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

Stony Gut: Birthplace of Jamaica’s National Hero

Walking through Stony Gut is like walking on Jamaican holy ground. Stony Gut, a tiny village located in St. Thomas, was the birthplace of the Rt. Excellent Paul Bogle, a Jamaican National Hero who led an uprising in 1865 that revolutionized the quality of life of Black people in Jamaica. There isn’t a lot to see there, but the site holds sentimental value. Here’s the history of Stony Gut and what to expect at this National Heritage Site.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle16 Comments

Here’s How To Join A Baby Sea Turtle Release In Oracabessa, Jamaica

Oracabessa, a Jamaican coastal town and Ian Fleming’s favourite getaway, has become a focal point in Caribbean sea turtle conservation. Through the efforts of the Oracabessa Bay Sea Turtle Project, the survival rate of hawksbill sea turtle nests has increased from 37% in 2005 to an impressive 80% today by providing protection from predators and human interference. Each year, between 12,000 to 20,000 hatchlings are released into the Caribbean Sea, contributing to the recovery of this critically endangered species. I finally had the rare opportunity to join a baby sea turtle release earlier this month, so here’s how to enjoy a similar experience and support the work of the Oracabessa Bay Sea Turtle Project.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle10 Comments

Heineken River: A St. Thomas Hidden Gem

Once nicknamed the “Forgotten Parish”, St. Thomas has been receiving more attention these days for its rivers, new housing schemes, Paul Bogle Highway and the recently opened Morant Bay Urban Centre. Heineken River, also known as Heineken Hole, is a delightful swimming spot tucked away in the hills of Ramble, St. Thomas, and deserves the attention it has been receiving recently. I assume this river was named Heineken because of the river bed’s green colour which is similar to that of a Heineken beer bottle, but I could be wrong. Here’s how I stumbled upon Heineken River earlier this month, plus everything you need to know to plan a visit.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle10 Comments

Crescent Falls: A Hidden Waterfall in St. Mary

Sorry TLC, but “Don’t go chasing waterfalls” is advice I’ll never take! I’m fascinated by waterfalls, and am pleased to report that I’ve now visited 30 of Jamaica’s 50+ waterfalls. My thirtieth Jamaican waterfall was another hidden gem: the Crescent Falls in Geddes Town, St. Mary. Here’s how my amusing adventure to Crescent Falls went and what to expect at this off-the-beaten-path treasure.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle12 Comments