Cockpit Country: Historic Hike from Troy to Windsor

When most people think of Jamaica, they picture white sand beaches but 50% of the island is rugged and mountainous. Jamaica’s largest mountain range is the Cockpit Country which is three times the size of the Blue & John Crow Mountains, spanning 780km2 and five parishes. Cockpit Country got its name from its unusual karst landscape, where steep-sided limestone hills and deep valleys create a terrain that looks like the cockpits of old ships, or an upturned egg carton if you will. Before this hike, the closest I’d come to visiting the Cockpit Country was to Accompong, a Maroon village located on its outskirts. Why? The Cockpit Country is one of the most inhospitable places in the world. However, when an invitation came to hike the forgotten Troy to Windsor trail which traverses the Cockpit Country, I accepted. Here’s how this adventure went.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle6 Comments

Catherine’s Peak: St. Andrew’s Highest Point

Catherine’s Peak, located in the Jamaican Blue Mountains, is the highest point in the parish of St. Andrew. This peak is named after Catherine Long, the wife of Sir Henry Moore who served as the Governor of Jamaica in the mid-1700s, as she is believed to be the first white woman to climb the 5,050-foot-high peak in 1760. Catherine’s Peak is an easy trail– perfect for beginner hikers, and starts at Newcastle, the JDF military base nestled in the Blue Mountains. Here’s everything you need to know about hiking to Catherine’s Peak.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle5 Comments

One Week in Guatemala: Itinerary & Budget

Known as the Land of Eternal Spring thanks to its mild year-round climate, Guatemala is an exciting travel destination for thrill-seekers and history lovers. This Central American country is home to 37 volcanoes, one of the world’s most beautiful lakes and ancient ruins like Tikal, one of the largest Mayan cities ever uncovered. Antigua, Guatemala’s 500-year-old colonial city, is perfectly preserved in time with ancient architecture, cobblestone streets and courtyards. Guatemala has a lot to offer; one week isn’t enough time to see everything but you can visit quite a few spots if you plan properly. With that said, here’s how I spent 7 days in Guatemala and how much everything costed.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle18 Comments

Hobbitenango, Guatemala: Explore a Fantasy World

Hobbitenango is a whimsical theme park located in Vuelta Grande, 30 minutes from Antigua, Guatemala. Inspired by the popular fantasy book & film series: The Hobbit, Hobbitenango opened to the public in 2015 and seamlessly blends nature and fun. The word “Hobbitenango” conjured visions of rolling hills and quirky round doors in my mind, and I wasn’t left disappointed. With that said, here’s how my visit to Hobbitenango went and why I think it’s one of the best day trips from Antigua.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle21 Comments

The Ultimate Day Trip to Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

One of the highlights of my trip to Guatemala was spending a full day at Lake Atitlán. Surrounded by three volcanoes and lined with traditional Mayan villages, this lake is often regarded as the most beautiful in the world, and I can see why. Not only is Lake Atitlán visually stunning, but it also holds the records for largest and deepest lake in Central America. I booked a guided tour to visit multiple villages around the lake, and it was the perfect way to experience its culture, scenery and local life all in one day. If you’re short on time, a day trip like this gives you a real taste of what makes Lake Atitlán so unforgettable. Here’s how to plan the best day trip ever to Lake Atitlán.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle13 Comments

Acatenango, Guatemala: The Ultimate Guide

When I first heard about the Acatenango hike in Guatemala, I thought it sounded like pure madness— an overnight trek with a 5,000 feet (1500m) elevation gain at freezing temperatures, with thin air and little sleep. However, I may be a little insane too as I chose this hike to ring in my 30th birthday! Acatenango is a dormant volcano and the third tallest mountain in Central America at 13,045 feet (3976m) above sea level. However, Acatenango’s claim to fame is Fuego: its 12,346 foot (3763m) tall volcano twin which erupts every half hour. Fuego’s eruptions can be safely observed from the summit and slopes of Acatenango, and is now my most memorable hike to date! This guide covers things to know before climbing Acatenango, including my tour company recommendation.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle19 Comments

8 Reasons to Visit Antigua, Guatemala

If there’s one city in Central America that completely stole my heart, it’s Antigua, Guatemala. Tucked away in a valley surrounded by three volcanoes, this charming colonial town blends centuries-old history with modern charm. Once the colonial capital of Guatemala, Antigua has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts travelers from all over the world. The best part? Antigua is small and walkable, so you can soak up its beauty without the stress of navigating a big city. If you’re planning a trip to Guatemala (or still deciding where to go), let me give you eight solid reasons why Antigua deserves a spot on your itinerary.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle17 Comments

Elle’s Guide to Chichén Itzá in Mexico

Chichén Itzá, located on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once a bustling Maya metropolis, Chichén Itzá is now one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world. While most tourists come to see the famous Temple of Kukulkán pictured above, there are many more must-see spots located in and around Chichén Itzá which showcase the city’s spiritual, cultural, and scientific achievements. In this guide, I’ll share how to plan the best day trip to Chichén Itzá.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle12 Comments

Coba, Mexico’s Climbable Pyramid

Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is famous for its Mayan heritage, with world-renowned sites like Chichén Itzá and Tulum drawing millions of visitors every year. However, hidden in the dense Yucatán jungle lies Coba, an ancient Mayan city that feels far more authentic and off-the-beaten-path. While touching the pyramid temple at Chichén Itzá is strictly forbidden, one can get up close and personal with the pyramids at Coba. Climbing the pyramids at Coba was banned in 2020, but this won’t be for much longer and you’ll see why soon. With that said, let’s dive into Coba: its history, main attractions and practical tips to tour this must-see site.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle10 Comments

Steal My 3-Day Tulum Itinerary & Budget

As I explained in last week’s post, Tulum, Mexico is still worth visiting in 2025. That being said, it’s no secret that Tulum is one of the most expensive places to visit in Mexico so this wasn’t exactly a budget trip. I visited Tulum in August for my honeymoon, and the money we saved by having a micro-wedding was used to splurge on a slightly more expensive than usual vacation which was worth every penny. Read on to see what I did in Tulum for three days and four nights, and how much it costed.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle20 Comments