With the right skills you can ride any bike you want, regardless of size! Don’t believe me? Our friend Jocelin will show you how. Check out her “Be The Boss of The Bike” series on YouTube. She is a certified BMW Off-Road Instructor, was part of the International GS Trophy Team in 2018 and has a ton of useful tips and tricks to improve your technique!

But it takes some practice, confidence and skills!
And I was a brand new rider who wanted to touch the ground with the tip of my toes at least!

How Touratech lowered my Tiger 900 Rally Pro

Shortly after getting my license I got in touch with Touratech. But I didn’t even know what they were able to do for me at this point! In fact, I was after their Companero Adventure Suit in preparation of our trip to Africa. But we soon discovered that there is so much more Touratech could do for us. They felt confident that they could fully customise the Tiger 900 Rally Pro to fit me.

Will I be able to touch the ground with both my feet?

We can certainly make it happen!

My first conversation with Touratech
Click here for a detailed review of the tiger 900 rally Pro

Touratech Customisations

So we went for the full works! We wanted to ride the bikes to Morocco and all over Africa so no expense was spared on the protection of the bike.

What customisations were instrumental?

They key changes in the lowering process were my customised seat and the lowered suspension. Touratech managed to shave off around 3cm of the original seat. And sure, Triumph has a lowered seat option that’s 2cm lower, but it’s not as comfortable and in addition you’ll lose the heated seat function. So the Touratech seat works much better for me. And thanks to the progressive fork springs and suspension lowering shock by Touratech I have saved another 4cm. Overall my lowered Tiger 900 Rally Pro is about 7cm lower than the original bike. And that makes all the difference!

Are there any drawbacks with my lowered Tiger 900 Rally Pro?

My ground clearance is effected of course and I have less suspension travel but that’s expected. I haven’t had any issues with it but as my skills improve I would consider having the bike less lowered. For now however it has enabled me to throw myself into the off-road world with complete confidence despite having such a big first bike. Other than that I scrap the footpegs in very tight corners occasionally but that’s not an issue.

What I love most about my lowered Tiger 900 Rally Pro

I didn’t want to limit myself to the bikes where I could naturally touch the ground. I previously considered the BMW F650 GS, lowered Tiger 900 GT and a bunch of other bikes. But Touratech showed me just what is possible! From now I’ll first think about the bike I want to ride and deal with the customisations accordingly!

I hope this blogpost has been useful especially to shorter riders like myself. Are you tempted by the lowered Tiger 900 Rally Pro? Do you have any questions I haven’t answered that you are curious about? Or simply want to let us know that you enjoyed this blogpost? Then leave us a comment below – we are always happy to hear from you

The post This is My LOWERED TIGER 900 RALLY PRO appeared first on ADV Travelbug.

If you want to watch our entire motorcycle tent set up and take a look inside it, you can also watch our YouTube video below. Keep reading for a detailed overview!

What are we looking for in a good motorcycle tent?

Ideally you’ll want a light and compact tent which is durable enough for a round-the-world trip! It needs to keep you dry in the rain, have a good layout to organise your stuff and should easily fit into the panniers on your motorcycle.

The Lone Rider ADV tent fits perfectly into hard panniers. If you are using soft panniers you may need to place it into your duffle bag instead. Ours lives in the beavertail of our Mosko Moto duffle bag.

However, you should note that Lone Rider’s semi-rigid luggage solution offers more space than any soft luggage and will accommodate the ADV Tent perfectly. So if you are looking for the best of both worlds, do check it out!

What we love about this Motorcycle Tent

High quality materials make this a very durable tent

• Poles and pegs are made of aircraft grade aluminium making them super light
• Fabrics of the tent are made of ultralight, UV-resistant, ripstop material
• Quality zippers that won’t break easily
• All of the seams are taped and coated to be 100% waterproof
  (we had our fair share of rainy nights and can confirm we always stayed dry)

We love the design of this motorcycle tent and all its thoughtful touches

The Lone Rider ADV tent comes in a waterproof compression bag. It also features a molle system which you can easily secure onto panniers or other luggage solutions. I love that it features a roadside breakdown safety triangle. Let’s be honest, nobody carries one around. But knowing you’ve got one on you at all times is a great feature!

You also have lots of mesh pockets inside the tent to organise your stuff. The mesh layer on the roof of the tent even allows you to dry a fiber cloth towel overnight. There is a zip on each side of the tent should you wish to run a power cable through. The windows provide better airflow and you can even stash away the zipped open door for that perfect panoramic view. The reflective SOS ground mat is my absolute favourite feature though! Another great, useful design feature that we’ll hopefully never need!

What shortfalls does this motorcycle tent have?

If you take the world’s best tent makers and compare it with their best models of a 3 season tent which is durable enough for a round-the-world trip you may find two things.

1. The Lone Rider ADV tent is not as easy to set up in the rain

In 2020 we mostly camped in Germany, Austria, France and the Checz Republic. We didn’t have much rain that summer and I don’t recall ever setting up the tent in the rain. But in 2021 we rode from Land’s End to John ‘O Groats. I can’t tell you how many nights of downpour we encountered in Wales and the Scottish Highlands alone. And sometimes we even had a solid week of rain!

Now there are tents that you can set up in the rain without the inside getting wet. The Lone Rider ADV tent isn’t one of them. Sure, you can arrange the poles first, then secure it against the waterproof outer layer and then clip the inner tent onto the pole structure last. It’ll do the job but it’s a little tedious.

If you are just a good weather camper, never mind. But if you’ll be camping most nights no matter what, then it’s something to bear in mind.

2. There are lighter motorcycle tent options on the market

Always be careful when comparing the weight of a tent as you also need to consider how many seasons it’s suitable for and its durability. So of course we are not drawing comparisons with lighter low-quality tents. The Lone Rider ADV tent is a quality tent so of course you need compare it with other tents that are just as durable.

Some of the best tent makers out there charge upwards of 1,000 USD if you want something very light but just as durable!

If money is no obstacle and you want the absolute best weight / space ratio then yes, there may be a better tent for you. But if forking out upwards of 1,000 USD seems a little insane to you as well, then we have to admit that the Lone Rider ADV tent is an incredibly great option at only 420 USD.

Why should I buy the Lone Rider ADV motorcycle tent?

It’s durable enough to take you around the world, even if you camp in it every night. It might be a kilo heavier than similar top quality tents, but it’s almost a third cheaper as well!

If the extra kilo doesn’t bother you, go with the Lone Rider tent. If you want to go lighter and have something easier to set up in the rain then it’s worthwhile considering other options.

Our Ultimate Guide to Minimalist Motorcycle camping!

Do you want to get your hands on the Lone Rider ADV motorcycle tent?

For full transparency please note that this blog post includes affiliate links. We have done our best to provide an objective review that highlights why we love the tent but also don’t hide any shortfalls it may have. We want you to be able to make a more informed decision if this tent is right for you!

If you are redirected to the Lone Rider website via this blogpost and purchase a product from them as a result, then we will receive a small commission. However, there is absolutely no additional cost to you!

We hope you found this review helpful. As always we’d love to hear your comments and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. Just leave us a comment below

The post Motorcycle Tent: How good is Lone Rider’s ADV Tent? appeared first on ADV Travelbug.

In addition we hope that this blogpost will provide you with even more travel inspiration and at least a few secret locations you haven’t already read about Here are our TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN CORNWALL & DEVON.

1. Wild camp in Dartmoor (One of my favourite things to do in Devon)

Not only is Dartmoor one of the best places to visit in Devon, but it also happens to be the ONLY place you are legally allowed to wild camp in England. And what a stunning place to take advantage of it! It’s a hikers paradise but don’t worry if hiking is not your thing. Simply driving through Dartmoor and experiencing all the free roaming wildlife already allows you to take in the landscape. And there are loads of shorter walks you can do. To find out more about where you can legally camp and read about my favourite hike to the mossy woods click here.

2. Check out Totnes’ alternative scene (Devon)

Totnes is an old market town with a thousand year old castle and Tudor houses in the historic centre. It has a buzzing highstreet of eco-supermarkets, coffee shops and vegan food places. It’s a pretty small town with a vibrant music and art scene. This New Age community even has its own currency – the Totnes Pound. I kid you not!

If you want to experience the bohemian vibe of Totnes, I recommend you to visit during market days – Friday and Saturdays. You can shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh fish, as well as antiques and cloths. We had a little wander around and enjoyed some top notch vegan food from one of the stands. On the way back to the bike we could even pick some fresh herbs grown by the community which you can help yourself to!

3. Enjoy traditional Cream Tea in Cockington (Devon)

The first thing you need to know is that cream teas in Devon and Cornwall are NOT the same! In Devon you put the cream on top of the scones, followed by the jam. If you do this in Cornwall you will genuinely offend people!

Seriously! Locals will come up to you and insist that the jam comes first. It happened to us countless times. The Queen likes it cream first and I couldn’t agree more! Furthermore I always find the cream tastes better in Devon as it has a much thicker consistency.

You can get cream tea around every corner in Devon and Cornwall. One of my all time favourite places to enjoy it is Cockington – a tiny village near Torquay with thatched roof houses. But you can of course enjoy cream teas in countless other scenic locations like St Michaels Mount.

4. Climb Trencrom Hill for unparalleled panoramic views (Cornwall)

Imagine a time long gone by before drones were the new norm. When places like Trencrom Hill were TRULY special! Trencrom Hill is an iron age hill fort and one of very few places where you can see the north and south coast of Cornwall at the same time. In addition you don’t need to be much of a hiker. From the car park it’s a mere 20 min. walk up the hill. Easy! In addition it’s really not touristy at all. So if you are looking to do something off the beaten track, then Trencrom is one of the best things to do in Cornwall. Click here for directions. It’s fairly close to St Ives too so easy to visit on the way!

5. Pick Mussels in Gwithian (Cornwall)

Eating seafood is one of the best things to do in Cornwall and Devon of course. But what about picking your own? Most seaside towns will cater for crabbing. Take a walk along the harbour and you are certain to see a place that will sell you a bucket, crab line, net and some bait. It’s a cheap and popular activity, so you’ll often spot families lining the harbour and catching crabs.

But what about mussels? I’m about to share my secret spot in Cornwall where you are guaranteed to find hundreds of mussels all year round. Gwithian beach overlooks St Ives and is a popular surfing spot. It’s essential that you visit during low-tide, when the rocks I will direct you to are fully exposed. You won’t find them during high-tide so you HAVE TO check the tide table! On Google Maps enter “Gillick Rock” and it’ll lead you straight to it. Fiona and I had picked a few dozen and cooked them up immediately on the beach – delicious!

6. Dine in a real castle (One of my favourite things to do in Cornwall)

This has got to be one of the most unique things to do in Cornwall! Carn Brea is a 14th century listed castle which is currently in private use as a restaurant. I first discovered it over 10 years ago when the restaurant was mainly run by the owner – a kind man from Jordan. It was definitely more rustic back then. There were fewer tables and the entire place was lit by candles. He has since passed away and the restaurant continues to be run by his family. There are more tables now which cater to slightly more guests and other lighting has been introduced alongside the candles. But it’s still very unique and I highly recommend it.

These days you can even visit the rooftop of the castle. Carn Brea has never been about fine dining. It’s always been about mediterranean food, quite average, at low prices. Although the prices have increased ever so slightly, the restaurant remains reasonably priced. You can literally eat a meal with a drink here for 25 GBP. Well worth it in my opinion. After all, you don’t get to dine in a castle every day!

7. Take a surf class in Perranporth (Cornwall)

Of course you can surf in Devon as well but I am a little biased as I moved from Devon to Cornwall specifically to surf. Newquay and Bude dominate the surf scene with Fistral Beach holding most international surf events taking place in Cornwall.

But when you are starting out you definitely want to avoid busy beach breaks. So one of my favourite places to surf has always been Perranporth – a wide flat beach with soft sand which stretches several miles. Check out Perranporth Surf School for more information!

8. Put your off-road skills to the test on the TET

The Great Western Trail is a part of the Trans European Trail (TET) which also runs through Devon & Cornwall. Any road legal vehicle which is insured and licensed is allowed to use it. If you are riding a motorcycle, then the trails are definitely more suitable for lighter two stroke dirt bikes. But if your off-road skills won’t let you down you can of course tackle it on bigger Adventure Bikes too. If you want to view and download the route click here. Fiona and I tried to take it on fully loaded on our Tiger 900 Rally Pro and boy was I out of my depth. Admittedly we didn’t make it far at all. But if you want to find out more about the route from someone who has actually ridden it then check out Julian’s photos and article.

If you are not quite ready to take it on alone and want to join a tour, it’s worth getting in touch with Big Bikes on Byways. Tim and Sean are awesome off-road riders and between them you will be travelling with a mechanic and a medic – pretty handy, right? Oh and they are also great human beings and you’ll definitely have a fun time out riding with them!

9. Taste award-winning ice cream and gin in Devon’s prettiest seaside town

Salcombe is unlike any other seaside town in Devon. Coming here provides a big contrast to some of the run-down towns dotted along the coastline that forgot to move with the times. This stunning little seaside town is lined with boutique shops, local art galleries and great seafood restaurants. It’s a popular sailing spot with some lovely stretches of golden sand beaches and award winning Devonshire ice cream from Salcombe Dairy! Don’t care much for ice cream? No worries – head to the Salcombe Gin Distillery instead

10. Discover the isles of Scilly

In order to reach the isles of Scilly you will need to jump on a plane or take a ferry from the mainland. They lie roughly 50 kilometres away from Land’s End in Cornwall. It’s possible to visit one of the five inhabited islands which are covered in heathland and fringed by sandy white beaches. What makes a visit particularly special is that the islands are completely unspoilt and compared to the mainland they don’t get crowded!

I’ve been wanting to visit this archipelago for a very long time. When I was a student living in Cornwall I could never afford to go, so I was excited to discover the islands with Fiona this summer. I was surprised that the prices for the ferry and Skybus have increased fourfold but we were still determined to go. Despite visiting in peak season the weather forecast was extremely rainy. So given the cost of the trip we didn’t splash out in the end. I hope we get to visit these islands one day as they are one of the most beautiful places you could possibly visit in Cornwall. Few people make it out to the isles of Scilly which make them a truly unique destination!

Book a ferry to the isles of Scilly

Book a Skybus to the isles of Scilly

Ready to explore Devon & Cornwall?

I hope this blogpost has provided you with some travel inspiration and perhaps highlighted a few destinations you haven’t already thought about. Questions? Feedback? Or simply want to share your favourite thing to do in Devon & Cornwall? Then please leave us a comment below. We are always happy to hear from you

Make sure you also check out my guides of the very best places to visit in Devon & Kernow!

The post 10 Awesome Things TO DO in CORNWALL & DEVON appeared first on ADV Travelbug.

1. ST. MICHAEL’S MOUNT: Could it be Le Mont-Saint-Michel in Cornwall?

There is a beautiful rocky island with a medieval castle set on top of it in Penzance. You can walk to it during low tide across a man-made causeway of granite. The walk is particularly beautiful but it’s also possible to visit on high tide by boat. I’ve never visited the castle itself but I have walked to the island many times and had Cornish cream tea whilst soaking in the views!

The village consists of only a handful of shops. To access the subtropical gardens you’ll need to book a visit to the castle! Everyone I know who has visited really enjoyed their visit. But you don’t need to go inside the castle to enjoy a visit to St Michael’s Mount.

Top Tip

You should visit during low tide as the walk to the island is really beautiful! We also recommend that you check out the National Trust website as you may need to book in advance. There is no entrance fee! However visitor numbers are currently capped due to Covid!

2. PEDN VOUNDER BEACH: Most beautiful beach in Cornwall

I promise you that this beach will leave you speechless! You will genuinely NOT BELIEVE that you are seeing this in the U.K. If you are lucky enough to make it here on a sunny day during low tide you’ll see what I mean. Honestly, Pedn Vounder is like no other beach in the UK! It’s absolutely gorgeous to overlook from the coastal path. But you definitely need a good pair of trainers for the steep walk down to make it onto the beach!

If you don’t feel climbing down onto the beach, don’t worry. The beach is lovely but the views from the coastal line overlooking it are even better! Going for a hike and enjoying your picnic with this view alone is absolutely worth the visit.

When I lived in Cornwall Pedn was mostly known for being a nudist beach. These days it attracts a mixed crowd with nudist mostly found towards the far end. Just thought it was worth mentioning to avoid surprises

Top Tip

Remember this is a tidal beach. If you visit during high tide there might not be any beach visible. So plan your visit accordingly!

Your best bet is to park in the village of Treen. The car park charges 2 GBP for the day and the short hike to Pedn Vounder beach from there is gorgeous!

3. KYNANCE COVE: One of the best coastal walks in Cornwall!

There is no doubt that Kynance Cove is one of the most spectacular places to visit along the Cornish coastline! The colour of the turquoise sea, white sand beaches and dramatic rocks stacks are truly mesmerising.

We visited during high tide when most of the white sand beaches weren’t visible. So our pictures don’t do this magical place justice! During high tide you can still enjoy the dramatic coastline but most of the beaches completely disappear. However at low tide you can explore the towering rocks stacks and caves which make this place so unique. So I highly recommend that you check the tide table and get here as early as possible in the day to avoid the crowds!

Top Tip

You can pay 5 GBP for the National Trust car park at Kynance Cove or park for free at Lizard Point. The two mile coastal walk from Lizard – England’s most southerly point – to Kynance Cove is truly stunning! I highly recommend it if you have the time. If you are opting for the car park directly at Kynance cove though make sure to get here as early as you can. During busy summer months it can fill up rather quickly!

4. POLPERRO: Old Cornish Smugglers Village

Step back in time as you wander the cobbled streets of this idyllic old fishing village. Polperro is still a working fishing port and during high tide you might be able to spot boats unloading their catch. Needless to say that if you are looking for delicious locally caught seafood, then you are in the right place! Polperro has a small beach and natural pool but there are far more attractive options along the coast if you are looking for beach time.

The nicest thing to do in Polperro is to eat delicious fresh seafood overlooking the picturesque harbour and lose yourself in the narrow streets surrounding it. There are many charming cottages, art galleries and souvenir shops in town. Polperro has a strong art scene with a yearly art festival usually held in June. Other festivities include the Water Carnival and Furry Dance.

Top Tip

There is a huge car park located just outside the town from where you can follow the river right to the harbour of Polperro. If you want to avoid the pricey parking charges, keep going straight after the roundabout and you will find a legal parking spot alongside the road only 5 min. walk up the hill!

5. MINACK THEATRE: This incredible open-air theatre is perched on the cliffs of Cornwall

The Minack is a stunning open-air theatre nestled along the dramatic Cornish coastline overlooking the Atlantic ocean. It was built by Rowena Cade, her gardener and a few more helping hands by hand and a few sticks of dynamite in 1929. How incredible is that?

To build the theatre Rowena carried sacks of sand up the cliffs and mixed it with concrete. So it’s no surprise that it took most of her life to create the masterpiece you are looking at today. I visited this magical place many years ago. Unfortunately there were no entrance tickets available on the day when Fion and I visited recently! You can pre-book a visit to see the theatre here.

But of course the best way to enjoy it, is to watch an actual play! I only visited the theatre during the day and can confirm it’s well worth a visit but I would love to watch a performance here sometimes.

Know before you go

The views of the rugged coastline from Minack theatre are breathtaking. However, it is located in such a way that you won’t be able to see it from the coastal paths. It’s also located in a no-drone zone, so if you want to see it you’ll HAVE TO book a visit!

Top Tip

You can easily combine a visit to the Minack theatre with a visit to Pedn Vounder Beach as they are close to each other and the coastal walk is simply stunning!

6. LAND’S END: The most south-westerly point of mainland Cornwall

I remember the first time I visited Land’s End and just how disappointed I felt. The main attraction should be its natural beauty. But unfortunately your first impression is a tacky tourist complex. It feels like walking through a mini amusement park with the famous landmark at the edge of the cliffs. And for 15 GBP a professional photographer will take your picture here. BUT, BEFORE YOU WRITE IT OFF …

The surrounding coastline and cliff walks are absolutely stunning and hiking to Land’s End is truly spectacular! It’s a completely different experience to reach Land’s End point this way. And yes, you can totally bypass the entire tourist complex this way.

Fiona and I walked from Porthcurno all the way to Sennen. Even though it wasn’t a sunny day, it was still absolutely stunning and spectacular! It should take you roughly 2.5 – 3 hours to reach Land’s End from Porthcurno. It took us more like 4 hours though as we kept stopping for pictures every two seconds! We aren’t the fittest but I blame the gorgeous views mostly.

Oh yes, and there was a lovely little cafe along the way that was calling out for a Cream Tea! The walk from the ‘Land’s End’ signpost to Sennen only takes 30 min. and takes you past the shipwreck as well.

Top Tip

If you want to avoid queing and paying a photographer 15 GBP for a photo at the Land’s End signpost then visit before the gates open. We rode in on our motorbike around 7.30am. You can easily get inside using the gate to the right of the main entrance!

7. BEDRUTHAN STEPS: Most dramatic beach in Cornwall

This place reminds me a little of the 12 Apostles in Australia! Or Diamond beach in Nusa Penida. It’s certainly unlike any other place in Cornwall! Along the dramatic coastline giant rock stacks dominate the beach surrounded by wide golden sand beaches. It is completely unspoilt and best viewed from the cliff tops! At low tide the beach stretches for over a mile. And on high tide, you guessed it, there is no beach at all. The shape of the rock formations continue to change all the time due to the erosion caused by the waves!

Legend has it that the line of huge rocks were stepping stones of the Cornish giant named Bedruthan. In the 18th Century there also used to be a cliff top mine called Carnewas Mine which raised thousands of tons of iron ore. Staircases were cut into the rocks allowing the miners access to the beach. The steps are constantly undergoing work by the National Trust to make them safe to use by the public now. Due to recent cliff falls the beach is not currently accessible. But don’t worry, the view from the clifftops alone is so stunning, it will make the visit worthwhile!

Top Tip

Check the tide table again because Bedruthan is a tidal beach as well. As stunning as the coastline is at any given time, come here during low tide, and I promise you’ll be left speechless!

8. ST. IVES: Most beautiful seaside town in Cornwall

Fall in love with St.Ives as you wander through the maze of narrow cobbled streets and soak in the unique vibe of its art and surf scene! It has many independent shops and beautiful fisherman’s cottages and the best way to explore this picturesque town is to get lost in its narrow lanes. One of my favourite features is that it is surrounded by several beautiful beaches. No matter if you want to surf or looking for a sheltered and quiet beach, there are plenty of them wrapped around this beautiful town to choose from.

And don’t miss out on the many delicious seafood restaurants in town. Just be cautious of the seagulls – they can be pretty vicious around here! If you are on a budget or just looking for a small bite to eat I recommend the Cornish Bakehouse. They sell an excellent cray, prawn and crab baguette for 5 GBP.

Top Tip

St.Ives can get super busy in the summer, especially during term holidays. The crowds can definitely kill some of its charm. It’s usually quieter around 10am and it can get pretty crowded from noon onwards. Also, if you aren’t staying in town then you might be better off catching the train in. Whereas it’s pretty easy to park your motorcycle, trying to find parking for a car here can be pretty frustrating!

9. CHAPEL PORTH: Learn about Cornwall’s past & heritage!

Cornwall has a strong heritage and you will more than likely spot the many tin mines dotted across the peninsula. I have always loved the coastal walk from Chapel Porth to the engine houses of Wheal Coates via St Agnes Beacon. The panoramic views are stunning and reach all across to Porthtowan and Portreath! And the tin mine and engine houses are really well preserved. There is so much local history to discover and I personally prefer learning about it outdoors rather than inside a museum!

The fastest way to get to the Wheal Coates Tin Mine is parking in the National Trust car park of Chapel Porth. The walk only takes about 20 minutes. However, my favourite way to reach this place is to park up at Porthtowan during low tide, walk across to Chapel Porth and make your way to the Wheal Coates Tin Mine. Watch out though and check when the tide comes back in so you don’t get caught out! Porthtowan itself has a beautiful beach and a lovely cafe located right on it.

Know before you go

Tin mines are scattered ALL OVER Cornwall and you don’t have to come to Chapel Porth just to see them. I personally just really like it here because the backdrop and coastal views are so special!

Top Tip

Cornwall is spoilt with gorgeous stretches of coastline. So if you don’t care much for tin mines and you are strapped for time then give this one a miss. But if you want to learn more about Cornwall’s culture and visit some places that aren’t already highlighted in every other travel blog then this is for you!

10. PORT ISAAC: Charming cornish fishing village

Port Isaac is a tiny, but very charming fishing village along the north coast. I particularly love the narrow, winding streets behind the harbour lined with white-washed cottages. Many of the traditional slate-fronted houses date back to the 18th century and are listed buildings. The harbour is still very much in use and you will be able to see fisherman unload their catch of crabs, fish and lobster. Needless to say there are excellent seafood restaurants in town. Sadly for us, due to Covid many of them were closed.

Know before you go

There isn’t an awful lot to do in town and there are far more beautiful beaches to explore. Port Isaac is perfect to explore by foot and feel like you got lost in time if you find yourself in this part of Cornwall. It’s quiet, unspoilt and rustic. But if you are stopping by for longer than just a bite to eat and quick stroll around town, then you should definitely hit the coastal trails. You can either hike towards Polzeath or Tintagel in the other direction and the views are simply stunning!

Port Isaac is not THE highlight of Cornwall and I wouldn’t specifically drive here if you aren’t in the area already. It made it onto this list because it’s very authentic and doesn’t get overrun by tourists. So if like us you are doing a roadtrip across all of Cornwall, this is a lovely little stop to incorporate. It provides a nice contrast to other picture-perfect, well maintained places like Polperro that get a little too busy with tourists in the peak season!

Top Tip

Port Isaac is a car-free village. You will need to park at the large car park and take a stroll into town. Just follow the steep hill leading down towards the harbour. Have fun going back up

Are you ready to visit Cornwall?

Hopefully this blogpost has given you some travel inspiration and perhaps even helped you plan your next roadtrip. Bear in mind that Cornwall gets pretty busy in the summer. And let’s face it … it’s the UK so there is no guaranteed sunshine if you come during peak summer months anyway.

My favourite time to visit is April or October when there are few tourists and hotel prices drop. Especially very busy places like St. Ives feel so much more magical during quieter times!!

Questions? Thoughts? Or simply want to share your favourite place in Cornwall? Please leave us a comment below – we always look forward to hearing from you

The post Top 10 Beautiful Places to Explore in Cornwall appeared first on ADV Travelbug.

Our ride through Devon was a trip down memory lane for me! I moved to Devon at the age of 16 but it’s been a very long time since I’ve last visited. I knew a lot of stunning places and couldn’t wait to show Fiona round my favourite spots. But as I used to live on the south coast I didn’t know the north coast well at all. This was about to change however!!

As part of our Land’s End to John O’Groats road trip, we made our way through the south coast of Devon. And once we reached Land’s End, we travelled back up the north coast. But we didn’t just stick to the coast! We also found some off-road adventure on the Trans European Trail (TET) and visited some National Parks too!

HERE ARE 5 PLACES YOU SIMPLY CAN’T MISS WHEN VISITING!!!

1. DARTMOOR: My favourite National Park in Devon

If you love hiking and nature then you’ll be spoilt for choice across the 386 square miles of moorlands. In addition, Dartmoor is the ONLY place in England where you can legally wild camp. You can hike across the tors, tackle steep hills, go fishing or take a dip in one of the many lakes. We were very excited about wild camping. However, there are many luxurious boutique hotels and cosy B&Bs inside the National Park.

Just driving through Dartmoor alone is absolutely stunning. But it’s obviously a hiker’s paradise! My absolute favourite hike was walking to the Wistman’s Mossy Woods. Anywhere you hike you will be sure to see free roaming ponies and horses, sheep, Highland Cows and other wildlife. You’ll often find sheep asleep on the road or crossing over so there is really no point driving fast and disturbing their piece. Fiona and I spent two nights wild camping and hiking across Darmoor and absolutely loved it!

2. SALCOMBE: the prettiest seaside town in Devon

Hands down the prettiest town in Devon! Salcombe is located within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the coastal views are simply stunning, as well as the surrounding countryside! The crystal blue waters make it a popular sailing spot and attract many tourists for kayaking or paddle boarding. Fiona and I enjoyed our time on the golden sand beaches of East Portlemouth which has a stunning view over the town. It’s impossible to miss as you’ll be looking right onto it when walking through Salcombe. The ferry ride will only set you back 2 GBP and takes only a couple of minutes to drop you at this dead-gorgeous beach! However, remember to bring a picnic as there are no facilities on the beach.

The town itself is lined with boutique shops, local art galleries and gift shops. There are some fantastic restaurants serving locally caught fresh seafood. We may have gone crazy on crab sandwiches which are very easy to find. Two more things you should try whilst in town are Salcombe Dairy Ice-cream and the award-winning Salcombe Gin. There is a distillery right in town if you fancy a tasting!

And don’t miss out on one of the most stunning coastal walks in Devon along the South West Coast Path to Start Point Lighthouse. For detailed directions click here.

Where to stay

Fiona and I camped at the Higher Rew just out of town, but there are many fancy boutique hotels and nice B&Bs located in Salcombe as well.

3. BLACKPOOL SANDS: my favourite beach in Devon

Blackpool Sands is a crescent-shaped beach made of pebbles located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is surrounded by scented pines and my absolute favourite beach in Devon! It even has a cafe right on the beach serving local organic foods. The car park charges cars 7 GBP for the day but we could park our motorcycle here for free! If you are staying in the nearby town of Dartmouth you can also hike to Blackpool Sands. It takes around 2 hours and provides gorgeous views of the surrounding coast line.

The beach is pretty wide so although it can get pretty busy it doesn’t feel too crowded. In addition it is a blue-flag beach, which means it’s safe for swimming.

Are you a history buff? Then you might like to check out the next beach along too. A Sherman tank on Slapton Sands commemorates the tragedy of Exercise Tiger during World War Two in which 946 American servicemen lost their lives. German E-boats surprised the troops but sadly many lives were also lost in ‘friendly fire’.

4. CLOVELLY: this ancient fishing village is a true gem!

Clovelly is one of the most picturesque fishing villages I’ve ever visited. It’s impossible not to fall in love with it as you stroll down its cobbled street along flower-strewn cottages down to the harbour. There is strictly no car traffic which adds to its charm. Donkeys transport everything from groceries to furniture.

It’s pretty unique to spend the night in Clovelly. It’s a very popular tourist destination for day visits but most people leave by 5pm. Experiencing Clovelly in the evening, away from the crowds, is a truly unique experience and will make you feel like you have stepped back in time. Fiona and I arrived here in the evening. We loved exploring the town which we had pretty much to ourselves and chatting to the locals.

After a perfect dinner we decided not to come back the next morning as we knew it wouldn’t be as special. First of all it would have been far more crowded the next day. Secondly, the Visitor Centre right next to the car park charges an entrance fee during the day. The entrance fee was definitely a bit of a surprise to us. I’m also not entirely sure if we would have been willing to pay it. In general, we avoid most attractions with an entrance fee. I am not sure if Clovelly would have had the same charm for us after paying the entrance fee on a busy day so I recommend visiting in the evening!

Clovelly’s Annual Festivals

Clovelly and the surrounding coastline were historically known for smuggling, piracy and shipwrecks. Its heritage is still very much reflected in various annual festivals like the “Lobster & Crab Feast” in September, “Hering Festival” in November, the “Seaweed Festival” in June and “Maritime Festival” in July.

Where to stay

There are only two hotels in town: the 400 year old New Inn and the C18th Red Lion on the quay. We didn’t stay in town but enjoyed delicious lobster and seafood for dinner at the New Inn. It’s a lovely traditional pub with a fabulous selection of cider which they make themselves. A double room at the New Inn will set you back 140 GBP.

Fiona and I found a friendly farmer just outside of town who was happy for us to pitch our tent in his field for the night!

5. VALLEY OF ROCKS

The Valley of Rocks is a fascinating valley running parallel to the dramatic coastline bordering Exmoor National Park on the north coast of Devon. Hike up the cliff tops for some truly stunning views of the unique coastline and mountain backdrops! You are almost certain to encounter free roaming goats wandering the rock faces. The best way to experience this rugged valley is to take in the views with a coastal hike. There is a popular circular route from the nearby town of Lynton to the Valley of Rocks. Click here for maps and directions or to find more challenging hikes in this breathtaking location.

Are you ready to explore Devon?

Hopefully this blog post has provided you with a useful overview of some of the highlights Devon has to offer. It has such a great mix of natural beauty, coastal walks, beaches and picturesque towns. No matter if you are heading to the north coast or south coast, there is an abundance of natural beauty to explore. Want to learn how to surf? Check out the Croyde Surf Academy. And if you are into off-road riding, do check out the Great Western Trail of the TET. But whatever you do, make time for some stunning hikes and plenty of stops for traditional Devon Cream Tea. And if you want to check out Devon’s alternative scene, then make sure to check out the historic market town of Totnes.

If you have any questions or simply want to tell us about YOUR favourite place in Devon then please leave us a comment below. We are always happy to hear from you

The post TOP 5 Beautiful Places You Have to Visit in Devon appeared first on ADV Travelbug.

1. Old Harry Rocks, Dorset

On the most eastern point of the Jurassic coast you will find the three famous chalk formations, called Old Harry Rocks. The only way to visit them is to hike. If you are looking for a short, easy hike of no more than half an hour I recommend parking at the Bankes Arms Inn Studland. And it’s also a very nice pub for lunch with a nice beer garden.

Although the viewpoint looking straight across the Old Harry Rocks is gorgeous, the highlight for me really was the coastal walk overlooking the dramatic white chalk cliffs. The hike from Old Harry Rocks to Swanage is simply gorgeous so if you have more time, pop on your hiking boots and start your hike in Swanage Bay instead. It’s about 10.5km (6.5 miles) so factor in about 3 hours round-trip with breaks.

2. Corfe Castle, Dorset

Corfe Castle is a cute little village in Dorset and the site of a ruined castle which sits on top of a hill. Driving into the historic village is really beautiful with stone houses lining the streets and the backdrop of the isle of Purbeck which the castle ruins stand on. Even without paying to go inside, it’s really lovely to drive through the village. The central point of this historic town is a little square with an old church, some independent shops, taverns and inns. If you have visited the Old Harry Rocks and heading further east, you will naturally pass it. It’s definitely worth a quick stop!

3. Lulworth Cove

Lulworth Cove is a pebble beach, particularly popular at low tide when it forms beautiful little rock pools. The beach itself is not the main draw (for me personally) so much as the surrounding countryside and coastal walks. There is a great big car park in Lulworth Cove and the tiny village has a few lovely Inns and restaurants serving seafood. It’s very cute and perfect for lunch! But the highlight, without a shadow of a doubt, is to hike across to Durdle Door!

4. DURDLE DOOR: Dorset’s most iconic and photographed landmark

The most popular destination in Dorset is this natural limestone arch which stands about 200 feet above sea level. There is a huge car park from where you can hike to it. It takes about 15-20 min. to reach the point from where you can overlook Durdle Door. The downhill path isn’t very steep but if you add the further 143 steps to reach the beach, it can be a little exhausting on the way back up. Don’t worry though – it’s worth every step! Durdle Door is absolutely gorgeous but on a hot summer’s day (especially during half term!) this place can get somewhat overrun with visitors, killing a little of its charm. So it definitely pays off to time your visit outside of school holidays and ideally mid week! Durdle Door is magnificent but so are the surrounding coastal walks so I wouldn’t rush your visit here!

5. Chesil Beach

Chesil Beach is a 29 kilometre (18 miles) long beach running from West Bay to the isle of Portland. It is up to 15 meters high and 200 meters wide. It looks especially unique from above as it runs parallel to the coast so bring your drone if you have one! Contrary to other beaches you don’t find any facilities here. No deckchairs, no pastel painted beach huts, no ice-cream stand. If you prefer wild, rugged and quieter places all to yourself then THIS IS IT! And if you happen to enjoy fishing then you are in for a treat. Bexington is a fantastic spot to catch mackerel!

The pebbles on Chesil beach around Portland are roughly the size of a potato. But around Bridport you’ll find smaller pea-sized pebbles. Legend has it that smugglers landing on the beach could judge their position just by picking up the pebbles and feel their size. These days, the pebble sizes might help you decide where your camping chair is less likely to topple over!

Chesil Beach is NOT great for swimming due to strong undercurrents. It’s best visited by people who like to get away from the crowds, appreciate rugged nature, a quiet fishing spot or explore the wildlife around!

Looking for a safer beach for swimming?

If you are looking for a beach more suited to swimming, try Westbay. West Bay is a little harbour village with two main beaches. East Beach is a sloping shingle beach with a gorgeous backdrop of the surrounding sandstone cliffs. The cliffs rise 50 meter vertically above the beach and from atop you can enjoy breathtaking views over Chesil Beach. West Bay is a smaller, quieter and more sheltered beach with shallow water. If you are looking for a good swimming beach and coastal walks for fossil hunting close to a town with facilities, then this is a good option!

Are you ready to explore Dorset?

We definitely found that Dorset had more to offer than expected! I’ll remember it mostly for stunning cliff walks overlooking the white chalk cliffs. And secondly for the absolutely fantastic views across the coastline riding down the A35 on our motorbike!

Any questions or simply want to share your thoughts on this blogpost? Please comment below. I’m always happy to hear from you

The post DORSET JURASSIC COAST: Do not miss these amazing stops! appeared first on ADV Travelbug.

The mountainous roads make it one of the most exciting countries to explore by motorbike. Guatemala’s striking features from stunning lakes, active volcanoes and ancient mayan pyramids coupled with its strong indigenous culture make it a number one destination if you like culture and natural beauty!

In this blogpost we are excited to share our most precious travel memories and places you simply can’t miss when visiting Guatemala. Oh and if you are still undecided if Guatemala is a place you want to visit, then we hope we can inspire you to make up your mind and go! Below is our YouTube video of Guatemala if you prefer a visual journey of our recommended highlights!

1. Discover Guatemala’s Mayan treasures in
TIKAL NATIONAL PARK

You cannot come to Guatemala without visiting Tikal. It is an ancient mayan city surrounded by lush jungle and inhabited by howler monkeys. Some temples and pyramids rise as much as 44 meters into the air, providing stunning views of the surrounding dense rainforest.

How do I get here?

Most people base themselves in Flores or El Remate and visit on day trips. We chose to stay in El Remate and absolutely loved this quiet little town right by the lake. Most restaurants face the lake and the sunset views are absolutely gorgeous!

If you can afford to splash out, then consider staying in one of the hotels inside Tikal. This will allow you to catch the sunrise and enjoy Tikal at quieter times! The hotels are basic but nice 3 star hotels but definitely on the pricey side. A stay here will set you back 100 USD per room in peak season but you can snap it up cheaper if you book in advance!

When to go?

Sunrise and late afternoon are usually the quietest times as most people arrive late morning from day trips. The entrance fee for sunrise is more expensive and only really makes sense if the weather is in your favour!

When we visited it was quite cloudy and a little rainy in the morning so we skipped sunrise. Our friend Tracy tried her luck on that same day though as she was staying at the Jungle Lodge Hotel. She loved her stay but didn’t manage to see the sunrise so it wasn’t quite worth the extra money. Nonetheless she appreciated that there were fewer people first thing in the morning!

2. SEMUC CHAMPEY:
Guatemala’s most beautiful natural site

The road to Semuc Champey is a pretty rough one. You’ll want some good off-road tyres and suspension for this long, bumpy and slow road. The 11km from Lanquín to Semuc Champey are particularly rough.

But once you make it, you’ll be awarded with so much natural beauty, that you won’t question for a second if the journey was worth it. In fact, you’ll be grateful that many tourists on a tight schedule tend to skip it. Because you’ll want to share this magnificent place with as few people as possible!

The most striking feature of Semuc Champey is the 300 meter long natural limestone bridge with a stepped series of pools. The flowing river running through it provides a perfect opportunity to cool off in the emerald-green waters and take in the stunning setting.

But my personal highlight was the short 30 min. hike through the jungle that will provide you with stunning panoramic views of the area. You are almost certain to encounter howler monkeys on this hike, adding to the ultimate jungle feel! The dense rainforest provides plenty of shade. But of course the best time to visit is early morning when temperatures tend to be lower!

How do I get here?

After visiting Tikal we wanted to ride from El Remate to San Agustín Lanquín, which is the perfect base to explore Semuc Champey. However, the journey is long and some parts of it are pretty rough, so it’s best to break up the 7 hour journey by spending a night in Cobán.

From Coban it’s an easy 1.5 hours ride on Highway 5 and then you turn off onto a pretty rough gravel road with a lot of turns. You should be able to cover the distance to Lanquín in about half an hour if you power through. But if you get stuck in traffic and want to take it slow, then it can easily take an hour.

The 11km from Lanquín to Semuc Champey are much harder and challenging. So if you aren’t a confident off-road rider it may make sense to stay in Lanquín and hop onto local transport. If you want to go all the way though, I would still recommend staying in Lanquín and visiting Semuc Champey as a day trip. Trust me, it will be much nicer if your motorbike isn’t fully loaded for the last part!

When to visit?

The best time is to visit Semuc Champey is from mid December to mid April outside of rain season when the Cahabon River is at its clearest!

The gates to Semuc Champey open from 8am to 4pm daily and the best way to avoid the crowds is to visit first thing in the morning!

Where to stay?

Lanquín is a pretty small town and the main street has a good choice of hotels. If you are on a budget, then check out El Hostal Lanquin. If you can stretch a little further though, we strongly recommended El Muro Pub & Hostel next door for its breathtaking views of the mountains from the main terrace.

We checked in for just one night but the view from the hammock was so breathtaking that we extended our stay for 3 nights just to relax here for a bit! We paid about 20 USD/night for our room here.

3. ANTIGUA: The former spanish colonial capital of Central America

Antigua will charm you with its beautifully restored colonial buildings and pastel facades. The backdrop of the surrounding volcanoes is simply stunning and on a clear day you might even be able to see spewing lava from one of the rooftops.

You are bound to fall in love with Antigua as you wander its cobbled streets, passing its many churches, plazas, markets and take in its vibrant atmosphere. If you want to explore life outside of the city, you will be greeted by Mayan communities, coffee plantations and volcanoes.

Do we need to say any more, or have you already marked Antigua on your list of places to go? You certainly won’t regret it! And what’s more, it’s the perfect base for one of the ultimate things anyone coming to Guatemala should explore: hiking volcano Acatenango!

How do I get here?

There are many direct flights straight into Guatemala’s largest airport ‘La Aurora International Airport‘ which is only 25 miles from Antigua.

If you are overlanding and coming from Tikal / Semuc Champey then Cobán usually makes for a good stop to break up the journey. From Cobán it’s a solid 5 hours ride into Antigua.

When to visit?

Antigua tends to have pleasant weather all year round. If you want to avoid the chance of rain, aim for Guatemala’s dry season which runs from November to April. But bear in mind that this is also the busiest time of the year. So if you want to avoid crowds you may prefer visiting in May for example.

There is no shortage of accommodation to suit any budget from boutique hotels right in the centre, to significantly cheaper AirBnB options within walking distance to it. We opted to stay in an AirBnB and walk into town. In the evenings it was always easy and cheap to pay for transport back home as well if we didn’t want to walk.

4. Hiking Acatenango Volcano: Guatemala’s most spectacular volcano experience

When meeting other travelers in Guatemala, there would always be the same questions that would come up. “Are you hiking Acatenango” or “Have you hiked Acatenango volcano yet”? I’ll be honest with you, Fiona and I aren’t the most passionate hikers out there and the five hours steep climb up was more than unappealing to us. But there was something magical about how everyone who did it spoke about it. Every single person would tell us that we couldn’t miss out on it and how it’s a once in a lifetime kind of thing. And it really was!

Hiking Acatenango was not just a huge highlight of our travels through Guatemala but it’s probably up there with one of my all time travel highlights. The sweat and hard work is really worth it. The views are nothing short of amazing! And how often can you look straight onto an active volcano that erupts every 5-10 min. spitting lava? Experiencing the noise of the eruption, seeing the stones thrown up in the air followed by gushing lava was honestly unreal! It was one of those unforgettable moments that I will forever cherish.

How do I get here?

You have to book a guided tour to hike up Acatenango and all of them tend to leave from Antigua. Pick up is usually arranged from your hotel or close to your AirBnB and leaves around 7am.

When to go?

It can get pretty cloudy and foggy when you hike up Acatenango and the visibility you get will probably impact your experience. We were super lucky and the weather couldn’t have been clearer. Hiking during Guatemala’s dry season (Nov – April) will improve your chances of good visibility!

5. Town-hopping around Guatemala’s LAKE ATITLAN

Lake Atilán was formed thousands of years ago by a volcanic eruption. Today it is the deepest lake in Central America with a depth of 340 meters. The surrounding dormant volcanoes provide a stunning backdrop, making it one of the most beautiful lakes to visit in Central America. There are several towns dotted along the 18km long and 8km wide lake, each with their own unique vibe!

Looking for a yoga retreat? Head to the hippie town of San Marco. Want to party? San Pedro is your best bet. If you are after a more cultural experience, then you’ll enjoy exploring Santiago Atitlán with its strong indigenous vibe. Looking for something quieter? Then try Santa Cruz La Laguna, San Juan or Jaibalito.

No matter if you are looking for some quiet downtime, a homestay to learn Spanish or joining a yoga & meditation retreat, Lake Atitlán is a magical place to do it! And you can easily town hop with frequent shuttles between the towns. In fact, it’s one of the best things to do on the lake! We loved exploring all the little villages.

How do I get here?

From Antigua it took us about 2.5 hours by motorbike to reach Panajachel. It was a pretty easy ride. At some point the road ended though and we had to take a dirt road instead with a river crossing. It was actually quite fun and after about 5 miles the dirt road joined the main tarmac road again. I believe there is a way to avoid the river crossing but it would have meant taking a big detour and missing the fun river crossing!

Our friend Tracy based herself at the quiet and super cute town of San Juan La Laguna instead. Her experience of getting there by motorbike was very different with a long ride through the mountains and many hairpin turns along the way!

If you are relying on public transport, don’t worry. Lake Atitlán is a popular tourist destination and there are shuttles from Antigua and other main cities!

Getting around

There are frequent and cheap connections by boat from morning to early evening.

We actually rented a boat with a couple of travellers we met in Panajachel for the day to get around. This worked out more expensive of course but we only started late morning and this option allowed us to get around quicker!

Where to stay?

We chose to ride to Panajachel as it’s an easy base from where you can explore all the other towns. This worked very well for us! We liked the town of San Marco but also felt that accommodation could be quite pricey over there. As for San Pedro, it wasn’t our cup of tea and very busy compared to the other towns! It’s good if you want to meet other people in hostels and party, but for a more relaxing time try San Juan, San Marco or even Panajachel.

Are you ready to explore Guatemala?

I hope we have been able to give you a glimpse of just how amazing and rewarding travelling through Guatemala can be! It certainly has left a big impression on us and is one of my favourite countries I had the pleasure of exploring. And as far as safety is concerned, we felt very safe throughout our travels and have experienced so much kindness from the locals we met!

Questions? Feedback? Or simply want to share your thoughts? We are always happy to hear from you, so please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below

The post GUATEMALA: Top 5 Highlights You Have to See appeared first on ADV Travelbug.

But to our surprise there was only a single one. It has been set up by an American couple from Virginia in 2000 who fell in love with Guatemala. They quit their corporate jobs back home and purchased a piece of land in the area of Santa Maria de Jesus. They then transformed the former coffee plantation into a vineyard and even built a real chateau there!

But with no experience it wasn’t exactly a smooth ride. For the first 10 years of its existence it was very much an experimental vineyard. Many grape varieties were imported from abroad but didn’t grow well in the volcanic soil. Since 2007 the vineyard has been selling wine. The result? CHÂTEAU DEFAY offers 13 different wines, 6 whites, 5 reds and 2 roses.

What to expect?

The road to CHÂTEAU DEFAY leads you through the local village. You then follow a gravel road to the entrance but from there it gets pretty rough (but not for long). It definitely felt like proper off-road with our fully loaded motorbike! I’ve never done any off-road to visit a vineyard before and it was super fun. As we turned the corner at the bottom of the dirt road we saw the chateau and surrounding vineyards. The views were pretty amazing!

Once we parked our motorbike we made our way inside for the wine tasting. Next we took advantage of the beautiful terrace and enjoyed lunch from the restaurant with pretty awesome views! The restaurant aims to offer a European / Italien type of cuisine. It was a little pricey and average at best BUT this is to be expected when ordering European food in Central America. CHÂTEAU DEFAY definitely doesn’t offer fine cuisine, but that’s not why we came and that was totally fine by us!

How was the wine tasting experience?

Okay first of all I have to say that there was a lot of guesswork going on as we were relying on my spanish translation skills. So I probably missed a few bits. But we were surprised to learn that CHÂTEAU DEFAY hasn’t produced a single bottle of wine for roughly 10 years.

I was curious as to why and we were told that they had simply produced more bottles than they could sell so production was stopped. I know, pretty bizzare right? We also learned that as the quantity of wine was decreasing the price of it was rising. Nothing to do with grape variety or the year of the harvest!

A few years ago they wanted to start producing wine again but found that a lot of the vines were damaged. They have since been trying to recover them with a view of continuing to producing wine.

To summarise, it was the most bizzare wine tasting experience EVER !

Does CHÂTEAU DEFAY produce quality wine?

Honestly I didn’t rate it very highly. The better tasting wine was average at best! But that was okay for us. We didn’t come here to taste award-winning wine. We thought it was incredible that someone decided to start a vineyard in conditions most people would consider unsuitable.

Fiona doesn’t drink alcohol and I had to ride the motorcycle so only had small sips of all the varieties. We did actually end up buying a bottle of wine, because we thought it was a thoughtful gift for someone who was going to host us. But it wasn’t cheap (about 12 USD) and given that I didn’t love it, I wouldn’t have bought any for myself after visiting the vineyard!

Is CHÂTEAU DEFAY worth visiting?

Yes, I think it’s a great little day trip from Antigua. It’s pretty unique. It’s also very beautiful. I liked the location which leads you through remote local villages if you make your way here independently. So if you like wine and want to visit CHÂTEAU DEFAY as a daytrip or when passing through I think it’s well worth it.

Just don’t be disappointed if you won’t see grapes on the vines or taste the best wine of your life. You can probably pick up a better bottle in the supermarket. But it’s a fun experience in my opinion nonetheless.

How to get here?

The vineyard is roughly 1 hour drive from Guatemala city or 30 min. from Antigua. We rode here on a fully loaded motorcycle from Antigua. The dirt road from the entrance to CHÂTEAU DEFAY was pretty rough. It was certainly my first off-road experience to access a vineyard and super fun.

Upon leaving we saw a bus dropping tourists off. So I’m pretty sure that tours (in Spanish at least) can be organised from Antigua. The bus stops nearer the entrance and you’ll need to walk down to CHÂTEAU DEFAY as the road is too rough and narrow for a bus to pass through. But the walk is short and very pretty!

Are you up for tasting wine in Central America’s only vineyard? It probably won’t compare to any wine tastings in South America but hope this blog post helped you decide if it’s worth a day trip

The post CHÂTEAU Defay: The ONLY Vineyard in Central America appeared first on ADV Travelbug.

This blogpost will hopefully put your mind at ease that anyone, regardless of your fitness level, can handle the hike. What the 2 day excursion entails and how best to prepare and which tour operator to choose.

Hiking volcano Acatenango is not only one of the most spectacular hikes you can do in Guatemala but is probably one of the ultimate travel highlights of Central America!

Why is a hike up Acatenango so special?

Hiking to the basecamp of Volcano Acatenango gives you a direct view over ‘Volcano de Fuego’ which is the most active volcano in Central America. It produces frequent tall ash plumes and you can see intense lava fountaining at night.

The hike will take you through four distinct ecosystems. First you’ll be passing farmland where local farmers harvest corn, flowers and snow peas. Next you’ll be ascending into an old-growth tropical cloud forest where you’ll experience a diversity of flora and fauna. The cloud forest also provides you with shade, which no doubt you’ll be appreciating at this point of the hike. Next you’ll enter sparse high-alpine forests from where you’ll be able to overlook six volcanoes in total and take in stunning panoramic views! The last stretch will take you through the mystical grey and black volcanic terrain.

Can you get Altitude sickness when hiking Acatenango?

Yes. At 3,976 metres (13,044 ft), it is not uncommon to experience symptoms of altitude sickness. So it’s advisable to spend a couple of days in Antigua, which sits at 1,533 metres (5,029 ft) to help you acclimatise. It also helps to keep hydrated throughout the hike!

In our group nobody was having any symptoms. Most people just experienced headaches. However, we did pass one person from another group who was suffering quite badly from altitude sickness.

Best time of the year to hike Acatenango

The best time is generally during dry season which runs from November to April. The views tend to be best in January and February, but the nights are usually also the coldest during this time.

We hiked in December and had blue sky, very sunny weather and gorgeous clear views! But it was also freezing cold at night with temperatures close to -5 degrees Celsius!

During rainy season the mornings are usually dry, midday it’s cloudy and it generally rains for a couple of hours in the afternoon and clears up again in the evening.

How fit do I need to be to hike Acatenango?

Initially Fiona and I decided that we would probably give this experience a pass. The reason? Our general health is pretty good but our fitness level isn’t great. We are also not keen hikers. So whereas we’ll happily walk for an hour or so to catch a nice panoramic view somewhere, you certainly won’t see us on multi-day hikes. When we hike it’s almost always in return for a rewarding view, not just for the love of hiking!

In Guatemala we met Tracy, an inspirational woman in her 50s who was on a solo motorcycle trip from Canada to Patagonia, like ourselves. Again, Tracy would describe her general health as good but wasn’t doing much to keep fit. In addition she likes to smoke and knock back a few beers every night. Why am I telling you all that?

Because between the three of us, none of us felt like we could do it. If three people as unfit as us could do it, then so you can you! Sure, it’s less painful if you have a decent fitness level. But please don’t skip this awesome experience if you can’t describe yourself as fit. If your general health is okay, you’ll probably make it up there, even if you’ll be towards the slower end of the group!

Is it possible to hire a porter to carry my luggage up?

Out of everyone in our group, I was particularly concerned if I would be able to make it to the basecamp. The reason being that I fractured my pelvis in four places during a motorcycle crash only a couple of years before. And although I recovered very well, I struggled with steep inclines about a year after the injury.

I hired a porter because I wasn’t sure if my injury would allow me to make it and I wanted the option of being able to turn back if my pelvis was going to give me any problems. I was very happy that not only did I make it up to the top without my pelvis giving me any issues, but it was the ultimate test that I had fully recovered from my injury.

The porter cost 10 USD and once we reached the top he handed me my bag and made his way back down, so I only had to carry my backpack down the next day!

Can anybody hire a porter?

As for Fiona and Tracy they decided to get a porter also. For no other reason then to make their hike easier. We were the only three people in our group who had porters. And yes I found it a little embarrassing, but ultimately it helped us get up there! So if you are unsure if you can make it, remember you have this option too. In our case, the porter received the full amount of money we paid the tour company for this service!

Can I hike Acatenango volcano by myself?

Yes, there are people who do this hike independently BUT unless you are a VERY EXPERIENCED hiker I wouldn’t recommend it and here is why:

1) Guided tours are very affordable, only around 20 USD
2) Hikers have died from hyperthermia before as temperatures can reach -7 degrees Celsius
3) It is possible to suffer from altitude sickness

I fully appreciate there is something very rewarding about undertaking this hike without a guide. But please don’t do it unless you are very experienced, are properly prepared and have the right equipment to withstand the freezing cold weather!

How can I book a tour to hike Acatenango Volcano?

Booking a tour to hike Volcano Acatenango is very easy, as there are many tour operators based in Antigua. You don’t really have to book far ahead either. We booked ours one day in advance!

The cost can vary a little depending on a few things:

1) Will the meals provided fill you up, or are there more of a snack?
2) Will you get a good view of Volcano de Fuego?
3) Depending on where your tour operators’ base camp is, you may need to walk further
4) How big is the group you will be hiking in?
5) Can you borrow hiking shoes / extra jackets for free or for a charge if needed?

My recommendation is to book directly with a tour operator from Antigua as it’s often MUCH CHEAPER than booking ahead online!

The best tour operator to hike Acatenango volcano

When we did our research, one company stood out from all the others. Not only does Soy Tours have 5 star reviews but they are also the ONLY tour operator that gives directly back to the local community. Of course we decided to book with them!

With Soy Tours you can expect:

– Experienced Guides
– Decent sized Meals
– Great basecamp with fantastic views
– Borrow hiking shoes / backpacks / extra coats free of charge

We paid about 20 USD for the entire two days excursion and additional 10 USD to hire a porter and carry up our backpack. So in total it worked out at 30 USD per person!

Rough schedule for hiking Acatenango Volcano

Day 1

7:30 am Pick up from your hotel / AirBnB
9:00 am Safety briefing + borrow what you need before leaving
10:00 am The hike starts

You’ll be hiking for about 5 hours which includes regular breaks. The group usually splits up so the faster hikers are at the front and the slower ones at the back. If you hike faster you tend to get longer breaks as this is usually where the group catches up

Acatenango Base Camp has an altitude of 2600 meters. Once you reach it you’ll be allocated a tent. Remember it’s warmer to share so we happily took a tent together with Tracy. You’ll be able to relax and enjoy the view and there will be an option to do a small 20-30 minutes hike to catch sunset from. By the time you get back, dinner is usually ready.

Day 2

4:00 am Hike to the summit of Volcano Acatenango for sunrise (optional)
4:45 am Arrival at the summit
5:00 am Sunrise
5:30 am Hike back down to the basecamp

After sunset you will be able to see the bright red lava spewing out of the volcano. We caught it on a superb day as ‘Volcan de Fuego’ erupted every 5-15 minutes. The only thing that made us go inside the tent eventually was the freezing cold!

Best preparation you can do to hike Acatenango

1. Bring a decent pair of hiking shoes

During the hike you’ll experience pretty lose ground. You’ll encounter everything from soft sand to small little stones. It’s nice to have proper boots that cover your ankles as your trainers would fill up with sand and stones. It’s also pretty chilly at basecamp and especially on top of the summit. A thick pair of sock and decent hiking shoes are highly recommended!

I didn’t have any, so borrowed a pair from Soy Tours. I reached the base camp fine but during the hike to the summit I got a couple of blisters. They were comfy, worn in shoes but the part that is supposed to support your heel was torn and the piece of plastic really irritated me after some time. The hike back down was so painful in these shoes that my group had to wait an entire hour for me to catch up with them. Ouch!

Top Tip: If you need to borrow shoes, ask to try them on a day in advance. You don’t want to be fighting for a pair of shoes with other people in the group on the day!

2. Layer Up

It gets pretty cold up there so I recommend you to layer up! We were very grateful that we had functional base layers for cold weather. We were able to borrow jackets (we took a couple each) but they are not the best quality ones. So we were very grateful for our warm merino wool mid layers underneath.

In short, chances are you’ll be cold so it’s better to bring a couple of layers too many if in doubt. And don’t forget to bring a nice pair of thick socks – you’ll be grateful for them later, trust me!

3. Carry enough Water with you

Your guide will recommend about 3 liters per person. This amount was perfect for us. In fact we had an additional hydrapak with 2 liters to share between Fiona and I so we had some water left over. This was lucky for Tracy who decided to quench the thirst of some dogs at basecamp and found herself thirsty on the hike back down. As we had more than enough we could donate some to her. From our experience the recommended 3 liters per person is a good amount!

4. Bring a proper camera, ideally with a good zoom

Yes, iPhone cameras are amazing these days but you can’t capture the erupting volcano and lava properly with it. Having a tripod to keep your camera steady and a zoom will help you get that perfect shot you are after!

5. Don’t turn down that walking stick

I don’t usually like hiking with a walking stick. But it was highly recommended to take one, so we didn’t turn them down. We could borrow them for 50 cents roughly and they sure came in handy. We found it particularly useful when hiking in deep gravel and while hiking down!

6. If you don’t have a good backpack with proper support, borrow one!

You’ll need to carry your own water, lunch and extra clothing that you’ll need at the summit. You’ll probably also want to carry your camera equipment. Having a good fitting backpack with good back support and ideally one with a hip belt to distribute the weight properly is essential. If you don’t have one, ask to borrow one!

7. Bring some snacks or sweets

As previously said the food quantities provided by Soy Tours were perfect. But when you are super exhausted there is nothing better than a good snack or chocolate bar to provide you with an energy boost and pick you up. So it’s worth bringing a couple of your favourite snacks along!

8. If you have a super light and warm sleeping bag, consider bringing it along

Once we arrived at base camp the tents, matts and sleeping bags were laid out for us already. But even with all our layers, the night was freezing cold. Temperatures were -5 degrees Celsius. I can’t tell you if the isomatts were insulated. And I doubt the sleeping bags were the best quality on the market. We didn’t carry camping gear at the time but we now have super light goose down sleeping bags and a very well insulated isomatt that I know keep us warm in -2 degrees Celsius. If I had to hike up again tomorrow, I’d take them with me.

It’s one more thing to carry of course and ONLY makes sense if you have a super light and very warm sleeping bag. If you don’t, just make do with whatever you are given. It’s only one night after all!

9. Pack a hat and gloves

Yes, you’ll need them as soon as you reach base camp. But especially on top of the summit where it’s even colder. I removed my gloves like most people to take photos and I couldn’t feel them after about 20 minutes. They were so cold they started hurting and took ages to warm up again!

As for the hat, you’ll need one too and we even slept in ours as we were so cold at night!

10. Pack as lightly as possible

You already have to carry a bunch of essential items like water, food and more layers. Any extra items should be carefully considered. A headlamp is definitely a useful thing to bring along. But we relied on our mobile torch and that was okay also.

Every ounce matters so the lighter you can pack, the better!

You won’t get much of a break back at basecamp, as you’ll be expected to start the descent back down almost immediately. This usually takes 2-3 hours. Sadly, my group had to wait an additional hour for my arrival. Although I was one of the first people to reach basecamp, hiking back down was a different story. My feet had a couple of blisters and were hurting real bad. Luckily, there was a sense of team spirit and nobody was upset having to wait for me!

You are usually expected to be back at your hotel around 1pm!

What if the weather isn’t great?

First of all you should know that it’s often very foggy as you climb Acatenango. It usually clears up, but as you probably noticed Fiona and I had exceptionally good weather with clear views all around us. Yep, we got pretty lucky! Just a few months before we hiked Acatenango our friends Andreas & Sabrina did the same hike with less favourable weather conditions. They created a beautiful dedicated video of their hike up Acatenango where you will be able to see what it’s like in foggier conditions and why the hike up is still absolutely worth it. Click here and scroll down to check out their YouTube video!

The Aftermath of Hiking Acatenango Volcano

After a long, hot shower we decided to go into town to celebrate with a glass of wine and good food. We had also pre-booked a massage, knowing what a treat it would be! We didn’t stay out long and collapsed exhausted into bed that night.

There was no way I could see myself jumping back onto the motorbike the next morning to continue towards Lake Atitlan. I was aching seriously bad and felt generally unwell. I can’t tell you how happy we felt when we were able to extend our stay for an additional two nights!

But it wasn’t until we reached Lake Atitlan and put our feet up for a few days that I can say we had truly recovered!

Are you ready to hike Acatenango Volcano?

We hope you found this guide useful. And if we can inspire at least one unfit person to give this hike a go, we will be very happy If you have any questions about hiking Acatenango or if you want to share your experience with us then please leave a comment below. As always, we would love to hear from you!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Hiking Acatenango VOLCANO appeared first on ADV Travelbug.

In fact some of our top highlights of our travels through central America were in Belize. It just kept getting better and better the more we went on to explore! The main attractions in Belize include wildlife, Mayan ruins and one of the longest barrier reefs in the world!

From scuba diving the Blue Hole to crawling through ancient cave systems, zip lining through the jungle, hiking to waterfalls or exploring wildlife, Belize is packed with ADVENTURE!

1. Sail to the Blue Hole in Belize

Ever since I saw a picture of the Blue Hole I knew I had to see it! But it was a little more complicated and expensive than we had anticipated. With a little bit of luck though, we managed to not only see it, but actually sailed to it. And this also meant visiting all the stunning islands along the way! In fact this experience was so spectacular that sailing to the Blue Hole alone is a huge adventure.

Apart from how beautiful the Blue Hole is, especially from above, it is also a pretty special place to dive and snorkel! If you keep close to the reef, the turquoise blue water is pretty shallow and it’s easy to spot many colourful and tropical fish. But to the other side, there is a sudden 125 meters drop where the water has a deep blue colour. This is generally where you spot bigger fish like sharks. The Blue Hole measures 300 meters across and it takes about 30-45 min. to complete the loop if you want to circle it.

What about diving the Blue Hole?

Diving is a completely different experience! Divers descent along a wall and once they reach a depth of about 36 meters, they can see stalactites which were formed by dripping water when the cave was above sea level. However, due to the lack of light the main attraction isn’t actually to spot sea life! The dive is more of a bucket-list achievement suitable for EXPERIENCED divers. So don’t be disappointed if you “just” get to snorkel! My personal highlight? Seeing the Blue Hole from above!

2. Lamanai Mayan ruins of Belize

The Lamanai temples are not just the oldest and best excavated mayan ruins in Belize. They are actually also my favourite Mayan ruins that we got to explore across Central America. Yep, including famous Mayan sites like Tikal and Chichén Itzá. Why?

Avoid cruise ship days and you will almost certainly have the temples to yourself if you make your way here independently!

The temples are most frequently visited by tours from Belize City by water taxi. Due to their location and you requiring to get there by water taxi, the tours cost upwards of 100 USD. The cost certainly puts many visitors off and if in addition to that you choose to make your way here independently and avoid cruise ship days, then you are almost certain to have the temples all to yourself! You will also save yourself a lot of money as the entrance fee is only 5 USD!

Shipyard was founded in 1958 by Old Colony Mennonites from Chihuahua and Durango states in Mexico. Most of the population of Shipyard are Plautdietsch-speaking ethnic Mennonites and very conservative. Horse and buggies are still the main transportation. We got a few friendly waves passing through but it’s definitely not a tourist destination, so ride through respectfully!

The Howler monkeys add to the ultimate jungle feel

I also loved how many howler monkeys live in the surrounding rainforests. You can hear them pretty much anywhere you go. As neither of us had previously heard them they initially really scared us. Then I figured out that all this noise couldn’t possibly be coming from an animal and I briefly suspected that the noises were being played by some hidden speakers in the trees to give you that jungle feel. How tacky I thought … until I saw an entire family of howler monkeys within seconds of forming that thought.

The face carvings of the Mask temple are very unique

We made our way from one temple to another with pretty much nobody else around. I loved the high temple for its stunning views of the endless surrounding rainforest. But the most special one was probably the mask temple which features mayan face carvings. We have previously seen smaller Mayan carvings, but never of facial features. So it was very unique, beautiful and different from all the other Mayan temples we visited throughout Mexico and Central America.

3. Visit the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave in Belize

Visiting the ATM cave was one of THE MOST UNFORGETTABLE and adventurous experiences of our travels through Central America! There is a limit of 120 people who are allowed to enter the cave per day and you’ll only be allowed to do so with a qualified guide! The drive from San Ignacio takes just under one hour. Then you’ll have to hike about 2 miles and cross three rivers before you make it to the entrance of the cave. Back in the days just getting to this point was a mission by itself but these days it’ll take you less than half an hour to get there from the parking lot!

What to expect?

The guided tour will take you deep into the underworld, which the ancient mayans used to refer to as Xibalba, meaning “Place of Freight”. Rightly so, as they were not only used for mayan ceremonies, but often to sacrifice humans!

Making your way through the 3 miles long cave will require you to mostly walk, swim for a short period of time, and towards the end climb a little. So expect to get soaking wet! As you make your way across the cave you’ll notice loads of pottery around you. At the end of mayan ceremonies pots were often thrown onto the ground to break them, so the majority of them are broken. But many are still mostly intact with smaller pieces missing.

But the most astonishing part is not only discovering the pre-Columbian pottery, but rather the many BONES, SKULLS and SKELETONS scattered across the cave. There is currently nothing (not even tape) to separate you from them. So the cave is very much left in the same way archeologists found it in 1989!

The entire experience of getting to the cave and exploring it was very exciting and surreal. It can be a little pricey around 85 USD so many people skip it. But trust me it’s 100% worth it to spend the money!!

How to get there?

Your best base is the town of San Ignacio. It’s a nice little town which caters well for travellers. As soon as you walk through the main street in town there’ll be one tour operator after another. So who do you go with?

Which tour operator is best?

Well, you’ll go with the cheapest one and let me tell you why! When the cave first opened to the public in 1998, the archeologists trained a number of local guides who applied to carry out tours of the cave. It doesn’t matter which tour operator you go with, as they ALL use one of the 120 qualified guides. So there is no reason to assume one tour is better than another! They all include transport to the nearest parking place and a basic lunch before you drive back into town. So on this occasion I feel confident that spending more money will not result in an enhanced experience!

Are YOU ready to explore Belize?

Unlike its neighbouring country Belize is certainly on the more expensive side. Especially if you are relying on booking one tour after another and don’t have your own transport. We weren’t quite prepared for it and definitely blew our budget BUT we are very happy that we did. Because Belize was totally worth it!

When it comes to value for money then yes, neighbouring Mexico or Guatemala offer a lot more bang for your buck. But if money is not a concern, then you definitely shouldn’t rush through Belize and explore all it has to offer!

Questions? Feedback? We are always happy to hear from you so please leave a comment below to share your thoughts

The post Belize: Do NOT Miss these 3 Amazing EXPERIENCES! appeared first on ADV Travelbug.