Bent, Not Broken: Hurricane Melissa

I write this article with a heavy heart. My beautiful Jamaica suffered a hurricane on October 28 with maximum sustained winds of 185mph (298kmh), the most intense Atlantic hurricane to ever make landfall in history. The confirmed death toll in Jamaica so far from Hurricane Melissa is 32, and we fear it may climb as search and rescue operations continue, and connectivity is restored. Thousands of people have lost everything– their homes, furniture, clothes, cars, everything. Five hospitals have been severely damaged, as well as dozens of schools, businesses, churches, roads and other vital infrastructure. The current estimated damage is US$7 billion, one-third of Jamaica’s GDP.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle29 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

Is Tulum Worth Visiting?

Mexico is the most visited country in the Western Hemisphere after the USA, and for good reason. The country boasts an exciting constellation of ancient ruins, colonial cities, stunning cenotes, postcard-perfect beaches, rich culture, delicious food and endless tequila. Tulum, a former Mayan fortress and trading port, experienced a tourism boom in the past 20 years for its well preserved coastal ruins and impeccable beaches. In response, thousands of hotels, beach clubs and other tourism infrastructure sprang up; even an international airport which was opened in 2023! However, while researching for my visit to Tulum, I encountered several articles detailing the rise– and fall, of Tulum. According to these writers, mass tourism had ruined Tulum’s charm, but I ignored these warnings since Cancun’s party atmosphere didn’t appeal to me, and Tulum brought me close to three of Mexico’s best archaeological ruins. Contrary to those reports, I’m pleased to report that Tulum is still worth visiting in 2025. Here’s why.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle19 Comments

Live the Sweet Life at Pure Chocolate Jamaica

Did you know that Jamaica produces some of the world’s best chocolate? According to the International Cocoa Organization, Jamaica is one of only eight countries globally to exclusively produce fine flavour cocoa beans which makes the best chocolate. For centuries, Jamaica mainly exported its cocoa beans and very little chocolate was produced here. However, there are now half-a-dozen local chocolatiers and Jamaican chocolate brands changing the game, one of which is the award-winning Pure Chocolate Jamaica brand in Island Village Mall, Ocho Rios. Every weekend, this chocolate factory opens its doors to chocolate lovers from across the globe, allowing them to participate in a two-hour interactive workshop. I finally made it to Pure Chocolate Jamaica’s workshop last month, so here’s my recap of the tour and how to plan a visit.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle13 Comments

A Visit to the Old Pera Windmill & Beach

Old Pera, a small village in St. Thomas, Jamaica’s easternmost parish, is home to a historic windmill and beach by the same name. Built around 1780, this windmill is a remnant of the sugar estates which once dotted Jamaica. The Pera Estate dates back to 1682 and was originally owned by Sir Thomas Lynch, an English lawyer who had three stints as Governor of Jamaica before his death in 1684. The estate was eventually subdivided into two: New Pera and Old Pera, both of which are sleepy rural villages today. Here’s what’s left of them.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle8 Comments

A Visit to the Stokes Hall Great House in St. Thomas

The Stokes Hall Great House in St. Thomas first piqued my interest three years ago when I researched and visited the Colbeck Castle in Old Harbour, St. Catherine. Both great houses bear some similarity, but Stokes Hall is smaller in size and was built thirty years later. Stokes Hall was constructed in the early 1700s by Luke Stokes, a former Governor of the island of Nevis who came to Jamaica shortly after the British captured the island from the Spanish. Today let’s explore what’s left of the great house.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle9 Comments