The People Of Central America: Joel

Born in the town of Salama, southern Guatemala, Joel is now a local of Poptún. Against adversity, Joel has made a success of his local tuk-tuk business that ferries visitors around the locality. 

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Postcard From Livingston, Guatemala

Livingston occupies a tiny slither of Caribbean coast in the south of Guatemala. It’s the only enclave of the Garifuna people in the country, as well as being the extremely picturesque end to a fantastic boat cruise from nearby Rio Dulce.

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A Face In The Crowd: Photographing Hummingbirds In Central America

Since day one of my journey through Central America, hummingbirds have become an obsession. I can’t explain their allure. I only know that when I watch them hover I stand silent; hypnotised.

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Exploring Ixo Cave In Poptun, Guatemala

Caving in Guatemala is an unceremonious affair. You hike for a while, usually through jungle, and then simply slip in. It’s almost as if you have stumbled upon the ancient geological formation by accident. Ah, a massive cave system: what a surprise!

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Beloved: A Tender Moment In Tikal, Guatemala

It’s easy to fall in love with Tikal as you watch a gradual dawn reveal its ancient history. Temples rise from the jungle canopy, perforating the horizon with a hint of what they hold below the trees. 

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Five Reasons To Linger In San Ignacio, Belize

I faced some polite judgement from other backpackers for my decision to stay in San Ignacio for a whole week and I can understand their confusion. 

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Highlights From Two Months On The Road In Central America

In my mission statement for Central America I laid out some guidance for my travels and have been lucky enough to slip back into my Spanish speaking, meet local people and learn about the history, politics and local customs of the places I’ve travelled through.

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Postcard From Caye Caulker, Belize

In Caye Caulker, the sand is white, the water is crystal clear and the streets are multicoloured. Whole lobsters are grilled to your taste on the roadside and the locals always have a smile (well, living here why wouldn’t they).

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Snorkelling In Coiba Marine Reserve On Panama’s Pacific Coast

On a backpacker trail that’s becoming reasonably well-trodden, Santa Catalina still felt relatively offbeat.

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Postcard From Panama City

Panama is a city of old and new. Feats of modern engineering, ramshackle rooftops and one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems all battle it out for supremacy in this city of contrasts.

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