Tucked deep in the jungle in Chiapas, southern Mexico, the Mayan ruins of Palenque are set in one of the most spectacular surroundings in Mexico.

Todos Santos Cuchumatan is a village in the Western Highlands of Guatemala, and the Mam Mayans make up by far the largest part of its population.

Except for the odd discordance of hearing Christmas songs while wearing sunscreen and flip-flops, the Christmas ‘season’ has pretty much passed us by this year. No Amazon deliveries, no online (or offline) purchases, no standing in line at the post office outraged at the price of shipping, no wrapping up pretty boxes with even prettier little bows. It has been a truly capitalism-free Christmas.

Since we began travelling in April 2010, every single day has meant trying something for the first time or meeting someone new. We have had so many new experiences; it has been easy to overlook any cravings for things from ‘home’.

Estelí is located in Nicaragua’s Northern Highlands and the country’s 3^rd largest city. The town was heavily involved in conflict during the Sandinista revolution of the 70s and 80s and still is one of the towns with the most support for the Sandinista FSLN party. Estelí may not feature the same colonial architecture that Granada or Leon are famous for, but the city is famous for its intelligent urban art.  

Celebrations start every year on 15 September when the President of Mexico rings the bell at the National Palace in Mexico City, waves the Mexican flag and shouts ¡Viva Mexico! from the balcony of the palace to the crowds in the Plaza de la Constitución (the Zócalo).

The German car company Volkswagen produced its famous Beetle in Puebla, Mexico, from 1967 until 2003, where it held its classic 50s look until the very end. The Beetle reached cult status in Mexico and can be seen everywhere.

We were greeted by ‘tropical depression’ Matthew within 12 hours of our arrival to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, a small island off the coast of Belize. This was our first severe storm since setting off on our trip.

Looking for an autumn getaway? Here are five ideas for romantic autumn breaks in England – they’re incredible in autumn, but actually great year-round!

To escape the heat of Cartagena we headed further east along the coast. Our destination? Tayrona National Park, filled with Caribbean beaches and jungle paths to hike…