Two Backpackers

Semuc Champey – Episode 3

| by Aracely on October 28th, 2024 | 18 Comments » | Travel Videos

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Guatemala continues to surprise us! We venture to the town of Lanquín to hitch a pickup truck down to the tropical humid forest where natural wonder Semuc Champey is hidden. Naturally occurring turquoise cascading pools are supported by a 300m limestone bridge, under which the Cahabón River flows. Mosquito nets required. Read the accompanying blog or View photo gallery

Volcano Boarding in Leon, Nicaragua

| by Aracely on October 27th, 2024 | 14 Comments » | Adventures, Central America, Nicaragua

Volcano Boarding on Cerro Negro

It had been a long travel day for us; we spent 9 hours on the road on six different buses and crossed two land borders.  Jason and I were relaxing over drinks at Big Foot Hostel Bar in Leon, Nicaragua when we noticed a sign that read, “Volcano Boarding Top Speeds.”  It had two lists of names.  One list of females and the other for men.  Each list had a speed associated with the name.  We asked our friendly bar tender and hostel attendant, Alberto, “What’s Volcano Boarding?”  He smiled and pointed to some pictures on the wall of people wearing orange jumpsuits, goggles and each were holding what looked like laminated wooden boards.  “Why don’t you guys sign up and find out,” he said, “You’ll love it.”  So we did. (more…)

Lost in a Volcano Crater

| by Jason on October 25th, 2024 | 11 Comments » | Adventures, Central America, El Salvador

Laguna de Alegría

While staying in Alegría, El Salvador it’s necessary to visit Laguna de Alegría, a green hot spring fed sulfur lake inside the crater of volcano Tecapa that exudes mysticism.  From Alegría’s town center you can easily walk 45 minutes in sandals along a cobblestone road or hire a guide to take you on a 2-hour hike up and over the crater’s ridge then down to the lakes edge.  Of course, Aracely and I opted for the hike.  Our hostel recommended a local 21 year old to guide us with complete confidence. (more…)

Alegria, El Salvador

| by Jason on October 20th, 2024 | 1 Comment » | Central America, El Salvador

Alegria's Town Square

Alegria is located in the Usulután department of El Salvador and can be considered one of the most beautiful small towns tourists will visit in the country.  If traveling to Alegria from San Salvador, expect 5 hours of traveling on various buses, but you can be assured you will be pleasantly rewarded.  Alegria is a town famous for flowers, which is easily recognized once you enter the town square.  Rose bushes, sunflowers, anthuriums and orchids all rest in brick beds surrounded in tile.  Two large gazebos sit across from each other, providing a perfect setting for concerts and town gatherings.  But, this wasn’t the first thing that caught our eye.  What stood out most to Aracely and I was how clean the streets were. (more…)

Santa Ana, El Salvador

| by Jason on October 17th, 2024 | No Comments » | Central America, El Salvador

Sulfur Lake in Santa Ana Volcano Crater

Santa Ana was our second city we traveled to in El Salvador and it is also their second largest city.  As we arrived to the city, it was clear that buses handle most transportation.  The number of buses arriving and departing was staggering, and the exhaust pollution was just as bad.  I was eager to get off the bus to clear my burning eyes.  During our two days walking the streets we did not see one other international tourist.  It’s important to note that we are also visiting during the low season. (more…)