Note: This is a condensed version of the pictures I took with some added narrative. The rest of the pics can be viewed in the album [Trip 2013 - Mercedes to Itacare](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=1&l=a4ef0bc980). Each picture can be clicked to see a larger version and comment / like.



[![screenshot_01](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/screenshot_011.png)](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/screenshot_011.png)

After chilling out at the ranch in Mercedes for a few days we were ready for the next spectacle. So what could be more spectacular than the Iguazu falls.

[![photo-9](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-910.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111046101031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-13](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-131.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111046446031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-8](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-810.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111045116031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

We spent two days at the falls, first exploring the Brazilian side when we first arrived then the Argentinian side on the second day.

[![photo-47](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-471.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111051801031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-55](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-551.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111052741031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

Both sides were absolutely spectacular, the sheer volume of water that cascades from one section of it just boggles the mind..

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/SJFJw3-bdEU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

On the second day we all hopped in a speedboat and headed up the river right into the maw of the falls itself

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/qA5xkfp9BCU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

While we were there some of us took the opportunity to visit a bird sanctuary.

[![photo-23](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-231.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111047531031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-27](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-271.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111047996031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-46](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-461.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111051501031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

Definitely well worth the visit for the sheer number and variety of feathery (and some not so feathery) creatures on show

[![photo-34](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-341.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111049006031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-18](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-181.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111046821031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

All in all the Iguazu falls was an incredible place and one of the (many) highlights of South America for me!

[![photo-59](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-591.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111053566031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-48](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-481.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111052011031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

After the two days we had to move on. An early flight and bus found us in Paraty an old Portuguese colonial town on the southern coast of Brazil.

[![photo-66](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-661.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111054876031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-70](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-701.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111055501031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

Its a quaint little place that I really enjoyed for the two days we were there. On the second day we took a cruze out around the coast to a number of beaches and snorkelling spots.

[![photo-74](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-741.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/mikeysee/media_set?set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3)

[![photo-72](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-721.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111055751031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-75](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-751.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111056401031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

Unfortunately the water wasnt particularly clear for swimming but the booze on the boat was free so it wasnt all bad ;)

[![photo-71](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-711.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111055591031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

The following day we took a short bus ride then ferry across to the island Ilha Grande.

[![photo-77](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-771.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111056961031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

The first day we spent walking around the island exploring the jungle, beaches and waterfalls

[![photo-79](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-791.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111057221031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-80](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-801.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111057571031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

Despite it raining hard that evening we had a good time bonding with our [GAdventures](https://www.gadventures.co.uk/) tour group

[![photo-81](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-811.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111057471031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-83](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-831.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111057836031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

Next up was a long drive up to Rio de Janerio where we had just one day to see the city before saying goodbye to our GAdventures tour group for the last time :(

[![photo-101](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-1011.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111063461031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-102](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-1021.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111063621031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

Im going to miss most of this bunch of awesome people, they made everything so much more interesting, thanks guys!

Kelsie and I didnt explore the city too much while we were we would be back again in a few weeks for NYE and then a further 14 days so we would have plenty of time to see the sights then. Instead we hopped on a flight he following day and headed north on a taxi then two planes then another taxi and bus and taxi until we eventully reached our Northern Brazil beach destination of Itacare.

[![photo-103](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-1031.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111064651031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-109](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-1091.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111067551031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

We had three awesome days there soaking up the sun sand and Caipirinhas

[![photo-104](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-1041.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111065021031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-108](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-1081.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111066411031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

On the second day we decided to go on a hike in search of "one of the best beaches in Brazil". To get there we had to hike along several beaches, then through dense jungle..

[![photo-110](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-1101.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111068281031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

.. past several waterfalls which I had a lot of fun cooling off in ..

[![photo-114](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-1141.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111070901031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

.. until we finally reached the beautiful, remote beach ..

[![photo-113](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-1131.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111069586031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-112](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-1121.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111069241031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

On the way back we stopped for a beer and relax as the sun went down..

[![photo-115](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-1151.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111071266031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-116](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-1161.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111071061031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-120](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-1201.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111072451031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

All in all it was a great start to our Brazilian beach adventure and the start of the end for trip!

[![photo-123](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-1231.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152111073326031&set=a.10152111043631031.1073741860.593661030&type=3&theater)

**Note: This is a condensed version of the pictures I took with some added narrative. The rest of the pics can be viewed in the album [The Trip 2013 - Monte Verde to San Jose](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=1&l=36f0974334). Each picture can be clicked to see a larger version and comment / like.**

After Ometepe we crossed the border into our final country on this trip, Costa Rica. The first destination for us was the beautiful town of Monte Verde high in the hills of northern Costa Rica.



[![photo](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo1.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802457566031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

Of of the main attractions of Monte Verde is all the extreme sports on offer. I decided I was going to do the jungle zip lining first.

[![photo-9](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-93.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802458291031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

The site in which we did it boasts the longest zip line in Latin America at 1590m.

[![photo-10](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-101.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802458526031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

The ride takes the best part of a minute and a half which I managed to record in the super-man position:

[![photo-11](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-111.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802458531031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/jM6cfh-TvAg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The final zip line wasnt a zip line at all, rather it was a giant tarzan swing. To get there you had to walk across a rickety bridge before you reach the platform that you jump from.

[![photo-12](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-121.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802458571031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

After zip lining I decided I wanted to have a go at something I have been meaning to do for a long time, bungee jumping.

While we were getting suited up in our harness a friendly Makaw decided to join us. It seemed to have a fetish for peoples feet however.

[![photo-14](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-141.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802458976031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

To get to the bungee jump spot you had to ride in a small cage across the steep valley

[![photo-15](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-151.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802458866031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

One by one the people in the cage took the plunge over the edge until it was my turn. I shuffled up to the edge (my feet were tied to the bungee) before the countdown 5..4..3..2..1.. and I felt the not-so-proverbial boot up the bottom and jumped:

<iframe width="640" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/i8xkBqKVjtQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The jump was exhilarating tho the way the rope caused you to spin afterwards did make me feel a little nautious.

While I was doing the jump some members of our group went off on a coffee tour.

[![photo-17](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-171.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802459046031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-21](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-211.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802459596031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

The following day we took a bus and a boat across to La Fortuna the town that rests at the foot of the Areal volcano in northern Costa Rica.

[![photo-58](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-581.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802464126031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-64](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-641.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802464766031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

Like Monte Verde, La Fortuna offers a great many adventure sports for the adrenaline addicted traveler with deep pockets.

As soon as we arrived a few of us decided we were going to go canyoneering.

[![photo-27](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-271.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802460156031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

Canyoneering involves hiking and repelling down waterfalls and is great fun.

[![photo-32](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-321.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802461151031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-46](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-461.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802462596031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

Some of the waterfalls are so high that you basically have to zip line down.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kvP_DJGm4ZA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

There were a couple of 'surprises' along the way too such as a dive bomb into a pool.

[![photo-38](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-381.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802461631031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-39](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-391.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802461716031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

The other was a 'Tsunami'. We were wedged into a small crevice then the stream was blocked from above. After a few minutes the dam was broken releasing a huge torrent of water down onto us.

[![photo-41](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-411.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802461856031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DCphVU42yWc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I loved the canyoneering, I may have to see if I can do more of it on this trip!

[![photo-48](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-481.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802463041031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-35](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-351.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802461331031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

When we returned from the canyoneering we found the other half the group having fun in the hotel pool.

[![photo-53](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-531.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802463706031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

They had been drinking sangreer all afternoon in the sun and had come up with a game called 'Limeball'. It basically involed letting a lime sink to the bottom then in teams you have to try to get it to the opponents end by just using your feet.

[![photo-54](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-541.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802463801031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

The tricky thing was that it was really tough to see the lime through the chest high water so often everyone would loose the lime until someone would sneakily kick it towards the other side.

The following day I decided to continue on my adventure sports with some ATV'ing.

[![photo-69](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-691.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802465471031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

I had never done it before and was pleasantly surprised at how powerful the small things were.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/c03ilLE3asQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

We stopped after a few hours and took a break at a small river in the forest.

[![photo-71](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-711.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802465841031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-70](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-701.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802465526031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-73](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-731.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802466131031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

That evening we took a break from all the adrenaline and visited the hot springs at Los Lagos.

[![photo-76](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-761.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802466451031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

The pools are supplied with hot water fed by the volcanic activity deep underground. Unlike the springs in Hondorus that were built on a hill side deep in the jungle these were much more formal built up affair and were basically hot swimming pools. One of the pools even had a swim up bar which I made good use of.

[![photo-77](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-771.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802466596031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

We had dinner at a buffet in the hotel. During the meal we practiced a little "1912'ing".

[![photo-78](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-781.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802466661031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-80](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-801.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802466871031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

The following day we left La Fortuna and headed to San Jose. Along the way we stopped ot do a spot of white water rafting.

[![photo-86](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-861.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802467676031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

The guide in our raft thought it would be funny to stick twigs in our helmets

[![photo-87](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-871.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802467786031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

We had an awesome time though it made me yearn to do some harder rapids in the future.

[![photo-93](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-931.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802468576031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-94](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-94.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802468621031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-96](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-96.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802468971031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

During the ride we had an opportunity to 'ride the bow' which involves sitting on the front of the boat and hanging on for dear life as you sail down the river.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/JcBDXv_c43Q" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

It was all good fun until Meike, a Dutch girl in our boat was thrown off and landed on her knee onto a rock.. ouch!

[![photo-107](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-107.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802470401031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

Halfway we stopped for some pineapple and a little cliff jumping.

[![photo-103](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-103.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802469871031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/NYYERpgzSwM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

After the rafting we headed to our final destination, the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose. There we spent one more night together as a group getting drunk in a local club.

Im going to miss these guys, I had a phenomenal time, sharing so many good memories. I got on with all of them, each person had their own unique qualities that made them great to hang around with. I wish I could spend the rest of my trip travelling around with them. Thanks guys!

[![photo-2](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-210.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802457556031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

![screenshot_01](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/screenshot_01.png)

**Note: This is a condensed version of the pictures I took with some added narrative. The rest of the pics can be viewed in the album [The Trip 2013 - Oaxaca to Chichen Itza](https://www.facebook.com/mikeysee/media_set?set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3). Each picture can be clicked to see a larger version and comment / like**

The next stop after leaving Mexico city was the town of Oaxaca. This town has a much different feel to the rest of the destinations we have visited so far. Gone is the dusty desert, instead it has been replaced by lush tree covered hills.



The first day there we spent some time exploring the city checking out the local grub

[![photo-7](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-7.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151733428216031&set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-3](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-3.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151733427701031&set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3&theater)

The following day we took a tour around the local Aztec ruins at Monte Alban

[![photo-15](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-15.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151733429901031&set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3&theater)

We saw the court where they used to play a ball game. Apparently the looser (or winner) would then be decapitated and have his heart offered to the gods.

[![photo-13](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-13.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151733429901031&set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3&theater)

I decided that I needed to test the gravity in the region, see if it was any stronger:

[![photo-28](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-28.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151733430831031&set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3&theater)

On the way out we saw a broken rainbow

[![photo-29](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-29.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151733431101031&set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3&theater)

That afternoon we went for some traditional Mexican BBQ in the market.

[![photo-30](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-30.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151733432116031&set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3&theater)

I was dubious at first after looking at the flies buzzing around the racks of raw meat:

[![photo-21](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-21.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151733432456031&set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3&theater)

Once it gets nuked on the bbq and served with jalepenos salsa and tortillas however it tasted great

[![photo-23](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-23.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151733432921031&set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-24](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-24.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151733433091031&set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3&theater)

Next up was a small city called San Cristóbal de las Casas

[![photo-50](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-50.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151733436751031&set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3&theater)

There our guide Suzanne taught us how to drink Mescal

[![photo-46](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-46.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151733436666031&set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3&theater)

Mescal is derived from the Agave plant, the same plant as Tequila but a different variety. Worms that live in the plants are often included in the bottle. If your glass ends up with the worm then everyone has to buy you drinks all night:

[![photo-47](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-47.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151733437086031&set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3&theater)

The stuff can also be phenomenally cheap. I found this stuff in the super market, almost half a litre for 35p!!

[![photo-37](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-37.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151733435031031&set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3&theater)

The next day we drove (and I strove not to puke) the windy road to Palenque. Along the way we stopped at the beautiful Agua Azul (blue water) waterfalls:

[![photo-53](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-53.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151733439336031&set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-64](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-64.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151733442526031&set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-56](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-56.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151733440246031&set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3&theater)

We were taken on a guided tour around the myriad of falls before given the opportunity to take a dip:

[![photo](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151733443556031&set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3&theater)

As usual I got a little exited around the water and went scampering off up the falls without telling anyone where I was going. Whoops!

Palenque the following day was excellent.

[![photo-87](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-87.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151733444366031&set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3&theater)

What I found fascinating about this vast Mayan city is that barely 1% of it has been uncovered and explored by Archaeologists. The vast majority of it is still buried under dense jungle. It makes you wonder what other wonders are waiting to be discovered just a few meteres away.

[![photo-73](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-73.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151733447466031&set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3&theater)

Our guide for the whole thing was a cute little Mexican named Viktor who claimed to have guided the president of Germany and Margret Thatcher's daughter around the ruins over his 30 years there

[![photo-84](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-84.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151733451191031&set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3&theater)

Victor had some strange opinions on things. He believed that everything the Archaeologists had discovered was false and only he knew the true history of the place. He told us how he believed that Palenque had been visited and invaded by many different peoples over its history such as the Chinese, Greeks and Egyptians. He claimed that Tutankhamun himself visited the site. He bases this belief on a statue found at the site that he believes bears a similarity to the Egyptian emperor:

[![photo-85](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-85.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151733451331031&set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3&theater)

Regardless I had a good time running up and down the ruins and generally messing about.

[![photo-96](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-96.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151733449741031&set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-97](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-97.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151733449916031&set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3&theater)

The following day we found ourselfs at a small town called Meridia. We spent just a single night at this small colonial town. We didnt do a whole lot, though our hotel did have an inside jungle..

[![photo-107](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-107.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151733452481031&set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3&theater)

.. and apparently it had a possum somewhere ..

[![photo-106](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-106.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151733452496031&set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3&theater)

The next day we hit the very wet Chicken Pizza (Chichen Itza)

[![photo-116](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-116.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151733453266031&set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3&theater)

Despite the rain we tried to keep spirits up in front of one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world

[![photo-118](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-118.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151733455151031&set=a.10151733427046031.1073741837.593661030&type=3&theater)

We were all kind of wet and miserable after Chicken Pizza but all was not lost as we knew that the next stop on our adventure was going to be the sun, sand and fiesta at Playa del Carma!