CARIBBEAN

On a Caribbean trip every day is a beach day. Mexico’s answer? Playa del Carmen, in Cancun. Perfect a golden tan and dip your toes in the warm Caribbean seas at this coastal resort town that offers dreamy reefs, diving and snorkeling opportunities. Watersports and beach clubs will keep you busy if lying horizontally isn't your thing, or why not have some downtime and find shade in the many restaurants and bars that Playa del Carmen has on offer. When the sun goes down, hit up the destinations renowned nightlife. Coco Bongo Playa del Carmen, L'Ambassade and Mandala are all party favourites with the crowds.

This small Caribbean island off the coast of Belize is a place where life centres around one motto, ‘go slow’. Here, the reggae rhythms are what Caye Caulker is all about. Relax on the beach front and enjoy some local fresh seafood as you take in the views of this no hassle, care free, dreamy destination. If lobster, shrimp, crab and a never ending array of fresh fish take your fancy, head on over to Dee N' D's, Little Kitchen or Maggie’s Sunset Kitchen - just a few of the Caye Caulker restaurants which have our seal of approval. Sunsets, good food and great vibes - that’s what trips to the Caribbean are all about.  

If you’re all maxed out on chill time and fancy getting your adventure on, grab a kayak and head out to sea. The waters surrounding Caye Caulker are teeming with marine life, and you’ll be in with a chance of spotting everything from sharks, to tortoises, to sting rays, not to mention all manner of fish and coral species. The northern end of Caye Caulker is dense in mangrove swamps, making it a great place for bird watching and peaceful surroundings to unwind in. Once you’re all kayaked out, head back to the shore for a well deserved ice cold beer or two.

If you’re after a more up close and personal experience with the sealife, why not grab your snorkel and really get to grips with the Belize Barrier Reef. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, including 500 types of fish, sharks, stingrays and 106 coral species, not to mention a whole array of plants and animals. But no need to feel overwhelmed, the onhand guides will give you the lowdown on all you need to know when it comes to these tropical waters. And the best bit? The seas are seriously clear, so expect crystal clear waters unlike anything you’ve probably ever seen before.

In the midst of the Guatemalan jungle you’ll find the crumbling fortress of Tikal, the remains of the ancient Mayan civilization. The 44m high temples may sit within dense canopies of the Guatemalan rainforest, but these buildings can’t be missed. Inhabited from the 6th century B.C. to the 10th century A.D., Tikal is one of the most important archaeological complexes left by the Maya civilization and stands as a pretty awesome piece of historical architecture. There are a whole heap of trips you can go on to go back into Mayan times, or you could opt to unleash your inner Tarzan on a zipline through the jungle. Feel your pulse raise as you soar above the treetops and see the Mayan world from up above.

If it’s an adventure you’re after, we’ve got you covered. 575 square kilometers of jungle and thousands of ruins lie in Tikal National Park, and the best way to see them is accompanied by an English speaking Local Guide who is literally a wealth of knowledge. Get your walking shoes at the ready as this is a huge space which covers 16 square kilometers and contains 3,000 buildings, and that's just in the central part of the ancient city. Dating back to around 1st century A.D, your guide will give you all the information you need to truly comprehend this magnificent slice of history.

Nothing represents Antigua’s history quite like its buildings. The bright and coloured baroque architecture which lines the cobbled streets is a vivid reminder of the Spanish empire which once ruled this island. Today, the buildings offer prime insta opportunities and bring this island to life with elaborate designs and bold colours. The Spanish arches, architecture and vibrant colours are most evidently noticed in buildings such as The Santa Catalina Arch, Antigua Cathedral and La Merced Church. The striking architecture is for sure one of the best ways to get a feel for the island’s roots and the history it’s built upon.

Often known as “the birthplace of chocolate”, Guatemala has been the home of chocolate for centuries. The ancient Mayans once considered cocoa (which comes from plants and beans) to be the gift of the gods, and they weren't halfwrong! Today, Guatemala is still known for its vast production of chocolate treats and The Native Chocolate Museum in Antigua is an ideal place to be educated and informed about this legacy, with interactive workshops, exhibits and entertaining tours. You can be sure to find a tasty insight into the world of chocolate when you visit (and sample) the delights on this museum.  

Who said Antigua was all beach side chills and relaxing? Pacaya volcano has an elevation of 2,552 metres and is one hell of an adventure if you fancy your chances. Grab your walking boots and cameras, you’ll be treated to some unreal views as you make your way up to the heights of Guatemala. Currently one of the most active volcanoes in Central America, Pacaya first erupted over 23,000 years ago and has erupted at least 23 times since the Spanish conquest. Expect to find an eerie landscape with loose volcanic rocks as you make your way across unstable grounds.

If you want to live like a local for a day, why not grab a bike and ride on down to one of the local coffee plantations? The nutrient rich soils make Antigua one of the key places for making coffee, with huge brands like Starbucks importing their coffee from the farms of Antigua. Today, coffee is one of Antigua’s largest trades and you won't be disappointed by these next level hot beverages. You’ll be sure to be pumping after a rich, strong coffee fix, full of caffeine and ready for the rest of your biking adventures.