Pursuing Shorter Overland (or Backpacking) Adventures
August 8, 2019
Pursuing Shorter Overland (or Backpacking) Adventures
Pursuing Shorter Overland (or Backpacking) Adventures
“Destinations for 2-3 Weeks”
Overlanding is one of the best ways to chase world-class adventures—especially off the beaten path. But let’s be real: not everyone has the time for long-term expeditions. If your next trip is only 2–3 weeks, you can still do something transformative. Here’s how, using only public transport—or better, a rental car or SUV for flexibility.
Destinations for 2–3 Weeks
Mexico – Oaxaca
- Spend a week in Oaxaca City exploring local culture and indigenous communities.
- Head to the coast for beach time in Zipolite, or go further east to Parque Nacional Lagunas de Chacahua.
- Alternatively, stay on the Yucatán side in Playa del Carmen—great for cenote and reef snorkeling, plus Mayan ruins.
Belize
- English-speaking and welcoming, Belize makes travel easy.
- Skip the typical tourist zone and head to Placencia for diving, snorkeling, and exploring Garifuna and Maya communities.
- Don’t miss the cable through lush forests on the Hummingbird Highway—home to cenotes and caves.
Destinations for 2-3 Weeks
Guatemala
- Fly into Antigua and explore beautiful colonial heritage.
- Visit Lake Atitlán, hike Acatenango volcano, or go west into Todos Santos and its indigenous communities.
Note: Guatemala City has a higher crime rate, but the destinations beyond are enriching and safe.
Colombia
Though underrated due to past reputations, Colombia is bursting with rich experiences.
- One route: Bogotá → Cathedral de Sal → Barichara/Villa de Leyva hiking in the Paramo de Iguaque.
- Another: Medellín → coffee region → hot springs east of San Vicente → walk among wax palms in Valle de Cocora.
- Or: Cartagena’s charm → then beaches east of Santa Marta (skip Barranquilla unless you’re there for Carnival!).
Ecuador
- A week in the Galápagos is classic—and pair it with volcanoes and indigenous culture near Quito.
- Other options: soak in Papallacta hot springs and visit the Amazon at Puerto Misahuallí, or head south to Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, or west for birding in Mindo.
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