Fortunately, however, the foreign imports ban has been lifted and Cubans can now hopefully look towards a more stable financial future. But, for one moment, let’s just appreciate these beautiful and classy cars in Cuba that make their average driver the envy of the entire world.

Classy Cars in Cuba

Will Cuba retain this glorious car tradition? Or will the advent of newer cars turn Cuba’s motoring industry into a clone of the rest of the world? Only time will tell! But we certainly know what we’re hoping for. All you classy cars in Cuba, we salute you!

Suggested next reading: The Perfect West American Road Trip For 2018

The post Classy Cuban Cars Every Car Lover Needs To See appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Overcrowding can be a problem, as can safety concerns (drug trafficking in the area has led to a spike in violent crime over recent years). Cancun also suffers from a lack of authentic flavor and limited choices beyond beach activities.

So, what if you want to keep those stunning Mexican beaches but try something a little different? Is there a way that you can still have the best of Cancun but also take in a little history and escape the crowds? Well, we think the answer is Cozumel, a small island roughly 50 miles to the south.

The island’s main town, San Miguel de Cozumel, is a regular cruise-ship destination, but probe a little beyond this and you’ll find a relatively undeveloped and rugged landscape with loads to see and do.

I spent two weeks there a few years ago and discovered a little speck of land that punches well above its weight as an ideal holiday destination. Here are 6 top things to do in Cozumel.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

The world-famous oceanographer Jacques Cousteau was the first person to really establish Cozumel in the global consciousness, declaring it the best dive site in the world in 1961. Which means that both scuba-diving and snorkeling in Cozumel is must-do.

In a world where many coral reefs are under increasing threat from pollution, overfishing and invasive species, the reefs around Cozumel are in great health. This is thanks largely to the protection of the Cozumel National Marine Park, an organization that has ensured Cozumel’s many dive sites are home to the greatest biodiversity anywhere in the Caribbean.

Hawksbill turtles, rays, sailfish, barracuda and many kinds of shark—including bull sharks—all thrive here. So too does the fantastically named “Splendid Toadfish”, an endemic species that can only be seen at Cozumel.

From June to September divers can book tours to a spot along the Yucatan coast where Whale Sharks, the world’s biggest fish, pass by on their annual migration (although if this is the main reason for your visit then we’d probably recommend Isla Holbox as an alternative destination).

With more than 30 dive sites around Cozumel, there are great spots for all levels of experience. First-time divers should head to the Palancar Gardens. These safe, tranquil waters are ideal for learning the skills and offer a high probability of spotting turtles and nurse sharks among the abundant reef life.

Intermediate divers can head for the Santa Rosa or San Francisco reefs, and the spectacular underground caverns known as the “Cathedral” and the “Devil’s Throat” make Punta Sur reef a rewarding challenge for advanced divers.

Learn more from the experts at PADI here. Or plan your trip here.

Faro Celerain Eco Park

 

Taken on the Cozumel east side prior to the full moon rise with the sun setting in the west. That far away point is Faro Celerain, the lighthouse on the southern tip of the island.

A post shared by Drone Photo & Video (@cozumellivingthedream)

 

A post shared by Jessie Gurunathan (@jessie_guru)

Sometimes also known as “Punta Sur Eco Park”, this conservation area on the island’s far South is a sheltered refuge for a great diversity of bird life, as well as crocodiles and turtles.

At the heart of the park is the “Faro Celerain” lighthouse, a study in understated architectural elegance offering the best panoramic views available on the island. Electric bikes are available to help you explore the area, and don’t forget to get in touch with Cozumel’s past at the ”El Caracol” Mayan ruins.

If you want to explore further, take a kayak or snorkel on the Laguna de Colombia, an inland lake connected to the sea by an underground tunnel, and another welcome haven for marine life.

San Gervasio

The ruins at San Gervasio may not be the grandest of all the Mayan ruins in Cozumel, and even all of Mexico! These Cozumel ruins hold special significance in Maya culture.

Once the spiritual home of the fertility goddess, Ix Chel, Maya women would make pilgrimages from all over the region to present offerings. Writing in 1549, the Bishop of Yucatan described the site this way: “[the Maya] held Cozumel in the same veneration as we have for…Jerusalem and Rome”, and at its heart was San Gervasio.

This is a place where you can wander through the remains of an ancient civilization in peace and solitude—sadly no longer an experience you can still enjoy in many similar sites around the world.

Visit A Pearl Farm

Take a boat from downtown San Miguel, head to the North side of the island—passing a half-sunken ship on your way—and eventually you will touch shore on the satin-white beach that is home to the Cozumel Pearl Farm, a small family-run business that may well have the most paradisiacal headquarters of any company in the world.

The same Hurricane Wilma that destroyed the boat you passed en-route also had a devastating effect on the farm; learn how the farm recovered and how they operate today, before snorkeling out to see the hatchery.

Afterward, there’s plenty of time to relax on your own private beach, enjoy the family’s excellent hospitality and laze in a hammock.

You can book your trip here.

Explore The Deserted East Side Of The Island

Ultimately the main charm of Cozumel is Cozumel itself. The island is easily small enough to drive around in a day, and once you get away from the towns on the west side of the island you’ll discover deserted beaches, spectacular rock formations and a slow Caribbean pace of life that feels a million miles away from Cancun.

Small towns along the coast road offer a chance to gain an insight into Mexican island life away from the tourist crowds. Stop, have a drink and sample local seafood as you make your way slowly down the coast.

A personal highlight of this area was the blowholes formed in the limestone rocks, openings where the sea shoots upwards like a geyser with each incoming wave.

I literally had to be dragged away.

Chichen Itza

Okay, this one is a bit of a cheat because you definitely can do this one from the mainland. Still, it has to be on any visitor’s bucket list when visiting anywhere in this region, so I couldn’t leave it off.

Chichen Itza is well-known and is every bit as awe-inspiring as you’d imagine. I’m not good enough a writer to do this place justice (it’s simply indescribable) so I’ll just mention a few practical things to help with your visit.

• To get there you’ll need to take a ferry to Playa del Carmen on the mainland. This takes about an hour. From there, its roughly a 90-minute overland drive so be prepared for a long day of traveling. Pack some lunch or eat off-site as food nearer the site is overpriced. There are a number of tour operators working in Cozumel and neighboring Playa del Carmen, so shop around for the best deal.
• The Castillo is almost synonymous with Chichen Itza but is actually part of a much wider site, all of which is well worth your time to explore. Make sure to leave yourself enough time if traveling independently.
• On the Spring and Autumn Equinox, the precise position of the sun casts shadows down the staircase of the Castillo that resemble the serpent god Kukulkan wriggling down the side of the structure. The precise engineering and understanding of astronomy that makes this possible still boggles my mind even now, so try to time your trip around this if you can.

To see more of Chichen Itza, check this out below (hint: skip to 6:33)!

So that’s our guide to Cozumel: all the fun and sun of Cancun but with some authentic local history, biodiversity, and some of the world’s best diving thrown in.

An island paradise where the buzzing nightlife of San Miguel is only a stone’s throw from beaches you can have all to yourself. And if that wasn’t enough to convince you, a recent study reveals it to be the most affordable holiday destination in the Caribbean, so you really have no excuse to miss out.

Suggested next reading: Dominican Republic: How To Experience The Best Of The Caribbean For Dirt Cheap

The post Snorkeling With Sharks To Mayan Ruins: 6 Top Things To Do In Cozumel appeared first on Modern Trekker.

So we saved as much money as we could and we went, without really knowing what to expect. I thought it would be nice but I didn’t suppose we’d quite find the picture-postcard tropical paradise you’d experience in, say, St. Lucia or Barbados.

Wrong. The Dominican Republic has some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever laid eyes on. Not only that, Hispaniola is one of the most geographically varied islands in the region—mangroves, jungles, mountains and river canyons make up much of the country’s interior—and there are wonderful cities too, alive with people and rich in culture.

Several years later, with a bit more money to spend and the whole world now within reach, we went back. Simply put, we’d fallen in love with the place.

These are the reasons we did, and why I think you will too.

The Beaches

Let’s face it, this is probably the reason you want to go to the Caribbean. The good news is that with nearly 800 miles of coastline, the Dominican Republic has a host of fantastic beaches to choose from.

Punta Cana, on the far Eastern tip of the island, is one of the most developed and popular resorts in the Dominican Republic. The region has both an Atlantic and Caribbean coastline, meaning you can experience the best of both worlds. The windier, rougher beaches on the North are ideal for windsurfing or sailing, while the South enjoys the calm waters more commonly associated with the Caribbean. Whether you choose to dive with dolphins and sharks or trek the jungle on horseback, the list of possibilities here is almost endless.

Further North is the more laid-back destination of Samana. This place is paradise for people who just want to unwind, offering white sands and crystal-clear waters to rival any beach in the Caribbean. Samana is also the perfect destination for a winter break. The months of January to March are when humpback whales flock to this area to breed, allowing you to marvel at these graceful creatures up-close as they calve in those safe, tranquil waters, well away from predators.

Another must-see near Samana is the island of Cayo Levantado, more commonly known as ‘Bacardi Island’, a short boat ride from the mainland. This hidden gem gets its name because it was used in advertising for Bacardi a few decades ago. As you’d expect, it’s every inch the tropical paradise you’ve been dreaming of. The best part is how undiscovered it still feels: on my journey, I remember sharing the entire beach with no more than a dozen other people, and this is by no means an uncommon experience. Imagine relaxing in your own personal slice of heaven, watching the palm trees sway in the breeze and think about all those overcrowded beaches elsewhere in the Caribbean. You paid a lot less to be here than they did to be there.

My last beach recommendation is one for the thrill-seekers. The town of Cabarete benefits from long, broad and windy beaches, making it ideal for kiteboarding and surfing. As well as its golden sands, the town itself has an interesting history, having been founded by freed Floridian slaves in 1835. A short bus ride away is Sosua, a beach with white sands and coral reefs, perfect for scuba divers and humpbacks alike. The caves at nearby ‘El Choco National Park’ form stunning natural pools in the jungle where you escape the heat with a nice dip, or for explorers looking for a more high-adrenaline adventure, why not try canyoning? You’ll abseil down cliffs, take daring 60 feet leaps into inviting turquoise pools, and scoot down natural water-slides carved out by the river. We booked through Iguana Mama, and though it’s quite an expensive trip, their expertise more than makes up for this.

A post shared by KT (@wolfwalkstalk) on Dec 29, 2015 at 6:06am PST

(Disclaimer: We have no financial incentive to promote Iguana Mama Tours)

The Best of the Rest

The Dominican Republic offers some epic adventures and glorious beaches, but what really sets it apart—for me at least—is that it’s so much more than this. It’s a thriving country with a compelling history, vibrant culture and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Here’s how to make the most of the rest of your stay…

Visit Santo Domingo

Founded by Bartholomew Columbus in 1496, Santo Domingo is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas. If you’re at all interested in the turbulent and complex history of colonialism, Santo Domingo offers ample material for your edification. The Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor makes for a stunning highlight; however, Santo Domingo is also home to the first monastery, castle, fortress and university in the Americas, and such a wealth of important historic sites in the “Colonial Zone” mean its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is very well-deserved. Modern Santo Domingo is an attractive, modern, and economically-developed city that benefits from large migrant populations, making it a true melting-pot of the region.

Buy Larimar

I’m not usually one for jewelry, but Larimar is special. The Dominican Republic is the only place on Earth this rare gemstone is found. When I look at those pale blues and whites I’m instantly transported back to its gorgeous beaches; to the market vendors talking and laughing together in the sunshine; to the mysterious inland jungles. Larimar is not about trying to make myself look good—that ship has long since sailed anyway—it’s about remembering a unique and beautiful country. It’s not about me, it’s about them. That’s why I love it and why I can’t think of any better gift or memento.

“Did you bring me anything back from holiday?”

“Not much, just a rare and beautiful gemstone that can only be found in one tiny corner of the Earth”

*Drops the mic, walks away*

And here’s the kicker: as is so often the case with the Dominican Republic, it’s a lot more affordable than you might think, even for teenage waiters.

A post shared by Lucas Gardner (@thecrystalencompass) on Jun 24, 2018 at 12:53pm PDT

Indulge a Little

We generally try to promote a healthy lifestyle here at Modern Trekker, but a little of what you like can’t hurt from time-to-time. Like many countries in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is famous for its excellent rum and cigars, both of which are not just a treat for the senses but are also important for understanding the country’s economy and traditions. Many tour-operators organize trips where you can see and sample fine hand-rolled cigars which rival even Cuba’s for taste and quality (the vanilla option was a personal favorite). There are also a number of rum distilleries that offer a chance for you to witness the manufacturing process and maybe buy a bottle or two for the road. I’ll be honest, I’m not a big fan of rum myself but I still had an informative and interesting experience nonetheless.

A post shared by Eleftherios Hanialidis (@eleftherios_hanialidis) on Sep 19, 2016 at 11:31am PDT

My enthusiasm for this country has already carried me over my intended word limit so I’ll keep this brief. If you’re planning to visit the Caribbean, if you want to keep costs down but don’t want to compromise your dream, if you’re looking for beautiful beaches, friendly people, safe cities and lots of adventure, go to the Dominican Republic.

Go there now.

Suggested next reading: Why You Definitely Need To Visit Providencia Island This Year

The post Dominican Republic: How To Experience The Best Of The Caribbean For Dirt Cheap appeared first on Modern Trekker.

1. Beaches

There’s a reason every major hotel chain is trying to come to the island and get prime real estate on Providencia’s pristine beaches. If you are looking for empty, tropical beaches with white sand, you’ve come to the right place because Providencia has many. I suggest renting a scooter and visiting a different one each day. Each beach has its own feel. Manzanillo Beach is the perfect place to hang out and grab a drink as it is home to Roland’s Roots Reggae Bar. Roland’s serves food and drinks during the day and at night, hosts beach parties with live music. Almond Bay is the exact opposite. It is a secluded beach on the island’s west coast. It’s hard to find, but well worth the visit. It has a small snack bar, but not much else. It truly is a slice of paradise. Whether you are in a party mood or want chill vibes, Providencia has a beach that’s right for you.

A post shared by ᴇɴʟɪɢʜᴛᴇɴᴇᴅ ᴠɪꜱᴜᴀʟ ᴀʀᴛꜱ (@wandering.buddha) on Apr 14, 2018 at 6:32am PDT

2. Seafood

If you don’t like seafood, skip over this section because this is the part where I tell you all about the fresh, mouth-watering fish that Providencia has to offer. It’s really no surprise that Providencia has incredible seafood, but the way they cook it with Creole-inspired spices is what really makes the dishes stand out. There are a few seafood restaurants that are worth visiting but Café Studio was my hands down favorite. Located in the southwestern corner of the island, Café Studio is easy to miss if you don’t know where it is. It’s inconveniently situated right after a big bend in the road, but the outside seating, reggae music, refreshing drinks, and the freshest seafood I’ve ever tasted made it more than worthwhile the multiple visits I spent there. My favorite dish that I had was their everything plate. It’s a simple dish. They stuff the plate with rice, shrimp, plantains, haddock, a crab cake concoction, and some sort of fried fish ball. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but I highly recommend trying the everything plate. You’ll find yourself coming back for more. As an added bonus, I hear their pies are delicious so, if you have a sweet tooth that needs to be satisfied, then Café Studio is the place you need to go.

A post shared by Petra Zezulová (@petulka_z) on Apr 1, 2018 at 6:30pm PDT

3. Remote

Providencia is about 10 years behind when it comes to WIFI and wireless internet connection so don’t come to the island if you need to get work done. There are only a few places on the island where you can get a somewhat decent internet connection. You can easily find them because you can spot tourists and locals alike crowded around different town squares, looking at their phones. I loved the fact that it was remote and, to be honest, it made the visit that much better. I found it to be old school. If you are meeting someone, you have to tell them a time and place in advance. This makes Providencia the perfect place to get away from all of the daily stress and relax. It’s also a great place to come and do a detox from your phone if you’ve found yourself spending too much time on your phone in your hostel at night. It was refreshing to see kids being kids, playing in the street, and not texting or scrolling through Instagram. I hope Providencia never loses this.

A post shared by Cha Gautier (@cha_gautier) on May 18, 2018 at 4:48pm PDT

4. Friendly Locals

Speaking of locals, Providencia’s inhabitants are extremely kind and love to share their island with others. Surprisingly, many prefer to speak English and are always interested in why you decided to visit their little slice of paradise. My best experience was when I was on Manzanillo Beach. I was enjoying the day with a friend when a group of local boys invited us to play rugby with them. We’d never played rugby before so they explained the rules to us and we ended up playing several games with them for hours. After playing well past sunset, they invited us to a birthday party where we got to try local dishes and meet even more locals. They were all fascinated by how we ended up visiting Providencia and we chatted late into the night over beers. They were some of the friendliest people I’ve met anywhere in the world and you can feel they genuinely want you to enjoy your time on Providencia. The friendly locals alone are enough of a reason to visit.

5. Crab Cay

While not technically part of Providencia Island, Crab Cay is a short boat or kayak trip away. The island itself lies about a kilometer offshore from the eastern side of Providencia. I recommend renting kayaks and paddling for about 30 minutes each way to reach Crab Cay. The island is a protected natural park and has endangered coral reefs surrounding it. Once on the island, you can go snorkeling with sea turtles and other colorful, rare fish in some of the bluest water you’ll ever see. The turtles are not scared of humans and you can swim right next to them. It’s an incredible experience! Afterward, hike up to the top of the hill for an amazing view of Providencia. Be sure to go to Crab Cay early at 9 AM when it opens because the island fills up quickly. There’s nothing better than having an island to yourself. So, go visit Providencia Island!

To get a deeper understanding before you visit Providencia Island, we highly recommend watching the following clip that showcases what the island life is all about:

Suggested next reading: How I Experienced 3 Weeks In The Galapagos Islands For $800

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