60 Reasons to Explore the Rest of the Americas

 La Casa del ArbolCantón Baños, EcuadorMy favorite part of the “swing at the end of the world” was the walk to get there which provides great views of Banos and the surrounding area as well as a clear view of Volcan Tungurahua (which happened to be erupting in the days we were there!) The view from the swing is lovely and it really does make a great photo, but it is not nearly as scary as the photos would have you believe. If you go during the low season you will not have a wait for the swing (in the high season we were told the wait could be an hour…so not worth it!)

 Quilotoa LoopLatacunga, EcuadorTerrific hiking and view in the Quilotoa loop. I got there by bus from Quito, a shorter option is to depart from Latacunga.
Watch out with the donkeys and the dusty road. In the way up , you will fell the 3.900 meters of altitude. Slow your pace. #hiking #extreme #camping

El Salvador

 Puerta del DiabloPlanes de Renderos, El SalvadorA decent hike upto the top, The Devil’s Door gives an amazing landscape view outside of San Salvador. You can take the local bus from San Salvador to get here for a day trip. There’s also rock propelling nearby. #landscapes

Guatemala

 Pacaya volcanoEscuintla, GuatemalaWhy hiking the Pacaya Volcano is one of the ultimate hikes in the world!

This active volcano 20 minutes outside of Guatemala city can be hiked round trip in 3-4 hours depending on if you take a jeep up the first half of the hike. Once you reach the petrified lava flow at the base of the volcano, you will surprisingly come across the tiny “Lava Store” where artisans Fernando and David make jewelry out of petrified lava and coconut shells. This world famous store is dangerously perched at the base of Pacaya. Since the store opened in 2010, it has been “relocated” almost a dozen times due to the volcanic activity and lava flows taking it out. From there, it is about an hour hike straight up uneven shifting rocks to the mouth of the crater. You have to be careful, since the volcano is spewing noxious gases and could erupt at any time, but the beauty and views from over 8,000 feet high of the nearby volcanoes and potential danger of this hike has voted it one of the top 20 best hikes in the world by National Geographic.

 Volcán PacayaAntigua Guatemala, Guatemala#volcano #hiking #guatemala

Guyana

 Kaieteur FallsPotaro-Siparuni, Guyana#waterfall #hiking

Mexico

 Playa AticamaAticama, MexicoAticama is a small fishing and farming community with plenty of quaint restaurants in the town, and along the waterfront.
Wait for the fishermen to come back, you may be able to buy some fresh fish directly, or organise a trip out the following morning for a small fee.
This is a gorgeous little town that hasn’t been spoilt by tourism, true and authentic beach living in Mexico.

 Museo Mural Diego RiveraCiudad de México, MexicoThis place houses an amazing mural of Diego Rivera where 400 years of Mexican history is covered. Lots of historical Mexican characters are displayed in the mural, among them, Frida Kahlo.

 Playa CareyitosLa Manzanilla, MexicoFinding Playa Careyitos was a great surprise. It can be a little hard to find since there is no road that leads you to the beach and you have to leave your car next to the road and walk from there (just like 200m). It’s a beautiful bay with calm turquoise waters and a little restaurant with great seafood. The boats there can take you to any of the nearby islands.

Nicaragua

 Isla ZapateraSan José del Mombacho, Nicaragua#hiking

Panama

 Casa MariposaAntón, PanamaHave you ever wanted to stay at a B&B while hanging out with Sloths? Yes, a place like that actually exists! Located in Anton Valley (El Valle de Anton) this B&B is owned and operated by Ursula and Harry, a Swiss and Colombian couple who have rescued three sloths over the years. Two, three toed sloths, Sammie (shown in picture)and Dahabie, and one two toed sloth. The sloths live on the property and guests can interact with them during their two to three daily visits to their open aired structure located directly in front of the rooms. If you’re lucky, the sloths will allow you to hold them! The property is lovely, the rooms are spacious and just outside of each room there’s a fully stocked fridge with beers and snacks. The owners are friendly and knowledgable in regards to hikes in the area AND you get to hang out with sloths. This place is one of a kind and an absolute MUST while in the area! #free-wifi #elvalledeanton #antonvalley #sloths

Peru

 Machu PicchuUrubamba, PeruThe incredible Machu Picchu never disappoints!

 Llaca lakeHuaraz, PeruThis lake is a short drive from the town of Huaraz, Peru. You can either hike from the bottom which is roughly 2 miles, or you can drive straight up to the ranger station and make a quick 3 minute scramble up a few rocks to view the lake. #hiking #peru #huascaran #huaraz

 Sandboarding PeruIca, PeruCan’t speak for going around the town to bargain for different prices, but we booked through our hostel (Boulevard) for 40 soles. You can definitely get it cheaper, but you don’t stay out as long. We got to go down three dunes, which will give you your adrenaline fix for a year because of how damn fast you go. The dune buggies are also insane, especially if you sit in the back. Seriously. They’re nuts. But we ended the evening drinking beer and wine and watching the sunset. Totally worth the back and neck pains (and skinned arms) while in Huacachina. #extreme

 Area de Conservacion Regional HuaytapallanaHuancayo, Peru#hiking #snow #trekking #nature #adventure

 AcochacaProvincia de Canta, PeruHiking neat the camping spot ✌️ #hiking #camping

 Barrio BarrancoLima, PeruThe Barranco neighbourhood is right beside Miraflores and has a more authentic feel than Miraflores. Lots of great restaurants, street art, and history. There is also a small market for cheap eats. #history #graffiti #streetart

Venezuela

 Morrocoy National ParkMuncipio Autónomo Silva, VenezuelaCayo Sur is a perfect spot to practice snorkel inside Morrocoy National park. It’s a very quiet beach, with a very important reef barrier and a beautiful shore to spend the day just looking at the sea.

 Punto tripleBolívar, Venezuela#hiking #camping

 Playa Ensenada de TujaTovar, VenezuelaThis little paradise is 45 minutes away from Choroní on a speed boat. It’s small and with crystal water, perfect to camp among the palm trees or just to spend the day. #camping

 Generalísimo Francisco de Miranda ParkCaracas, VenezuelaIt’s a recreational park located in the land of an ancient hacienda. It’s open every day from very early and is one of the favorite runners sites. It is normal to see parents playing with their children and young people and adults practicing different sports. It has lakes, animals and plenty of space. However, we must recognize that needs more security.

 Los Roques, VenezuelaCaracas, VenezuelaThis is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, according to National Geographic. You’ll feel in the paradise walking through the natural sand bridge, and with the warm water. Please, just look that turquoise color to fall in love with this place.