Favorite Backpacker Spots In Chiapas And Yucatán, Mexico With all the vibes of Central America, these two provinces in Eastern Mexico are just as full of waterfalls, beaches, and street-side tortillas. While there remains a lot left to explore, my brief trips to these regions revealed no shortage of unique DIY activities, perfect for the independent backpacker. Chiapas San Cristóbal de Las… Read More
Some Summits Summed While I no longer travel around the United States for math competitions, I still love using arithmetic to depict my adventures. This brief post is meant to provide outdoor inspiration, and to spread awareness of random hikes and lifts from around the world. “Top of Europe” (3,454 m) Top of Vancouver, Canada… Read More
Backpack Costa Rica Off The Most Beaten Path This tiny country was a gorgeous start to my travels in Latin America. My first visit was also my first backpacking experience. I avoided the touristy spots and took my mother to waterfalls, jungles that ran along beaches, and cloud forests of colorful birds we had never seen before. On my second visit Marcela and I hitched… Read More
10 Reasons Why San Gerardo de Rivas Is My Favorite Place In Costa Rica If a pin on the map could have it all, it would be San Gerardo de Rivas. A mellow mountain town only visited by the most outdoorsy of Costa Rica‘s tourists, it offers the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. From easy waterfalls to trekking to wildlife to artisanal treats, everyone (and their mother) is… Read More
Cerro Chirripó Day Hike: Pulling Off 42 Kilometers In 19 Hours A 21-kilometer walk would make me the tallest thing in Costa Rica, I just had ignore the 2,200 elevation gain. To do this as a spontaneous day hike, rather than stay at the pricey base camp and obtain an entry permit, both of which had to be reserved months ahead of time, was technically possible… Read More
Lava-licious León We joined the throngs of backpackers funneling in for volcano boarding because I insisted we squeeze it into our itinerary that was already bursting at the seams. In addition to being the main launch point for this cheesy idea, León was a refreshing change from the more artificial aesthetic of Granada. Day Three… Read More
Granada Everyone goes. I was told even though I wouldn’t like it, I had to go. Despite the notable amount of harassment to buy crap and even straight up just hand over a dollar, being a tourist in Granada was a good time. It was 95 degrees. Alex had a fever and I wasn’t feeling… Read More
Isla de Ometepe Exactly a year later from my first in-and-out international dip, I’ve chased more adventures than I can remember. I’ve learned so much about solo backpacking and testing my limits. This time, I led my own trip for the MLK 2016 holiday. First stop: the beautiful volcanic island in Nicaragua’s largest lake. Day One… Read More
Backpack El Salvador El Salvador is ridiculously deserted and therefore beautiful. The beaten path isn’t beaten. Guatemala and Nicaragua have bigger lakes, taller volcanos, and more hostels. El Salvador only wins in making the headlines for crime. With proper caution, two days was enough for me to enjoy the nature and people unfiltered. BUDGET BREAKDOWN: *This is only an… Read More
Salvadoran Shenanigans—Normal Weekend Edition, Volcán Santa Ana Minimum time, maximum adventure. If this is your style, check out Day One. Day Two Santa Ana → Lake Coatepeque → Cerro Verde → San Salvador Rise and shine. It tooka minute to figure out the stairs to the terrace are hidden within the kitchen. I was alone watching the morning sun… Read More