and budget for your holiday but also to keep costs down while you’re on the road as well.

Generally speaking, Scotiabank seems to have the highest fees overall, unless you have a Scotiabank card from home. Any ATM on Fifth Avenue or non-bank ATMs in convenience stores are also way up there fee-wise. Likewise, watch out for any standalone ATM near the ferry to Cozumel.

Meanwhile, Santander and Banamex seem to have the lowest fees. You’ll need to do your own experimentation of course, but these are a good place to start.

ATM and banks in Playa del Carmen guide

I’ll keep adding to this list as I come across new and wonderful changes to the banks here in Playa. If you know of anything that should be added or if you have any questions, please add it to the comments below.

How to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun Airport by bus

You’ve bought the flights, booked your accommodation and now the last thing on the list is to just figure out how to get to Playa del Carmen. The good news is, the city is very well connected by bus and it’s one of the cheapest and easiest ways to get from the airport.

I personally use the bus, especially if I’m traveling on my own so I’ve detailed how to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen by bus to help you with your vacation planning.

If the bus is not on the cards for you, check out this full guide on transport from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen with suggestions for private drivers, shuttle companies, and rental cars.

How to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun Airport by bus

Fast facts

Cost: MXN$208 or roughly USD$10

Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Bus station in Playa del Carmen: Corner of Fifth Avenue and Benito Juarez Avenue

“ADO BUS STATION - PLAYA DEL CARMEN”, BY Stephen Rees, LICENSED UNDER CC BY 2.0

Step by step guide

Getting the bus from Cancun Airport is relatively painless and I’ve had many visitors go through the process with no drama. You don’t need to book in advance and the bus will drop you directly on Fifth Avenue in central Playa del Carmen.

Step 1 - Find the bus stop

Head straight outside the terminal where you’ll likely see a mob of drivers with signs asking you where you want to go. Each terminal layout is slightly different but you should find a sign for the buses or you can ask one of the taxi drivers to point you in the right direction.

Note: There have been complaints by people online that taxi drivers have told them the buses are not operating to try to get them to take a taxi instead. If this happens to you, just be firm and tell them you already have a ticket. This has never happened to me in my ten years traveling here but I thought it was important to give you a heads up.

Step 2 - Buy your ticket first

You can buy your ticket from the small ticket kiosk located right by the bus stop. Tickets are currently MXN$208 and you must pay in cash. You can withdraw pesos from the ATMs located inside the terminal or, you can purchase your ticket using a credit card from the ADO salesperson found near the rental car companies right after baggage claim.

Note: If you’re buying a ticket from inside the terminal, they may not sell you a ticket for the next bus departure if they think you won’t have enough time to make it. This could mean a longer wait which is why I would avoid this method if possible and try to have the cash to pay curbside.

Step 3 - Get on the bus

Look for the bus heading to Playa del Carmen as they are also buses going to Cancun, Tulum, and Merida. The bus driver will scan your ticket and remind you to sit in the seat assigned to you. There should only be one stop in Puerto Morelos before you get to Playa del Carmen but the bus driver will make announcements to make sure you get off at the right place.

Sometimes the driver will put on a movie but this will likely be dubbed over in Spanish. A great opportunity for you to practice your language skills. Or maybe just pop some headphones in and have a nap. The trip will take upwards of 1 hour and 15 minutes depending on which terminal you get on at as the bus will make a stop at each one before leaving the airport.

“ADO BUS STATION - PLAYA DEL CARMEN”, BY APPAIOOSA, LICENSED UNDER CC BY 2.0

Which bus company to use to get from Cancun Airport

ADO is the bus company that serves much of the Yucatan Peninsula and can get you around the Riviera Maya with ease. The buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and driven by professional drivers to get you to your holiday destination safely.

Who should use the bus to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?

If you’re traveling on your own or with a friend, looking to save some money, or want a pain-free way to get to Playa del Carmen then the bus is your best option.

The bus might not be the best option if you’re staying at a resort outside of Playa del Carmen. You can get a taxi once you arrive at the station but the costs of the cab fare and the time taken to switch from bus to taxi makes getting a private driver or taking a shuttle a much better option.

Where does the bus stop in Playa del Carmen?

Playa del Carmen has two bus stations but the bus from Cancun Airport only stops at one of these. This bus station is located on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Benito Juarez Avenue on the south side of town.

 

How to get from the Playa del Carmen bus station to your hotel

One thing to note is that the bus will drop you at the main bus station located on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Juarez Avenue so if you’re hotel is not located within walking distance or you have a lot of bags, you will have to get a taxi on the other end.

Taxis in Playa are usually cheap with a standard fare around the downtown area costing no more than MXN $40 (USD$2) and you can flag one down quite easily. When you’re around the more touristy parts of Playa, however, you’re going to find taxi ranks set up with taxis ready to get you wherever you want to go.

The downside of these taxi ranks is that they’re going to charge you far more than the standard fare for the benefit of not having to look for your own. One such taxi rank is located right outside the Playa del Carmen bus station and you’re be expected to fork out around MXN$100-$150 even if your hotel is not far away.

If you’re happy paying more, then these taxis are a safe way to get to your hotel and still a good option. If you’re willing to walk two blocks west to 15 Avenue then you can flag a regular cab down and bring your costs back down. Just remember to confirm the cost with the driver before you get in as it is unfortunately common practice to try to get unwitting tourists to pay a higher price.

Arm yourself with the Playa del Carmen taxi zone chart so you know the correct fare to get you to your accommodation and help you get around town without getting ripped off.

Cenote Azul near Playa del Carmen

Frequently asked questions

How much luggage am I allowed on the bus from Cancun Airport?

Technically,  you’re allowed one bigger bag in the bag storage area under the bus and one to carry on. Practically, the bus drivers don’t ever seem to monitor this so as long as you’re not taking the piss with an entourage of 10 bags, you should probably be fine.

Can I take my pet on the bus from Cancun Airport?

The official rule is that pets have to go in the baggage storage under the bus in a carrier and most drivers will enforce this rule. I have known people to get away with carrying a small dog in their bag but you might not want to rely on this method lest you be stuck with an unusable bus ticket and the last resort choice of getting an expensive taxi to Playa del Carmen. 

Your best bet is to hire a private driver and I’ve listed a few options who are happy to have a pet tag along in the full Transport from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen guide.

Is the bus from Cancun Airport good for small kids?

You can certainly use the bus if you’re traveling with kids but my recommendation when traveling in a group is to use a private driver. The cost will be cheaper once you have at least three people and you will get door-to-door service with enough space for car seats and luggage.

---

If you have any questions or comments, please let me know in the comments below. I read them all and would love to know if there is anything else you’re like to know or share about Playa del Carmen.

How to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun Airport

Planning your Mexican escape? Once you’ve got the flights and hotel sorted, the next step is figuring out how to get to your tropical vacation.

Cancun Airport is located 35 miles (56 km) away from Playa del Carmen and getting there is actually quite easy. Even if you’ve left it to the last minute, there are still a few transport options to get you to Playa Del Carmen without much fuss.

Read on to find out how to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun Airport including some frequently asked questions to help you with your planning.

“Boeing 787 / Aeroméxico”, by Hector Martínez, licensed under CC BY 2.0

How to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun Airport

Whether you’re going solo or got the whole crew in tow, there are several options you can take to get to Playa del Carmen. The bus is the cheapest option, especially if you’re traveling alone while renting a car can be the most pricey but it will give you the freedom to get around the area and explore.

Rent a car

If you’re planning to rent a car anyway for your visit, renting a car at Cancun Airport could be the easiest option. It’s an easy 45-minute drive to Playa del Carmen and I often found the car rental agencies located at the airport to be some of the best to deal with.

Make sure to book in advance and have a Plan B in place just in case your flight arrives too late. Unlike some other international airports, the car rental places in Cancun seem to close early and some travelers have been stuck.

Take the bus

The ADO bus is usually my go-to if I’m traveling on my own from Cancun Airport. It’s about USD$10, air-conditioned, comfortable and there is only one stop in Puerto Morelos before you get to Playa del Carmen. Depending on the time of day, the buses can depart as early as every half hour with a longer wait in off-peak times.

The buses drop you off at a bus station located on the south end of Playa where you have a choice of walking to your accommodation if it’s near enough or getting a taxi.

You can get your ticket once you arrive from either a ticket booth within the airport found after baggage claim and near the car rental booths or curbside next to the bus stop. The booth inside takes cards but the one outside is cash only.

My best advice is to get your ticket curbside if you can. The tickets are for set departure times so if you’re too close to the next departure, the booth inside will usually sell you the following departure time even if you still have a chance of making the next one. I was unfortunate enough once to not have cash so had to use the booth inside the airport and when I got outside the bus was sitting there for a good 10 minutes before it left followed by another half an hour wait before the next one.

Check out the full guide on How to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun Airport by bus for more detail.

“ADO Bus Station - Playa Del Carmen”, by appaIoosa, licensed under CC BY 2.0

Hire a driver

There are a ton of drivers willing to pick you up at Cancun Airport for a fair fee. I usually pay around MXN$600-$800 or USD$30-$40.

Here are some personal recommendations of drivers I use regularly:

• JF Riviera Tours: +52 984 176 1374

• Daniel: +52 984 105 1368

• Tania: +52 984 322 5142

They all speak English and can also be hired for day trips and as guides to help you explore the area. I suggest you get in touch with them through WhatsApp, one of the must have apps for travel.

Book a shuttle

A shuttle from Cancun Airport is a slightly cheaper option than a private driver if you’re on your own and don’t mind sharing a van with a few strangers. Shuttles will take you from door to door and you will usually have to pay in advance.

Grab a taxi

This is the last resort if the bus wait is too long or you haven’t already arranged any other transport in advance. Once you exit the terminal, you will see a large group of taxi drivers happy to take you where you need to go but this is definitely the priciest option.

You’ll have to do some negotiating here as they are going to start prices as high as MXN $1,200 (USD$60) or even more.

Chichen Itza - one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and an easy day trip from Playa del Carmen

Frequently asked questions

How can I get to Playa del Carmen with a pet?

The ADO bus only allows pets to be placed in the luggage storage underneath the bus and not onboard so this is probably not the best option unless you have a particularly chill pup. I do know of some people who have snuck on with a small dog in their bag but you might not want to rely on this option.

Your best bet is to either rent a car or use one of the suggested drivers who are all happy to have a pet on board.

How can I get from Cancun Airport with a lot of luggage?

If you’re struggling to pack light, then get in touch with a private driver. Fernando at JF Riviera Tours and Christian both have a variety of vehicles to fit multiple bags.

How can I get from Cancun Airport with a group?

If you’re travelling with a group of more than 3 people, it makes sense to hire a private driver or get a taxi as a last resort. The recommended drivers can carry large groups and all their luggage with no worries.

Can I use the colectivos to get to Playa del Carmen?

The colectivo vans that travel up and down the main highway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen are a cheap way to get around the Riviera Maya. Unfortunately, you can’t use them to get from the Cancun Airport.

Practically, you would have to walk almost 40 minutes in the heat and humidity that the area is known for, along roads not designed for pedestrians before you get to the busy highway where you’d have to wait for a colectivo to pick you up. I can be pretty frugal at times but I haven’t heard of anyone attempting this, especially since the bus is only about USD$10 and a much comfier option.

21 best places to go in Mexico

It seems like Mexico is on everyone’s lips these days, possibly because it’s the only places many can travel right now. So there’s at least one bright side to a global pandemic along with the fact that you get to explore a new part of the world that you might never have discovered.

I’ve been visiting Mexico for years and decided to settle down and use it as a base back in 2017 because, in my eyes, it’s almost perfect. Each state has a distinct identity from the food to the culture and picking the best places to go in Mexico can be challenging.

To help you decide where you should visit on your next trip, I got some travel bloggers to pick their favourite places to go in Mexico and share what they love about it. If you do decide to visit, please share your experience in the comments below!

Best places to go in Mexico

1) Oaxaca City (Ciudad de Oaxaca)

I’ll start with my personal favourite, a cute colonial city just south of Mexico City.  Oaxaca is the capital city of a state with the same name, also popular for the beaches of Puerto Escondido and Mazunte.

There are a lot of things to do in Oaxaca but one of my favourite parts about the city is its lively cultural calendar. I’m talking about weekly festivals, elaborate Quinces and spontaneous parades.

Oaxaca is known as the culinary capital of Mexico and no matter your budget, you’re going to be eating it up. From street-side quesadillas (with original quesillo from Oaxaca), to crunchy grasshoppers in the bustling markets and the Mexican-fusion creations of the fine-dining restaurants.

Don’t forget about the regional speciality of mezcal. Make a beeline for the closest mezcaleria or a mezcal factory for a tasting to figure out your favourite blend. Mezcal, which is similar to tequila, is served with orange slices and sal de gusano or worm salt and can be found in all of its varieties in every bar and restaurant around the city. It would be tough to avoid it even if you tried. They’re serious about their mezcal!

In between meals, you’re going to want to visit the nearby villages, natural sites and ancient ruins surrounding the city. You’ve got a petrified waterfall, artisan workshops and breathtaking Monte Alban that offers a panoramic view over the valley.

2) Mexico City

- Melissa from Parenthood and Passports

With more than 150 museums, incredible food, and a vibrant, family-friendly culture, Mexico City offers everything from a chic, cosmopolitan experience to an artistic, and authentic urban adventure. As North America’s largest city, this mega-metropolis has something for everyone. The number of museums in the city is second in the world only to Paris. Give yourself at least 3 days in Mexico City to hit the highlights. Although you would need weeks to visit all of the world-class museums, galleries, and historic sites in the country’s capital city. In the heart of Mexico City, you’ll find the Metropolitan Cathedral, which is the largest church in the Americas. Directly across the street from the cathedral, the open plaza, known as Zocalo, is a popular place for festivals, public events, and even protests. It is, by far, the largest square in the Americas, as well. 

A visit to the Metropolitan Cathedral and Zocalo can easily be combined with a tour of the ancient Mayan ruins of Templo Mayor, and the city’s historic old town area. Old Town entices visitors with its colorful facades and stunning street art painted along the corridors, alleyways, and streets. 

Other must-see sites include Palacio de Bella Artes, the National Museum of Anthropology, and Paseo de la Reforma. Paseo de la Reforma is a popular and modern street lined with tall trees, unique sculptures, famous monuments, and high-end restaurants and hotels. 

With so much to do and see in Mexico City, it should be a must-visit on any Mexico itinerary and definitely one of the best places to go in Mexico.

3) Isla Mujeres

- Chris from The Aquarius Traveller

Isla Mujeres is a small Island in the Caribbean Sea, just off the coast of Cancun with a population of approximately 12 thousand people. It’s known as the “one stop” island destination, with those fantastic looking beaches and luxury hotels. If you’re travelling on a budget, then you are still sure to find suitable, comfortable accommodation as well.

Anyone that visits Isla Mujeres will either be relaxing the day away, doing an endless supply of water activities, Shopping or exploring. The Island itself is only 4 miles (7km) long and 0.4 miles (650 metres) wide and the easiest mode of transport is by golf buggy or scooter. Being as small as it is though, the Hotels, restaurants and shopping districts are all within walking distance.

While you there, why not try your hand at snorkelling or Diving on the many reef systems including the manmade “Musa Museum” or swimming with Dolphins. If you up for a little excitement, summertime brings whale sharks to the area and is often the biggest draw card for many tourists. 

Are you into fishing, then the turquoise blue waters are excellent, even for beginners? On land, there is a Mayan temple, sculpture garden, Hacienda Mundaca Homestead, a turtle farm and the Garrafon reef park.

At the end of the day, feast down on a local dish like “Ceviche”…….you won’t want to go home!

4) Cancun

- Michelle from That Texas Couple

You cannot have a list of the best places to visit in Mexico and not include the tourist hot spot that is Cancun. Surrounded by the beautiful blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, Cancun is a mecca for those seeking sand, surf, sun, and fun. Known for its gorgeous white sand beaches, excellent resorts, and great nightlife, Cancun truly has something for everyone.

Of course, the first thing you want to do is choose where to stay in Cancun.  We recommend choosing Cancun’s Hotel Zone. This area gives you easy access to the beach as well as some great shopping and nightlife.  Once you have chosen the perfect accommodations, then be sure and check out all of the fabulous things to do in and around Cancun. 

Visitors have unlimited water sports at their disposal. You can easily book a snorkeling or diving trip, ride jet skis, or try out parasailing.  We especially love taking the ferry over to Isla Mujeres.  Touring Isla Mujeres on a golf cart makes for a really fun experience. If shopping is what you are looking for, then you are in luck.  Cancun is full of great places to shop as well.  

History lovers will definitely want to book a day trip to the Mayan ruins that are in this area including the world-famous Chichen Itza, located a short drive from Cancun. Foodies will also enjoy all of the fabulous Mexican cuisine that Cancun has to offer!

5) Puerto Escondido

- Anna from Anna Meanders

Puerto Escondido means hidden port, although it's not quite so hidden nowadays as more and more people discover the magic of Oaxaca state's stunning Pacific coastline. The vibe here is laid back and totally chilled out, with a beach suited for everyone, and some of the best fish tacos you've ever tasted. 

Puerto Angelito and Playa Manzanillo provide picture perfect sheltered bays full of tropical fish and soft, golden sand to dig your toes into while you sip a margarita - you're running on Mexican time now, after all!  Across the other end of town you'll find Playa Zicatela, a surfer spot with long stretches packed full of excellent waves and pro surfers, great juice bars and magnificent sunsets each evening, with no shortage of hammocks to kick back and take it all in.

If wildlife is your thing, there is an abundance of sea-life tours to take you out spotting the local dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles and humpback whales who frequent the warm, Pacific oceans. At dusk, make your way to Playa Bacocho for an unforgettable experience releasing newly hatched sea turtles out into the ocean. Once night sets in, make your way to the lagoon of Manialtepec for an otherworldly show of magical bioluminescence, and watch the phosphorescent plankton light up the water in a show of a billion glowing stars. 

6) Valladolid

- Kate from Our Escape Clause

Small, colorful, and perfectly positioned to act as a base for all kinds of day trips when road tripping the Yucatan peninsula, Valladolid definitely lives up to its status as one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos (“magic towns”) and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Valladolid isn’t located on the coast, so while it is a popular city to visit in the region, it has a much more relaxed atmosphere than hotspots like Playa del Carmen or Tulum, and attracts a different kind of tourist.

While you’re there, be sure to check out the charming Zocalo and the beautiful Convent of San Bernardino de Siena, as well as take a stroll down the colorful Calzada de los Frailes and admire the gorgeous Iglesia de San Servicio.

Cenote Zaci, located in the heart of town, is also worth a visit (though it will be overshadowed by other nearby cenotes!).

Be sure to also stop for some food at the Mercado Municipal--the earlier you visit, the better!

As lovely as central Valladolid is, though, it is perhaps even better known for what lies just outside of it.

Valladolid is centrally located to some of the best cenotes on the Yucatan peninsula. Instagram-famous Cenote Suytun is less than a 15-minute drive from central Valladolid, as are Cenote Samula and Cenote Xkeken.

You can also use Valladolid to visit the stunning Ek Balam ruins and the cenote located right next door, Cenote X’canche (which may just be the most stunning cenote in the area).

Most famously, Valladolid is perfectly positioned to take a day trip to Chichen Itza!

7) San Miguel de Allende

- Katja from Globe Totting

San Miguel de Allende is undeniably one of Mexico’s prettiest destinations and one of the best places to go in Mexico. Famed for its elaborate baroque architecture, charming cobbled streets and its pink sandstone church, it’s one good-looking city.

The good news for visitors, however, is that there’s more to San Miguel de Allende than simply good looks. It’s home to a colourful history, some excellent restaurants, noteworthy sights and 100s of elaborate, Instagram-perfect doors.

Start your visit at San Miguel’s iconic pink church, La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel (otherwise known as La Parroquia). This Grand Dame towers above the city skyline and was modelled on Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. From here, hop on the antique-looking trolley bus for a tour of the city. Stops include El Chorro, the public laundry that is still in use today. If you have your own wheels, then make sure to visit El Charco del Ingenio, the Botanical Gardens and Nature Reserve. Located just outside the city centre, these wild gardens extend over 170 acres.

Other highlights include the lively local market, the excellent traditional toy museum (particularly good if you’re visiting San Miguel de Allende with kids) and Cumpanio, one of the best bakeries in town. Make sure to stop by Churrería San Agustín while you’re here as well. Owned by a famous Argentine actress, Margarita Gralia, this is the place to come for churros con chocolate.

8) Puerto Vallarta

- Vicky from Buddy The Traveling Monkey

Puerto Vallarta is definitely one of the best places to go in Mexico. It’s especially great if you’re traveling on a budget. There are a lot of free things to do in Puerto Vallarta! One of the most popular things to see and do in Puerto Vallarta is to walk along the Malecon. This concrete boardwalk is a mile long and offers great views of the bay. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants and shops there.

Another popular place to visit is the Church Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe. It was built in the 1930s and the inside is beautiful. Not too far from the church is Isla Cuale, which we also recommend visiting. It’s a small river on the Cuale River and has a few restaurants and a small cultural museum that’s open during the winter months. The main reason to go, though, is the flea market. Here you can find clothes, jewelry, paintings, things for the home, and souvenirs.

Puerto Vallarta is also known to have spectacular sunsets. The best place to watch a sunset in Puerto Vallarta is the Mirador de La Cruz. This hilltop lookout on the eastern side of Puerto Vallarta is a challenge to get to; it requires climbing up a lot of very steep stairs. But we promise the sunset views at the top are worth the climb.

For small town vibes close to Puerto Vallarta, check out this digital nomad Airbnb in Sayulita.

9) Campeche

- Maartje and Sebastiaan from The Orange Backpack

The picturesque town of Campeche in the Yucatán peninsula is one of the best places to go in Mexico. It is often called the most beautiful town in the country and a must-visit on any Mexico itinerary.

Campeche is known for its pastel-colored houses and charming streets. You’ll only find this in the small old town, while the city is actually quite big though. Strolling around the colorful streets in the old town is one of the best things to do in Campeche.

There aren’t many other big sights or attractions. The biggest sight is the old city wall, once located directly at the sea. Some parts are open as a museum and others can be climbed for free, like the museum in Baluerto de San Carlos, close to the northern gate.

Another great place to visit is the old botanical garden. It’s small and tours are only available in Spanish, but even without any explanation it’s a peaceful place to just sit on the swings and relax.

One of the most beautiful spots in Campeche is just outside the old town, at the seaside Malecon. This beach avenue is the best place to be around sunset when the sky turns yellow, orange and red with the sun setting in the sea.

You can’t visit Campeche without seeing its main square. It has a cozy village vibe with colorful buildings, a monumental church and a gazebo.

10) Mazatlan

- Daniel from Layer Culture

If you are on the lookout for the best places to go in Mexico, Mazatlan may not appear on your radar but as a prominent coastal destination, you'll quickly see why there's more than one reason to visit. 

When you think of Mazatlan imagine local markets, breathtaking ocean views, and historic landmarks all in one place. Not only will you find some of the best sunsets in the whole country, but you may be pleased to notice the area is a little less congested than others when comparing to beach resorts in Mexico such as the Cancun or Playa del Carmen. 

With so many things to do in Mazatlan, the coastal town boasts a solid list of luxury hotels as well as budget hostels and B&Bs for backpackers, so no matter what your style of travel is you’ll find something to suit you. There are three islands located off the coast which are very popular with people looking to try surfing, diving, and other aquatic activities. 

For those looking for a more cultural experience, there are landmarks such as the Centro Historico which is home to many historical buildings and places such as Plaza Machado know as Machado Square in English which is one of the most popular places to go in Mazatlan where many restaurants and entertainment venues offer you a memorable experience on any trip to the city. All in all, any visitor to the Pacific side of Mexico should consider a trip to Mazatlan to see all that it has to offer. 

11) Teotihuacan

- Taima from Poor in a Private Plane

Located less than an hour outside of Mexico City, Teotihuacan is a must-visit and certainly a contender from one of the best places to go in Mexico. This ancient city is home to the Pyramid of the Sun, one of the top 10 largest pyramids in the world. 

This ancient city was once one of the largest cities in the Americas. Today visitors can spend the day admiring the pyramids and making their way around the archaeological site.

After a morning of exploring take a break and head over to La Gruta for lunch. La Gruta is a restaurant that is in a cave. And it's a great place to have a meal and enjoy a nice cold margarita before heading back out to explore the pyramids.

Take the time to do the climb to the top of the pyramids where you will be rewarded with amazing views of the ancient city. These are some of the few pyramids where you can still climb up to the top.

If time permits then make your way into town where you can try many of the vendors selling everything from street tacos to sweets. This is also a great spot to really experience daily life in Teotihuacan as this is the place where locals go shopping for fresh fruit, vegetables, and other food items. It is soo colorful and really gives you a unique look into the day to day life.

12) Guadalajara

- Jeanine from Le Wild Explorer

Guadalajara is Mexico’s second-largest city and located in the state of Jalisco. It’s widely known for mariachi music and the state is where tequila originated from. There are many things to do in this beautiful city from sight-seeing to eating the local and national cuisine. A trip to Guadalajara is amazing at almost any time of the year.

If you’re planning a visit, be sure to eat and drink at the restaurants and bars on Chapultepec Avenue. Here you’ll find bars such as El Depósito World Beer Store, El Perdón Cantina, and more. If you’re looking for a different type of drink experience try pulque, an alcoholic drink made of fermented sap from the maguey plant, at La Pulkata. It’s said to be the “drink of the gods” and was drunk by the Aztecs. 

Check out the monuments such as the beautiful Guadalajara Cathedral in the historic center and the Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento, a neo-gothic church from the late 1800s. The city is also full of art. Check out the murals of Jose Clemente Orozco at the Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Jalisco and the Instituto Cultural Cabañas.

There are also many day trips you can take from Guadalajara. You can take a tour to Tequila town to sample some tequila from the source. Or visit the charming town around Lake Chapala or take an excursion to check out Los Guachimontones, a pre-Columbian archaeological site about an hour outside the city. There are many things to do in the city so at least three days in Guadalajara is recommended. Enjoy your visit to Mexico!

13) Guanajuato

- John from Roaming Around the World

Guanajuato isn’t just one of the best places to go in Mexico. Many visitors proclaim this colonial city in the central highlands is the most beautiful in all of Mexico. The notoriously colorful dwellings connected by narrow pedestrian alleyways help to make Guanajuato shine brightly!

The historic town of Guanajuato is also listed as one of Mexico’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as its beauty is further evident throughout the city's historic architecture. Baroque and neoclassical buildings add a certain flair to Guanajuato. Opulent churches, a spectacular theatre, ancient haciendas, and the grand staircase leading to the iconic university building are all impressive examples of Guanajuato’s architecture that can be viewed by taking an amble around the city. 

In addition to sightseeing, there’s also lots to do in Guanajuato. The city was built on the prosperity of silver mines, which can still be visited today. Meanwhile, museums range from the artist Diego Rivera’s birthplace to a museum that houses over 100 local mummies! For recreation, consider hiking in the surrounding mountains or take a paddleboat within a city park. In the evening, callejoneadas offer a local Guanajuato tradition of taking a nighttime stroll filled with legends, lore, music, and laughs, all as this gorgeous city lights up.

Like any great city in Mexico, there are also some delicious eating and drinking opportunities. Leafy plazas lined with cafes give a perfect excuse to unwind with a cerveza while soaking in the atmosphere. Miner’s enchiladas are a signature dish to try while dining in Guanajuato. This vegetarian dish is super filling! A great street food scene abounds too, as do restaurants that elevate the local cuisine.

There’s lots to love about this beautiful city sprawled across the mountainside.

14) Playa Del Carmen

- Christine from Mexico Viajera

Playa Del Carmen is one of the popular towns in Quintana Roo along the Caribbean shoreline. Famous for its palm-lined and sandy white beaches, it's only one hour from Cancun and it's also a popular day trip from the city. I recommend staying for a couple of days though as there are many things to do in Playa Del Carmen and it deserves a couple of days at least.

Playa del Carmen used to be just a sleepy village that gained popularity from the counter culture crowds but it has now evolved as a cosmopolitan Mexican city. From the last decade, the city has become inundated by construction and tourism development that it has now become like an extension of Cancun City offering massive hotels, shopping malls, and lively nightlife.

But despite the massive progress over the years, it still remains one of the best places to go in Mexico that offers laid back to sophisticated holidays.

Activities in Playa del Carmen include surfing and paddle boarding on its beaches, watching a cultural show in the Parque Los Fundadores, eating the best Mexican food that you can find, and shopping in La Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue). You can even go ATV riding in the Mayan jungle.

Playa Del Carmen is also a good base from several adventure activities within the area. You can explore cenotes like Cenote Azul, Cristalino, and Jardin del Eden, the majestic cave system of Rio Secreto, less popular beaches like Xpu-ha and Puerto Morelos, and also explore nearby popular diving sites like Akumal and Cozumel. The majority of these you can reach within an hour from Playa del Carmen. 

Check out my guide on my favorite things to do in Playa del Carmen from a local’s perspective.

15) Tijuana

- Kay from The Awkward Traveller

For lack of better words, Tijuana does not have the best reputation when it comes to Mexican cities. Usually, tourists either think Tijuana is dangerous or they think of it as seedy and too raunchy. 

While these reputations were earned for a reason, the city has really put in a lot of work (and time, and energy, and money) into shedding the city's less-desirable reputation and creating a welcoming environment for all visitors with lots of fun activities in Tijuana. And they have succeeded. This is why it makes the list from one of the best places to go in Mexico.

First, Tijuana is like a lesser-known Tulum in the sense that it has an incredible underground art scene. You can visit various galleries and shops at Pasaje Rodriguez, a colorful alleyway lined with murals alongside the twenty-four studios, cafes, and even an independent library! Tijuana is also big on craft brews and creative cocktails, like Border Psycho Brewery and La Mezcalera. 

But of course, Tijuana is a foodie's paradise. Fun fact: the Caesar Salad was actually invented in Tijuana, and you can try it at its original location, Caesar's, where they prepare the salad dressing table-side! Then, eat everything else! Telefonica Gastro Park is an amazing food cart hub if you can't decide on a particular cuisine. Or if you already know you want to chow down on authentic Mexican street food, head to the street known as "Taco Alley" for, unsurprisingly, more tacos than you could ever finish eating. 

However, if you do want to experience more of the classic party scene Tijuana is known for, head to Revolution Avenue where bars and clubs are plenty, there is a Tijuana Walk of Fame, and no-touching strip clubs! 

16) Puebla

- Rose from Where Goes Rose

The gorgeous city of Puebla makes a pleasant break from busy Mexico City. Just two hours from the capital, you can visit either as a busy day trip or, the recommendable option, an overnight trip.

Puebla is both the name of the state and the city at its heart. It’s cobbled streets and colourful houses are comparable to Oaxaca yet it’s smaller and sleepier with less tourist thoroughfare and less English spoken.

There are plenty of things to do in Puebla that will keep you busy for a couple of days. Spend a sunny day browsing galleries in the artists quarter and pick up some souvenirs at the Parian Market. Foodies will be in their element as they stroll Calle de Dulche, in English ‘Sweet Street’. Every shop is a sweet shop, serving traditional recipes handed down through the generations. Prices are very low and you can walk away with a giant basket of candies for a couple of dollars. 

Foodies should also try mole poblano which the locals will tell you was invented in their city (although the locals of Oaxaca will tell you the same!). This rich chilli and chocolate sauce is best eaten over chicken enchiladas at Fonda de Santa Clara. You can also try Puebla’s signature dish, chile en nogada translating as chili in walnut. A giant chili is stuffed with peach and pear, lightly battered and bathed in a creamy walnut sauce, decorated with pomegranate seeds.

Other things to do include walking underground through the Secret Tunnels of Puebla, learning about the history at the Amparo Museum and taking a day trip to nearby town, Cholula, known for its impressive pyramids.

17) Merida

- Alexander from Gourmand Trotter

Merida is actually the largest city of the Yucatan Peninsula, but only a few tourists venture here. It's a great city to experience the authentic Mexican culture of Yucatan. Merida features beautiful buildings with classic colonial architecture mixed with big squares that are lined with markets and food stalls from time to time. It's fantastic to see the influences from various cultures throughout times, ranging from Mayan, Spanish, French, British, and even Lebanese influences. 

Also, what makes Merida even more special is the fact that it's the Mexican city with the highest percentage of the indigenous population, around 60% of Meridians are of Mayan descent.

Some of the main attractions of the city include Plaza Grande, Catedral de Mérida, Dzibilchaltún, and the famous Lucas de Galvez Market. Mérida is also known for its many festivals throughout the year, and the locals love a good celebration. It's a great place to celebrate Dia de Muertos, and the city also has an annual carnival in February or March.

If you want a cultural experience, a visit to the Theatre in Merida, also known as Teatro Jose Peon Contreras, is a great option. It's an old theatre with elegant details and budget-friendly shows.

Another option could be to experience Pok Ta Pok, which is a modern take on the ancient Mayan Ball Game, although without the spilled blood. These games take place each Saturday night on Calle 60 around 8:30. And they are free to watch.

Overall, Mérida is kind of a hidden gem that more and more travelers discover as they venture beyond the classic destinations of Yucatan, and it's definitely one of the best places to go in Mexico.

18) Morelia

- Dean and Laynni from Routinely Nomadic

Morelia was one of the most pleasant surprises of all the enjoyable Mexican cities we’ve visited. The capital of Michoacan state has a fascinating history and its beautiful historic center and vast array of classic colonial architecture earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Often flying under the radar compared to more popular central Mexican tourist hotspots like Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende (worthy destinations in their own right), those who make the short detour to Morelia will be thrilled with the authentic atmosphere and relative lack of foreign tourists.

Lacking the dramatic hills of the Mexican mining towns, Morelia nevertheless offers a compelling grandeur in its neat, orderly grid of clean streets and impressively well-preserved buildings. Around practically every corner is another grand cathedral or photogenic plaza, making it the perfect place for an extensive Morelia walking tour. Another great option is to rent bikes, as Morelia’s wide, flat streets are perfect for cycle touring. In fact, every Sunday morning is the Ciclovia, when most of the main central streets are closed to vehicles so the locals can get out and enjoy the beauty of their own city.

From its iconic pink limestone buildings to the grand, bustling plazas to the dramatic and imposing ancient aqueduct, Morelia is a perfect location for some relaxed wandering and colonial sightseeing. Of course, like any Mexican city worth its salt, Morelia also boasts great taquerias, social rooftop bars and more popular ice cream shops than you could hope to visit all in one stay.

19) Taxco

- James from Travel Collecting

Taxco is a small town set on the sides of a steep hill.  It is a classic colonial town with narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses with orange tiled roofs.  Taxco is famous for silver and there are lots of silversmith workshops throughout town, as well as a major silver market.  You can wander into the workshop and see the artisans at work, and get some bargains on beautiful silver work at the same time.

There are also dozens of churches in town.  The most famous is the incredible Baroque church the Templo de Santa Prisca which sits on the main square or Zocala, the Plaza Borda.

Santa Prisca and all of the other churches in Taxco come alive during the Semana Santa or Holy Week.  Taxco is home to nightly processions starting with Palm Sunday when crowds of people walk through the narrow streets holding figures made from palm fronds.  On following nights, statues of the main characters in the story leading up to Easter are carried through the streets from churches around the area, re-enacting scenes from the Bible.  

However, it is the nightly processions of penitents that make Semana Santa in Taxco truly unique and places it firmly as one of the best places to go in Mexico.  Brotherhoods of penitents walk through the streets carrying huge bundles of thorny sticks on their bare shoulders, or laboring under enormous heavy crosses, or, even more gruesomely, lashing their backs with sharp thorns until they are bleeding wounds to pay penance for their sins.  This is a centuries-old tradition that is still very much alive in this tiny hillside town.

Whether you visit at Easter or another time of year, Taxco is a fascinating place to explore.  Taxco is in Guerrero, about 2 hours and 40 minutes southwest of Mexico City by bus or car. 

20) San Cristóbal de las Casas

- Claire from Claire's Itchy Feet

San Cristóbal de las Casas is one of my favorite places to go in Mexico. What I love about San Cris is the perfect mix of old and new. It feels like it’s retained a lot of traditions there, while having a bit of a hipster edge. It’s very close to the border of Guatemala and you can really feel it. Like in Guatemala the local people still mostly wear traditional dress which is always beautiful to see and admire and the main town is a perfect example of colonial architecture. Once you are done wandering the streets admiring the architecture you can duck into one of the many cute cafes for a coffee fix. 

San Cristobal is also (in my opinion) the best place in Mexico to get your shopping fix! They have several amazing markets to explore. Things to buy in San Cris are leather goods, traditional Mexican textiles, crystals and stones for jewelry, coffee, and an alcoholic drink called Pox. Last time I went I left with a new wardrobe, far too many new pieces of jewelry and a handbag. The prices are extremely reasonable and the quality is excellent. 

Be sure to find a place to stay in the centre and bring some warm clothes and wet weather gear. The temperatures often drop, even in the summer and it also rains quite a bit. Don’t let that put you off though, you can buy warm clothing there at the market for a very reasonable price and you will fit right in!

21) Tulum

I couldn’t end this post without including the real talk of the town right now, Tulum. Although I live in Playa del Carmen, Tulum is just an hour away from me and a place I frequently visit for the weekends or when I need a short getaway.

It really seems like Tulum is the top of everyone’s best places to go in Mexico list and for good reason. Tulum is an easy base to explore the Yucatan peninsula and has some of the region’s best attractions within a short drive.

Tulum is surrounded by picturesque cenotes and lagoons and you could easily spend days visiting one after the other without making a dent in the seemingly never-ending list. The Tulum Ruins, while on the smaller side, has a dramatic Instagram-esque location perched at the edge of a cliff overlooking its own private beach.

If you’re up for some nightlife, Tulum turns it up in the only way it knows how - with either over the top bougie boho-chic clubs filled with international eco-art pumping out house music under the full moon or ancient herbal drug-fueled jungle trance parties.

And, even though I love my easy breezy, taco joints and ample choices of vegan restaurants in Playa, it’s hard to ignore the foodie scene that just keeps growing in Tulum. From farm-to-table Mayan-inspired dishes to fine dining restaurants featuring a different menu each night. Or try the romantic, candlelit hacienda-turned-restaurant for date night followed by drinks at the cenote-side dining of Clan-Destino.

So, make like everyone else pouring into Mexico right now and visit one of these best places to go in Mexico while they’re still great!

My Mayan adventure in Sian Ka’an on the Riviera Maya

Riding down the bumpy dirt road in between a small forest of palm trees, thick enough to allow just small glimpses of the Caribbean Sea, I knew I was about to see something truly special. Cell service was long gone and although we passed the occasional house, there was no sign of modern life. I had definitely reached the end of the road.

Despite previous research, I had no real idea what to expect on my Sian Ka'an tour other than I'd be getting to see some wildlife and snorkelling was on the agenda.

My crash course on the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve was thanks to Kay Tours and I was lucky to have my new blogger friends from Claire’s Itchy Feet and Viva La Travelista along for the ride.

If you’re looking for info on what to expect in this less-visited part of Mexico, then read on to see what my experience in Sian Ka’an was like.

What is Sian Ka’an?

Sian Kaan means "place where the sky is born” in Mayan. Spend a day out there and you’re sure to see why.

Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is the third largest protected area in Mexico, covering 5280 km² or 1.3 million acres. The National Park was established in 1986 and as well as being one of the most beautiful places in the Yucatan Peninsula, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In a region that's known for nightlife and big theme parks, Sian Kaan is like the antidote for those looking to experience the natural side of the Riviera Maya.

Sian Ka’an fast facts

• Sian Ka'an makes up 10% of the State of Quintana Roo

• Over 380 species of bird have been identified in the park

• The reserve is also home to 115 mammals species, 47 dragonflies species and 318 species of butterflies

• The following animals call Sian Ka’an home: manatees, howler and spider monkeys, crocodiles, Jabiru stork, ocelots, pumas, jaguars, pink flamingos, toucans and tapirs

• Sian Ka'an has a variety of inlets, marshes, mangroves and coastal and in-land lagoons

• The climate is tropical with summer rains and usually wettest in September

Where is Sian Ka’an

Sian Ka’an is found on the Caribbean Coast, about an hour south of Tulum and two hours from Playa del Carmen.

 

Who should visit Sian Ka'an?

• Bird watchers, in particular, will love this tour

• Nature and animal lovers in general

• Anyone looking to get away from it all

This area is all about relaxing, taking in the scenery and getting the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat.

What to expect on Kay Tours’ Sian Kaan Tours

Highlights:

• Wildlife observation - birds, dolphins, crocodiles, sea turtles and manatees (if you’re lucky)

• Guided snorkelling tour at the coral reef

• Refreshments, fruit and snacks in the van

• Lunch and free time at the fishermen village of Punta Allen

• Free pictures of your day

• Tour duration is approximately 10 hours

Sleepy Playa

Playa is not exactly an early morning destination and visitors to this little city are often surprised not to be able to find breakfast before 8 in the morning.

Nevertheless, expect an early wakeup because one of the benefits of a trip with Kay Tours is you’ll be the first boat out and the first one to get to all the sights (unless you’re a boatload of bloggers who take way too many photos and make the tour run an hour late. Oops.)

The little touches are all taken care of, however. Even though my day started early, I was pleasantly surprised to find fruit, breakfast bars and coffee on the van to snack on.

Once everyone was picked up, which doesn’t take too long since tours run with a maximum of ten people, we got a briefing of how the day would look from our friendly tour guide, Juan.

This is when we learned about Kay Tours’ brilliant use of aluminum water bottles to eliminate the need for plastic bottles. Each bottle already had our names marked, ready to be refilled throughout the tour.

We had ten hours ahead of us but the van was very comfortable and some took the opportunity to have a quick snooze. If you stay awake, though you’ll get some great views of Tulum and the coast.

Entering Sian Ka'an

Once you get to the entrance of the National Park, you’re sure to know, whether asleep or not. The bumpy road to our starting point of Paso Lagartos makes sure you're aware you’re not in Kansas anymore. This is what we came for - pure, unadulterated nature and Mexico at its best.

Along the way, we made a quick pit stop to stretch our legs and get our first glimpse of the clear waters of the lagoon. We took the opportunity to have a chat with the local fishermen trying their luck out at a conveniently placed bridge and they were kind enough to point out one of the largest crocodiles I’ve ever seen. And I’ve lived in Australia, the land of Crocodile Dundee!

Next stop was to our boat pick-up point at Paso Lagartos where a yummy sandwich awaited us. I certainly wasn’t about to go hungry on this tour. While the boat was packed, we got the chance to explore the coast on one side and the lagoon on the other.

This is when I got my first glimpse of the local wildlife, a sunbathing iguana. I love these guys, especially after my encounter at the Green Iguana Conservation Project in San Ignacio, Belize.

The boat tour begins…

Once we jumped on board and got settled, we got another briefing in more detail of what we could expect to see for the day.

First stop - dolphins! Who doesn’t love dolphins? And while I’ve been fortunate enough to see these adorable creatures around the world, this time, I got to spend time with what I thought was an adorable baby frolicking with who I imagined was his mum and dad.

Mmmmmm. Turns out he was a frisky teenager and all that frolicking was his idea of flirting. Kind of PG 13+ but that’s nature for you.

Another high point for me was Isla de Pajaros (Bird Island). This was a mangrove island covered with chatty birds of all kind. I spotted some pelicans, boobies (of the bird variety) and frigates along with lots of babies, thanks to the season.

Snorkel time

Due to being a protected area, swimming with the wildlife is against the park rules and not permitted. If you’re keen to get into the water, however, no need to worry. There are spots on the coral reef where snorkelling is allowed and our boat captain took us out there so we could don our gear and head underwater.

While I wouldn’t be heading back to Sian Ka’an to snorkel in a hurry (Cozumel holds the crown for the best snorkelling in the area), I was super impressed by how uncrowded the reef was. No getting bonked in the head by a rogue flipper here. You’re free to explore the reef at your own pace and not feel like you’re in the water equivalent of a Contiki tour.

Juan was quick to point out any interesting under-water critters and managed to spot a little shark hiding out underneath a rock. Get your best pose ready because tour guides are also equipped with a GoPro for underwater pics.

Once we were done snorkelling, we headed out to find some more wildlife. Overall on the trip, we got to see tons of birds, dolphins, sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, crocodiles, starfish and sharks.

Punta Allen

One of my favourite things while travelling is getting to see small towns around the world, a real example of what life is like for a lot of people around the country.

Our stop in Punta Allen gave me a chance to explore the town, chat to some friendly locals and of course, feed that growing hunger that accumulated after all that swimming.

Lunch was all local food, set up buffet style right by the water. There was a ton of veggie options, including fresh salad.

Once we’d had our fill, it was time to head back to the boat and sadly make our way back home. Our trip back was made a little bit more exciting, though, as we were trying to race an incoming storm. Our timing was impeccable as we got back to the van just before the rains hit.

What you should know about Kay Tours

• One of my favourite things about Kay Tours is that while they do an amazing job at private tours, they also provide the opportunity to join small group tours. If you’re travelling solo or can’t make up enough for a full tour, they will help you match up with other travellers.

• My second favourite thing: Free pictures! With Kay Tours, you don’t need to spend your day trying to get that perfect shot. Just sit back, relax and take it all in while your tour guide has you covered with pics taken from a professional camera.

• Kay Tours makes a real effort to be as environmentally conscious as possible. From the use of an aluminum water bottle for the day to serving your morning coffee in cute little mugs, they’re not just paying lip service to being “eco”.

• The tour guides are genuinely awesome. Kay seems to have handpicked his guides from the pool of the best guides in Mexico. Claire’s done a handful of tours with Kay tours now and has said that every single one has been first class.

Juan, our tour guide was attentive and considerate showing a level of professionalism that I don't see often. An example was when he warned us that we had a bumpy ride coming up and made sure those who get motion sick sat upfront before they started to feel ill.

If you’re spending a while in the Riviera Maya, Kay Tours also have tours to some of the popular tourist attractions including Chichen Itza, Tulum, Coba and even to swim with the whale sharks near Isla Mujeres.

Looking for somewhere off the beaten track? Kay Tours also visit Las Colorodas, the stunning pink lakes in the north of the region and Muyil, located deep in the jungle.

Budget travellers should make sure to check their website because they often have promos. There’s currently 20% off on offer for the Sian Kaan tour.

Kay Tours

Website: kay.tours

Email: contact@kay.tours

Outside Mexico: +52 19 84 1 43 23 47

Inside Mexico: 0 44 98 41 43 23 47

---

What is it really like to let go when you travel?

As a digital nomad in 2018, I am constantly connected to technology. I'm always taking photos and videos to share on Instagram and spend at least 40 hours a week on my laptop to sustain my travel addiction.

It's very rare when I'm able to completely switch off and let go - let go of all the stress, pressure to always perform, my routines, self-imposed rules - but I do know that when I'm completely forced to, I have an amazing time and some genuine experiences that are somehow less forgettable.

The funny thing is when you can't share what you're doing with the world, you completely own that experience. There's no other feeling like it and it's sad that my lifestyle doesn't allow me to let go more.

Five very connected travellers got invited to take part in the trip of a lifetime recently but there was one big catch. They needed to completely let go, not just give up their phones but let themselves go for the whole trip in order to completely connect with the destination.

The destination?

Québec.

The victims?

• Jean Imbert - chef and restaurant owner

• Kiersten Rich - travel expert

• Benjamin Prescott - nature portraitist

• Jess Dales - global wanderer

• Alan Estrada - travel blogger

How did they do?

I’m really excited to share this with you as the whole concept of the experience really spoke to me and I’m sure you’ll feel the same way no matter what you’re trying to let go of.

Check out the video below to see how they fared and what they experienced on their trip.

The promotion was run by the tourism brand QuébecOriginal who has the enviable job of promoting the province of Québec as a destination around the world.

The music was composed by Québecois artist Geoffroy and it's really got my heart pumping for my upcoming trip to Québec this summer.

Here are some of the experiences that really captured my attention:

Wildlife watching

You know I'm a huge animal lover and seeing the travellers get to dive and kayak with seals and interact with wolves has given me some new life goals. Québec has nearly 650 animal species and I would just love to go whale watching and spot as a moose in the wild.

Festivals

The people of Québec love any excuse to celebrate and it's known for having year-round eclectic festivals to suit all tastes. Experiences like these are not something you can take away and share and I really want to just get in the middle of one and take it all in.

Ancient traditions

Being able to truly learn about an indigenous culture from the people who have lived it is a very rare thing around the world. Québec has 11 distinct Indigenous nations with age-old traditions and I can't wait to dive into the history of the region.

Outdoor fun

I honestly had no idea there was so much to do in Québec. I saw it as mostly a city of diverse culture and great food but the video really opened up my eyes to all of the activities waiting for me. Zip lining is a big love of mine and guaranteed to get the blood pumping and paddling out into a lake to seek out the marine life will have me occupied for days.

A lot of travel often comes hand in hand with being in control. There was once a time when you eagerly sought out an internet cafe to send proof-of-life emails home to your mum or you needed to carry around a giant brick of a guidebook so you could plan your next destination. To take pictures we carried tedious film cameras or guarded the more expensive digital cameras with our lives.

Now, most parts of our journey are just so convenient that it’s impossible to let go and just let ourselves wander with no schedules, no plans and without the preconceived idea of exactly how our trip is going to go.

It seems, though, that when you're in the right destination, you can really just be in the moment and let go.

I honestly can't wait to start packing my bags and seeing how I end up. Québec, here I come!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Quebec Original . The opinions and text are all mine.

Belize travel - First impressions of my time in Belize

Belize was the last country on my list in Central America and after 10 years of travelling through the region, I finally made it there.

Known as British Honduras as recently as 1973, Belize is the only English speaking country in Central America and is often a quick stop for people travelling from Mexico to Guatemala.

All I had heard about the place was that it was the most expensive in Central America and that I should visit San Ignacio and Caye Caulker. I knew that it was supposed to be a good spot for snorkelling and diving and full of adventure activities.

So here are my very first impressions after spending a few weeks in the country. I’ll work on some individual posts about each of my favourite things over the next few weeks but this should be a good first taste for now.

My first impressions of Belize

1) Belize Zoo is a must see

This place almost made me cancel the rest of my plans and move in permanently. The Belize Zoo is not really a zoo and the name doesn’t really reflect all the amazing work that they do for native wildlife.

It was started in 1983 to provide a home for a bunch of wild animals that were used to make a documentary about tropical forests. The founder of the zoo quickly realised that its local visitors were unfamiliar with many species of local wildlife and committed to creating a space for wildlife education.

The zoo keeps animals which were orphaned, rescued and born at the zoo, though breeding is not a focus and today the zoo exhibits over 175 animals, representing over 45 native species. 

I stayed almost two weeks at the adjoining Tropical Education Centre (or The Belize Zoo Lodge). They offer basic cabañas, fancier houses facing their pond and even dorm style rooms. All meals are served at the lodge and they made me some of the best vegetarian food I had in Belize. You can even do some animal spotting at the lodge where agouti, pacas and even the resident croc are easy to spot and if you’re a birder then they have lots of dedicated walks and an elevated platform for easy spotting.

I’ll write a dedicated post about the zoo and the lodge soon but for now, just know that this is a must visit when you’re in Belize.

2) I’m in two minds about Caye Caulker

I spent just three nights in Caye Caulker and really wanted to stay longer but it wasn’t really for me. For anyone who’s been to the Bay Islands in Honduras or the Corn Islands in Nicaragua then you’ll see that it has a very similar feel.

I arrived on the night of Super Bowl Sunday so my first impression of the island was that it was loud and full of drunk Americans. I could have turned around straight away but decided to give it an extra night.

I grew to like it more in the light of a new day but it still feels very much like less of a real place where people live and more like a dedicated tourist destination where you might go to unwind for a week or two. It has the feel of tiny Playa Del Carmen when I really wanted it to be more like Mazunte, my favourite beach spot in Mexico.

The island is tiny and you can easily walk around it in a couple of hours. Some people rent golf carts and there are also bikes for hire to get around but it’s completely unnecessary. On the main side of the island there aren’t any traditional beaches but if you’re happy to swim off a dock or jump into “the split” that separates the island then you’ll be fine.

I booked in for the famous snorkelling tour around the islands and the reef that includes a visit to Shark Ray Alley, Hol Chan Marine Reserve and a small shipwreck. If you’re lucky and there in the right season you could see manatees along the way, I was not but I did get to hang out with some friendly nurse sharks, sea turtles, rays and loads of tropical fish. This trip was a whole lot of fun but you are often surrounded by boatloads of other tourists at the same time all staring at the one sea turtle.

Caye Caulker is slightly more expensive than the mainland which makes sense given they have to get all their supplies shipped over but it’s possible to eat on the cheap, especially if you like the ubiquitous fry jack.

I probably could have given Caye Caulker more of a chance but it lacks the more flashpacker style accommodation I’m used to and the pricier hotels were out of my budget. Airbnb’s are spread out around the island but a lot of the best ones were booked out well in advance.

Sunsets at Caye Caulker are pretty special

3) San Ignacio has so much to do!

My legs and shoes after Crystal Cave

You could spend a whole week here and not run out of things to do in San Ignacio. It is very well geared towards tourism but still retains a lot of its authentic small-town feel. I started my trip here and it was a good decision. It gave me a deeper insight into the mixed cultures of Belize and I got to do some cool activities.

One of my favourites was the Crystal Cave day trip which involved a 50-minute hike through tropical forest to the cave entrance, where you scramble down 15 feet into the cavernous entrance. Caves played a very important role in the Maya culture, considered to be a supernatural realm where their ancestors' deities resided.

I got to see the shimmering formations in the cave that give it its name, slide and wriggle my way through tight openings and sometimes just grip onto ledges for my dear life. I’m not going to lie, this way one of the toughest things I’ve done in my life and part way through, I really just wanted to throw my things down, have a tantrum and demand to be airlifted out of there. Or however else an ill-equipped over consumer of brownies and pasta gets out of an underground cavern.

I’m glad I did it though and while I was sore for days afterwards, still kind of am, I think, I highly recommend that you try this or any of the other cave experiences while you’re in Belize.

My next favourite thing was the Green Iguana Conservation Project. Created in 1996 because of the decreasing survival rate of Green Iguanas in Belize caused by overhunting, the owners decided to start a program that would both protect the species and also educate locals and visitors about these very cool reptiles.

The project follows a continuous course of rearing the Iguanas from the egg to juvenile stage and then later sets them free by releasing them into their natural habitat. There are some special long-term guests who can’t be released because of permanent injuries or because they were raised as pets and are now too comfortable with humans.

I got to learn a bunch about them and also had the opportunity to pet and hold some of the more chilled out ones. At first, I was terrified to even reach out and touch them but by the end, I was holding my little friend for over 20 minutes and didn’t want to put him back.

4) Accommodation is geared to the super budget traveller or more high-end visitors

Belize is filled with eco-resorts and jungle lodges and these are supposed to be great, if you can afford it. There aren’t many hostels in the country and if you’re outside of the tourist hotspots you’ll be lucky to find one.

Most towns will always have some basic budget lodging so if your standards are low and you’re happy with a place to rest your head at night then you’ll be fine. I skipped some places, though, because of their lack of quality mid-range or even high-end budget options.

I’m sure as tourism picks up, this will improve but just be warned that if you’re looking for quality budget or mid-range places to stay then you might be disappointed.

5) Eating vegetarian in Belize is relatively easy

I definitely was spoiled by my time at the Tropical Education Centre where they made me all sorts of local-style food with fresh veggies and locally made meat alternatives. When I was travelling around though, I could always find the staple rice and beans, potato salad and plantains and stuffed fry jacks were also a favourite quick snack.

Many tourist towns will have good spots with separate vegetarian sections on a menu or will be happy to make something special for you. Don't forget my #1 tip for eating vegetarian while traveling - when in doubt, try breakfast for lunch.

6) Buses are basic but get you can get where you need to go

If you’re happy taking basic chicken buses around the country then you’ll be fine. Shuttle transfers are pricey so I tried my best to avoid theme especially when it costs no more than $10 to get from one side of the country to the other.

The one issue I did have was there’s no clear timetable or schedule and there are loads of different bus companies servicing each region so you have to rely on often outdated advice online. You could end up waiting up to an hour or more for a bus if you haven’t timed it well and some routes (like the Dangriga to Placencia route) only have one or two buses a day. 

If you’re hitting the two main tourists spots of San Ignacio and Caye Caulker then you’re not going to have an issue taking local transport. Buses are as frequent as every half an hour and ferries are hourly during the busiest times.

Once you want to get a little off the beaten track though, you’re at the mercy of the transport Gods. All I’ll say for now is try not to travel on a Sunday when everything slows down even more and don’t just turn up expecting that you will get where you’re going. I relied heavily on the often updated Belize Bus website which is run independently and relies on user submissions for timetable changes.

7) You’ll still get to practice your Spanish

One reason I wasn’t super keen one Belize is that I thought it would interrupt the Spanish immersion that I was getting in the rest of Central America but that was so wrong.

Even though the main language is English, you’ll mostly here a mix of Creole and Spanish as you travel around. The Belizean people are made up of Maya, Kriol, Mestizo, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite and Chinese. There are also a large number of expats in areas like the Cayes and San Ignacio.

Sometimes I wasn’t sure which language to start off with but you’re usually fine with English and most people were happy and able to chat in whichever language I chose. The Belizean Creole is very different to what I learnt in Trinidad but if you know you’re creole then you should be able to understand what’s going on.

Overall I will say that I kept trying to compare Belize to its neighbouring countries but you can't really do that here. Belize is really in a class of its own. While it's easy to say I recommend Nicaragua over Guatemala and mainland Honduras is best left to more seasoned travellers (or anyone who's keen!), Belize for me is difficult to rate or describe.

If you love wildlife, nature or adventure activities then Belize would be a great place to visit. It's friendly English speaking residents make it an easy place to navigate and it's definitely worth at least a week of your time.

---

That’s all for now and I hope you enjoyed a quick taste of what I experienced while I was in Belize. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the country whether you’ve visited or you’d like to go. Let me know in the comments!

Pin for later

<--             -->

How to Get the Yellow Fever Vaccine in Panama

Update 12 May 2023: A few readers have written in to update us on the current state of the yellow fever vaccine in Panama. Make sure to read the bottom for the latest updates.

---

One of my top priorities when I arrived in Panama was to get a yellow fever vaccine in preparation for my upcoming travel to Africa. I heard it was cheap and easy to get there compared to a relatively costly exercise in my home of Brisbane, Australia. The yellow fever vaccine in Australia costs $75 plus a consultation fee of $85. The cost of the yellow fever vaccine in Panama is only $5 (2023 update: this is sadly now $100 for foreigners but still a lot cheaper than many countries) so if you're going to be in the region anyway then you should consider taking advantage of the savings!

This proved to be easier said than done once I actually got there as there is not a lot of information online on where the vaccine is available. Since only select clinics provide it, I also struggled to get much info from locals since in Panama, yellow fever isn't really an issue and you don't need those shots for Panama.

Now that I’ve personally gone through the process, I thought I would put some specific instructions together for anyone who needs to do the same. As with any medical procedure, be sure to consult a medical professional and be up to date with the relevant travel advice for the region in which you are travelling.

If you’re looking for travel health information and advice check out the Bemused Backpacker website. It's run by a nurse and also has an online travel clinic service. Although I’ve not used the service I enjoy reading the articles on travel health.

All you need to know to get the Yellow Fever vaccine in Panama

• The clinic is called Region Metropolitana de Salud

• Cost of vaccine is $100 (or $20 if you’re a resident)

• You need to take your passport with you

• Opening hours are from 8 am to 3:45 pm

• It is closed for lunch between 12 pm and 1 pm

• Staff stop taking payments at 2 pm so get there well before

• No shorts or singlets allowed in the clinic

Getting there and back

Finding your way to the clinic is easy once you know where it is. You can take a bus, catch a taxi or order an Uber.

The bus is just $0.25 each way, but you will need a MetroBus card. A taxi will cost you $5 each way from Albrook and a bit more from wherever you are staying.If you're willing to get an Uber this will be even easier for you as the address is now in Google Maps so you can just jump into your Uber and sit back and relax.

The address is:

• Region Metropolitana de Salud

• Los Rios

• Detras del SPI

Catching the bus

If you decide you would like to have the adventure of the bus ride and save even more pennies then catching the bus is relatively easy. Just don't do like I did and get off too early!

You can take a bus from Albrook Bus Station and you can take either the Ciudad de Saber route or the Miraflores route. The Ciudad de Saber route is going to be a slightly longer ride on the way to the clinic. I also saw more Miraflores buses leaving the terminal, but you can safely take whichever leaves first.

You can catch either route back and they’ll both be the same distance on the return journey to Albrook.

At Albrook station both routes have their lines located all the way at the end of the terminal, near the Movistar signs. If you get lost or need some help just ask someone in a fluoro green vest.

The stop to look out for is called “Corazon”. I used Google Maps to help me figure out where to get off, but some of the buses have an automatic announcement with each stop. You can also ask the driver to let you know when to get off.

Note: The bus stop to get back should be right across the road. Look out for it when you jump off so you know where you're going on the way back.

The Metrobus website is actually quite helpful and can show you the route that you’ll be taking. It also has general information on getting around the city.

Finding the health centre

Once you get off the bus there should be a street that you can see with a sign for Servicio De Proteccion Institucional or SPI.

Keep heading up that street through a suburban looking area and you will eventually get to the Region Metropolitana de Salud. There should be a couple of signs along the way, so you know you’re heading in the right direction.

There is a guard booth at the entrance and as you walk down the driveway you should see a building on your left and a building a bit further down on your right.

Head to the building on the left first to pay the fee

Head to the building on the left where you can see a window. The entrance is towards the rear of the building. This is where you will show your passport and pay the $5 fee for the vaccine.

Once you’ve paid and gotten your receipt, head to the building that was on your right. Walk into the ground floor area and head to the second door on the left. There are some chairs along the wall at the side, but you should be able to head right in.

This is where you will get your shot. Have your passport ready to hand to the nurses, so they can fill out your yellow fever certification. This process should take no longer than 5 minutes. I got there just after 1 pm and there were only 2 other people who came in after me.

That’s it! Hopefully, this makes it super easy for you to get your yellow fever vaccine in Panama City. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions. If you decide to try this, please also leave a comment below to let us know how it went and if anything has changed.

Latest updates from recent travelers to Panama

Update 12/08/2022: “Thanks for the information. This is still pretty much accurate. Went there today and got the shot. They don't even want to know where you travel to or if you're traveling anywhere else. As a foreigner, it still costs 100 USD. Arrived there after 1 PM, took me about an hour (they were somewhat busy, where about 15 people there for shots). They do not speak english, FYI.”

---

Update 23/10/2018: “Hi, I wanted to give you another update as I got vaccinated last week. I really appreciated all of the information you had on your site so I wanted to help with up to day information (although I am sure it will change again, so be prepared for anything!)

The notification that was up regarding specific countries is no longer there, there is a new notice as of March 2018 stating that if you are a foreigner trying to get the vaccine you need to have proof of travel but it can be to any country in the Americas. It is still $100 for foreigners and $20 for residents. There were about 15 of us there first thing in the morning to get the vaccine, but the whole process was quick and well organized.” Carolyn K.

---

Update 13/02/2018: I received the below advice from a reader on recent changes to the cost and new requirements for travellers:

"I have read your blog post on getting vaccinated in Panama. I went there today and sadly everything changed in the last months. They now charge 20 B for locals and 100 B for foreigners (due to alleged shortages in the vaccine stocks).

Furthermore, they require printed proof of travel (plane or anything else) to one of the countries listed by them (I am enclosing 2 pics I took today at the Region Metropolitana De Salud). The countries listed in black pen (Bahama, Jamaica, Guyana, Nicaragua, Brasil, Nigeria and Honduras) are the only ones officially requiring proof of vaccination according to Panama’s government (I couldn't get any vaccine saying I am going to Sapzurro, Colombia, an area that should require the vaccine).

At this time I was told there is no other clinic offering the yellow fever vaccine in Panama City." Paola B.

List of onward countries officially requiring proof of yellow fever vaccine according to the clinic

New cost of yellow fever vaccine - 20 Balboas for locals and residents; 100 Balboas for foreingers

Read more articles from Panama

Booking Family Holidays With FinalPrice

Travel can be expensive enough when you factor in booking your plane tickets but once you add in the hotels, rental car, and activities you could be in for more than you’ve budgeted for. I know this can make some people hesitant about planning their own trip and even put a stop to overseas holiday plans altogether.

I’ve written a lot recently about how to save money when planning your vacation and some of my favourite travel websites and apps to help you plan.

Recently, though, I learnt about something I hadn’t tried before, an app called FinalPrice .

I’m currently planning a family holiday for August next year and thought this would be the perfect opportunity to test out FinalPrice. I have my sister and brother coming for the first four weeks and then my brother-in-law meeting us in the last three weeks. We also have my sister’s new baby along for the trip for the very first time. All of these more different room configurations can prove to be quite difficult when booking so this is going to be a real challenge!

How does FinalPrice work?

FinalPrice is a new and unique app to book your hotels, flights and rental cars. The app is very similar to other popular apps like Expedia, Trip Advisor and Booking.com. Spoiler Alert - their pricing can be considerably less than the others. 

They have two options during your checkout. You can checkout for free and take 50% of the public price discount or if your savings are more than $99 or you plan on traveling a lot in the next year, you can upgrade to the unlimited savings plan for $99 a year and take 100% of the discount.

Features:

• Book for ten travellers on one account
• Can share subscription with friends and family
• Full flexibility is included in the booking process (including pay now, pay later, breakfast, no breakfast, and all room types)
• All transactions are handled on the app so you don’t get any annoying redirects or popups to different sites
• Curated Recommendation engine
• Filter out the brand you want to book at (ie Westin, Intercontinental, Hyatt, etc)
• You get your frequent flyer or rewards program points
• Money back guarantee - if you don't earn your subscription fee back in savings in your first year, you will be refunded the difference

Comparing FinalPrice with Trip Advisor

Generally, I like to use Trip Advisor as a comparison since I can see reviews alongside while getting a ballpark amount and then will always check prices with HotelsCombined.com. HotelsCombined is a great aggregator and nine times out of ten finds me the best price.

For this review, I used the free version of the FinalPrice app. While using the free version, any savings that FinalPrice finds are halved so they keep 50%. You also don’t have access to the Flight and Car Rental modules of the app. It’s up to you whether the savings are worth paying the $99 subscription fee but hopefully, this review will help you make your mind up.

So, how did FinalPrice stack up against my favourites?

I chose five hotels amongst the different cities we plan to visit and did a direct comparison of the lowest prices that I could find through each option.

Out of all five options, FinalPrice was always the cheapest. Sometimes it was by a few dollars and for one option, I saved $211! If I tallied up my total spend and compared it to what I would have paid had I only used TripAdvisor, I would have saved $562.

All prices are in USD 

What I like about FinalPrice

• Separate sections including Top Rated, Big Savings, and Best 4 & 5 Star to help you quickly find what best suits you
• Hotel ratings are front and centre to help with your comparison
• You can see hotels on a map view
• Great range of hotels in big cities and smaller towns
• Friends and family sharing - no more sneaky sharing of logins!
• Interface is very straightforward and intuitive. I even got my mum to try it out and she had no issues navigating the different options.

I’m very impressed with the savings available through the app and would definitely recommend you check it out. It seems like the savings are larger when you’re spending more on a hotel so if you’re looking to spend less than $100 then you might not see as big a discount. The best part is though, that you are will be refunded the difference in your subscription fee if you don’t save more than $99 so it’s really win-win.

Head over to FinalPrice for more information and to check it out for yourself. Use the promo code INLANTON to get a $20 credit so you can save even more.

Let me know in the comments if you would give something like this a try and what you think about the service.

This is a sponsored post brought to you by FinalPrice. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.

The First Timer's Guide to Osa Peninsula Costa Rica

I’ve travelled to Costa Rica a few times during my jaunts up and down Latin America and I have to say it’s never been my favourite country. The abundance of wildlife is what keeps drawing me back but up until this year, I hadn’t found a spot that really captured my heart. All that changed when I visited the Osa Peninsula and Drake Bay.

The Osa is everything I wanted Costa Rica to be. Still relatively untouched by mass tourism, remote, and easy to find real grassroots local experiences. The Osa Peninsula offers a variety of experiences including wildlife spotting, water sports, and cultural activities that allow you to see the heart of the area. 

The region isn’t for everyone, the remote and basic accommodations dotted around Drake Bay, Costa Rica doesn’t usually cater to the uber-luxury traveler. If you’re not a fan of bugs, spiders or sharing your shower with local bats then you should consider staying in a more upscale rainforest eco-lodge. If you enjoy being surrounded by nature, steps away from rivers and beaches and waking up to the sounds of monkeys rustling in the treetops, then I definitely recommend giving the Osa a try.

What to do in the Osa Peninsula

The biggest draw of the Osa is that you are quite literally surrounded by nature. This is one the most remote places you can visit in the country and some of the must-do activities involve either a hike or boat ride to access it. My best advice is to just relax, switch off your phone and let your jungle side come out.

Drake Bay

There are a few options where you can base yourself while exploring the Osa Peninsula but I definitely recommend Drake Bay. From Drake, you’ll be close to Cano Island, and Corcovado National Park is a short boat ride away. It’s more rustic than the larger Puerto Jimenez and has no ATM in town but you’ll feel more like you’ve gotten away from it all. It’s almost an attraction in itself as there are several remote beaches to swim in and plenty of trails to get lost on.

Corcovado National Park

Corcovado packs a punch with 164 square miles of primary and secondary rainforests, 39 kilometers of beaches and 13 major ecosystems. It is Costa Rica's largest national park, making up close to a third of the Osa Peninsula. On a hike through the park, you might encounter bull sharks and crocodiles swimming in the waters, and tapirs, jaguars, four species of monkeys, sloths, peccary, anteater, scarlet macaws, woodpecker, and coati on land.

There is a station where you can spend the night in some basic accommodation or you can visit for the day and hike through one of the trails. You are technically not allowed to bring food into the park so if staying overnight be mindful that you will need to budget from $20 per meal at the station.

A tour to Corcovado generally involves a boat ride to San Pedrillo Park Ranger Station's entrance and includes a guided hike with lunch. Most people opt for this tour so wildlife viewing, while still abundant, is not as spectacular as the further away Sirena Station. I still saw a lot of animals but my group bumped into other groups a handful of times which makes the experience less “middle-of-nowhere” and more “run-of-the-mill”. 

Cano Island

Cano Island (Isla del Caño) is a small 300-hectare island off the northern coast of the Osa Peninsula ringed by a great number of coral reefs.

Cano Island is considered the premier spot to snorkel and scuba dive in Costa Rica. Year-round warm water makes it worth the 45-minute boat trip from Drake Bay as is the chance to spot whales and dolphins along the way. The clear waters are home to dolphins, rays, all kinds of fish, eels, turtles, sharks, and whales.

Horseback ride or hike to San Josecito beach

Playa San Josecito is a white-sand, crescent-shaped beach located 6 km south of Drake Bay. A really unique activity is to get to the beach on horseback. While lounging on the beach keep an eye out for sloths and monkeys resting in the trees overhead.

You can also hike to San Josecito via a 2.5-hour long trail. You will have to cross Rio Claro along the way which could involve wadding through calf deep water or taking a short ferry ride across when the water is at its highest. Make sure to take plenty of water and keep your eye out for wildlife along the way. For a full day option take a boat to Rincon Beach which is a bit further along and hike back to Drake Bay, stopping at San Josecito along the way.

Canopy Tour

Costa Rica is the home of canopying and the Osa isn’t going to be left out when it comes to the exhilarating activity of zip lining. Your adventure usually begins high up in the hills reached by ATV or horseback.

The canopy tour consists of 9 platforms, 6 traverse cables, one over 100 meters long (300 ft), a 9 meter suspended observation walkway and a 25-meter rappel down to the edge of a stream for wildlife spotting.

Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours

There are two main whale seasons, December to April and July to October and the area is known for having the longest humpback whale season in the world. If you keep an eye out it’s entirely possible to spot whales breaching from the mainland but if you want to make sure to see these magnificent creatures then you can easily organise a tour in town. My top tip is to plan your visit to Cano Island first, as I was lucky to spot two whales and several dolphins just crossing over to the island.

Rancho Quemado, Osa Peninsula - Lokal Travel

Trapiche Don Carmen: Don Carmen's Sugarcane Mill - Lokal Travel

Rancho Quemado

There are really not many places in the world where you casually bump into the founder of the village while attending a town-wide meeting to greet visitors. Actually, this is the first time I’ve ever experienced this level of unplanned local interaction. In just a few days I got invited to tea at the home of a local elder, played games with the kids of the village in their central meeting place - the football field-cum-stadium, and had dinner with the family who runs Rancho Verde de Osa.

Rancho Quemado is a small 300-person village located 15 km east of Drake Bay in the heart of the Osa Peninsula. If you’re up for a rural experience with the chance to actually get to know the locals then I really suggest you give Rancho Quemado a try. I could have spent my whole trip here and you could easily base yourself here instead of Drake Bay and do some day trips to the bigger sites like Corcovado and Cano Island.

I learnt from several of the elders about their life growing up in such a remote location and the unique struggles and situations that arise when raising a raising a family in a small village. My favourite story was about the local battery-operated tv that was used to watch the nightly showing of a telenovela. Residents took it in turn to make the full day trek to the nearest village with power to recharge the battery and head back to watch the next episode. This involved an overnight so they would always miss at least one episode.

Artisanal gold mining tour

Finca Las Minas was one of the highlights of my time in Rancho Quemado. The tour allows you to get to know the work of artisanal gold miner and the history of gold in Costa Rica including getting some hands-on experience with gold mining techniques. I got to try my hand at panning for gold for the very first time and actually found some! After the tour, I got to try some traditional snacks and have a chat with the family which was probably my favourite part.

Laguna Chocuaco Canoe Trip

Canoe into a private lagoon located in primary rainforest. You get to hike one mile to the lagoon with your local guide helping you spot wildlife and pointing out the interesting local plants used in the area. The canoe trip allows you to see some amazing bird life and it is a serene experience quietly paddling down the lagoon.

Gold panning - Osa Peninsula - Lokal Travel

I found gold! I'm sure it's worth a lot...

Osa Peninsula Hotels

There are different levels of accommodation to choose from and most are comfortable, if a bit basic, but you can still find a luxury rainforest eco-lodge if that suits your tastes. While there are big resorts dotted around the peninsula, most accommodation is rustic and take advantage of its surroundings to provide a unique experience.

High-End Lodging

I recommend Lapa Rios Rainforest Eco Lodge. Lapa Rios offers high-end accommodation, full board, and packaged tours leaving right from their own dock and has been named one of National Geographic’s “Unique Lodges of the World”. They are a model in ecotourism and have won awards worldwide for social and environmental excellence. If you’re considering a bit of a splurge during your time in Costa Rica then this is definitely the place to do it.

Check out their reviews on Trip Advisor.

Alternatively, El Remanso Lodge provides options for most budgets including a deluxe villa with your own private plunge pool, classic bungalows and houses to fit the whole family.

Mid-Range Lodging

Naguala Jungle Lodge

Naguala is a lovely spot right smack in the middle of the jungle. Even getting there is an adventure involving a short hike from the main road to get to the heart of the property. Due to its location, you will get a chance to see lots of wildlife including some creepy crawlies and resident bats. The cabins are private and roomy and the recent addition of a yoga pavilion overlooking a waterfall is a huge plus. Your day can be taken up with hiking, bathing in pools beneath one of the many falls or just swinging in a hammock.

Check out the latest prices: Booking.com | Hotels.com  | Expedia

Read their reviews on Trip Advisor.

Bella Vista

Run by a local family and located on the last rural beach village before Corcovado National Park begins, Bella Vista is a cosy spot to base yourself. You’ll be spoilt by Willie’s family and made to feel completely at home. Views from the attached restaurant allow you to do some whale watching and you can also participate in cooking classes and night hikes in the nearby jungles. The best part is you will pretty much have the local beach all to yourself.

Have a look at their reviews on Trip Advisor.

Budget Lodging

Mohagine Hotel & Finca is a 7-hectare farm close to the beach and the center of Drake Bay. Cabins are dotted around their large tropical garden with a communal sitting area and kitchen located in the centre.

Check out their reviews on Trip Advisor.

Eating fresh sugar cane on a walk from Bella Vista

Getting there

The easiest way to get in is by plane. You can change in the capital, San Jose and fly to either Drake Bay or Palma Sur airports (45 mins). Alternatively, you can go via land by shuttle, public bus or renting a car and catching a boat from Sierpe. It takes about six hours by car.

Depending on your arrival into Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) you might have to spend a night in San Jose or Alajuela before you head down to the Osa.

Flying to Drake Bay

Both Sansa and Nature Airlines have short flights to Drake Bay. Make sure you arrange ground transfer with your accommodation in advance as this is a really small airport and taxis aren’t really going to be lining up to take you into town.

Keep in mind that depending on where you’re staying on the peninsula you might need to arrive at your hotel via boat transfer. I’d suggest wearing shoes you can remove so they don’t get wet getting on and off the boats.

Drake Bay Overland

If coming by land, the best option is to take the bus (5-6 hours) from the TRACOPA station in San Jose to Palmar Norte. Then you’ll need to take a short taxi or bus ride to Sierpe. From Sierpe it’s a 2-hour boat ride to Drake Bay.

Getting around Drake Bay

Most places are either accessed by public transport, shuttle or by boat. If you’re renting a car make sure you get a 4-wheel drive as the roads can get quite muddy and there may be some small rivers you need to cross. #adventure!

Osa Peninsula - Lokal Travel

Laguna Chocuaco Canoe Trip - Lokal Travel

Lokal Travel

The team behind Lokal Travel personalised my time in Osa to help me see some of these unique experiences. I would highly recommend you check out their website for fully organised tours or hand-picked local experiences. They have over 50 activities and lodging options in Costa Rica for a range of budgets.

The best thing about Lokal Travel is that they are supporting the local community by putting money directly in the hands of locals. You won’t find any chain hotels or bus tours packed with other tourists, just truly local experiences. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while you’ve probably picked up on the fact that Costa Rica is one of my least favourite countries because of how damn easy it is to travel around most of the country. There’s no challenge to it! Due to this amazing tourist infrastructure, I'm often surrounded by eager first-time travellers and families. Two demographics I do not fit in with at all.

Thankfully, Lokal Travel really opened my eyes to the still remote and relatively untouched parts of the country that I have since fallen in love with. Check out how they handpick experiences based on an extensive selection process, including in-person vetting and browse their adventures online.

Travel Tips

• With all the hiking you’ll be doing make sure you have a quality daypack with some waterproofing to protect you from the main part of the rainforest.

• Make sure you’ve packed enough sunscreen and bug spray as well as a decent water bottle.

• Think about how you’re going to keep your camera and other electronics dry. Be mindful when moving between your cooler hotel room into the more humid outdoors as your lenses will likely fog up. Use a dry bag to prevent condensation.

• Make sure you’ve worn in your hiking boots well before your trip and pack moisture wicking pants and socks to avoid that icky damp feeling.

• Consider some rubber boots for the more remote areas like Rancho Quemado or even to replace your liking boots altogether.

• There is no ATM in Drake Bay and most places accept only cash so make sure to bring enough to last you. If you need money in an emergency, there are a couple of places in town that will allow you to take a cash advance out of your card for a hefty fee.

Heading to Central America? Check out my latest posts on my favourite region!

One Week in Cape Town - What To Do & Where to Stay in Cape Town

Touching down in Cape Town was my very first experience on the whole African continent. I couldn’t have been more excited and a little bit nervous about what I was going to find in this new country. Cape Town is the perfect place to start a trip in South Africa. It balances a unique cultural destination with modern amenities and provides a startling backdrop that’s hard to tear yourself away from.

Table Mountain will definitely be on your must visit list when you arrive in Cape Town and you get a taste of it as you’re wandering about the city. On  my first day I went to the Old Biscuit Mill market and I remember turning around and seeing it for the first time. Table Mountain just surprises you with how beautiful a mountain can actually be, sounds silly but it’s true. 

But Cape Town is more than just Table Mountain! I spent four weeks there trying to see as much as possible and I’ve put together my favourite things to do that I think any first time visitor should see. Whether you’re just starting off in Cape Town before exploring more of South Africa or you have just one week to enjoy your vacation this fun list should help you see the best of Cape Town.

If you're travelling further in South Africa also check out my favourite Holiday Destinations in South Africa and all my suggested South Africa itineraries.

Bo-Kaap

One of the oldest residential neighbourhoods in Cape Town, Bo Kaap, is an interesting mix of Cape Dutch and Cape Georgian styles. It was previously known as the Malay Quarter and as you walk around you can definitely see the Islamic influences of that region.

Bo Kaap is not just a beautiful place to wander around but it’s also the home several historical landmarks. On a visit you can find the the countries oldest mosque, one of the oldest houses, built in 1768 and now a museum, and the resting place of three hold scholars.

On your visit consider a Bo-Kaap Cooking Tour with local resident, Zainie. Her unique take on a cooking class includes a short walking tour with a visit to the neighbourhood spice shop.

Robben Island

This half day trip is worth it just for the boat ride alone. If you’re lucky you can spot whales heading to and from the island. It’s a place full of history and the comprehensive tour includes a bus trip around the island and a chance to view the cell of Nelson Mandela.

Make sure to book this ticket in advance and aim for a morning departure. When I visited my trips got cancelled twice due to poor weather and I was eventually successful with a morning departure on my third try. Tickets can book out days ahead so don’t leave it to the last minute.

Tours are led by former political prisoners who will happily discuss the island’s 500 year old history. The tour route includes the graveyard of people who died from leprosy, the Lime Quarry, Robert Sobukwe’s house, the Bluestone quarry, the army and navy bunkers and the Maximum Security Prison where thousands of South Africa’s freedom fighters were incarcerated. The tour highlight is the viewing of Nelson Mandela’s cell.

The full tour to Robben Island is about 4 hours long with two half hour ferry trips. Ferries run two or three times a day depending on the season and you will usually be on a ferry that was also used to transport staff and prisoners when the prison was still in operation.

Check out Robben Island’s website for full tour information or read more about the full experience of the island.

Cape Town Wine Tours

South Africa has some of the best wine in the world and the oldest wine route in the country is right in Cape Town’s back yard. 148 wine farms are situated along the route, many of them historical farms with beautiful Cape Dutch manors homes, gardens, hotels and fine-dining restaurants.

Even if you’re not into wine, this region is a beautiful area to drive around and explore. You could even consider dedicating a couple of days and basing yourself in Stellenbosch, at the heart of the wine region. This is a perfect time to go on a half or full day tour so you can indulge in some of South Africa's top wines paired with cheese without needing to drive yourself. Most tours include lunch at some outdoor dining venues so you can have an another glass of wine with a delicious meal looking out into the vineyards or a community developed farm.

Check out the latest prices for this recommended half day or this full day tour.  

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

Even if you're not a garden person, Kirstenbosch will still captivate you. Kirstenbosch lives up to its reputation as the most beautiful garden in Africa and one of the great botanic gardens of the world. It is also the first botanic garden to be considered part of a natural World Heritage Site. 

Set against the eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is more than just a garden. It’s actually part of a nature reserve made up of 528 hectares so if you’re for some hiking this is perfect starting point.

Free guided tours are available several times a day led by enthusiastic guides with great insights into the garden. Make sure to time your visit with one of these tours or one of the free events held regularly, like concerts and even an open air cinema.

The highlight for me was the Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway, a curved steel and timber bridge that winds its way over the tops of the trees. You’ll get some stunning views over the mountains and the whole garden.

Cape Peninsula Day Tour Cape Town

Cape Peninsula

Usually I love to do things on my own but in order to see the best of the Cape Peninsula I definitely recommend using a tour service. A good service will usually have small groups and knowledgable guides who can get you in and out while sharing some of the culture of Cape Town. It is a long drive and there’s a lot to see along the way so a tour will help keep things on time so you don’t miss out!

Some of the sights you can see on the Cape Peninsula are:

• A drive past Camps Bay, Clifton and Llandudno – aka ‘millionaire’s paradise'
• Hout Bay and harbour with a Seal Island cruise
• Chapman’s Peak Drive and Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
• Naval port of Simon’s Town
• Penguin colony at Boulders Beach

My personal favourite stops were Boulders Beach and Cape of Good Hope. As soon as I drove into the town of Boulders Beach we spotted a pair of penguins waddling across the street like they owned the town. I guess they really do! On you get on to the beach there are hundreds of penguins hanging out in their protected paradise.

Cape of Good Hope is situated at the very tip of the peninsula and has the Indian Ocean on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. You get to stand at the most south-western point of the African continent and be treated to some spectacular views of the ocean and the Atlantic and False Bay coastlines. There’s a lighthouse set against some stunning rugged cliffs, shipwreck trails, tidal pools, whale watching, and some water activities like sea kayaking and diving. 

If you’ve timed it right, have some lunch near the water where you should hopefully be able to encounter baboons, Cape Mountain Zebras, buck, and at least some of the 250 species of bird in their natural habitat. Don’t let the baboons get too close though! They’re known for walking up and grabbing food right from your hands.

Check out the latest prices on a full day Cape Peninsula tour here.

Penguins on Boulders Beach in Simon's Town near Cape Town

District 6

A strange sort of tourist destination, District 6 doesn’t actually have much to see but i promise you, it's worth the trip. The significant thing about a visit to District 6 is what actually took place there. This inner-city Cape Town suburb saw over over 60,000 people forcibly removed by the apartheid government in the 1960s and 1970s.

District 6 was originally established as a mixed community for freed slaves, merchants, artisans, labourers and immigrants. Families were removed by the government over the course of 15 years and most buildings were bulldozed. International and local pressure created problems for redevelopment and when you visit now it’s just a waste of open space that is largely untouched. 

One notable places to visit is the District 6 Museum. It gives a great insight into the history of the old suburb, and through photographs and voice recordings, you can get a glimpse of the vibrant area it used to be. The ground floor is covered by a large street map of the former District Six, with handwritten notes from old residents showing where their homes had been.

Fugard Theatre

If you’re a theatre fan or just want to experience a little more South African culture, make sure you include the historic Fugard Theatre in your Cape Town itinerary. The 320-seater theatre is located within the historic Sacks Futeran building in District Six and is named after South Africa’s most internationally acclaimed playwright.

The entrance of the theatre is the renovated Congregational Church Hall and it provides a beautiful setting for pre- or post-show drinks. On clear nights they often open up the rooftop terrace for panoramic views of the city.

The theatre holds a variety of shows including concerts, plays and musicals and tickets can be bought in advance  to make sure you don’t miss out. Check out the Fuggard Theatre online to see what’s on and but tickets.

Camps Bay, Cape Town

Visit the beach

Camps Bay is a suburb of Cape Town with a completely different feel to the rest of the city. It’s almost like a slice of the Mediterranean with its white sand and sparkling blue water, palm tree-lined main street with bars, cafes and clubs on the other side.

Due to its position on the Atlantic coast, and the wind tunnelling down the mountain ranges skimming any warm water from the surface, this will be some of the iciest water you’ve ever attempted to step foot in. I am not a fan of the cold and made it no further than my big toe but there were some brave Europeans at least knee-deep in the water. You’ve been warned!

Even if you’re not planning to swim, Camps Bay is a beautiful setting for some summer fun and an opportunity to soak in a unique part of South Africa.

Table Mountain Cape Town

Table Mountain

There are a couple ways to tackle Table Mountain. One could just bite the bullet and take the 5-minute cable car, soak up the views at the top and use your rested legs for some pleasant hiking around the summit. There are free 30-minute guided walks at the top or you can try one of the three hiking trails to explore the mountain further.

Alternatively, you can hike up the 3 km distance. The hike is considered "moderate to tough” and takes up to three hours to complete depending on your level of fitness. One way tickets are available for the cable car so you can always hike up and then take the easy way down or vice versa (#me!)

Make sure you check the Table Mountain Cable Way’s website before your visit as the cable car can (and often does) close if it’s too windy.

Budget - Atlantic Point

Cape Town has quality hostels coming out the wazoo. It’s one of the only places in the world where I had more than a couple of highly reviewed hostels to choose from It’s tough to choose a favourite hostel but for me the one that offers the best value, warm and friendly service, and fun daily activities is Atlantic Point.

They offer private rooms, a female-only dorm as well as co-ed dorms, and family rooms. There is even a cool loft-style dorm with great views. An on-site bar and lounge helps get the party started for the night but they close early enough not to bother those who need to sleep early. Besides the bar there are loads of common areas to hang out in, including a lounge, balcony and bbq area, as well as a self-catering kitchen. 

Atlantic Point offers daily free activities like a hike up Lion's Head or Table Mountain or a visit to the local market, as well as a tour desk to book any of the bigger day activities.

Check out the latest prices on Booking.com or read their reviews on Trip Advisor.

Mid-Priced - An African Villa

A beautiful townhouse in a quiet Cape Town location within walking distance to the centre. You can't go wrong with An African Villa. Modern design with a bright African theme throughout. 

The house has the feel of an intimate boutique hotel but the unique layout allows you to feel as though you are the guest of old friends on an urban safari.

Check out the latest prices: Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com or read reviews on Trip Advisor.

Luxury - Mannabay

Once a modern mansion Manna Bay is located high above the city and the views of downtown Cape Town are spectacular. The bright and fresh interior and rooms are very stylishly decorated and comfortable. Luxury facilities include 24 hour butler service, an on-call chauffeur service with complimentary dinner transfers, mobile phone to use during your stay, media centre, gym, pool, and even a rooftop bar where drinks are complimentary.

You really don't need to lift a finger when you stay at Manna Bay, every little thing is taken care of for you. Tours are even tailor made to suit guests' personal tastes.

Check out the latest prices: Booking.com | Expedia or read reviews on Trip Advisor.

Disclosure:  Please note that some of the links included are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase.

Cape Town from Lion's Head

---

Travelling further in South Africa? Check out these posts to help you plan your trip:

Big Corn Island Vs Little Corn Island

The Corn Islands in Nicaragua, Big Corn Island and Little Corn Island, are two Caribbean islands approximately 50 miles (70 kilometres) off the east coast of Nicaragua. They were once ruled by the British but are now considered part of the Autonomous Region of Nicaragua and are largely self-governed. The islands are still unspoiled by major development and cruise ship-style tourism compared to what you might experience in other popular Central American islands.

One of the charms of both islands is that they are very undeveloped. You’re not going to find any condos or big resorts here. There is one fancy resort on Little Corn Island that is way out of my budget but other than that you can’t expect much by way of accommodation or perfectly manicured beaches. The term "rugged" comes to mind, especially on Little Corn.

One question I get a lot of is which island people should visit when they go, Big Corn Island or Little Corn Island. Usually I suggest both since it’s so easy to visit together but I started writing this comparison to help see the main differences between the two islands. This turned into a massive post so to prepare you for the beautiful place that you are hopefully about to visit, here’s a video with some drone footage over Little Corn. Enjoy!

Contents - Which of the Corn Islands, Nicaragua?

1. Culture and vibe

2. Amenities

3. Accommodation

4. Eating

5. Activities

   1. Snorkeling

   2. Diving

   3. Other Activities

6. Getting there

   1. Boat to the Corn Islands

   2. Flight to the Corn Islands

   3. Boat to Little Corn

First things first, if you’re heading to somewhere like Corn Island, Nicaragua then you’re definitely going to need to think about Travel Insurance. Check out World Nomads which I use personally. They’re flexible and you can buy and claim online, even after you’ve left home. Check out my full list of why they’re my favourite here.

Culture and vibe in the Corn Islands

Big Corn Island is definitely less touristy than Little Corn Island. This was probably my biggest driver for writing this comparison because most people completely discount Big Corn Island as an option and head straight to Little Corn Island.

You can do very similar things on each island but the difference is Little Corn has a tight knit community of under 1,000 residents and Big Corn has about 7 times that. What that means is with the huge popularity of Little Corn over Big Corn and the fact that most of the tourist spots are along the main strip there will be times where you will look around and only see other tourists on Little Corn Island. 

Little Corn Island is the more pristine and less developed of the two and is free from pollution by cars as there aren’t any roads. At some parts of the island you’re likely to find yourself without any light pollution at all. It’s the perfect place to star gaze or stumble around in the dark pretending you’re on a desert island.

Little Corn Island, Nicaragua

Since tourism is so low-key on Big Corn Island you could really go for days without seeing another tourist if you stay away from the wharf. There aren’t any souvenir shops or people harassing you to buy anything. Big Corn has a couple of long stretches of beach but the attraction is really the chance to experience the unique mix of cultures without feeling like you’re just another tourist. On Big Corn Island, people are friendly and usually up for a chat.

Prices on Big Corn Island are about 1/3 less than on Little Corn, including your day to day grocery items and restaurant prices. You do tend to get more variety by way of Western food in Little Corn. The difference in costs is negligible though, as both of the islands can be consider cheap when you compare it to tourist host spots in Costa Rica or Belize.

The Corn Islands could not be considered fancy. There are some nice places to stay but it would be very difficult to actually splash out if you wanted to, especially on Big Corn. This adds a nice element to your trip because most tourists you meet will have very similar travel styles to you. It’s impossible to walk away from Little Corn Island without making a bunch of new friends. I stayed on my own in a hotel room and still managed to have a great time with a bunch of people that I met regularly, either at the dive shop, one of the cafes or exploring the island.

Amenities on the Corn Islands

Little Corn's electricity can cut out unexpectedly and is available only from 2 pm to 6 am. Which means you need to be mindful about charging your devices when you can and if your hotel doesn’t have a generator then you probably won’t have wifi during the down time. If these things are important to you, there are a couple of cafes that have generators (Tranquilo Café and Desideri Café) and a handful of hotels offer 24/7 wifi as well.

On Big Corn you will find faster internet speeds and electricity 24 hours. Most hotels should offer wifi and some of the bigger restaurants as well.

There are no roads on Little Corn and of course no cars which is lovely and this along with the no internet make for an ideal place to really disconnect. What you will find, though, if you’re staying on the far east side of the islands and need to head to one of the two dive centres, for example, you could be looking at up to a half hour walk. Not really a deal breaker but it’s good to know. There are also no lights on that side, outside of the houses dotted around so if you’re wandering around after dark, make sure your phone is charged or you have a flashlight.

Big Corn has one main road that circles the island and a couple of smaller side streets. There’s a small bus that goes around both ways and also shared taxis are available. Both will cost you less than $1 to ride and it shouldn’t take you more than 10 minutes to get where you need to go. You can also rent a bike while you’re there either by the day of by the hour.

There is no ATM on Little Corn Island and most places do not accept cards for payment. Make sure you have enough cash when you’re heading over there or you will have to make a long trip to Big Corn to withdraw money. There are a couple of places that will allow you to do a cash advance on Little Corn but you’ll be charged around 10% for the convenience.

Pin for later -->

Accommodation in the Nicaragua Corn Islands

Corn Island Hotels

Neither place has much on the higher end of the scale, with most accommodation falling under $100 per night.

Big Corn Island has a few more hotel offerings and a couple of smaller guesthouses. I strongly suggest Los Escapados Corn Islands if you’re into glamping or Hotel Casa Canada or Arenas Beach Hotel for a regular style hotel.

Little Corn offers more rustic style accommodation as well as a few hotels and one higher end resort at the far end of the island, Yemaya. When it comes to Little Corn Island hotels, I personally suggest Sunshine Hotel or Little Corn Beach and Bungalow for a mid-priced stay or Lighthouse Hostel for both private and dorm options.

Update: Yemaya Little Corn now offers rooms to fit all budgets so I highly recommend you check them out. Prices start from $109 a night and they get amazing reviews on Trip Advisor. I can’t wait to try them out myself so please let me know if you do!

Airbnb on the Corn Islands, Nicaragua

Airbnb is a great choice on both these Nicaragua islands. You get to choose your place before you get there and will still get access to some of the more locally owned options. There are single rooms, cabins and you can even rent a whole place with all the amenities right on the beach.

Use my personalised link for $35 USD or $50 AUD/CAD off your first stay. Check them out here.

Here are some great homes to check out:

• The White House - 2 bedroom jacuzzi suite with access to large indoor lounge area, outdoor pool and outdoor terraces set within 1.7 acres of grounds.

• Marlene's vacation home - Entire 3 bedroom home plus loft with two porches and air conditioning just 6 minutes walk from the beach.

• Paraiso Beach Hotel - Located on Playa Coco, this cabana is just 80m away from the beach and includes breakfast.

• Sunhill Villa - A modern house with a sea view located on top of Quinn Hill. Two bedrooms, two baths and big terrace create the perfect environment for relaxing the day away.

Los Escapados Corn Island

Eating - Corn Islands Nicaragua

The main difference between the two is Little Corn island has many more Western style options for meals, like popular Tranquil Cafe right near the wharf. If you’re ever craving a burger or spaghetti then you’re covered. They even have live music nights and it's definitely a fun place to hang out with all the perks of a typical gringo cafe. This is one benefit of the influx of tourists.

If you’re a vegetarian or vegan then Little Corn is going to be a haven for you. Cafes are usually well versed in special dietary requirements (thank you gringos that came before me!) and a couple places, like Rosa’s Restaurant even have a vegetarian section on their menu with yummy local options.

Food and drinks are pricier than over on Big Corn but if you’re careful you can still get some great value options. I personally ate at Rosa’s for breakfast and dinner most days. Breakfast with a main, coffee and a side of fruit was $3 USD and dinner with salad and dessert is around $4 USD. Rosa’s Restaurant also offers the popular local dish “rundown” as well as many great Nicaraguan classics.

On Big Corn meals are about a third less but you’re not going to get as much variety. You also need to consider that because the island bigger, everything is further away so the shared taxi or bus will need to be used if you want something across the island. If you like fresh seafood then you’ll be a happy camper as most places offer several dishes, including whole fish, lobster and shrimp.

If you’re vegan or vegetarian most places will still be able to accommodate you but be prepared to eat a lot of pasta and potatoes. As produce and fresh vegetables are harder to find on the island and needs to come over by boat, salads will be small and expensive.

Make sure you try “pan de coco” or coconut bread from one of the small, home based bakeries scattered around the island. This is a good place to stock up on things like buns, cakes and patties.

Pan De Coco and other treats from a home run bakery, Big Corn Island

Corn Island, Nicaragua Activities

Snorkelling on the Corn Islands

On both of the Corn Islands snorkeling is a popular activity. You can snorkel very easily on Big Corn Island but there are only a couple spots off Little Corn that I would consider easy to access. You can also arrange a snorkeling tour through one of the dive centres or your hotel.

I had a lot more luck with the bigger underwater creatures, snorkeling off of Little Corn Island but I probably didn’t give Big Corn as much of a chance since I was diving so much. The best snorkel spots on Little Corn can get very choppy so just be careful if you’re not a strong swimmer.

I suggest bringing along your own set of snorkel gear to avoid having rent them everyday. You’ll be in the water often so it’s a good idea to have a set with you when you go for your long walks along the beach.

I planned to do a walk around the island and got called into the water by a local who saw some spotted eagle ray. I spent the next hour snorkelling around the site and would have missed a lot if I didn’t have my gear with me.

Diving Nicaragua Corn Islands

Diving is a great option and it’s a good place to learn if you’ve never tried it before. I visited the Corn Islands in the off season so I was able to negotiate some really good deals for multiple dives but even during the high season prices are some of the lowest I’ve seen. The water is a constant 27-28°C (81-83°F) making for a very pleasant dive and visibility is usually great.

Some of the sea life you can spot are lobster, schools and schools of barracuda and other larger sport fish, eagle rays, nurse sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, and even some hammerhead sharks if you’re very lucky. I spotted a loggerhead turtle at one of the best dive sites, Blowing Rock, which is a must do if you can manage it.

I dove with Dos Tiburones on Big Corn Island and they were amazing. Super friendly, very knowledgable and they also took some shots while diving and sent them to me for free! 

On Little Corn Island, diving is just as great. I dove with Dolphin Dive Little Corn Island  and the staff were always lovely and made the dives really fun. For some reason, it’s also really easy to spot sharks breaching near the shore on this side of the island so keep our eyes peeled when wandering around.

Other activities on the Corn Islands

On Big Corn Island you can rent a bike to get around the island and it’s a super fun to explore. There are two big beaches and lots of little ones dotted around the island. There are usually baseball games and a soccer game on Sundays and they’re both a great place to spend time with the locals.

Hiking is also an option with some pretty hills in the centre as well as an art instillation at the top of Quinn Hill.

On Little Corn Island there is a lot less to see but you might be able to rent a bike and it is a good idea to spend at least a couple hours exploring inland where you’ll see where the locals live, shop, and go to school and church. An old, run-down lighthouse sits at the north-west of the island next to the huge cell phone tower. If you’re game, it’s claimable and you can get an amazing view from the top.

Kitesurfing has officially arrived to Little Corn where the east side offers a nice steady wind with an average of 18 - 20 knots.

If you’re into yoga there are a couple spots on both islands that offer practice in season. On Little Corn Island you could even try your hand at SUP yoga!

How to get to Corn Island, Nicaragua

If you’re wondering how to get to Corn Island, the most important thing to know is you have to get to Big Corn Island first before you go to Little Corn Island. You can either fly there via La Costeña Airlines or take a cargo ship.

Boat to Big Corn Island

I’ll get this one out of the way first. The boat option is really only for people who are flexible and have some time on their hands. The boats leave only once or twice a week from Bluefields and before that you need to take a six hour bus ride to El Rama and a panga to Bluefields. You’ll also have to factor in at least a night in Bluefields or El Rama. The cost is about $45 one way all up and it’s going to take you a minimum of 30 hours if all the stars align for you.

You also need to consider that the boats don’t run in rough weather or if they do go you could be in for a rocky trip. I met some people who had such a tough time that they decided to fly back instead. One poor couple got stuck on the boat for three days. There’s also not a lot of definite information on the trip so if you’re up for an adventure then check out this post with more information. It is from 2014 but it does have the most details of the route that I could find.

Flights to Big Corn Island in the small La Costeña plane

Flying towards Big Corn Island

Flights to Big Corn Island

Most major airlines should get you to the capital of Managua quite easily and from there La Costeña have direct flights to Big Corn Island. There are usually three flights a day to the Corn Islands. The last one leaves at 2:30 pm so if you arrive in Managua after 2 pm then you will have to spend a night there before you can fly out the next morning. I recommend either the Hilton Princess Managua ($$) or La Bicicleta Hostal ($).

Flight time is around 90 minutes including a stop in Bluefields. You are allowed up to 35 lbs (15.88 kgs) of checked baggage and every pound over is charged at $1.20 per lb. Check out La Costeña’s website for current prices and full travel info.

The boat to Little Corn Island

Once you get to Big Corn Island you need to take an open panga to get to Little Corn. From the airport take a taxi to the wharf. It’s less than 10 minutes and should cost around $1. The panga leaves daily at 10 am and 4:30 pm, returning from Little Corn at 6:30 am and 1:30 pm. The trip is about 20 minutes and can get quite wet and bumpy. Personally, I didn’t experience any issues except having to get up to catch that 6:30 am panga to meet my morning flight.

Once you get to Big Corn Island you need to take an open panga to get to Little Corn. From the airport take a taxi to the wharf. It’s less than 10 minutes and should cost around $1. The panga leaves daily at 10 am and 4:30 pm, returning from Little Corn at 6:30 am and 1:30 pm. The trip is about 20 minutes and can get quite wet and bumpy. Personally, I didn’t experience any issues except having to get up to catch that 6:30 am panga to meet my morning flight.

Top tip: Try to sit at the back for a more comfortable ride, the middle for a drier one and bring a couple of garbage bags to put your luggage in in case it rains or gets wet on the boat.

So….Big Corn Island or Little Corn Island?

Little Corn Island is beautiful, isolated and an ideal place to unwind. You’ll still have access to Western food and can have a lot of fun having a cocktail or three and partying the night away at the reggae bar or over a bonfire on the beach.

Big Corn Island has more to explore, with some hills and isolated coastal areas. You have a better chance of experiencing life in a small Caribbean town with access to great views and some long stretches of beach.

To be honest, I would strongly recommend you spend time on both islands. I budgeted for two weeks and I split my time evenly between the two and was glad I did. They’re both so different while sharing a lot of similarities and it would be a shame to go all that way and just see one side of the coin.

Got any thoughts to add on this comparison guide? Let me know in the comments if you've visited and which was your favourite spot!

Disclosure:  Please note that some of the links included are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase.

Want more on Nicaragua? Check out some of my most recent posts below!

The Ultimate Guide to Seeing Broadway's Musicals on a Budget

When in New York City you might have the urge to go see some theatre. How can you not want to with all those beautiful billboards screaming at you?! Mamma Mia! The Lion King! Book of Mormon! There is really something for everyone. Even if you’re not a traditional musical or theatre fan I bet I could find something to appeal to pretty much anybody.

Some people, like yours truly, head to New York just for the chance to see one of the big shows on Broadway. Back in my home town of Brisbane, Australia we get maybe 4 shows a year, one at a time. So when I get to New York City it's a huge treat for me to have my pick of what to see.

Unfortunately, Broadway for broke people can be pretty unachievable and those Book of Mormon Broadway tickets can be upwards of $90 for the nosebleed seats plus all the crazy fees they want to charge you for the honour of seeing their show.

On my first trip to New York City, I had no idea what a broadway lottery was and so opted for what I thought was the best option to buy cheap broadway tickets - TKTS. Since then, I've visited many more times and seen some great shows and now have a handle on my favourite thing - the Broadway lottery!

Here are some tips to help you save your pennies so maybe you can pack in more than one Broadway show on your trip to New York City.

How do broadway lotteries work?

Generally a lottery allows you to put your name in the running for an allotment of tickets that are significantly reduced. The number of tickets available change daily depending on how many seats are left for that day's show. Lottery winners are awarded a double pass but if you’re attending on your own, which is also common, you can often indicate that you only need one ticket at the time of entering your name.

The lotteries usually open two to three hours before a show, there is a half hour to an hour period where people can enter their names and then once the time is up they will draw the winner. For in-person lotteries you have to be there to accept your ticket and for the online version you’re usually given a set period of time to accept and purchase the tickets before it’s offered to someone else.

For shows that have an evening and matinee performance, there will be two times that you can register. A lot of lotteries, like The Book of Mormon, also offer amazing seats for lottery winners, often front row.

Visit Broadway For Broke People for advice on which websites and apps you need for a particular digital lottery or what time the in-person lottery opens.

Digital lotteries

This is the lazy man’s lottery. You can log in each morning, register for whichever shows you’re interested in seeing and then go about your morning until you get notified a couple hours before the show whether you've won or not.

Before you arrive you can start downloading some of these apps to get an idea for what shows are available for online lotteries. Most of the digital lotteries seem to be accessible on the TodayTix app.

In-person lotteries

Visiting one of the in-person lotteries is an experience you should try at least once! There is a great atmosphere amongst all the other theatre goers and it’s like gambling but it doesn’t cost anything, unless you win of course but then it’s like a nice present to yourself.

There are several very popular in-person lotteries, one of which is The Book of Mormon in person lottery. There are often 200 entries in this lottery. The guy who runs the lottery turns the experience into an event and even has his own Twitter account. Follow him at @lotterydude.

You can either time it so that you arrive just before the lottery closes to put your name in (but be careful!) or arrive while it’s open and then grab some lunch or a drink while you wait. I enjoyed taking the opportunity to explore some new bars and eateries while excitedly waiting for the lottery to close.

5 Tips for winning a Broadway lottery ticket

1) Prioritise your must see Broadway shows

Put together a list of the 10 shows that you definitely want to see. This will help you narrow down your options. There are so many shows to see in New York that it can overwhelming! For a comprehensive look at what’s available and what’s hot right now, check out the Playbill website.

2) Make a list of lottery times and location

Map out when the lotteries run and where they are. Clever visitors with a partner can potentially enter two lotteries with theatres close to each other. 

For example Book of Mormon and Wicked both have lotteries that run at the same time. You could both enter one lottery, walk the 5 minutes to the other theatre and enter the other lottery and then split up for the announcements. If you win one, quickly message your partner so they can head back and claim your discounted broadway lottery ticket.

3) Double your chances

Most Broadway lotteries award two tickets so if you have a partner with you then you get double the chances to win. If you’re on your own, try to look for other solo theatregoers and enter the lottery together. So instead of just having one chance at winning you can have two. This is pretty common practice so don’t be shy and strike up a conversation!

4) Big crowd? Don’t worry!

Don’t be disheartened if you see a lot of people in line for the lottery. Remember that everyone has equal chances of winning and you never know what’s going to happen. I was in New York City for one week and managed to win one lottery a day and I would never consider myself to be a lucky person! On my second try at The Book of Mormon lottery tickets my friend and I both actually won!

5) Cash Only

Many theatres only accept cash for these specially priced tickets. Make sure to bring enough just incase you win.

Rush and Standing Room Only (SRO) Tickets

Rush tickets are for the early birds. These are an unspecified allotment of tickets that are sold from when the box office opens in the morning (usually 9 or 10 am). For the more popular shows you can expect a wait time so try to get there long before the box office opens. Some theatres restrict these tickets to students only so make sure to bring along any valid student ID.

The very cheapest option, SRO tickets, are for numbered spaces that are the width of a regular seat, usually located at the back of the orchestra. Unlike the lotteries, only one SRO ticket is sold per person. These can be quite uncomfortable and definitely only for the young and young at heart!

HipTix

Hiptix is Roundabout Theatre's low-price ticket program for 18–35 year olds. It's free to join and gets you $25 tickets to all Roundabout shows.

You should buy tickets in advance as they only reserve 10-40 tickets for each performance and once they’re gone then you’re out of luck.

Check out their website for information on upcoming shows and it definitely doesn’t hurt to register for Hiptix in advance and see if there is anything that you’d like to see.

Other things To note

1. Traveling with someone else? Make sure you’re both entering the online Broadway lotteries. Download the app on your companions phone and register both of you so you’re both in for a chance of winning.I
2. If you're planning to be out all day and won't have time to duck back to your hotel for a change of clothes I would suggest bringing along something a bit nicer to wear just in case you are lucky and win one of the lotteries. You often only have an hour or two before the show starts and may not want to leave and come back. Trust me, I had to go to The Book of Mormon in shorts!
3. Didn’t make it in for a show? Try TKTS. TKTS is not as cheap as the lotteries but they are still a really good deal. Especially if you’re flexible. There are three locations, Times Square, Downtown Brooklyn and the South Street Seaport. The last two are usually not busy at all. You can visit during the day and peruse the shows that are available. The staff are also really knowledgeable about what’s on and can suggest which show you might enjoy the most. I’ve been told that tickets become available for different shows throughout the day so it doesn’t hurt to stop in again in the afternoon if you didn’t see anything you liked in the morning.

At the end of the day, if you have your heart set on a particular show, depending on how much time you have you might just want to fork out the money and see it regardless. That’s ok too! No matter which way you do it you’re going to have an amazing time. 

Need some more New York budget inspiration? Check out this guide on the Best of NYC on a Budget by a Native New Yorker. It includes tips on whcih museums you can visit under $5 and how to visit the abandoned City Hall subway station!

Apps to download

• TodayTix - Andoird or iOS
• Tkts - Android or iOS

Websites to bookmark

• For information on individual theatre policies for lotteries, rush and SRO tickets: Playbill.com
• or Broadway For Broke People for a more summarised view
• For in-depth reviews of shows: Did He Like It
• For theatre lovers 18 to 25 years old: HipTix
• For discounted tickets without the chance: TKTS
• For more ideas on cheap and free things to do in NYC: The Skint

Looking for somewhere to stay?

These are my favourite options for different budgets. Check out their latest prices and reviews for more info.

Budget - HI NYC

TripAdvisor | Booking.com | Hostelz

Mid-range - Casablanca Hotel by Library Hotel Collection

TripAdvisor | Booking.com | Expedia

High-end - The Langham New York Fifth Avenue

TripAdvisor | Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

What Are The Best Vegan Gift Ideas

I’ve been vegetarian for most of my life and know the plight of many of my friends and family when it comes to getting gifts for vegetarians especially travellers! There seems to be so many rules and labels and many people struggle to think of good gifts for vegans. I personally am vegan at home and tend to add dairy to my diet when I travel but still maintain a cruelty free stance when it comes to cosmetics and clothes. Other vegans and vegetarians have their own guidelines that they live by and it really is a very personal choice.

This makes coming up with vegan present ideas tricky! This guide for vegan gift ideas should clear up any doubts and gives you some clear suggestions of great vegan gifts for her, vegan gifts for him, some practical vegan travel gifts and even a few funny vegetarian gifts. I’ve aimed to include some unique items that your vegan friends might not have seen before so your gift will really stand out! Most items are under $50 and all are under $150. If you have any suggestions for a vegan friendly gift please let me know in the comments so I can add it to the list.

Jump to:

• What not to give a vegan

• Vegan gift baskets

• Vegan makeup

• Vegan hiking boots

• Vegan food gifts

• Cute and Funny Vegetarian Gifts

Who could eat this little cute little guy?

Disclosure:  Please note that some of the links included are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase.

What Not To Give A Vegan

Being vegan means different things to different people and there are many ways to live a vegan lifestyle. In a nutshell, Vegans seek to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose.

What this means for you when buying vegan presents is to avoid three main things:

• Animal based foods like meat (inc. fish, shellfish and even insects), diary, eggs, and honey,

• Non-food products that are made with animal materials, like fur, leather, silk, and wool, and

• Products that have been tested on animals, usually common in cosmetics.

This can sound pretty complicated so to help you out here are some definite no-nos that are 100% not vegan friendly gifts that can seem like a good gift idea to the unsuspecting:

• Beeswax candles

• Makeup, bath or body products tested on animals or containing animal products

• Jewellery with feathers or pearls

• Down coats or bedding

• Leather purses

• Non-vegan wine or alcohol - some drinks can be filtered through things like bone marrow or fish bladders

• Vegan Friendly Gifts

So now you know what not to give, here are some of the best gifts for vegans and of course these make great presents for vegetarians as well. For the traveller in your life, think small useful gifts they can take on the road or things they can use at home that will actually add value.

Vegan Gift Ideas - Gift Baskets

Vegan Gift Baskets

A gift basket or hamper is one of my favourite types of gifts! It’s like getting a bunch of different presents all in one and it can be very easy to make your own vegan hamper maybe using some of the suggestions on this page or by adding some of your friend’s favourite products.

A gift basket or hamper is one of my favourite types of gifts! It’s like getting a bunch of different presents all in one and it can be very easy to make your own vegan hamper maybe using some of the suggestions on this page or by adding some of your friend’s favourite products.

Here are great vegan gift baskets that you can find online from retailers like Etsy or Amazon.

• Luxury vegan beauty and bath products

• Healthy Gourmet Gifts

• Vegan Bath Bomb Gift Set

• Vegan Jerky Sampler Gift Box this is a great one to take as a snack when travelling!

Vegan makeup

Makeup is a very personal thing for most women but there are a few things you can buy that will be happily accepted and are generally universal. A great place to go to in person is your local Sephora store, they stock a lot of vegan makeup brands; or if you’re into online shopping you should find most on Amazon.

Vegan lipstick

• Pacifica Devocean Natural Lipstick

• Lime Crime Unicorn Lipstick

• Zuzu Luxe Lipstick Allure

• Urban Decay Sheer Revolution Lipstick

• Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick

Vegan Mascara

• Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Mascara Supernova Top Choice on Amazon

• Aquarian Gaze Water Resistant Mascara

• Wet n Wild Mega Length Mascara

• Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

Vegan Makeup Brushes

Brushes are a really important part of a woman’s makeup routine and most people don’t realise that they’re traditionally made from animal hair, like squirrels, minks, and horses. Synthetic brushes are easy to find if you know what to ask for. Here are some of my favourite good quality vegan makeup brushes.

Qivange Makeup Brushes
Flawless Beauty 10 piece
Bamboo 4 piece
Ecotools Cruelty Free Set
Amoore Makeup Brush Set

Vegan Lip Balm

Hurraw! Lip Balms
Lush Key Lime Pie Lip Balm
Crazy Rumours Lip Balm
PETA Vegan Lip Balm
Eco Lips Bee Free Vegan Lip Balm

Vegan Hiking Boots

For the vegan traveller in your life, these could be the best gift you could get. I’m always on the hunt for a great pair of hiking boots that will travel well and last. There’s nothing worse than getting halfway through a trek, out in the middle of nowhere and have your boots fall apart.

For the vegan traveller in your life, these could be the best gift you could get. I’m always on the hunt for a great pair of hiking boots that will travel well and last. There’s nothing worse than getting halfway through a trek, out in the middle of nowhere and have your boots fall apart.

Finding a great pair of vegan hiking boots can be tough because they’re not always advertised as vegan. Here are my top three recommendations for great vegan hiking boots at three price points but still under $150 making it a perfect vegan Christmas gift to go under the tree.

Will’s Vegan Shoes

These boots are a great price from a  company that is wholly vegan. I love how plain they are, as I’m not a fan of outlandish design or loud logos splashed across my clothes.
Check out the latest prices on Men’s and Women’s

Altra Lone Peak 3 Mid Neo Running Shoes

These shoes are a lightweight dream and get consistently excellent reviews online.
Check out the latest prices on Men’s and Women’s

La Sportiva Trango Cube GTX Boot

This award winner gets top reviews on Amazon and are full featured but still lightweight.
Check out the latest prices onMen’s and Women’s

Vegan cook books

Vegan Food Gifts

For the vegan chef in your life one of the best gifts you could give is one that helps them put together their own favourite vegan meals. Here are some of my favourite products for the kitchen and some of my favourite vegan cook books.

Vegan cook books

• Thug Kitchen 101 (my personal favourite)

• Beautifully Real Food: Guilt-Free, Meat-Free Recipes to Indulge In

• The First Mess Cookbook: Vibrant Plant-Based Recipes to Eat Well Through the Seasons

• Vegan for Everybody: Foolproof Plant-Based Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and In-Between

• The No Meat Athlete Cookbook: Whole Food, Plant-Based Recipes to Fuel Your Workouts—and the Rest of Your Life

Clever kitchen items for vegans

• Blender - for morning smoothies and healthy soups - Ninja Professional Blender

• Food processor - for making dairy free pesto - Hamilton Beach 8-Cup Food Processor

• Cast iron skillet- every kitchen should have at least one! - Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

• Ice cream maker - give your friend the joy of dairy free ice cream - Cuisinart ICE-21

• Pasta maker - egg free pasta at their fingertips - Marcato Atlas Pasta Machine (Made in Italy)

Cute and Funny Vegetarian Gifts

Here are some really extra ideas if you want to be really creative with your gift giving ;)

• Let’s Avo Cuddle t-shirt

• Vegan AF t-shirt

• Bae Not Bacon t-shirt

• The Vegan Stoner Cookbook: 100 Easy Vegan Recipes to Munch

• Powered by Plants - Vegan Gift Shirt

Hopefully this guide makes your shopping easy for your vegan loved ones. You should be able to find some great vegan birthday gifts or vegan Christmas presents that they will love.

Please let me know if you have anything you would like to add in the comments or if you found something new to buy!

Home made vegan dessert - yum!

Pin for later!

9 Things To Love About An Israel Vacation

In March this year I was excited to finally step foot in a country that had been on my must-travel list for over three years. I’d actually planned to visit in 2015 but decided to start my digital nomad career instead and headed to the much cheaper countries of Central America. This time around I planned to spend only 6 weeks in Israel but ended up there for 3 months! 

My Israel vacation was like nothing I could have imagined and there was so much to love I know I’ll be back soon. Here’s a list of my personal things to love about Israel and I hope it inspires you to visit this crazy beautiful country.

Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem's Old City

1) Most of their really important sites are free to enter

Temple Mount

One of the most important religious sites in the world for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Dome of the Rock (Al-Aqsa Mosque)

The third holiest site for Muslims, it is built over a sacred stone. This stone is believed to be the place from which the Prophet Muhammad ascended into heaven during his Night Journey to heaven.

The Wailing Wall

The only remains of the Second Temple of Jerusalem.

Church of the Holy Sepulcher

The place of both the crucifixion and the tomb of Jesus of Nazareth.

Via Dolorosa

Believed to be the path that Jesus walked on the way to his crucifixion.

The Bahai Gardens from the top looking down to the waterfront of Haifi

Baha’i Gardens

A staircase of nineteen terraces extending all the way up the northern slope of Mount Carmel which houses the final resting place of the Prophet-Herald of the Bahá’í Faith.

Yad Vashem

Israel’s living memorial to the millions murdered in the Holocaust.

Elijah’s Cave

Elijah came to pray here before challenging the prophets of Baal.

Basilica of the Annunciation

Said to rest on the site where Mary received her message from God that she was pregnant.
 

Rosh Hanikra

2) Everything shuts down on Shabbat

Imagine leaving work on a Friday and walking out of your office to the site of no cars, no buses, just people wondering around the streets. Most in their best dress and usually in family groups. The sun is setting and everything is quiet except for children’s laughter and the birds that you never usually hear over the sounds of the city. It’s almost like you’re in a dystopian movie but nobody is trying to kill you.

Shabbat is the Jewish day of rest, starting at sundown on Friday and ending at sundown on Saturday. If you are observant then you do not work during this time and that includes operating any electronic equipment (including mobiles) and cooking. Shabbat usually includes the Shabbat Dinner which is a special meal once a week to share with family and friends.

Shabbat was my favourite time of the week, especially in Jerusalem where it is more widely observed. If you get the opportunity, definitely try to attend a Shabbat Dinner and get the full experience.

3) The food is soooooo good and very vegetarian friendly

There were a few middle eastern treats that I had tried before visiting Israel but it seemed like I was finding something new and delicious to try every other day. I’ll have to dedicate a whole post to food in Israel but here were some of my go-to favourites.

Israelis that I would meet on my travels always told me that hummus never tastes as good as it does in Israel and now I completely agree. I can’t eat hummus now. They’ve ruined it for me. Grocery store hummus? Blech! I did learn how to make it from scratch but honestly, it really is never the same.

Shakshuka is great for breakfast, and lunch, and even dinner.

Tahina! I knew about tahina, knew it was an ingredient in hummus but I never knew tahina was its own thing! Its own delicious, creamy, nutty thing.

Halva - so good, yet so bad for me. Basically honey and tahina with other sweet ingredients sometimes added in.

Pomegranate is something I’ve only ever had in a bottled juice form. Fresh pomegranate is for rich people in Australia and not for the likes of a poor travel blogger. In Israel, however, you can buy these things by the kilo or get some freshly squeezed pomegranate juice in any of the markets. I particularly loved pomegranate and orange juice mixed together. 

Falafel and my favourite, late-night falafel sandwich is filled with creamy hummus, spicy sauce, fresh veggies and topped with tahina. Simple, cheap and delicious.

4) The relaxed dress code

As a backpacker it’s difficult when travelling to big cities where there’s an expectation that you need to dress up in order to get into bars and clubs. I have nothing nice and very little makeup so sometimes just have to miss out, or hide behind some better dressed people as they walk inside.

In Israel, all bets are off. You can go out in jeans and a t-shirt and you'll fit right in. In fact, if you dressed too well I’m pretty sure you would stand out like a sore thumb.

5) There is so much to see and do there

You could spend three months (like I did) and not see everything. If you're into hiking, adventure sports, waterfalls, whatever, Israel hsa you covered. There are over forty national parks and 150 nature reserves in Israel including important archeological sites like Tel Megiddo and Beit She'an.

Some of my favourites places to visit were:

• The Dead Sea
• The Sea of Galilee
• Masada at sunrise  
• The Old City of Jerusalem
• Tel Aviv and its beaches
• The Negev Desert
• Akko
• Bet She'an
• Golan
• Megiddo

Ein Gedi

The Dead Sea

6) Modern country with a unique Middle Eastern culture

In Israel you get the amenities and infrastructure of a modern, developed country with the culture and practices of a middle eastern nation. Their buses have wifi and usb charging ports and actually run on time, all the time. Everything is clearly signed and it’s so easy to get around. On the other hand, you have the hustle and bustle of the big shouks or markets where you feel like you’ve been dropped into the middle of a completely different country.

Locals drive like they’re possessed and seem to always be in a hurry to get somewhere. If you need to get anything official done it can seem like you’re working against Israeli’s version of “island time” and you’re the lowest priority. Strange new languages are heard as you walk around, Hebrew, of course, and Arabic, but also Russian and Amharic.

Walking through the Old City of Jerusalem

7) The weather

I was there for three months and I think it might have rained twice? This is probably not great for the people who live here but if you’re visiting then it’s such a great opportunity to get out and see the country.

8) Small, compact country

The size of the country makes it very easy to get around by public transport or even renting a car. You could see some snow on Mount Hermon and then drive down to the sweltering Negev desert a few hours later. Everything is within driving distance and the public transport routes are easy to follow.

9) The people

I didn’t know what to expect in Israel as a solo female traveler. As someone who is not religious, I was worried that I wouldn’t fit in amongst all the Jews, Muslims and Christians. I could not have felt more welcome, though. I was fortunate to often be invited to Shabbat Dinners and other meals with friends and families around the country. I also met so many great people there that I was never wanting for a couch or a spare bed as I travelled around. 

Honestly, isn’t that all you want in life? To be fed delicious foods, have meaningful conversations with locals and to sleep in a warm bed at night marks a successful vacation for me.

Hiking with a new friend up Masada at sunrise

Have you been to Israel? Or planning a trip there? Let me know in the comments what you most loved about the country or what you're looking forward to seeing.