Have you ever dreamed of sipping cocktails at a beach bar while rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous? Or of sinking your bare feet into the sand while indulging in five-star luxury? Perhaps you’ve longed to escape to a place where Caribbean vibes meet French sophistication.

If so, look no further than Saint Barthélemy—better known as St. Barts (or St. Barths, depending on who you ask).

Tucked away in the shimmering turquoise waters of the Caribbean, St Barts is a sun-drenched and carefree playground for the ultra wealthy. It is a place where multi-million dollar mega-yachts outnumber fishing boats, and where champagne flows as freely as the ocean breeze.

Saint Barthélemy–The Billionaire’s Island

Tiny St. Barthélemy is a charming Caribbean island characterized by rolling hills, secluded coves, and white-sand beaches. Part of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles, it lies southeast of St. Martin and north of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Politically, St. Barts is an overseas collectivity of France, having separated administratively from Guadeloupe in 2007. The island’s strong ties to France are evident in its language, cuisine, and use of the Euro.

Despite its small size, St. Barts has earned a global reputation as an elite tourism destination. Celebrities and billionaires flock to the island for a low-key Caribbean escape, especially during the winter holidays.

In Gustavia, mega-yachts dot the harbor, and name-brand designer stores line the streets. Known for luxury villas and fine dining, this stylish island has often been compared to a Caribbean version of St. Tropez in France.

Day Trip from St. Martin

If, like me, you don’t have the cash to splurge on a full St. Barts vacation, you can still enjoy the island’s stunning scenery and beaches with a day trip from the more affordable nearby island of St. Martin.

We visited St. Barthélemy as part of a DIY island-hopping adventure that included St. Kitts, Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Martin. Our day trip gave us about eight hours to explore St. Barts—enough for a brief but comprehensive self-guided tour around the island.

To reach St. Barts from St. Martin, you can either take a ferry (like we did) or fly into the island’s tiny airport.

• By Ferry

A ferry connects St. Martin and St. Barts multiple times a day. The often-choppy 45-minute ride runs between Philipsburg in Dutch St. Maarten and Gustavia, the capital of St. Barthélemy. It costs 60 euros each way. You can find the schedule at stbarthferry.com.

The ride from St. Martin to St. Barts is nicknamed the “vomit comet” due to rough waters, though the return trip is often much smoother.

• By Plane

While the ferry is the cheapest option for a St. Barts day trip, some travelers choose to fly—either for convenience or for the thrill of landing at Gustaf III Airport.

The airport on St. Barthélemy is among the most unique in the Caribbean. It has an extremely short runway of about 650 meters (around 2,100 feet). Because of the surrounding hills and the airstrip’s proximity to the beach, planes must make a steep descent over a ridge before landing. Only small aircraft and specially trained pilots are permitted to land here.

Even if you’re not planning on flying into St. Barts, it is worth stopping by the airport for a photo. The short landing strip sits right up against St. Jean beach, making it look as though the runway leads directly to the sea.

Best Things to See in St Barts

Like most Caribbean destinations, St Barts is famous for its white sand beaches and warm, inviting waters. The island’s beautiful beaches—ranging from secluded coves to windswept shores

Gustavia Town

While most of our fellow St. Barts day trippers spent their afternoon window shopping in Gustavia, Dan and I chose to rent a car and explore as much of the island as possible. As a result, we didn’t have much time to explore Gustavia’s shops and restaurants.

Still, at the end of our day trip to St. Barths, we got a taste of the town while waiting for our return ferry.

Gustavia is known for its upscale atmosphere. Along its narrow streets, you’ll see designer boutiques, art galleries, cafés, and fine dining restaurants. Gustavia’s red-roofed buildings give the quaint town its own signature charm, while its marina serves as a hub for sailing and yachting in the northeastern Caribbean.

The capital of St. Barts was named after Gustav III, during the period in which Sweden controlled the island from 1784 to 1878.

Today, sky-high prices are pretty much the only similarity you’ll find between Scandinavia and St. Barts.

Colombier Beach

Often considered the prettiest beach in St. Barts, Colombier sits on the northwestern shore of the island and is entirely backed by greenery.

Because it does not have road access, visitors must reach the beach either by boat or by hiking scenic trails from nearby areas.

Two main paths lead to the beach: one beginning near La Petite Anse and another descending from a viewpoint above the Colombier district. La Petite Anse Trail provides the easier route, while the steeper hilltop trail offers sweeping views of Colombier Bay on the way down.

We chose to access the beach via the steeper route and found it quite manageable, despite carrying a three year old on our shoulders.

The waters of Colombier Beach are warm and gentle and well worth the hike. Lack of direct access has helped preserve Colombier’s natural beauty.

With soft white sand, clear turquoise water, and lush green surroundings, the bay feel blissfully free of commercialization and development.

Flamands Beach

While we didn’t visit Flamands Beach per se, we saw some beautiful birds-eye views of its ivory crescent during our hike to Colombier Beach.

The large sweeping Plage Flamands is among the island’s longest. Despite being home to the chic Cheval Blanc St. Barth Hotel, The resort’s understated presence makes the beach feel seem somewhat untainted by development.

The waves at Flamands Beach tend to be rougher than those at Colombier or Grand Cul-de-Sac, so while the beach is ideal for long walks and sunset-viewing, swimming conditions are variable.

Grand Cul-de-Sac Beach

Unlike the more open Atlantic beaches on the island, the reef at Grand Cul-de-Sac creates calm, gentle water that makes the bay ideal for swimming, wading, and paddling.

Grand Cul-de-Sac lies at the center of St. Barts’ watersports scene. Kitesurfing and windsurfing are popular here, thanks to steady trade winds that blow across the lagoon.

Several beachfront resorts and restaurants line the shore of Grand Cul-de-Sac, including Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Bart and Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa.

We didn’t spend any time at Grand Cul-de-Sac Beach and just saw it briefly while passing by.

The beach didn’t particularly stand out to me in terms of beauty, but the calmness of its waters made it particularly appealing for swimming with kids.

Saline Beach

Large and sweeping, Saline Beach is among the most beautiful on St. Barts.

You can reach Saline Beach via a short walk over sand dunes from the nearby village of Grande Saline. At the end of the path, the beach opens up to a swathe of sand and clear turquoise water.

Unlike many other beaches on the island, Saline is completely backed by scenery. There are no hotels, restaurants, or condos directly on the shoreline, nor is there much shade.

The waves from the Atlantic Ocean can sometimes be stronger here than on other parts of the island, which adds to its dramatic beauty. Rougher water means that swimmers should take extra precautions and monitor conditions, however.

We visited Saline Beach in May and encountered some sargasso seaweed. The Caribbean’s seaweed season peaks in the summer and mostly affects the beaches on St Barths’ Atlantic side.

Saint Jean Beach

Located just east of Gustavia, the ivory sands of Saint Jean Beach line a wide crescent-shaped bay. The bay is divided into two sections by the small headland known as Eden Rock.

Because the water is generally shallow and gentle, St. Jean Beach is a popular place for swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.

The large beach sits directly in front of the Gustaf III Airport. For aviation enthusiasts, it provides a perfect place to watch planes takeoff and land.

Along the shoreline of St Jean Beach, you’ll find stylish clubs, restaurants, and boutique hotels.

Where to Stay in St Barts

If you’re a cost-conscious traveler wanting to stay overnight on St. Barts, your best bet is to rent an apartment or studio. Rooms for rent can be found for as low as $200 per night, though $400+ seems to be the norm. Options on the more affordable end of the spectrum include the Tourterelle Garden Room and Le Bungalow Gypset.

For travelers without budget constraints, the island delivers some of the most elegant rooms in the Caribbean. The Tropical Hotel St. Barths boasts colorful rooms, a garden-like setting, and Michelin ratings. Le Barthélemy Hotel and Spa and Le Sereno are likewise good options, with beautiful beachfronts, luxurious pools, and the signature St. Barts elegance.

When to Visit St Barts

Like much of the Caribbean, the best time to visit St. Barts is from December to April, during the dry season. The island is especially popular during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

For lower prices and quieter beaches, the shoulder season of late April to June is excellent. We visited during the month of May, and encountered near perfect weather.

Low season on St Barts is from July to October. Summer and fall means lower prices, but it also increases your chances of encountering hurricanes, business closures, and sargasso-covered shores.

*****

With its soft ivory sands, crystal clear water, and stylish elegance, it is no wonder that St Barthélemy has garnered a reputation for being the Caribbean’s most exclusive escape.

But while St Barts may be a popular destination for the rich and famous, our visit proved that you don’t have to be a billionaire to enjoy the island’s laid-back vibe and sun-drenched shores.

The post St Barts day trip from St Martin appeared first on Erika's Travels .

When it comes to Caribbean islands, there’s no one-size-fits-all. You’ll find some islands that offer turquoise waters and snow-colored sands, others ripe with colorful colonial buildings, and yet other islands with cultural relevance that far outstrips their real estate on the globe.

And then there’s Sint Eustatius—commonly and lovingly referred to as Statia.

Statia is teeny. Blink and you’ll miss it.

The island isn’t a popular bucket list destination, nor does it cater to much tourism at all.

But its relative obscurity is all part of its appeal.

Sint Eustatius Island Overview

Sint Eustatius remains largely untouched by Caribbean mass tourism. The pint-sized island, located in the Windward Islands between Saba and St Kitts and Nevis, is a special municipality of the Netherlands alongside Saba and Bonaire.

Sint Eustatius has a permanent population of about 3,400 residents spread out over eight square miles.

Dominated by The Quill, a volcano on the north side of the island, Statia offers tourists a mix of hiking, snorkeling and sightseeing.

A Brief History of St Eustatius

Statia’s has an outsized historical importance comparative to its diminutive size.

The island’s most famous historical moment came during the American Revolutionary War. In 1776, the island’s governor ordered a cannon salute in response to the arrival of the American brig Andrew Doria. This “First Salute” is widely recognized as the first international acknowledgment of the United States’ independence from Britain.

Sint Eustatius also played an outsized role in Caribbean trading history. The island shifted among European powers multiple times before becoming a major Dutch port. Because it allowed duty-free commerce, Statia became a bustling hub of exchange between ships from Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

By the 19th century, Statia’s importance waned as trade routes shifted and other ports rose to prominence.

Soon, the island settled into a quieter existence as a small Dutch Caribbean community.

Things to See on St Eustatius

Because of its size, St Eustatius’ main sites can be easily seen within a few hours. We stayed on the island for two full days and explored pretty much every labeled dot on the map.

Oranjestad

Oranjestad (not to be confused with the capital of Aruba) is the historic capital of St. Eustatius. Perched dramatically along the island’s western coastline overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the little city was once a thriving hub of 18th-century trade.

Oranjestad is the main settlement on St Eustatius, housing the vast majority of the island’s restaurants and lodging options.

The town is divided into Upper Town, where the island’s historic fort and government buildings sit perched atop cliffs, and Lower Town, which was formerly a warehouse-lined waterfront.

Today, the island’s capital is quiet and atmospheric. It boasts some well-preserved ruins, Dutch colonial architecture, stone pathways, and sweeping ocean views.

Fort Oranje

Fort Oranje is a prominent 17th-century fortress overlooking Oranjestad’s lower town. Built to protect the island and its vital harbor during the height of Caribbean trade, it showcases dramatic views of the island’s shoreline from its lofty perch.

Fort Oranje once served as the island’s main defensive stronghold.

Today, the ruins remain a well-preserved landmark, offering sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea.

Exploring Fort Oranje is one of the top things to do in St Eustatius.

Quill National Park

Quill National Park protects the lush volcanic landscape surrounding The Quill, a dormant stratovolcano that dominates the southern half of St. Eustatius. The park features a network of well-marked hiking trails that wind through dry forest and rainforest.

As one of the island’s most important natural areas, Quill National Park is home to diverse plant and bird species. We kept a lookout for the endemic and elusive bridled quail dove during our hike, to no avail.

The path to the top of the volcano is shaded and well marked. The trail’s summit offers aerial views of the island and surrounding sea. Hiking the Quill is arguably the top thing to do in St Eustatius.

Fort de Windt

Fort de Windt is a small fortification located near the southern tip of St. Eustatius, overlooking Oranje Bay. Built in the 18th century as part of the island’s coastal defense system, the fort helped protect Statia’s busy harbor during its peak trading era.

There isn’t much to see at For de Windt today. The historical site’s stone ruins are partially overgrown and mostly consist of a platform with a few cannons.

If you have a rental car, however, the views from Fort de Windt are worth a visit. From the ruins, you can admire the views of neighboring Saba and the cliffs plunging into the island’s sapphire sea.

We had the place completely to ourselves during our visit, save for a group of sure-footed goats that were putting on a show of balance and agility.

Zeelandia Beach

On St Eustatius, you won’t find the idyllic Caribbean beaches that draw tourists to places like Eleuthera Bahamas or Anguilla or Saint Barths. Most of Statia’s beaches consist of narrow strips of dull gray sand.

The largest and most beautiful beach in St Eustatius is undoubtedly Zeelandia, on the island’s northern shore. It features a long stretch of sand, pounding surf, and unobstructed views of cliffs and The Quill.

Zeelandia Beach isn’t the type of place I would bring my toddler for a swim, but it is the perfect place to eat a picnic lunch and soak in the views of the island.

Dutch Reformed Church

The Dutch Reformed Church is a historically significant landmark that reflects the island’s deep ties to the Netherlands.

Established in the 18th century during the island’s heyday as a Caribbean trading hub, the church served the Dutch settlers and merchants who lived in Oranjestad.

Though no longer an active place of worship, the Dutch Reformed Church merits a quick visit while touring the island’s colonial relics.

Boven National Park

Boven National Park covers the rugged northern hills of St. Eustatius. It encompasses some lovely scenery and protects the island’s flora and fauna.

We chose to hike the Boven Trail to Venus Beach during our tour of the island. The path brought us through beautiful rolling hills and showcased Statia’s unique flora. We crossed dry forest, thorny scrub, and pockets of lush vegetation.

Like The Quill, Boven is especially important for wildlife. It provides habitat for rare plants, nesting seabirds, and roaming goats and iguanas.

The hike (approximately 3 hours round trip) led us to the boulder-studded shores of Venus Bay.

We did not encounter anyone else during our hike and I’m fairly confident that we had the entire national park to ourselves.

Oranje Bay Beach

Oranje Bay Beach is a dark-sand beach that sits just below the historic town of Oranjestad.

The sandy beach is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving, with coral reefs and marine life easily accessible from the shoreline. We found it to be much more suitable for swimming than the windswept shores of Zeelandia Beach.

Behind the beach, you’ll find the Subaqua Dive Center, where you can rent gear and organize trips to explore the island’s underwater world.

Something unique to Saba is the presence of little round beads that lie amongst the coral. These small cobalt-colored glass beads were brought to the island by Dutch traders in the 17th and 18th centuries. They were historically used as a form of currency, including in transactions involving slaves.

You can still find these little beads while snorkeling or scuba diving, if you’re lucky.

Where to Stay on St Eustatius

We stayed at the Talk of the Town Inn and Suites while on St Eustatius and found it to be a good mid-range option. It was clean and had a pool and a little kitchenette. The Old Gin House, centrally located near the beach in Oranjestad would have been our top choice had they had availability.

The other places to stay in Statia were either out of our budget or had poor reviews.

If budget isn’t an issue for you, then the Golden Rock Dive and Nature Resort appears to be the best place to stay on the island.

Getting around St Eustatius

To get around Statia, you’ll have to hire a taxi, rent a car, or use your own two feet. The areas around Oranjestad are easily explored on foot, but having a car is helpful to get to Zeelandia Beach and Fort de Windt.

We rented a car to get around the island. The rental process was extremely informal and a car set us back $50 per day.

Getting to St Eustatius

Though there are no direct flights between Sint Eustatius and the United States, you can reach the island by plane from St Martin or by boat from a number of the surrounding islands. The Makana Ferry links St Eustatius with Saba, St Martin, and St Kitts.

*****

While Sint Eustatius is rarely the first Caribbean destination that comes to mind, its obscurity makes it all the more special.

You won’t find any cruise docks, souvenir shops, or luxury resorts on the island. In fact, you may not find any other tourists at all.

Instead, what you’ll encounter is a little-visited gem that is authentic, laid-back, and wholly unique.

The post Sint Eustatius: An Island Guide appeared first on Erika's Travels .

Juneau Alaska is arguably the most beautifully-situated city in America.

Positioned along the scenic Gastineau Channel, it boasts some of Southeast Alaska’s best offerings at its fingertips.

Within Juneau’s reach, you’ll find a massive 1,500-square-mile ice field, craggy snowcapped mountains, abundant wildlife, evergreen forest, and sparkling blue glaciers.

Top Juneau Excursions

As one of the most popular cruise ports in Alaska, Juneau is chock full of excursion opportunities—from self-guided hikes, to bucket-list worthy helicopter adventures Head to the town’s cruise docks on a summer day, and you’ll find a number of tour operators ready to whisk you away on an adventure.

I’ve visited Juneau on numerous occasions as part of my flight attendant job. Each layover—roughly 30 hours in length—has given me a full day to tour Alaska’s capital and its surrounding wilderness.

Over time, I’ve experienced many of the top things to do in Juneau, though some activities remain on my future to-do list.

Downtown Juneau

Juneau’s downtown may be small, but its charming streets and scenic waterfront deserve more than just a passing glance.

Along the main streets of town, you find picturesque western-style buildings that house boutiques, souvenir shops, and tasty eateries.

The storefronts in Juneau’s historic district hearken to the city’s roots as a gold rush town.

Franklin and Seward are the two main streets in Juneau. The small downtown area is home to two historic churches: a Russian Orthodox church that dates back to 1895, and the Cathedral of the Nativity that was built in 1910.

Aside from the town’s well-preserved nucleus, you’ll want to head down to the docks and check out the waterfront. From there, you can walk along Egan Street—along the Juneau Seawalk—to a small city park that houses an impressive lifelike whale fountain.

Mount Roberts

Mount Roberts is one of Juneau’s most enduring landmarks.

Accessible by hiking or via cable car, it is the best place to enjoy aerial views of Juneau and the Gastineau Channel.

The tramway remains a popular Juneau activity due to its convenience and proximity to the cruise docks. It whisks tourists up to the timberline of Mt Roberts, ascending 1750ft. At the top, you’ll find a restaurants and some gift shops.

If I’m being honest, I think the Mt Roberts tramway is a bit of a ripoff—especially considering the option to hike.

Sure, the view is lovely. But, unless you have physical limitations, loads of cash, or a strong aversion to hiking, I find it hard to justify spending $50 for a short two-minute ride to the viewpoint.

Luckily, you can still soak in the beauty of Mt Roberts without paying the hefty tram fee. The trail to the summit of Mt Roberts is roughly 7.5 miles roundtrip.

At its summit, you’ll find excellent views of the Gastineau Channel, downtown Juneau, and Douglas Island.

If you spend $20 or more in the gift shop, you’ll be able to ride the tram back down the mountain for free.

Mendenhall Glacier

The Mendenhall Glacier lies just outside of the Juneau city limits. Its proximity is one of the city’s most appealing features.

Going to Juneau and not seeing the Mendenhall Glacier is like visiting Rome and skipping the Colosseum. Or bypassing the Egyptian Pyramids on a trip to Cairo. It is, quite simply, the top place to visit in Juneau and my #1 recommendation if you only have limited time to spend in Alaska’s capital.

The Mendenhall Glacier is the most famous of Juneau’s ice floes. It extends more than a dozen miles from the Juneau Icefield and cascades into Mendenhall Lake.

Like many glaciers around the world, the Mendenhall Glacier is quickly retreating. Within the next three decades, scientists predict that you’ll no longer be able to see the half-mile-long glacier face from the visitor center.

To reach the Mendenhall Glacier, you can either drive, join an organized tour, or take the public bus. The public bus stop is located about a mile from the visitor center.

If you choose to visit the attraction by organized excursion, you can join trekking tours that bring you to the edge of the ice, canoe tours that bring you to the glacier face, or excursions that include whale-watching.

The Juneau Ice Caves

No visit to Juneau is complete without a close-up look at the Mendenhall Glacier. So while seeing the sheet of ice from the visitor center is a Juneau highlight, up-close views of the ice caves will give you an entirely different perspective. The shimmering sapphire color is so intense, that it rivals the brilliant shades of blue that we had witnessed at Argentina’s famous Perito Moreno Glacier.

The Juneau Ice Caves show off the best of the Mendenhall Glacier’s iridescent blues. You can access them via the popular West Glacier Trail hike.

If hiking isn’t your cup of tea, you can join a tour of the ice caves that includes canoeing and viewing the glacier up-close.

The Mendenhall Glacier has receded almost two miles since 1958. The ice caves are, in part, a function of this glacial melting. They are continually morphing, receding, and reforming.

I hiked to the ice caves a few years ago.

If I were to visit them again, they would probably look entirely different.

Nugget Falls

Nugget Falls plunges 377 ft down a rugged mountainside near the Mendenhall Visitor Center. The cascade makes its descent in two tiers—99 feet and 278 feet respectively—before gushing into the frigid water of Mendenhall Lake.

It is a beautiful waterfall that deserves a closer glance, despite being overshadowed by Juneau’s nearby #1 attraction.

From the visitor center, you can see Nugget Falls to the right of the Mendenhall Glacier. The waterfall is located only 3/4 of a mile away from the glacier face.

The Nugget Falls Trail is less than a mile long. It begins at the visitor center and ends at the thundering cascade, skirting the edge of Mendenhall Lake.

Glacier Gardens

The Glacier Garden and Rainforest Adventure is a top Juneau attraction. It lies along the Glacier Highway, near the city’s airport.

Tours of the garden consist of a guided vehicle ride through the steep terrain of the Tongass National Forest. The tour passes by streams, rock gardens, and small clusters of upside-down trees. It includes a viewpoint that boasts some of the best panoramas of the Juneau Valley.

Throughout the gardens, you’ll find the park’s signature upside-down trees, known as “flower towers.” These creative flower pots have their tops buried in the ground, while their roots form a skyward basket that overflows with trailing flower arrangements.

The Glacier Gardens were the creative vision of Steve and Cindy Bowhay, who purchased the property for a stream rehabilitation project. After a devastating landslide took out large chunks of the hillside, the Bowhays transformed the area into a top Juneau tourist attraction.

The story goes something like this: Steve, a landscaper by trade, attempted to restore the stream that had been severely damaged on his property. To mitigate the damage and prevent further erosion, he created various settling ponds. During the rehabilitation work, Steve came across an inverted tree trunk with its top in the mud and roots in the air. The image inspired him to repurpose more than 20 dead trees and turn them into “flower towers.”

As with everything in Juneau, I found the $30 entrance fee to be quite steep.

Nonetheless, I’m happy to have visited.

Shrine of St Therese, Old Glacier Highway

The Shrine of St Therese is a picturesque stone chapel that lies situated on a small promontory north of Juneau. The Catholic church, commissioned by a Jesuit priest in the late 1930s, is a lovely place to visit if you have access to a car or bike.

I chose to reach the shrine by bike, since I was traveling solo and didn’t want to shell out so much money on a rental car. Rental cars in Juneau can be pricey, especially during peak summer months.

The bike ride from downtown Juneau to the shrine was approximately 45 miles roundtrip,  on undulating terrain.

Though somewhat strenuous, I found the ride to be a pleasant self-guided activity.

I probably wouldn’t recommend visiting the Shrine of St Therese if you’re traveling by cruise and only have one day in Juneau.

However, if you are sticking around for a few days, the shrine is worth a stop—not least because of its beautiful setting.

Taku Lodge with Wings Airways

Though there are tons of great things to do in Juneau, it is difficult to top a trip to the Taku Lodge.

Flightseeing tours of the Taku Glacier depart from the wharf in downtown Juneau. Operated by Wings Airways, the “flight and feast” tours last about three hours. They include a scenic float plane ride over the Juneau Icefield and a delicious salmon bake at the historic lodge.

The 35-minute scenic flight shows off the incredible scenery of the Inside Passage. You’ll have the opportunity to see glacier-carved mountains, rugged slopes, and shimmering sapphire snowmelt.

The tour flies over five glaciers: Norris, Taku, East Twin, West Twin, and Hole-in-the-Wall. The views of the surrounding mountains and Juneau Icefield are breathtaking.

Each passenger on board gets a window seat and a set of headphones that provides a recorded overview of the area.

After showcasing the five glaciers, the float plane stops in front of the historic Taku Lodge—a rustic lakeside retreat that dates back to 1923.

We lucked out with fantastic weather on the day of our Taku Glacier Tour. Following a memorable scenic flight, we had a bit of free time to walk along the waterfront, peruse the gift shop, and take in views of the glacier. Then, we sat down for a lovely salmon bake, while the staff gave us an animated presentation about the building’s 100 year history.

Staff at the lodge told us to be on the lookout for black bears (they apparently love to feast on the drippings from the salmon that is cooked outside), but we didn’t see any during our visit.

Whalewatching in Juneau

My Juneau whale-watching trip gave me an opportunity to see twelve humpback whales in their natural habitat. Outside of my trip to Antarctica and South Georgia Island, it was the best encounter I’ve ever had with marine mammals.

During my whale-watching excursion in Juneau, I watched the baleens frolic about—spyhopping, blowing spray, and slapping their tails. There were so many humpbacks splashing about in the water that I had difficulty tracking the action with my camera. At one point, while I was photographing three whales, I spotted a breaching humpback elsewhere, out of the corner of my eye. I didn’t get the photo, but stepped off the boat feeling incredibly lucky.

It remains the only time I’ve ever seen a breaching whale.

The waters around Juneau are full of cetaceans. Humpbacks, orcas and blue whales feed in the area during summer. The best time to see whales coincides with peak travel season in Juneau (May-September).

Tracy Arm Fjord

Though it isn’t nearly as accessible as the Mendenhall Glacier, reaching the stunning Tracy Arm Fjord is well worthwhile if you have the time. Named after the Secretary of the Navy Benjamin Franklin Tracy, the fjord is a Juneau itinerary highlight.

Tracy Arm lies 45 miles south of Alaska’s capital and is only accessible by boat.

The tour of Tracy Arm Fjord shows off the best of Juneau’s scenery over the course of a day. The boat tour takes approximately seven hours from start to finish. It begins in the Gastineau Channel, before cruising down Tracy Arm’s turquoise waters.

On our boat trip, we admired the milky water and photographed bergy bits as we floated past. We kept our eyes peeled for wildlife—spotting seals on ice floes and mountain goats in the cliffs above the channel.

The twin Sawyer Glaciers (North Sawyer and South Sawyer) are located at the end of Tracy Arm.

Tours of the Tracy Arm Fjord leave twice a week and cost roughly $200.

Admiralty Island

The native Tlingit people call Admiralty Island ‘Kootznoowoo,’ meaning ‘Fortress of the Bears.’ The island is home to an estimated 1,500 brown bears—more than the combined total of those who inhabit the Lower 48. Most bear-viewing tours of Admiralty Island take visitors to the Pack Creek Viewing Area.

I haven’t taken the trip out to Admiralty Island yet, but a grizzly tour of the area is at the top of my Juneau bucket list. The day tour is expensive though, and will set you back nearly $1,000.

Dog Sledding on a Glacier

Dog sledding is another popular Juneau activity that I have yet to do. As with trips to Admiralty Island, Juneau’s glacier dog sledding tours are expensive.

The tours offer a multi-dimensional experience of Alaska’s wilderness—by air in a helicopter, and then zooming across the ice. Tours begin with a scenic helicopter ride above the Juneau ice field. Once at the glacier camp, you’ll traverse the remote and wild Alaskan tundra, pulled by group of huskies.

Juneau dog sledding tours promise an only-in-Alaska adventure.

One that I would love to experience at some point.

Where to Stay in Juneau

Though it is one of the major cities in Alaska, Juneau has a limited number of accommodation offerings. Many of the town’s tourists come by cruise ship, so its hotel-to-tourist-ratio is quite low. The Four Points by Sheraton and Silverbow Inn are Juneau’s most luxurious offerings, while the Aspen Suites and Juneau Hotel offer rooms at a (slightly) lower price point.

If you’re traveling to Juneau on a budget, the Juneau International Hostel offers a place to stay without breaking the bank. I stayed at the hostel on my first leisure trip to Juneau with Dan and was grateful for a cheap place rest my head, though the low rates came with a pretty large caveat. At the time of my visit, guests were required to sign up for chores and had a 10pm curfew.

Wildlife in Juneau

Wildlife thrives in and around Juneau. The area’s abundance of water, mountains, glaciers, and forest creates a rich habitat for bears, mountain goats, whales, and birds. In its forests—and even occasionally in town—you’ll find a large population of black bears. On numerous occasions, I’ve seen black bears in the fields between the airport and downtown. There are a few brown bears in the Juneau area too, but they tend to stay farther away from the population centers.

The water around Juneau teems with sea life. Humpbacks and orcas inhabit the marine-rich waters between the months of April and September, alongside a healthy population of seals . While animal-viewing tours can never guarantee sightings, your chances of seeing humpbacks on a summer whale-watching tour are virtually 100%.

Juneau Cruises

Juneau tourism depends heavily on cruise ships. The population of town—33,000 on a normal day—absolutely balloons when ships enter the harbor. This population explosion is especially evident in the evenings, when cruise tourists return to their ships and the jam-packed streets of town empty out.

Most of the major cruise lines vie for a market share in Juneau and Southeast Alaska. At any given time, the town’s docks will harbor boats from large companies like Carnival and Princess, as well as smaller expedition-style lines like Uncruise and Linblad.

Most tourists tend to book Juneau shore excursions with their cruise company, but you’ll have tons of options to book elsewhere as well (often for a reduced rate).
Outside of the cruise docks near the Mt Roberts tramway, dozens of kiosks sell same-day tours to Juneau’s top attractions.

When to Visit Juneau

Tourism season in Juneau is mostly limited to summer months. In summer—when daylight can last up to 18 hours—high temperatures tend to hover around 60 degrees.

Juneau is perpetually wet. Even in summer, you can expect rainfall about 50% of the time.

Juneau’s tourist season effectively shuts down in winter and most tours and excursions remain inaccessible outside of the May-September window.

If you’re looking to travel to Alaska in winter to see the northern lights, you might want to look toward Fairbanks instead. Juneau’s notoriously overcast skies and southerly position make aurora-viewing difficult.

Getting to Juneau

There are no roads connecting Juneau to the rest of Alaska. To reach the state capital, you’ll either have to fly or travel by boat along the Alaska Marine Highway that stretches from Bellingham to the Aleutians.

Sailing to Juneau from Bellingham Washington along the Alaska Marine Highway takes three days.

****

In the 1880s, prospectors descended upon Juneau in search of gold.

Today, you can still go panning for gold, but the town has become a gateway to something even better: Some of the most untouched and pristine wilderness in the world.

______________

Did You Enjoy this Guide to the Top Things to do in Juneau Alaska? Pin It! 

The post Things to do in Juneau, Alaska appeared first on Erika's Travels .

Sayulita may have once been a tiny fishing village, but today the Mexican seaside town buzzes with surfers, beach-goers and vacationing gringos.

Located in Nayarit, just one hour north of Puerta Vallarta, the pleasant beachfront town maintains a relaxed hippie vibe despite its rapidly increasing popularity. It is artsy and colorful and oozing with chill.

The beautiful beaches in Sayulita are home to pounding surf and golden sands.

Overhead, colorful tropical birds flit amongst the dense greenery of Mexico’s Pacific Coast.

Visiting Sayulita Mexico

Prior to boarding our Puerta Vallarta bound flight, I wasn’t sure of the best things to do in Sayulita Mexico.

We visited Sayulita on a whim, after a chaotic day of standby travel. We had originally intended to fly to the Caribbean for a week, but two missed flights had us scrambling for a plan B  (traveling standby with an 18 month old is not always for the faint of heart).

And so—just two months after our weekend getaway to Mexico City and Teotihuacan—I found myself heading back to Mexico with Dan and Elio.

Sayulita ended up being an ideal getaway destination. Its chill vibe, beautiful beaches and tasty food immediately won us over.

Best Beaches in Sayulita

Sayulita is surrounded by a string of sandy shores.

During our stay in the area, we visited many of the top beaches in Sayulita.

Sayulita’s beaches are ideal for surfing and subpar for swimming. Strong currents make the Pacific shores pretty dangerous. We certainly weren’t going to risk cooling off in the water with our two year old son.

Nonetheless, Dan and I reveled in the sun and scenery, while Elio thoroughly enjoyed digging in the sand and pouring it on his head.

Sayulita Beach

When visiting the hippie surfer town on Mexico’s left coast, it’s pretty hard to miss Sayulita Beach. A long stretch of sand adjacent to town, the bustling beach attracts local families, foreign tourists, and surfers from around the world.

Playa Sayulita can get pretty crowded compared to the other beaches in the area. Along its shoreline, you’ll find umbrellas and sunbeds and some vendors selling food and drinks.

It will take you about 30 minutes to walk the entire length of Playa Sayulita. At the north end of the beach, you’ll find a jungle trail that leads over the headland to the beautiful beaches of Malpaso and las Cuevas.

Playa Malpaso

Playa Malpaso is a mile-long beach that stretches from Sayulita’s north end to the southern edge of San Pancho. It lies adjacent to Playa las Cuevas and can be accessed via a trail that cuts through the jungle at Sayulita’s north end.

Malpaso Beach is largely undeveloped and still somewhat wild. Dense arid jungle lines its golden crescent of sand. There are no hotels or resorts or beachside restaurants on Playa Malpaso. Nor will you find rows of sunbeds or hawkers selling tourist trinkets.

The pristine stretch of sand is heaven for solitude-seekers. During our visit to the beach, we sat in the shade of a few large trees and let Elio play in the sand for a couple hours. We only encountered one other tourist.

It was blissful.

Because the beach is fully exposed to the rip currents of the Pacific coastline, swimming at Malpaso can be dangerous. 

Playa Las Cuevas

At low tide, Playa Malpaso and Playa las Cuevas connect to each other via a passageway in the rocks.

We found Playa las Cuevas to be the most visually stunning beach in Sayulita. A little gem, the wild and isolated beach lies hidden between rock formations and studded with weathered boulders.

As with Playa Malpaso, Dan and I didn’t see anyone else at the beach when we visited Playa las Cuevas. And considering the beautiful beach’s proximity to Sayulita’s main stretch of sand, I found the solitude to be quite surprising.

The shore break at Playa las Cuevas can be intense, so the beach is not recommended for swimming.

Carricitos Beach

With crashing waves, a dazzling crescent of golden sand, and Cerro Mono in the distance, Playa Carricitos is certainly among the most picturesque beaches in Sayulita. Backed with greenery and isolated from the crowds, it still feels somewhat untouched. There are some large homes position behind Playa Carricitos, but most are well hidden in the verdant hills above the water.

To reach Carricitos Beach, we walked from downtown Sayulita, along Avenida Niños Heroes. The trip took us roughly half an hour on foot.

As with Playa Malpaso and Playa las Cuevas, the extra hike from town seemed to ward off other tourists—making the already manageable jungle trek all the more worthwhile.

Playa Carricitos was empty when we visited. Save for a brown Pelican that was sunning itself on the rocks and diving for fish, we found ourselves completely alone amongst the beach’s sand and surf.

Use extreme caution swimming at Playa Carricitos, as its waves can be quite powerful.

Playa de los Muertos, Sayulita

A short ten minute walk to the south of Sayulita’s main Beach, Playa de los Muertos is one of Nayarit’s most popular swimming areas. At the beach, you’ll find umbrellas to rent, a small bar, and beach vendors.

Playa de los Muertos is popular with Mexican families. Huge rocks protect the waters of Playa de los Muertos on both sides and shield it from rough waves. Compared to the other beaches in Sayulita, it is considered safe for swimming.

Despite its haunting name, Playa de los Muertos (Beach of the dead in English) is not particularly dangerous. There is a cemetery adjacent to the beach’s parking area, which is how Playa de los Muertos gets its name.

San Pancho Beach near Sayulita

San Pancho Beach is a lively option along the Nayarit Riviera. While not as crowded as the main beach in Sayulita, it boasts a similar number of amenities. San Pancho attracts tourists that are looking for a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. It is a magnet for artists, photographers, yogis, and surfers.

Between June and November, the San Pancho Turtle Rescue and Nursery releases turtle hatchlings on San Pancho Beach. When I first read about the release of turtles, I tried to squeeze it into our Sayulita itinerary. I’d seen baby turtles scamper toward the water in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua and wanted Elio to witness the spectacle.

But unfortunately, we visited San Pancho too early in the season.

• Beyond the Beach in San Pancho

I read somewhere that the small Nayarit beach town of San Pancho resembles the Sayulita of ten years ago.

And I can certainly see why.

The beachside fishing village has plenty of hotels and tourist amenities, but it still feels relaxed. Today, it is touristy without being overrun, laidback without being too sleepy. There are still lots of gringos, but the main beach is a bit quieter than that of Sayulita.

San Pancho is growing day by day, however. I fully expect it to turn into an expat hotspot in the coming years.

You can reach the beach in San Pancho via taxi or bus from Sayulita. We only visited the village as a day trip, though I immediately wished we could have stayed longer.

If you’re staying overnight in San Pancho, accommodations range from boutique guesthouses to lavish resorts. These include the Casa Cora (budget), Casa San Pancho (midrange) and the Agua de Luna Boutique Hotel (high end).

For a small town of around 3,000, San Pancho has some wonderful eateries too. We had delicious tuna tacos at Barracuda and Roman-style pizza at Pizza el Punto.

Aside from eating and beach-lounging, we enjoyed walking down the town’s colorful festive streets.

Lo De Marcos Beach

If San Pancho is the Sayulita of ten years ago, then Lo de Marcos is probably next in line for a makeover. I imagine that, as the tendrils of development spread northward from Puerto Vallarta, the sleepy fishing village will start to resemble San Pancho.

But—at least for now—Lo de Marcos and its wonderful golden beach are still able to bask in the beauty of relative anonymity.

The large sandy beach of Lo de Marcos has a few scattered developments and restaurants, but it retains a quiet charm. Verdant jungle backs much of the beach, giving it a lush and picturesque setting.

• Lo de Marcos Beyond the Beach

Lo de Marcos is a sleepy Mexican pueblito with a laid back vibe. The town is popular with expats and tourists, but it still manages to stay largely under the radar. Especially when compared to the more renowned destinations of Sayulita and Puerta Vallarta to the south.

Outside of its wide sandy beach, the streets of Lo de Marcos are mostly quiet. There aren’t many large glitzy hotels in the area, but you’ll find a few small guesthouses and B&Bs like the Casa del Sol and Casa Juanita.

For honeymoon magic, the the One & Only Mandarina looks like a dream.

Puerta Vallarta Beach

If you’re traveling by airplane, you’ll likely be landing in Puerta Vallarta—a lively and colorful beachfront city in the state of Xalisco.

Its frenetic and crowded beachfront offers a juxtaposition to the lonely stretches of sand near Sayulita.

The main beach in Puerta Vallarta is called Playa de los Muertos (not to be confused with a similarly named Sayulita beach). A boardwalk runs along the length of the beach and makes for a pleasant stroll.

We saw a lot of people swimming in the water at Playa de los Muertos, despite its ominous name.

• Beyond the Beach in Puerta Vallarta

Puerta Vallarta pleasantly surprised me. I’d imagined it to resemble the built up strips of Cancun and Cabo San Lucas. I thought I’d see rows and rows of all-inclusive resorts that cordon themselves off from the local population.

And while I’m sure that there are plenty of lavish all-inclusives in town, I was struck by the fact that Puerta Vallarta retains much of its character and charm.

We stayed at the Garlands del Rio in downtown Puerta Vallarta for one night during our visit to the area. The accommodation was clean, centrally located, and wonderfully artsy.

Where to Stay in Sayulita

During our week in Sayulita, we stayed at the Villas Chulavista. Our accommodation had two bedrooms, adjoined by a common area. The room setup allowed me and Dan to enjoy the evenings on our balcony after Elio fell asleep. We were very specific about our room preferences, which diminished our lodging options. But nonetheless, Villas Chulavista was wonderful. We enjoyed the small pool, the open-air living room, and views over the surrounding mountains. The hotel also came with a place to park our rental car (not something that is always easy to find in Sayulita).

Since our accommodation requirements were so specific, we discounted a lot of other places to stay in Sayulita. However, there are a number of other hotel and guesthouse options that could be more suitable for your own personal needs.

At the cheaper end of the spectrum, you’ll find Viajero Sayulita Hostel. Midrange options include Nuiya Hoteles Centro and the Mar y Sueños Suites.

Hotel Ysuri Sayulita and Hotel La Esquina both sit adjacent to Sayulita Beach, with easy access to the town’s amenities. These high end options each have a pool, large clean rooms, exceptional ratings, and ocean views.

Sayulita with a Toddler

Though it wasn’t initially on our radar, we found Sayulita to be a fantastic destination for kids. The town felt safe and walkable. The food was good and varied. And the easy access to beautiful sandy beaches meant that Elio was endlessly entertained.

We brought our backpack carrier so that we could more easily bring Elio to some of the farther beaches and nap him on the go. We found little use for a travel stroller in town, since the hilly streets are covered in cobblestones.

When to Visit Sayulita

Sayulita’s mild climate makes it a year-round travel destination.

Generally, however, the best time to visit Sayulita is between November and March. During these winter months, you’ll likely experience plenty of sunshine and low humidity.

If you want to avoid the crowds, you may want to consider traveling to Sayulita in the off-season.

We visited in May. And while the weather was indeed hot and sticky, we didn’t mind. The empty beaches and lower prices more than made up for the elevated temperatures.

****

We might not have originally intended to visit Sayulita, but you won’t hear me complaining that it’s where we ended up.

The hippie gringo town has a tranquil vibe and sunny disposition. It manages to attract expats and digital nomads, while eschewing overdevelopment and mass tourism.

We spent a glorious week in Sayulita, digging our toes in the sand and hiking to unspoiled beaches. It was the perfect place to travel with a toddler.

In my book, our wonderful trip was all proof that—even though we originally intended for something different —we ended up right where we were meant to be.

The post Best Beaches in Sayulita, Mexico appeared first on Erika's Travels .

Antelope Canyon is the most famous slot canyon in the world. Located in the Navajo Nation near Page Arizona, the narrow sandstone wonderland has captured the imaginations of nature-lovers and photographers worldwide.

Wind and water have sculpted the area’s sandstone into an unearthly masterpiece of movement and light. Sensuous curves define Antelope Canyon’s glowing walls, creating a textured canvas of fiery hues.

It’s a spectacular place that has graced travel brochures and Instagram feeds in recent years.

Arizona’s Antelope Canyon

Arizona’s Antelope Canyon is split into two parts: Upper and Lower.

When people refer to Antelope Canyon, they are usually referring to its above-ground portion, Upper Antelope Canyon. With its light beams and high canyon walls, the upper portion receives a bulk of the area’s tourists. Some consider it to be the more photogenic of the two (though most of my favorite pictures are actually from the lower canyon).

While the two sections of Antelope Canyon differ slightly, each offers comparable experiences that will leave you awestruck.

Both the upper and lower canyon are incredibly beautiful. Both are packed to the brim with tourists. And both will fill your camera roll with brochure-worthy photos.

What is a Slot Canyon?

Just as the nearby Grand Canyon is the pinnacle of canyons worldwide, so too is Antelope Canyon the apex of slot canyons.

But what is a slot canyon?

Slot canyons are long and narrow chasms that slice through soft layers of sedimentary rock. Named for their paper-thin widths, these narrow gorges are often just wide enough to walk through single-file.

The United States contains the highest concentration of slot canyons in the world. In the red rock desert of southern Utah and northern Arizona, there are over 1,000 of them.

Prior to visiting Antelope Canyon, we’d explored a smaller slot canyon in the Canyonlands Needles District and peered into the entrance of another along the Burr Trail Road in Utah.

Yet nothing prepared us for the sheer beauty of Arizona’s world-renowned slot canyon.

Visiting Upper Antelope Canyon

Upper Antelope Canyon is often the default when choosing which part of the slot canyon to visit. Shaped like an upside-down “V,” it is narrow up top and wide at its base.

Upper Antelope Canyon is usually more crowded than its lower counterpart and tours are more likely to sell out in advance. Its popularity stems from the fact that it is the canyon most often shown in photos. It is also the one that features shining beams of light.

The ability to see light beams in Upper Antelope Canyon depends on the timing of your visit.

Despite visiting at midday, we visited the canyon too early in the year to see the light shaft.

But the experience was still nothing short of magical.

• Upper Canyon Tours

Antelope Canyon is not a place you can travel to independently. All areas of the canyon are only accessible via guided tour.

Tours of Upper Antelope Canyon last 1.5 hours. They include a 15 minute Jeep ride to and from the canyon entrance, plus an hour-long guided tour.

We visited the canyon with Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours. Tickets cost us $100 each, inclusive of the tour and Navajo fee. Young kids and infants do not receive a discount, so we took turns visiting the canyon while the other watched Elio.

Other tour operators for Upper Antelope Canyon include Tsebighanilini Tours, Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours, Antelope Slot Canyon Tours, and Antelope Canyon Tours Inc.

While tour prices might vary slightly from company to company, the experience seems to be quite similar between service providers.

Visiting Lower Antelope Canyon

Lower Antelope Canyon is slightly less popular than its upper counterpart, but its twists and turns are no less impressive. Shaped like a rightside-up “V,” it is narrow at the bottom and wider at the top. The lower canyon lies below ground, so you’ll have to descend into its red-rock chasm using steep metal stairs.

In general, the lower canyon didn’t really feel more treacherous than Upper Antelope Canyon. You’re still required to visit by tour, where you’ll be corralled—shoulder to shoulder and ever so slowly—through the narrow canyon.

Once you reach the bottom of the stairs, the path is mostly flat and sandy.

Still, if you are mobility impaired or unsteady on your feet, I’d probably suggest visiting the upper canyon instead.

• Lower Canyon Tours

Lower Antelope Canyon has only two tour operators—Ken’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tours and Dixie’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tours. They are brother/sister companies (literally owned by a brother and a sister).

Despite lack of competition between tour operators, Lower Antelope tours cost roughly half of what the upper canyon tours cost. Children can enter at discounted fees, while infants 0-3 years old do not have to pay.

Antelope Canyon tours do not require a Jeep ride to and from the tour offices to the canyon entrance.

Instead, you’ll walk down a small pathway to the start of the trail.

Upper Vs Lower Antelope Canyon

The upper and lower sections of Antelope Canyon in Arizona are both extraordinary. So which one should you choose if you’re short on time or don’t feel like shelling out more than $200 per person for both?

The answer isn’t exactly cut and dry. Varying factors can influence your decision one way or another.

If you’re on a budget or traveling with young kids under two, I recommend Lower Antelope Canyon. But if you struggle with uneven surfaces or want to photograph the light beams, I recommend Upper Antelope Canyon.

At the end of the day, both sections are spectacular. Both will give you plenty of Instagram-worthy photo ops. And both will likely remain etched in your memories long after your visit.

Where to Stay in Page Arizona

Page Arizona is the gateway to Antelope Canyon. Located just south of the Utah-Arizona border near Lake Powell, the small town sits smack dab in the middle of red rock country.

Accommodations in Page range from cozy rental homes to international chain hotels. Canyon Colors Bed and Breakfast is a solid choice if you’re looking for a house to rent in Page. It offers clean spacious rooms, a central location, an affordable price point, and superb reviews.

For internationally-recognized name brand hotels, you’ll find the Country Inn and Suites by Radisson, as well as the Hyatt Place.

When to Visit Antelope Canyon

Though Antelope Canyon in Arizona is a memorable destination no matter the time of year or day, a bit of advanced planning will ensure that you are able to maximize your visit.

Due to the position of the sun, there are certain times of year in which the canyon’s lighting is particularly special.

Similarly, the time of day you choose to visit can affect the light that enters the slot canyon.

• Best Time of Year

Summer can be unbearably hot in the desert of America’s Southwest, but it is an optimal time to visit Antelope Canyon. If you want to see the famed beams of light in the canyon’s upper section, you should plan on traveling to the area between April and October. May and early June offer a bit of relief from the scorching summer heat, while affording some of the best lighting.

When we visited Antelope Canyon during mid-March, we were too early in the year for the light shaft.

Another thing to keep in mind is that Arizona’s monsoon season lasts from June to September. Monsoon season can bring heavy rain that increases the risk of flash flooding. Your tour company will keep an eye out on weather forecasts and close the canyon if inclement weather is anticipated.

• Best Time of Day

The best time of day to visit Arizona’s Antelope Canyon is around noon, when the sun shines directly overhead. Planning your visit between 11 am and 1:30 pm—when the sunlight is perpendicular to the canyon—will give you the best chance of seeing the famed Upper Antelope Canyon light beam for yourself.

If it’s too cloudy or not sunny enough, the sun’s rays won’t poke through the canyon.

Tours during peak time of day are often more expensive than morning tours.

Beyond Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon may be the reason most people travel to Page Arizona, but it is by no means the only place to visit in the area.

Just a stone’s throw away from the canyon, you’ll find Horseshoe Bend—a spectacular U-shaped portion of the Colorado River. Often confused with Deadhorse Point State Park (a similarly impressive state park in Utah near Island in the Sky), Horseshoe Bend has become a distinct symbol of Arizona’s red rock country.

Other noteworthy places to visit in and around Page include Lake Powell, the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, and the southern reaches of Grand Staircase Escalante in Utah.

****

Antelope Canyon is an otherworldly destination. Its folds and textures bounce the sunlight in a game of hide-and-seek, like a rippling velvet curtain.

The Arizona slot canyon deserves every bit of the attention it receives. Though there are more than 1,000 similar slot canyons in the United States, none eclipse Antelope Canyon in their beauty.

The post Visiting Antelope Canyon in Arizona appeared first on Erika's Travels .

Few places on the planet inspire more awe than Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park.

The cavernous river gorge—277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and 5,000 ft deep—slices through the vast Colorado Plateau in dramatic fashion.

The Grand Canyon is the gold standard of canyons around the world. Close to 5 million annual visitors descend on the sparsely-populated corner of Northern Arizona to peer down into its abyss. It is one of nature’s crowning achievements, one of the seven wonders of the natural world, and an unmissable North American travel destination.

South Rim of the Grand Canyon

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the national park’s most accessible section. It contains a bulk of the park’s tourism amenities and showcases its most awe-inspiring viewpoints. The South Rim is located more than three hours away from the North Rim by car.

The Grand Canyon’s South Rim contains dozens of overlooks to choose from, all located along the 32 miles of road from Hermit’s Rest to the Desert Watchtower.

These viewpoints lie along three main touring routes: the Red Line to Hermit’s Rest, the Orange line that connects Yavapai Point with Yaki Point, and the self-drive road to the Desert Watchtower.

The park’s Blue Line connects various destinations within the Grand Canyon Village, but it does not contain any of the South Rim’s most noteworthy panoramas.

South Rim Viewpoints: The Red Line

The Grand Canyon’s red line links nine spectacular scenic vistas. The route showcases panorama’s of the park’s western reaches and ends at the historic Hermit’s Rest.

Shuttle service along the Red Line runs from early March through late November. From December 1 to February 28, the road is open to private vehicle traffic.

You can access the Red Line  from the Village Route Transfer stop on the Blue Line.

• Trail Overlook

 Trail Overlook, the first stop along the Red Line, provides the best aerial views of the Bright Angel Trail’s sinuous switchbacks.

At the overlook, you can see everything—from where the trial starts just west of the historic village, to where it finally disappears into the depths of the inner gorge 3,000 ft below.

During our visit, we saw a few people attempting the Bright Angel Trail, but ice and snow obstructed much of the pathway.

• Maricopa Point

At Maricopa Point, a narrow promontory juts out into the canyon, affording 180 degree views of the sprawling abyss. If you look closely, you might be able to see a tiny slice of the Colorado River, though you’ll get better views of the waterway at other spots along Hermit’s Road.

West of Maricopa Point you’ll find ruins of the former Orphan Lode Mine, which operated from 1891 to 1967.

• Powell Point

Powell Point lies right next to Hopi Point, along the Hermit’s Rest bus route. As with the other stops along the route, it offers spectacular views of the Grand Canyon.

A large stone monument near the bus stop commemorates the 1869 Powell Expedition. Powell was the first known European explorer to map the river’s course by boat. He traveled along the Green and Colorado rivers, charting much of the American Southwest.

• Hopi Point

Hopi Viewpoint is a breathtaking stop along Hermit Road. An ideal location for sunrise or sunset, Hopi Point also offers views of the Colorado River below.

Hopi Point lies a stone’s throw away from Powell Point. It is only served by shuttles in the westbound direction.

• The Abyss

The Abyss offers a steep vertical view into the Monument Creek drainage area. Its sheer vertical drop is the longest and most precipitous along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

As you peer 3,000 ft into the depths of the canyon, you’ll be rewarded with views of Monument Creek, the Tonto Plateau, and the Colorado River.

• Pima Point

Pima Point is the westernmost viewpoint along the Grand Canyon’s Rim Drive (though the road ends at Hermit’s Rest, 1.5 miles beyond).

From Pima Point, uninterrupted vistas showcase 40 miles of chiseled rock—From the Great Scenic Divide to Bright Angel Canyon.

Pima point is one of the only places from which you can hear the thunderous roar of the Colorado River, conditions permitting.

Unfortunately, on the rainy and windy day that we visited, we didn’t get so lucky.

• Hermit’s Rest

Hermits Rest is the final stop along the Red Line. A historic rest stop, it is a popular place to recharge during a day of exploration.

While the views at Hermit’s Rest aren’t particularly noteworthy, the area serves as the gateway to magnificent backcountry hiking trails.

The historic stone structure at Hermit’s Rest, designed by architect Mary Colter, dates back to 1914. With its stonework, giant alcove fireplace, and front porch, it was built to resemble an old miner’s cabin.

Today, Hermit’s Rest offers a gift shop, a snack bar, and somewhat obstructed west end views of the Grand Canyon.

South Rim Stops: The Blue Line

The Grand Canyon National Park’s Blue Line connects the visitor center with the South Rim’s lodges, restaurants, and shopping areas.

Its end points are also the transfer stations for the Red Line and Orange Line (Hermit’s Rest Route Transfer for the former, Grand Canyon Visitor Center for the latter).

Though you likely won’t utilize the Blue Line for the South Rim’s best panoramas, the line is a logistical necessity for getting around the Grand Canyon—especially in the summer months when the park restricts private vehicles.

• Grand Canyon Village

Grand Canyon Village is the hub of lodging inside the national park.

It is the largest example of town planning in the US national park system. At the village, you’ll find restaurants, shops, hotels, and connecting buses that will whisk you away to various viewpoints.

• Hopi House

The historic Hopi House, located right on the rim of Grand Canyon, is among the most noteworthy structures in the park. The building, designed by Mary Colter, dates back to 1905. Its large, multi-story stone structure was modeled after the 1,000 year old pueblo in Old Oraibi, Arizona.

Originally designed as the main sales rooms for Fred Harvey Indian Arts, the building continues to house a gift shop filled with native handicrafts.

South Rim Viewpoints: The Orange Line

The Orange Route, also known as the Kaibab Rim Route, travels in a figure-8 loop between the Yavapai Geology Museum and Yaki Point. The route is about 50 minutes long and encompasses some of the canyon’s most jaw-dropping vistas.

While the bus drops tourists off at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center in both directions, the majority of its eastbound and westbound stops differ.

I recommend you map out your Orange Line itinerary before your visit, in order to maximize your time in the area.

Highlights of the Kaibab Rim include Mather Point, the Yavapai Museum, and Yaki Point.

• Mather Point

For many, Mather Point offers the first glimpse of the Grand Canyon. And what a glimpse it is.

Mather Point lies about five minutes away on foot from the park’s visitor center. It was the first viewpoint that we visited, and the one that remains most impressed in my memory.

Thanks to its unobstructed views and ideal location, it is a favorite place to watch sunrises and sunsets.

• Yavapai Point

Yavapai Point is the northernmost stop along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It boasts breathtaking sightlines of the area’s chiseled red rock.

The viewpoint is home the Yavapai Museum of Geology. The museum offers interactive exhibits, a small gift shop, and a canyon-viewing area.

If you don’t feel like waiting for the shuttle, you can reach Yavapai Point via the Rim Trail from Mather Point.

• Yaki Point

Yaki Point lies at the end of the Orange Line.

From its viewing area, you can look down at the South Kaibab Trail as it weaves its way to the Colorado River. It also boasts some of the park’s best eastward views.

Yaki Point is the only stop along Desert View Drive that is closed to private vehicles. The scenic overlook can be reached using the park’s Orange Route.

Desert View Drive

Desert View Drive is open to vehicle traffic year-round and cannot be accessed using the national park’s tourist shuttle.

A lot of people skip this part of the park, which is a shame. Its lookouts are every bit as magical as those along the red and orange lines.

• East Drive Viewpoints

Desert View Drive highlights awe-inspiring panoramas of the Grand Canyon’s eastern reaches. While it is slightly less trafficked than other areas of the park, it is every bit as dramatic.

Popular points of interest along Desert View Drive include Grandview Point, Moran Point, Lipan Point, and Desert View.

Though we managed to make a quit pitstop at all the overlooks, this self-drive part of our itinerary was a bit rushed due to Elio’s nap schedule.

• Desert View Watchtower

Desert View is the easternmost point along the developed portion of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.

Aside from its spectacular vistas, the site is noteworthy for its 1932 lookout tower designed by Mary Colter. The tower, modeled after an Ancestral Puebloan structure, stands guard over the canyon.

Access to the top of the tower is free of charge. It is open daily from 9am-5pm.

Getting Around the Grand Canyon South Rim

During winter months, you can bring your own vehicle to the park’s main viewpoints and places of interest.

However, during peak tourist season, you’ll have to rely on the national park’s efficient tourist shuttle.

Free Shuttle buses operate in and around the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. They link most of the major tourist areas, excluding Desert View Drive.

The South Rim buses provide transportation between the visitor center, lodges, campgrounds and viewpoints.

Alternatively, you can get around the Grand Canyon by bike or on foot. The 13 mile Rim Trail connects most places of interest along the South Rim.

Grand Canyon Tours

While I’m personally a big fan of DIY travel, I realize that not everyone wants to deal with logistics and planning. Luckily, there are hundreds of Grand Canyon tours that can help you make the most of your visit.

Even if you’re planning on taking the park shuttle around, tours can provide a way of seeing the Grand Canyon from a different vantage point.

Scenic helicopter tours are a popular option for travelers who wish to take in the canyon’s awesomeness from the sky. There are also options for backroad safaris, rafting tours, and hiking tours.

Where to Stay near the Grand Canyon South Rim

You’ll find a combination of national park lodges, campgrounds, hotels and cabins both inside and outside the Grand Canyon National Park’s borders.

• Inside Grand Canyon National Park

If you’ve booked early enough to secure a spot and your budget allows for a bit of a splurge, there are a number of different lodging options along the South Rim. These include the Bright Angel Lodge and Cabins, Thunderbird Lodge, and Maswik Lodge.

The historic El Tovar Hotel is the most renowned place to stay within the national park’s boundaries. It is widely considered to be the crown jewel of national park lodges.

• Near the South Rim Entrance

Tusayan is the closest town to the national park entrance. It offers a combination of independent and international chain hotels. Due to Tusayan’s proximity to the park, the prices can be quite high for what you’re getting. We found better prices farther south, in the town of Valle.

During our visit, we stayed at the Grand Canyon Inn and Motel in Valle. And while it wasn’t anything particularly fancy, we found that the room suited our needs (and price point).

If you’re looking to stay in Tusayan for proximity’s sake, you may want to consider the Grand Hotel or the Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon Entrance Fees

Entering Grand Canyon National Park costs $35 per vehicle or $20 per person (for those who travel on foot or by bike). Annual interagency passes are also accepted and can be obtained online or at the park’s entrance kiosks. The interagency passes a great value for travelers who plan on visiting multiple U.S. national parks within a calendar year.

Since we frequently visit federal lands, Dan and I always make sure we have an up-to-date interagency pass. The pass has always paid for itself.

When to Visit the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a year-round tourist attraction. Peak season encompasses summer months and school holidays. During these times, expect large crowds, traffic jams to enter the park, and hotels booked to capacity.

Spring and fall are great times to visit the park due to pleasant weather and thinner crowds.

Winter is the Grand Canyon’s off-season. Between November and March, low temperatures bring fewer visitors. When we visited in March, ice still covered many of the park’s trails—impeding our descent below the canyon’s rim.

If you’re looking to hike below the Grand Canyon’s rim, you should probably avoid the winter months.

Grand Canyon Sunrises and Sunsets

Mather Point is one of the most popular sunrise-viewing destinations within Grand Canyon National Park. The viewpoint’s proximity to the park entrance and visitor center is an added bonus.

Others have recommended Ooh Aah Point, Yavapai Point, and Yaki Point for sunrise.

However, since we were traveling with a toddler and staying outside of the park’s entrance gates, we don’t have first hand recommendations for sunrise-viewing.

Sunset over the Grand Canyon is magical, too.

As the sun sinks lower in the sky, it ignites the canyon walls in fiery shades of red and orange. Top sunset viewpoints on the South Rim are Mojave Point, Hopi Point, and Pima Point.

Other Ways to Experience the Grand Canyon

Going from viewpoint to viewpoint is the easiest way to visit the Grand Canyon, but it is by no means the only option. Adventure-lovers and thrill-seekers can experience the canyon in a plethora of different ways.

• Hiking

The Bright Angel Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Grand Canyon. It starts on the canyon’s rim and ends 9.5 miles later at the Colorado River. Most people hike just a few miles below the rim before turning back. Popular stopping points are the 1.5 Mile resthouse, the 3 Mile resthouse, and the Indian Garden.

• Rafting

The Colorado River is one of the world’s top bucket list rafting destinations. Over the course of a week, rafting trips will take you through the canyon, along the Colorado River. Those who choose to raft the Grand Canyon say that it is a trip of a lifetime.

• Biking

Bicycles and e-bikes are allowed on all paved and unpaved roads on the South Rim. You can rent wheels at Bright Angel Bicycles, adjacent to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.

Beyond the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon lies in northern Arizona, amidst a red rock wonderland that includes some of the most stunning geological marvels in the world. Just two hours south of the Grand Canyon, you’ll find the red rock paradise of Sedona Arizona.

Two hours to the northeast, sits the small Page—gateway to Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons.

Beyond Page, you can easily incorporate the Grand Canyon into a larger road trip around the American Southwest. Petrified Forest National Park and Monument Valley are just a few hours away to the east. And the five incredible national parks in Utah (Bryce, Zion, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands) lie a few hours to the north.

****

The Grand Canyon isn’t the deepest canyon in the United States (that title belongs to Hells Canyon on the Oregon/Idaho border), but it is certainly the most famous.

Arizona’s cavernous river gorge is one of the seven wonders of the natural world. Other famous canyons (the Fish River Canyon in Namibia, the Blyde River Canyon in South Africa, the Colca Canyon in Peru, for example) all use Arizona’s massive river gorge as their standard of comparison.

It’s truly a place that needs no introduction; one that is perhaps more renowned than any other geographic landmark in North America.

Whether you’re hiking to its depths, photographing its sunset hues, or peering over its cavernous abyss, the Grand Canyon in Arizona is sure to fill you with wonder.

The post Grand Canyon South Rim: A Complete Guide appeared first on Erika's Travels .

Xochimilco is an oasis of tranquility in one of the world’s largest and most congested cities.

The green lungs of Mexico’s smog-choked capital, its canals and waterways are the final vestiges of a vast lake system that once flooded the Anahuac Valley.

The maze-like wetland and its floating farms are inextricably linked to the rise of Mexico City.

And still today, they are vital to the function of the modern metropolis.

The area is home to a diverse array of plants and animals, while providing food for Mexico City’s ever-expanding farm-to-table culinary scene.

The Canals of Xochimilco Mexico

Xochimilco is best known as a place where tourists drink cocktails while drifting through Aztec-era canals in colorful wooden boats called “trajineras.”

Dubbed “the Venice of Mexico,” it is home to a system of canals that preserves a pre-Hispanic method of agriculture and farming.

Xochimilco became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987, alongside the Templo Mayor in downtown Mexico City. Its waterways are home to hundreds of migratory and native bird species.

With its colorful trajineras, abundant wildlife, and traditional floating gardens, a tour around the Xochimilco canals is a truly unforgettable Mexico City highlight.

A Brief History of Xochimilco Mexico

The history of Xochimilco runs much deeper than cocktails and party boats.

The artificial islands in Xochimilco date back to the 11th century. Though they are newer than the ancient ruins of Teotihuacán outside of Mexico City, they are nonetheless one of the area’s most important pre-Hispanic landmarks.

Historically, the Aztecs started building islands made from reclaimed land. They used the canals to transport their harvest. In doing so, they were able to grow enough crops to feed the entire population of their capital city, Tenochitlán.

When the Spanish arrived, they proceeded to drain many of the area’s lakes—eventually building a sprawling colonial city atop the largely dried-out lake bed.

That colonial settlement, now known as Mexico City, was founded upon the original ruins of Tenochitlán. It has grown into the fifth largest metropolis on Earth.

Meanwhile, the vast lake is now only a shadow of its former self.

However, its working farms continue to sustain the modern city like they have done over the centuries.

The Chinampas

In the Náhuatl language, Xochimilco means “flower field.” Its name comes from the artificial floating gardens, called “chinampas” that cover the remaining wetlands of Lake Xochimilco.

The process of building chinampas allowed the Aztecs to reclaimed arable earth from an area that was once unconducive to farming.

With its network of canals and artificial islands, Xochimilco illustrates the ways in which the central Mexico’s pre-Hispanic inhabitants were able to build a thriving civilization atop water.

The chinampas of Xochimilco consist of  layer upon layer of human-engineered “rafts.”  When the first layer of rafts began sinking, farmers tied another raft layer to the same location, in a continual cycle.

This process is still in use today.

(Thus, though the process has remained in place for centuries, the original Aztec-built chinampas now lie at the bottom of the lakebed).

Visiting the Canals of Xochimilco Mexico

Visiting the floating gardens of Xochimilco is one of the top things to do in Mexico City.

There are two main ways to experience the Aztec-era islands and canals: festive trajinera tours, and low-key canoe tours.

One experience allows you to learn more about the area’s history and biodiversity, while the other grants you an opportunity to revel in its lively atmosphere.

Either way, the floating gardens of Mexico City are a fascinating place to visit.

• Airbnb Experience Canal Tour

Instead of drifting down the main canal in a trajinera, Dan and I joined an AirBnb experience that would give us a more intimate and informational glimpse into the area.

The tour turned out to be an excellent choice.

Our morning tour of the Xochimilco canals included a canoe adventure through the gentle waterways, followed by lunch on a working farm. Throughout the tour, our guide explained the area’s history and pointed out its flora and fauna.

Led by a biologist-turned-guide who was passionate about preserving the world heritage site for future generations, the tour was truly a highlight of our Mexico City itinerary.

• Trajinera Tour in Xochimilco

Traveling through the Xochimilco canals on a trajinera gives you a completely different experience than the one I had.

Instead of listening to a soundtrack of chirping birds, you’ll float to the sound of Mariachi music. And instead of walking through rows of lettuce on a working farm, you’ll probably be throwing back a few coronas.

Before boarding your boat, you can buy soft drinks, beer and food from nearby vendors. You can also hire live music and entertainment to accompany you on your journey.

Since Trajineras are prohibited from traveling through the narrow channels of the chinampas, they are mostly relegated to the main canal.

Although you can pretty much take a trajinera ride anytime, the activity is particularly popular among locals on Sundays—something to consider depending on whether you are looking for a party or a tranquil escape.

• Visiting Xochimilco Independently

If you choose to travel to the Xochimilco canals independently, you should plan to arrive early to secure a boat. A trajinera ride costs around $500MX per hour, per boat.

Most trajineras seat as many as 20 people on wooden bench tables, so the adventure can be quite economical if you have a large group.

The Island of the Dolls (Isla de las Muñecas)

Aside from its maze of working farms, some people choose to visit the somewhat creepy Island of the Dolls in Xochimilco (known in Spanish as Isla de las Muñecas).

The placement of the dolls is the result of a tragedy that unfolded in the 1950s, when a man named Julian Barrera found the body of a drowned child in the canal. He was so troubled by the discovery, that he decided to hang the young girl’s doll in a tree. This gesture was meant to ward off evil spirits and acted as a sort of memorial for the child.

Over time, Barrera continued to adorn the island’s trees with dolls.

Despite its unsettling appearance, the doll-strewn island has become a tourist attraction in Xochimilco.

The Future of Xochimilco

The future of Xochimilco and its wildlife lies in the balance.

Eleven percent of Mexico’s biodiversity can be found in Xochimilco’s canals. The area is a wonderful destination for birdwatchers and wildlife-lovers.

During our tour of the waterways, we saw three types of herons, pelicans, gallinules, ibis’, and vermillion fly-catchers.

We also learned that its waters are home to snakes, tilapia, carp and axolotls—small salamanders that are endemic to the valley of Mexico.

Axolotl numbers have declined rapidly in recent decades. The revered amphibians now face critical endangerment due to the deterioration if their habitat.

While Lake Xochimilco now covers only a fraction of its Aztec-era surface area, its remaining waters face high levels of environmental degradation.

The once-pristine waters have become increasingly polluted over time, due in part to illegal island settlers dumping sewage into the canals.

In addition, groundwater pumping to meet the sprawling city’s insatiable demand for water has largely depleted the lakes’s aquifers. The Mexican government has resorted to pumping in water from a nearby water treatment plant in Cerro de la Estrella to maintain lake levels.

How to Get to Xochimilco

We took an Uber to get from Condesa to Xochimilco. The ride cost us about $10USD in total and took roughly 40 minutes.

If you prefer to navigate cities using public transportation, you can head to Taxqueña Station at the end of the blue line. From there, the green line will take you to the Xochimilco canals. The metro is relatively safe, just be aware of pickpockets and stay vigilant (like you would in any other major city around the world).

Metro tickets are quite cheap and will only set you back $5MXN per journey.

Many tours of Xochimilco include transport to and from the canals.

Where to Stay near Xochimilco

Staying near Xochimilco isn’t really necessary, since the canals are within striking distance of popular Mexico City neighborhoods—including Roma, Polanco, Condesa, and Centro.

Still, spending the night nearby grants you unparalleled access to Xochimilco in the early morning and evening.

Coyoacan, home to Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul, is one of the closest neighborhoods to Xochimilco. Top places to stay in Cayoacan include Villa Alfonsina (budget) and Casa Tuna (midrange).

Best Time of Day to Visit Xochimilco

The best time of day to visit the Xochimilco canals will depend on whom you ask. Are you looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a serene morning on the water? Are you hoping for a lively evening out with friends? Or are you a photographer seeking to capture the diverse bird life in the area?

We found that visiting the canals in the morning gave us the experience that we craved. We saw plenty of wildlife, escaped the heat, and experienced the serenity of floating through the canals in relative quiet.

If a party experience is what you’re looking for, you’ll want to visit on a Sunday afternoon.

****

The canals of Xochimilco Mexico are much more than just an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. They are a refuge for native plants and animals. An agricultural center that provides much of Mexico City’s fresh produce. A gathering spot for families and nature enthusiasts.

And a reminder of pre-Colombian ingenuity in the Americas.

_______________________________

DID YOU ENJOY THIS GUIDE TO THE CANALS OF XOCHIMILCO MEXICO? PIN IT!

The post Guide to the Xochimilco Canals in Mexico City appeared first on Erika's Travels .

Before the rise of Mexico City, there was Teotihuacán.

Until its mysterious collapse in 600AD, the city of Teotihuacán was the heart and soul of Mesoamerica. At its zenith, it housed the largest and most advanced civilization on the North American continent.

When the Aztecs came across the abandoned complex of temples and pyramids in the 15th century, they couldn’t believe their eyes. They named it Teotihuacán, meaning “birthplace of the gods.”

A place this grand, they presumed, must have been central to the creation of the Universe.

Teotihuacán Ruins: An Overview

The once-thriving city of Teotihuacán was first developed around 100BC. At the time of its construction, it was an important center for culture, art, and history.

The city’s architects built according to a rigorous design plan, radiating out from a pyramid-adorned central plaza and promenade. Laid out on a geometrical grid, Teotihuacán featured a complex network of irrigation canals that drew water from the nearby San Juan River.

Though most notable for its towering pyramids, excavations reveal that the ancient city also contained a sprawling residential area.

Teotihuacán was a cosmopolitan center in its heyday. During its peak, it was the sixth most populous city in the world. Historians suggest that Teotihuacán once housed around 200,000 people.

By the seventh century AD, however, Teotihuacán’s original inhabitants mysteriously abandoned the city.

Who Built Teotihuacán?

The origin of Teotihuacán is up for debate, but its influence on the country’s psyche and identity remains undeniable.

Little is known about the people responsible for building this vast and unique city. Many assume that Teotihuacán was built by the Aztecs. Others attribute it to the Maya Civilization.

Until my most recent visit to the area, I too assumed that the Aztecs were the founders of Central Mexico’s largest and most important archaeological site.

But in truth, the Teotihuacán pyramids predate both the Mayans and the Aztecs.

The ethnicity of Teotihuacán’s inhabitants has been debated for centuries. Some scholars point to the Nahua, Otomi or Totonac. Others suggest the Toltecs.

And yet no one knows for sure who to credit with building the site’s extraordinary temples and pyramids.

Things to See in Teotihuacán

Teotihuacán’s ruins have achieved UNESCO World Heritage Site status, alongside the Aztec-built Templo Mayor and Xochimilco Canals in Mexico City.

There are numerous noteworthy places to see within the archaeological site of Teotihuacán—from mural-clad palaces to towering pyramids.

The site’s main places of interest surround the Avenue of the Dead. They include the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon, the Palace of Quetzalpapálotl, the West Plaza, and the Pyramid of Quetzacoatl.

• Avenue of the Dead

The Avenue of the Dead (Calle de los Muertos) runs through the heart of Teotihuacán, linking the area’s main places of interest.

A grand promenade, it leads directly to the front steps of the iconic Pyramid of the Moon. At its southern end, you’ll find the Pyramid of Quetzacoatl and the Teotihuacán Museum.

The Aztecs, who arrived at the site long after the departure of Teotihuacán’s original inhabitants, named the avenue after what they believed were burial sites. Historians now concur that the low-lying buildings were probably residences.

Walking the entire Avenue of the Dead is a top thing to do when visiting the Teotihuacán pyramids. The avenue is 2.5 miles long and is entirely exposed to the sun. Be sure to lather up with sunscreen before exploring the area.

• Teotihuacán Pyramid of the Sun

The Pyramid of the Sun dates back to 100 AD. It is one of the largest structures of its type in the Western Hemisphere (though it is only half the height of the Great Pyramid in Giza). The massive structure rises 216 feet above ground and measures approximately 720 by 760 feet at its base.  It contains about one million cubic yards of compacted volcanic rocks.

The Pyramid of the Sun’s purpose remains largely a matter of conjecture. Archaeologists believe that there was once a temple atop the pyramid, which suggests it could have been constructed for spiritual purposes.

Though I was able to climb the Pyramid of the Sun during my first visit to the area in 2003, the massive stone structure now remains cordoned off indefinitely.

• Pyramid of the Moon in Teotihuacán

Although smaller than the site’s famous Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon is just as iconic. It towers above the archeological site’s northern reaches, mimicking the outline of nearby Cerro Gordo.

The Pyramid of the Moon lies at the far northern end of the temple complex.

Historians allege that the ritual temple, dedicated to the deity of water, fertility, and creation, was once used for ceremonial purposes.

As with the Pyramid of the Sun, climbing atop the Pyramid of the Moon is currently forbidden.

• Palace of Quetzalpapálotl

To the west of the Pyramid of the Moon, you’ll find the excavated ruins of the Quetzalpapálotl Palace. The exquisite palace dates back to 450AD, though it appears to be constructed above older ruins.

The Palace of Quetzalpapaálotl’s name comes from the reliefs of mythological birds engraved on its square courtyard pillars. With its murals and ornate carvings, the structure stands out as an architectural masterpiece. It illustrates the level of artistic ability developed in the pre-Hispanic world.

The palace is, without a doubt, the best-preserved building in Teotihuacán. Between 2009 and 2011, Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History painstakingly restored Quetzalpapálotl’s murals.

The exact role of the Quetzalpapálotl Palace is unclear, but some think that it could have been home to a high-ranking priest, given its location.

• Puma Mural

Archaeologists first discovered Teotihuacán’s Puma Mural in 1963. The ancient art installation lies on the the east side of the Avenue of the Dead. It is part of a group of platforms and temples known as the Puma Complex.

The mural can be found en-route to the Pyramid of the Moon, behind a protective layer of glass.

• West Plaza Complex

The West Plaza Complex is not one of Teotihuacán’s main attractions. As a result, I didn’t find a lot of information on the oft-overlooked area.

At the West Plaza Complex, a ruined platform boasts reliefs of jaguar heads along its staircase.

Below, two serpent heads with forked tongues adorn a lower set of stairs. The stone heads are covered in pink stucco.

The West Plaza Complex’s unique multi-layered ruins are worth exploring as you make your way down the Avenue of the Dead.

• Pyramid of Quetzacoatl

Along the southern part of the Avenue of the Dead, you’ll find a large square courtyard known as the Citadel. Within it, stands the splendid Pyramid of Quetzalcóatl (Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent).

Though not as grand as the pyramids of the Sun and Moon, the Pyramid of Quetzacoatl is no less impressive.

The temple gets its name from the carved heads that adorn its façade.

The staircase that ascends the Pyramid of Quetzacoatl is strictly off-limits. As with the other Teotihuacán Pyramids, recent preservation efforts have sought to minimize the negative impact of tourism in the area.

However, a tiered platform stands directly in front of the Quetzacoatle Pyramid. You can climb up its stairs for outstanding eye-level views of the pyramid and its statues.

• The Teotihuacán Museum

The small Teotihuacán Museum offers insight into the area’s history and archaeology.

It contains artifacts uncovered at the site, as well as models demonstrating how the city looked in centuries past.

If you have time to visit during your Mexico City day trip, it is worth stopping in for a look.

That being said, if you’re pressed for time, I would prioritize the site itself.

Places to Stay near the Teotihuacán Pyramids

Though most people visit the ancient ruins as a day trip from Mexico City, you can choose to spend the night in nearby San Juan Teotihuacán for unparalleled access to the archaeological site.

Staying overnight allows you to visit the pyramids early, before the crowds.

Top places to stay nearby include El Sueño de Quetzacoatl (budget) Hotel Boutique Rancho San Juan Teotihuacán (midrange) and Hotel Quinto Sol (higher end).

Getting to Teotihuacán from Mexico City

While organized tours of Teotihuacán are plentiful, it is relatively easy to catch a public bus to the ruins. During the day, hourly buses link Teotihuacán with Mexico City’s Terminal Norte. One-way tickets cost M$52. The trip lasts roughly an hour.

Alternatively, if you’re pressed for time, Uber is a relatively inexpensive option.

Teotihuacán Tours

If you’re someone who prefers leaving logistical details to others, visiting Teotihuacán as part of an organized tour can be especially attractive.

Tours offer ways of exploring the ruins from a different vantage point. You can book hot air balloon tours of Teotihuacán to see the complex from above, or early access tours to view the pyramids without large crowds.

Most tours of the area include roundtrip transport from Mexico City. Some Teotihuacán tours also bring you tequila tasting and to the Basilica of Guadaloupe.

Teotihuacán Pyramid Hours and Entrance Fees

The cost of visiting Teotihuacán is relatively cheap. Admission to the site costs 80 MXN (US$4) for adults and is free for children under 13 years old. The entrance fee covers the Teotihuacán Museum, in addition to the entire archeological complex.

The Teotihuacán archaeological zone opens daily at 9am and closes at 5pm.

When to Visit Teotihuacán

The best months to travel to Teotihuacán are November through to May, when central Mexico experiences cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall. Summer is humid and characterized by abundant precipitation. It is probably the worst time to visit the pyramids.

In truth, though, the ruins are great to visit year-round. Just be sure to bring lots of sunscreen, as they are totally exposed to the elements.

***

Though Teotihuacán’s significance is undeniable, the city does not easily leak its secrets.

Despite extensive research, nobody knows for sure about the identity of its builders, or the language they spoke, or the way they organized their government. Teotihuacán’s origins, history, and culture remain largely up for debate.

Among all the mystery surrounding the site, however, there’s one thing I know for sure:

Visiting the Teotihuacán Pyaramids should be an absolute priority when traveling to Mexico City.

___________________________

DID YOU ENJOY THIS GUIDE TO THE TEOTIHUACÁN PYRAMIDS? PIN IT! 

The post Visiting the Teotihuacán Pyramids in Mexico appeared first on Erika's Travels .

Seemingly out of nowhere, Mexico City has become one of the world’s hottest travel destinations. The sprawling modern metropolis (also lovingly abbreviated to CDMX for Cuidad de Mexico) is a burgeoning magnet for lovers of food, culture, history, and architecture.

It is congested yet lively, chaotic yet beautiful. It is a city for city people. A place where you’ll find some of the best cultural, architectural and gastronomical attractions not only in Mexico, but in all of North America.

Things to Do with Two Days in Mexico City

While many travelers associate Mexico with the tourist resorts in Cancun, the beaches near Puerta Vallarta, and the parties in Cabo San Lucas, the massive capital city is the country’s beating heart.

Mexico City is huge. It is the fifth largest urban area in the world after Tokyo, New Delhi, Shanghai, and Sao Paulo. Mexico’s undisputed center of gravity, it is traffic-logged and vibrant and bursting at the seams.

Whether you want to visit museums, eat your weight in tacos, or do a historical deep dive into pre-Columbian cultures, CDMX has a little bit of something for everyone.

Day 1: The Essentials

Crafting the best two day Mexico City itinerary ultimately depends on your interests. The thriving urban center has a lot going on. And narrowing down a list of top things to do for a weekend visit can be tough.

But in my opinion, the city’s two top must-sees are the Teotihuacan Pyramids and the Centro Histórico.

So my suggested Mexico City itinerary starts there, and peppers in other tourist attractions on the following day.

Teotihuacán Ruins

The ruins of Teotihuacán lie just beyond the outskirts of CDMX. They are among the most impressive archaeological sites in the Americas.

You might wonder why I suggest venturing out of Mexico City so soon after your arrival. After all, the city itself contains more landmarks and attractions than you can possibly fit into a two day itinerary.

But while many Mexico City weekend itineraries skip the pyramids and focus on sites within town, I consider the temple complex too monumental to skip.

Luckily, Teotihuacán’s ruins are located only an hour from Mexico City’s most popular neighborhoods, so they are quite easy to tour in half a day.

• Avenue of the Dead

The Avenue of the Dead runs through the heart of Teotihuacán, linking the Pyramid of the Moon with the striking Temple of Quetzacoatl (Temple of the Feathered Serpent). Flanked by twelve temple platforms, the grand avenue is 2.5 miles long.

On the eastern side of the avenue, towering above the rest of the complex, sits Teotihuacán’s most impressive monument: the awe-inspiring, 248-stepped Pyramid of the Sun.

The Avenue of the Dead is entirely exposed, so be sure to lather up with sunscreen before strolling down its promenade.

• Pyramid of the Sun

The Pyramid of the Sun dates back to 100 AD and is one of the largest structures of its type in the Western Hemisphere. It dominates central Teotihuacán, as if standing guard over the archeological site’s main drag.

The massive structure rises 216 feet above ground and measures approximately 720 by 760 feet at its base.

• Pyramid of the Moon

The Pyramid of the Moon lies at the northern end of Teotihuacán.

Although smaller than the site’s famous Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon is just as iconic. It stands sentinel over the archeological site, mimicking the outline of Cerro Gordo to its north.

The ritual temple,  dedicated to the deity of water, fertility, and creation, was once allegedly used for ceremonial purposes.

• Additional Sites in Teotihuacán

Teotihuacán houses a number of noteworthy archeological sites that are often overshadowed by its two largest pyramids.  The beautifully frescoed Palacio de Quetzalpapálotl is among the area’s other top attractions.

Be sure to also spend a bit of time exploring the Temple of Quetzacoatl that lies opposite the site’s museum and main entrance.

Getting to Teotihuacán from Mexico City

During daylight hours, frequent buses link Teotihuacán with Mexico City’s Terminal Norte. One-way tickets cost M$52. The trip lasts roughly an hour.

Alternatively, if you’re pressed for time, Uber is a quick and reasonably-priced option.

The Historical Center (Centro Histórico)

The historical center of Mexico City boasts the area’s largest concentration of tourist attractions. It is the best place to go to experience the grand scale and immense cultural wealth of CDMX.

Centered around the Zocalo and sitting firmly atop the former capital of the Aztec Empire, the Centro Histórico is the sinking axis upon which the modern city revolves.

The center of Mexico City is home to ancient Aztec ruins, palaces, plazas, museums, parks, and one of the oldest and grandest Catholic cathedrals in the Americas.

The Zocalo

Mexico City’s enormous main square—known as the Zocalo—anchors many of the city’s top attractions. Measuring 220m from north to south, and 240m from east to west, it’s one of the world’s largest city squares.

The square borders the 16th century Metropolitan Cathedral on its northern perimeter and the Palacio Nacional to the east.

On a previous visit to Mexico City, I recall the Zocalo being a beehive of activity.

During my most recent visit, however, the entire area was cordoned off to prepare for Constitution Day festivities.

Templo Mayor

The Templo Mayor was the main temple of the Aztecs in their capital city of Tenochtitlan, which is now Mexico City. It once rose from the ground where the Metropolitan Cathedral stands today.

In Aztec belief, Tenochitlan’s grand temple signified the center of the universe.

Electrical workers rediscovered the ruins in 1978, after they happened across a massive carving of the Aztec goddess Coyolxauhqui.

Subsequent excavations uncovered other artifacts that now reside in the city’s fabulous Anthropology Museum.

The Templo Mayor entrance lies to the east of the cathedral. Access to its walkways and museum costs $75MX.

However, from boardwalks above the ruins, it is possible to see much of Templo Mayor’s exterior without entering.

Mexico City Cathedral

The Centro Histórico’s monumental cathedral is one of the most renowned attractions in Mexico City.

In a show of domination, the conquistadors ordered the cathedral built atop the Aztec Templo Mayor. Stones from the temple were repurposed for the cathedral’s walls.

The Metropolitan Cathedral was commissioned in 1573 and took 240 years to complete. As a result of its lengthy construction process, the cathedral’s aesthetic contains a full spectrum of architectural styles.

Today, the cathedral appears to be melting into the ground. Because of its construction on top of pre-Hispanic structures (which were themselves built upon soft ground) the Metropolitan Cathedral has been slowly sinking for centuries.

The gradual compression of earth gives the cathedral and many of its surrounding buildings a characteristic lean.

Palacio Nacional

The Palacio Nacional lies at the north end of the Zocalo.  A presidential residence, the building has been the seat of government since the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century.

The National Palace houses famous Diego Rivera murals that depict Mexican civilization from the arrival of Quetzalcóatl to the post-revolutionary period.

The nine murals covering the north and east walls of the palace’s first floor chronicle indigenous life before the Spanish conquest.

Diego Rivera’s murals are among the top things to see in Mexico City.

Admission to the Palacio Nacional is free, though you’re required to bring a passport and show your ID.

Unfortunately, the National Palace was closed during our visit.

Palacio de Bellas Artes

The Palacio de Bellas Artes is a neoclassical and art nouveau masterpiece designed by Italian architect Adamo Boari. It lies at the eastern edge of the Alameda Central, Mexico City’s oldest municipal park.

Construction of Bellas Artes took decades to complete, in part thanks to the area’s spongey subsoil. As with many other buildings around the city’s core, the palace’s marble exterior began sinking into the ground after construction.

Architect Federico Mariscal eventually finished the interior in the 1930s, utilizing the more modern art deco style. With art nouveau on the outside and art deco on the inside, the Palacio de Bellas Artes is considered one of the most spectacular 20th century buildings in the Americas.

Bellas Artes features murals by Diego Rivera and Jose Clemente Orozco, among others. It is also home to the National Museum of Architecture and the National Theater.

Entrance to the palace’s lobby is free, while access to its exhibits costs $70MX.

Day 2: Museums and Waterways

With only two days in Mexico City, you’ll have to make some tough choices. There are simply too many things to pack into a short weekend itinerary.

Dan and I wanted to focus on the city’s ancient history, so we chose to divide our time between the Xochimilco Canals and the incredible Museum of Anthropology.

If your interests lie elsewhere, you might want to focus on the Diego Rivera murals, the Frida Kahlo Museum, or the Luis Barragan houses instead.

All are good choices. You really can’t go wrong.

Xochimilco Floating Gardens

Xochimilco, dubbed “the Venice of Mexico,” is a Unesco World Heritage Site that preserves a pre-Hispanic method of agriculture and farming.

With its colorful trajineras (tourist boats) and its traditional floating gardens called chinampas, a tour around the Xochimilco Canals is truly unforgettable.

If you have three days in Mexico City, you can easily combine a visit to the Xochimilco Canals with stops at Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul and the nearby Cayoacan neighborhood.

The Chinampas

Xochimilco is central to the history of Mexico City. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the agricultural area dates back to Aztec times. Its characteristic human-engineered floating farms, first constructed in the 1300s and still in use today, have been preserved in an exceptional manner.

Historically, Xochimilco was a lake where the Aztecs started building manmade chinampas (artificial fields) for agricultural purposes. These chinampas consist of layered manmade “rafts.”  When a raft began to sink, farmers tied another layer on to the same location, in a continual cycle.

With its network of canals and artificial islands, Xochimilco illustrates the ways in which the Aztecs were able to build a thriving civilization atop wetlands.

While most people choose to visit Xochimilco on colorful party boats called “trajineras”, Dan and I joined an AirBnb experience that gave us a more intimate glimpse into the area.

Our morning tour of the Xochimilco Canals included a canoe adventure through the gentle waterways, followed by lunch on a working farm. It allowed us to explore areas of the World Heritage Site that are only accessible by small boat (trajineras must stick to the main canal).

Led by a biologist-turned-guide who was passionate about preserving the site for future generations, the tour was truly a highlight of our Mexico City itinerary.

Museum of Anthropology

Visiting Mexico City without setting foot in the Museum of Anthopology is like traveling to Cairo and skipping the Egyptian Museum. Or visiting Athens and bypassing the Acropolis Museum.

Unless you’re really not a museum person, I highly suggest you carve out some time to learn about Mexico’s history from past to present.

The Museum of Anthropology stands at the edge of Chapultepec Park. It houses some of the country’s most precious relics and offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn about Mesoamerican civilization.

The museum’s twelve ground-floor halls are dedicated to pre-Hispanic Mexico, while upper-level rooms showcase the country’s contemporary civilization.

The vast museum offers more than most people can absorb in a single visit.

But with a few hours to explore, we—like most visitors to the museum—focused on the Teotihuacan, Aztec and Maya exhibits.

In a clearing near the entrance to the museum, you’ll be able to watch indigenous Totonac people perform their spectacular voladores rite for tips.

Chapultepec Park

Mexico City’s Chapultepec Park is the largest and oldest urban park in Latin America. For centuries, it has served as a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city.

At the park’s eastern entrance, the stately Chapultepec Castle stands as a visual reminder of the city’s aristocracy.

The park is a huge green oasis. In addition to a castle, it contains nine museums, a zoo, an amusement park, a small lake, and a network of walking trails.

The park is a tranquil escape from the city’s chaos and congestion and a great place to spend a sunny afternoon.

Mexico City’s Neighborhoods

While many of the top things to do in Mexico City lie scattered about the massive urban area, some of its best neighborhoods are located one after another, in close succession. These neighborhoods—Condesa, Roma, and Polanco—are trendy, safe, and aesthetically beautiful. They have thriving nightlife, overflow with tasty eateries, and house many of the city’s top hotels.

Condesa

Among the most fashionable neighborhoods in CDMX, Condesa attracts locals and travelers with its pretty tree-lined avenues and chic hangouts.

The area boasts a cosmopolitan vibe with beautiful parks, designer boutiques, fantastic gastronomy offerings, and a vibrant nightlife. It is little wonder why many travelers choose to use Condesa as their base when traveling around the Mexican capital.

Roma

Slightly grittier yet still chic, Roma Norte lies near Condesa and the Centro Historico. The area—full of trendy cafes, outdoor eateries and plenty of street art—is quickly becoming one of Mexico City’s coolest neighborhoods.

Colorful Roma is the hipster heart of Mexico City. It is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking to enjoy close proximity to many of Mexico City’s biggest attractions.

Polanco

A wealthy residential neighborhood northwest of downtown, Polanco was originally built up in the 1930s.

Today, the upscale neighborhood is best known for its art galleries, luxury shopping malls, and high-end dining. Many of the top restaurants in Mexico City can be found in Polanco.

The day we got into town, we ate at Entremar and had a fantastic seafood dinner. Aside from a short walk through the neighborhood in the evening, however, we didn’t get much of a chance to explore.

Additional Things to Do in Mexico City

Though I enjoyed two jam-packed days of sightseeing in Mexico City, I had nowhere near the adequate amount of time to explore all of the city’s top attractions.

With additional days, the Frida Kahlo House and the Luis Barragan Houses would have been my top priorities.

• Frida Kahlo House

Museo Frida Kahlo is a historic house and art museum dedicated to the life and works of Mexico’s most iconic artist. Located within Kahlo’s birthplace, the cerulean blue house contains artifacts and artwork throughout its rooms. The house itself, however, is maintained to look much like it did in the 1950s.

Tickets to the Frida Kahlo House cost $250MX Monday-Friday and $270MX on the weekends. You can buy tickets either at the museum or online in advance.

I’ve heard that the line can be quite long if you choose to purchase tickets on arrival, however.

• Luis Barragan Houses

Casa Luis Barragán, built in 1948, represents one of Latin America’s most noteworthy examples of contemporary architecture. Inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004, it is the only individual property in Latin America to have achieved such an honor.

Since I couldn’t secure tickets in time, I didn’t visit the interior of Casa Barragán.

However, on my next trip to Mexico City, visiting the Barragán House will be at the top of my to-do list.

In addition to Casa Barragán, the famous architect has designed a handful of other properties around the city. These include Casa Gilardi, Casa Ortega, Cuadra San Cristobal, Casa Pedregal, and the Chapel and Convent of the Capuchinas Sacramentarias.

If you plan on visiting any of the Luis Barragán properties, be sure to reserve your tickets in advance.

Best Places to Stay in Mexico City

During our trip to Mexico City, Dan and I stayed in Condesa, at the LaiLa Hotel. Though not as trendy or artsy as some of the other boutique offerings in town, the hotel was clean, centrally located, and affordable.

Backpackers and solo travelers can find cheap dorm beds at the funky Hostel Home in Roma. Viajero CDMX in the Zona Central is another option that won’t break the bank and offers private rooms.

At a mid-range price point, the Red Tree House and Casa Mali by Dominion both have clean stylish rooms and fantastic locations in Condesa.

Casa Luciana receives rave reviews as well. It has a relaxing garden and beautifully appointed rooms.

In the upscale Polanco neighborhood, you’ll find some of the city’s more luxurious offerings. Las Alcobas Luxury Hotel boasts a spa, spacious rooms, and terrace views. It is among the best hotels in Mexico City.

Getting Around Mexico City

To get around CDMX, we relied on a mixture of Uber and our own two feet.

Uber is ubiquitous in Mexico City. If you’re pressed for time, it provides a great way of getting from place to place. Most Uber rides within the city cost us less than $10. Even getting from Condesa to the Teotihuacan Pyramids only set us back around $20.

Taxis are another relatively hassle-free way of getting around, though they cost a little more than rideshares.

If you’re sticking to a tight budget or have extra time to spare, you can get to most touristy place in Mexico City using public transportation.  Mexico City’s subway system is cheap, clean, and fairly safe.

Safety in Mexico City

By and large, people have the wrong idea about Mexico City. For many, the name alone summons two words: crime and pollution.

As with many big cities, your level of risk will depend on the areas you visit. If you stick to the popular neighborhoods and keep aware of your surroundings, chances are that you’ll be fine.

Polanco, Condesa, and Roma are the safest neighborhoods in Mexico City. Centro is still safe, but the high concentration of tourists makes pickpockets a bigger threat.

In general, if you want to avoid the areas with the highest crime rates, you’ll want to steer clear of Tepito, Doctores, Ciudad Neza, and Iztapalapa.

When to Visit Mexico City

Mexico City is a year-round destination with mild weather. The best time to visit Mexico City is in the springtime, between March and May. Springtime brings beautiful weather and sunny skies. Daytime temperature typically hover around the high 70s.

Summer is the rainiest time to visit Mexico City, while winter is the chilliest. Though not as ideal as springtime, both times of year are perfectly suitable for travel. You may encounter reduced rates, too.

We visited Mexico City for a weekend in February and encountered near-perfect weather.

Mexico City Food Scene

Mexico City is a foodie heaven. Whether you’re dining at a Michelin restaurant or grabbing a quick bite at a neighborhood taco stand, you don’t have to look far to find delicious eats.

The food on our trip to Mexico City was phenomenal from start to finish.

On the day we arrived, we ate at Entremar (a sister restaurant to the more famous Contramar). Entremar’s menu is the same as that of Contramar. Its tuna tostadas are simply divine.

Other famous restaurants in Mexico City include Pujol (ranked perpetually among the top 50 eateries worldwide) and Quintonil (a high-end spot with some of the best food in the country). I personally didn’t have the chance to eat at either.

Mexico City isn’t all about fancy food though. Make sure you save room in your stomach for al pastor street tacos. And churros from Churreria El Morro. And pretty much everything else you can get your hands on.

*****

Mexico City is having a moment in the spotlight. In recent years it has become a magnet for lovers of culture and history.

If you don’t let its reputation for crime and pollution scare you away, the sprawling metropolis is sure to win you over. It is alive and thriving—with pulsing energy, world-class architecture, ancient history, and tantalizing food.

With only a weekend to explore CDMX, try to soak in all there is to see.

But I’ll warn you in advance: there’s so much to do in Mexico City that you’ll probably want to plan a return visit within minutes of leaving.

_________________________

DID YOU ENJOY THIS MEXICO CITY ITINERARY AND GUIDE? PIN IT! 

The post Mexico City Weekend Itinerary: Top Things to Do appeared first on Erika's Travels .

Harbour Island measures three miles in length and about half a mile in width. A mere dot on the map, it lies just off the coast of untamed Eleuthera, in the remote Out Islands of the Bahamas.

Despite its relative isolation and easygoing vibe, the wee Caribbean gem packs a lot of glitz and glamour into its five-square-mile footprint. The sliver of land—fondly known as “Briland” by locals—has ended up in the luxury travel spotlight.

With its impossibly clear waters and delicate pink sand, Harbour Island is a tiny coral speck in a scintillating blue sea.

HARBOUR ISLAND: OLDEST SETTLEMENT IN THE BAHAMAS

Harbour Island boasts quaint colorful streets, tasty conch restaurants, and one of the world’s most renowned beaches. The coral-rimmed island lies within the embrace of Eleuthera—a long narrow strip of land worthy of off-the-beaten-path exploration.

European history in Eleuthera and its sister islands dates back to 1650, when a group of loyalists were fleeing persecution in Britain. They shipwrecked off a reef named Devil’s Backbone and landed on the area’s main island. They called the island Eleutheria, the Greek word for freedom.

Eventually, though the vast majority of refugees settled in Spanish Wells, some ended up in Harbour Island.

These settlers established an independent government and settlement on the island that lasted for nearly 70 years— from the time the Puritans landed in 1650 to when Harbour Island surrendered its rights to the British Crown in 1717.

Eleuthera, Harbour Island and nearby Spanish Wells are each unique in their own way.

And yet, while they are wildly different with regards to tourist amenities, they are inextricably bounded to one another by history and proximity.

DUNMORE TOWN

Dunmore Town, the only community on the island, is a charming church-filled village that exudes New-England-style charm. Named after the island’s governor between 1786-1797, is one of the oldest settlements in the Bahamas.

Dunmore Town is home to pretty colonial-style clapboard houses adorned with lush plants and bougainvillea. The colorful architecture blends beautifully with the island’s surrounding nature and laid-back aesthetic.

In the late 1800s, Dunmore was known for its ship building and sugar refinement. It was not until the 1950s that the picturesque community gained renown as a vacation destination among exclusive crowds.

Today, it draws some of the wealthiest vacationers from around the world.

And yet, while it may be a favorite getaway destination for the rich and famous, the laid-back village is both idyllic and unpretentious. Its colorful buildings hide behind lush vegetation and remain somewhat understated, despite the island’s exorbitant prices.

THE FAMOUS PINK SAND BEACH

While Dunmore Town’s streets have plenty of photo-worthy nooks and crannies, the colorful urban center is not the main reason that Harbour Island has garnered such high praise. The island’s widespread appeal is entirely due to its most striking natural feature—the shimmering pink sand beach.

The beach stretches the entire length of the island and is the focal point around which everything on the blip of land revolves.

The Pink Beach’s rosy glow is a result of finely pulverized coral. It has been called the world’s most beautiful beach by a slew of international publications.

And Dan and I could certainly see why. It joins the ranks of Shoal Bay in Anguilla and Trunk Bay in St John.

WHERE TO STAY ON HARBOUR ISLAND

Our Harbour Island lodging experience was a bit out of the ordinary. As budget-conscious travelers, Dan and I booked the cheapest room we could find at the Tingum Village Hotel.

However, when the staff had double booked our room, a bout of anniversary luck landed us an upgrade. Somehow, we were able to celebrate Dan’s birthday and our one year of marriage at the luxurious Secret Kiss Villa.

Of course, renting out an oversized five bedroom villa is probably not an option for many.

But fortunately, the small island has plenty of places to stay, as long as you’re willing to shell out some cash.

Harbour Island attracts high end luxury travelers. Its hotels range from expensive to extravagant. Some of the most popular island accommodations include the Coral Sands Hotel, the Dunmore Hotel, and Valentine’s Resort.

WHERE TO EAT ON HARBOUR ISLAND

Dan and I ate at some wonderful places during our stay on Harbour Island. We enjoyed delicious smoothies at the Sweet Spot Cafe, filled up on bread at Arthur’s Bakery, and ate a delectable seafood dinner at Queen Conch.

If you’re traveling on a shoestring, Ma Ruby’s cooks up some of the island’s most budget-conscious fare. Dan and I didn’t get to taste the restaurant’s highly-touted burgers,  but we very much enjoyed our order of conch fritters.

Additionally, we heard great things about the food at Sip Sip Restaurant. Unfortunately, however, the restaurant was temporarily closed during our visit.

HARBOUR ISLAND TRANSPORTATION

Harbour Island’s special character can be attributed thanks, in large part, to the fact that the island does not house commercial airports or cruise docks. It embodies a form of isolation that inhabitants and tourists enjoy.

GETTING TO HARBOUR ISLAND:

The easiest way to reach Harbour Island is via neighboring Eleuthera. Routes connect Nassau and the southern United States with the North Eleuthera Airport. From the airport, $5 taxis run the mile-long length of road to the ferry dock. Water shuttles to the Harbour Island marina cost an additional $5 per person.

GETTING AROUND:

Like Spanish Wells, Harbour Island is so tiny that renting a car serves no purpose. In fact, I believe the island outright prohibits tourists from driving rental vehicles.

Most travelers opt for golf cart rentals instead. Golf carts are ubiquitous on Harbour Island and cost roughly $50 per day.

Dan and I opted out of renting a golf cart, despite the 20 minute walk from our accommodation to the ferry dock. We simply viewed it as an unnecessary expense on an island where costs add up quickly.

Though getting around by golf cart is most convenient, we were happy with our money-saving strategy. Distances on the island are short. And reaching the Pink Sand Beach from the ferry dock only requires a ten minute journey on foot.

*****

Harbour Island’s blush-colored beach certainly draws a lot of fanfare and praise from media outlets the world over.

As a result, our expectations before visiting were quite high.

They were so high, in fact, that we weren’t sure if the island could possibly live up to the hype.

But we’re pleased to say that it did not disappoint.

_________________________________________________

Did You Enjoy this Guide to Harbour Island? Pin It! 

The post Guide to Harbour Island in the Bahamas appeared first on Erika's Travels .