Tag: Gems

  • Sarandë, Albania Travel Guide: Must-See Sights, Hidden Gems & Local Tips From An Expert

    Sarandë, Albania Travel Guide: Must-See Sights, Hidden Gems & Local Tips From An Expert

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    The tricky thing about going somewhere that’s just recently become popular is that while everyone wants to see what the hype is all about, few actually know how to get the most out of the experience.

    That’s exactly the case with Sanadë (or Saranda), Albania, a place that’s set to become one of Europe’s trendiest beachy hotspots this summer yet remains unknown to most people.

    umbrellas on a beach in ksamil, saranda, albania

    Where to go? What to see? What’s worth doing? How to stay safe, on a budget, and certain that you’re getting the most out of the experience?

    Luckily for you, I’ve already vacationed in Saranda more than a dozen times by this point, and I’m here to share everything I’ve learned during my time in the city, answering all of these questions and more in the process.

    So, if you’re planning on exploring some of the most gorgeous places on the Albanian Riviera this summer, this is the only travel guide you need.

    ksamil coastline, saranda, albania

    The Best Things To Do And See In Saranda

    While there’s a lot to be said about the value of flexibility and spontaneity when it comes to a great travel experience, when going somewhere as undiscovered (and unpredictable) as Albania, having at least a faint idea of an itinerary will always work in your favor.

    saranda from above

    In Saranda, however, you might be overwhelmed by the sheer number of hotels, bars, and restaurants that seem to have taken over the city, and, as you might’ve guessed, while some are genuinely great places where your money goes a long way, others are just tourist traps not with the time of day.

    I’m here to help you figure out where it’s actually worth going.

    Where To Stay?

    There are some truly fantastic hotels in Saranda (places like Hotel Bahamas and Santa Quaranta offer excellent value for the $100-something price tag), but most locals coming to the city opt for short-term rentals instead.

    santa quaranta, saranda hotel

    Now, I’ve stayed in beautiful apartments in the city center for just $40 a night, but these are usually unlisted on booking sites and only found through acquaintances, so if you’re looking for that type of price or experience, you’ll want to reach out to a local or another traveler who’s been to Saranda; Facebook groups are great for that kind of thing.

    Alternatively, you can always book Airbnbs, which, generally speaking, are far better-managed and decently priced in Europe than they are in the U.S. – cute little 1-bedrooms in the city center rarely cost more than $50 a night.

    Where To Eat?

    One thing about food in Saranda is that while it’s not anything groundbreaking, it’s reliably tasty.

    Albanian Food Set On The Table At A Restaurant In Albania, Eastern Europe

    Below, I’ll list some of the places I’ve found myself turning to time and time again during my time in the city:

    • L’arte Della Pizza
    • Balbi 34
    • Why Not? – Burger Bar
    • Restaurant Pupi
    • Oda e Babës

    Where To Go At Night?

    So, you’ve been to the beach, you had your lunch, and now it’s nighttime and you’re rested, dressed up, and ready to go out – where do you go?

    Well, if you’re looking for the classic club experience, Jericho and Vamos are your best bets – during summer there’s a party going on every single night, and unless you’re there during a particularly busy time, you won’t need a reservation, either.

    people dancing at a nightcub

    On the other hand, those looking for just a laid-back night with a good drink in their hand can head over to one of my favorite places in the city – Noname Cocktail Bar.

    It’s a small, dimly lit place that makes some of the best cocktails in the city for under $10.

    The music is great but not so loud that you can’t hear yourself talking, and it’s right on the main promenade so you can watch the people go by and take in that summer sea breeze – it’s always been one of the highlights of my Saranda trips.

    The Best Beach In Saranda

    The first beaches you’ll see once you set foot in Saranda are the ones located just beside the promenade.

    Aerial View Of Saranda, A City On The Albanian Riviera Facing The Turquoise Colored Adriatic Mediterranean Sea, Albania, Balkan Peninsula, South Eastern Europe

    Now, these are called “public beaches,” but you’ll still get charged if you use the sunbeds here, though the price will be notably lower than what you’ll pay in nearby private beaches – between $4 and $5 for a set of two loungers and an umbrella depending on the month.

    With that said, bringing your own umbrella and towels/chair is totally acceptable (which is more than what can be said for most private beaches in Saranda), and obviously free.

    However, if you’re coming all the way to Albania, spending your days on such a sub-par and poorly organized beach is, in my opinion, a waste of time, especially when there are so many better options.

    Pulebardha Beach Between Ksamil And Saranda In Albania, South Eastern Europe

    Sunbeds here are a bit pricier, ranging between $15-$20 a day, but you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck since the beach is clean and well-maintained, the service is great, and the water is just to die for.

    There are even small, unoccupied areas where you can lounge around for free, but these are pretty small and rocky, so make sure to weigh out the pros and cons beforehand.

    But while this is my favorite beach within Saranda, it still doesn’t hold a candle to the places you’ll find outside the city, so make sure to budget for some day trips during your Albanian summer getaway. 

    ksamil beach

    Exploring The Region Beyond The Main City

    Saranda is the type of city that never leaves you bored, but there’s just so much to see and do in nearby villages that spending your entire holiday in the city would honestly be a waste of opportunity.

    Let’s start with beaches since that’s probably what you’re here to see in the first place.

    I’ve loved Pasqyra Beach since the first day I set foot in it.

    pasqyra (mirror) beach, saranda, albania

    It was 2013, and this was the first beach I saw that checked every single box – it had padded wooden sunbeds and straw umbrellas, the ground was pebbly but not uncomfortable, there were people there, but it wasn’t too crowded, the sea was as crystal-clear as they come, and I only paid about $7 for a pair of loungers – that’s a great price to pay for what feels like your own tropical paradise.

    Granted, that price has gone up to ~$20 now, but not much else has changed.

    people in pasqyra (mirror) beach, saranda, albania

    In fact, this hidden Albanian gem was named the beach with the bluest waters in the world, leaving behind far better-known places.

    Other beaches you won’t want to miss out on during your travels in Saranda include Ksamil, Livadi, and Jala, but I’d advise against going to Dhërmi – it truly is gorgeous, but over-tourism has unfortunately turned it into a mismanaged, overpriced mess.

    For those who want to enjoy something beyond the daily sunbathing sessions, Syri i Kaltër and Butrint National Archaeological Park are not to be missed.

    Greek Amphitheatre In Butrint, Albania

    How To Stay Safe And Avoid Getting Overcharged

    What most travelers consider before going to Albania is whether it’s truly safe.

    I’m happy to report that Saranda is one of the safest places I’ve vacationed in my life.

    Even when I walked home at 3 A.M. from the club, I never felt unsafe, not in the promenade (which was still relatively busy even at that hour), nor in the more quiet neighborhoods I had to walk through on my way back.

    aerial view of Saranda, Albania

    Now, I’m not saying what I did was a good idea since normal safety precautions are always necessary (especially if you’re traveling alone), but it goes to show just how safe and non-threatening the atmosphere is here.

    One risk you do run, though, is that of getting overcharged.

    Locals are notorious for trying to squeeze a few extra bucks from visitors, so my top tips to always get fair prices include:

    euro currency
    • While the euro has lost quite a bit of power to the Albanian Lek these past few months, 1€ is still not equal to 100 Lek (that’s the exchange rate most businesses quote foreigners), so always use the local currency if possible.
    • Stick to bigger money exchange places located in the city center, if you can check out online reviews, all the better.
    • When renting a sunbed, always ask other people or an employee about how much they cost BEFORE you actually sit down, that way, you can make an informed decision and avoid any potential confrontations down the line.
    • Only go to restaurants where the menus have clearly marked-out prices.
    • Only use reputable taxi services like Saranda Taxi 715 (+355 69 669 0142) and try to steer away from random drivers trying to poach tourists in the streets.

    And with that last bit of information, you’re now 100% ready to make the most out of your Saranda vacation – I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

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  • Insider Tips Unveiling the Scottish Highlands’ Hidden Gems

    Insider Tips Unveiling the Scottish Highlands’ Hidden Gems

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    Imagine the most beautiful beach you’ve ever been on.

    Feel the sand in between your toes, the gentle breeze brushing through your hair, no sound other than that of rolling waves gently crashing on the shore.

    You’re probably imagining somewhere in the Caribbean?

    One of my own personal ‘daydream beaches’ is in a country you absolutely would not expect. Not Spain, not Thailand, not Mexico – but Scotland.

    Buachaille Etive Mor mountain in glencoe with a small road bridge in the foreground in scotland

    That’s right.

    Little old Scotland has some utterly outstandingly beautiful beaches in its northern reaches, often places where you won’t see another soul. 

    Those beaches are just one of the many hidden gems dotted around the Scottish Highlands – and I’m going to help you plan your dream trip to this country that is growing in popularity among travelers.

    Arriving In Scotland

    Chances are that the first place you arrive in Scotland will be Edinburgh, which is a fantastic destination in its own right and also regarded as one of the friendliest cities in the whole UK.

    You can fly nonstop to the Scottish capital from several different cities in the United States including:

    • Washington D.C. 
    • New York (JFK) 
    • Chicago 
    • Atlanta 
    • Boston
    • Orlando

    Flight time from the United States to Edinburgh is roughly the same as it is to London, so anywhere between 7 and 10 hours, depending on which part of the country you are flying from.

    view of the royal mile in edinburgh scotland on a sunny day

    Naturally, the most expensive time to fly there is in the summer, when return flights come it at around the $1,200 mark. 

    However, if you travel in spring or fall, you can get flights for more like $750 per person.

    I love Edinburgh, however, any time I’m there, I always find myself thinking of the beautiful northern landscapes beyond the city, and that’s hopefully what I’ll be able to help you enjoy too with this article.

    What Are The Unmissable Destinations In Scotland?

    This is, of course, a hard thing to define, but after spending just over a month traveling around Scotland last summer, I’m going to give you my thoughts on where I think is unmissable and why.

    The Isle Of Skye

    Perhaps the most iconic region in all of the Scottish Highlands, this rugged island (accessed by a road bridge) is home to some amazing sights of natural beauty and also manmade wonders. 

    The charming coastal town of Portree is a great place to start, awash with wonderful cafes, restaurants, and independent businesses.

    male traveler looks out at old man of storr on isle of skye scotland
    Photo by David Guest

    My best recommendations are The Chippy to get a sample of the British classic that is fish and chips, and then a few doors up the amazingly well-stocked Carmina Gadelica bookshop. 

    Portree is a great base camp to visit a couple of Skye’s most famous sights – the Old Man of Storr rock formation and the beautiful Quiraing mountain. 

    Both can be reached via moderate hikes, and there are ample car parks around the area to access the trails.

    Fort William

    Scotland’s original mountain town is best known for being the base camp for climbers who set their sights on the highest peak in the UK, Ben Nevis. 

    aerial view of fort william in scotland with ben nevis mountain in the background

    Even if climbing is not your thing, Fort William is a great place to spend a few days.

    Mist shrouds the peaks surrounding you, and ships gently shuttle in and out of the nearby Loch Linnhe.

    Two places you can’t miss in Fort William are the West Highland Museum and Black Isle Bar, a chilled bar run by a brewery, which serves the best pizza in town.

    Fort William is also right next to another of the Highlands’ unmissable destinations and that’s Glencoe (the amazing place in the header image of this article).

    Inverness

    I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there’s just something about Inverness that I really like. 

    Often referred to as the Gateway to the Highlands, Inverness has plenty of hotels to cater to different budgets and a wide range of attractions.

    dolphins feeding in the moray firth just north of inverness in scotland

    Also, if you thought the bookshop in Portree was good, Leakey’s Bookshop of Inverness is on another level. 

    It’s a little touristy, but you can avoid that by checking out hidden gems such as the Botanic Gardens or finding a spot along the Moray Firth north of the town where bottlenose dolphins can often be seen at many times of year.

    Inverness is also the closest big town to Loch Ness, which is worth seeing if you want to, but I wouldn’t necessarily include it as an unmissable attraction – under the myths and legends, it is simply a long and narrow body of water.

    It’s great for views, and if you want to try your hand at kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, just don’t expect to spy any monsters. 

    Some Lesser-Known Scottish Highland Gems

    Cairngorms National Park

    Absolutely my favorite place in all of Scotland, this huge national park is a mix of imperious mountains, lush pine forests, and beautiful lochs with the clearest water you’ve ever seen.

    car parked on the shores of loch morlich in the cairngorms national park
    Photo by David Guest

    One of the best towns to visit on the edge of this wonder is Aviemore, a bustling hub of outdoor sports enthusiasts and adventurers. 

    To the north of here, you will a few of Scotland’s best-known whiskey distilleries in the Speyside area.

    Summer Isles

    This is probably the most remote place I will mention here, a collection of around 20 stunning islands just off the west coast north of Ullapool. 

    two hikers pose for a photo near the summer isles in scotland
    Photo by David Guest

    You can view them spectacularly from the mainland near the coast or get a boat tour around where you’ll see some impressive wildlife and be left with a feeling that you’ve reached the very end of the world.

    Durness

    Remember when I was rambling on about the beach to end all beaches in the intro?

    This is it.

    Durness Beach and Sango Sands are located on Scotland’s north coast near the town of Durness, funnily enough. 

    durness beach on the north coast of scotland on a beautiful sunny day
    Photo by David Guest

    Expect perfect white sands, stunning turquoise water, and not many people at all – similar can be found at nearby Balnakeil Beach.

    Sure, it might not be as warm as the Caribbean, but I’d venture it’s every bit as beautiful.

    Which Places Could You Skip?

    Again, this is subjective, but there were a few places in Scotland that just didn’t quite feel worth the effort to get there for me.

    One is John O’Groats, the northernmost point in the UK.

    Despite the legend and aura surrounding it, it is just essentially a signpost on the coast that is quite far from anything else particularly interesting.

    signpost at john ogroats the most northern point in the united kingdom

    Equally, I would include Loch Ness in the list of places that have a reputation that is probably a little overexaggerated.

    It’s a nice place, for sure, but not necessarily worth detouring south for unless you really want to tick it off.

    How To Plan A Route Around The Highlands

    Because of how remote some of the best places are in the Highlands, the best choice of transport is hiring a car (or if you want to really wild it up like we did, a campervan).

    There are some places you can get the train to and public transport in Scotland on buses is reasonably priced and well-run, but if you like to have a bit of freedom and flexibility, driving is the best way to do it.

    With Edinburgh as your starting point, you have a few options.

    a winding scottish road in the highlands with a stunning mountain in the background
    Photo by David Guest

    My preferred route is driving north on the M90 highway, past Perth until it becomes a smaller road known as the A9.

    This skirts around the edge of the Cairngorms National Park (the biggest national park in the UK) and will eventually land you in Inverness. 

    You may have heard of the much-fabled North Coast 500 touring route, but I prefer to skip out on a large part of this and cut across from Inverness to the northwest corner of Scotland via Lairg.

    In Lairg, you can choose to go straight north to the north coast (Tongue and Talmine are stunning spots) and then work your way down the west coast, or just cut straight across to the west coast to a beautiful spot called Scourie. 

    sunset at scourie on the north west coast of scotalnd in the highlands
    Photo by David Guest

    From here, you can work your way back down towards Glasgow, which is about a one-hour drive from Edinburgh via the M8 highway.

    What Is Driving Like In Scotland?

    Despite the Highlands being a remote region where only around 600,000 people live, the roads here are of a good standard.

    Even when you reach remote places where the roads can only fit one car, there are always plenty of passing places to take the stress away.

    a passing place sign in the highlands of scotland to help cars pass safely on the road
    Photo by David Guest

    The narrow and windy nature of some of the roads (there aren’t many highways north of Inverness) means you will have to adjust your expectations when it comes to journey times compared to the distance you’re covering.

    For example, the drive from Scourie in the northwest to Portree on Skye is around 160 miles (about the same distance between Austin and Houston in Texas), but it will likely take you around four hours, maybe even four-and-a-half with a stop.

    A slower pace is the best way to stay safe on the roads and also enjoy the epic scenery you’ll be driving through. 

    How Much Should I Budget?

    This won’t be the cheapest trip you’ve ever been on, that’s for sure.

    After a transatlantic flight, you will be looking at a reasonable chunk of your budget being taken by car rental – expect $30-$50 a day, depending on what you choose.

    Gas is also around 40% more expensive in the UK than in the United States. 

    ard neackie lime kilns in loch eriboll in the northern scottish highlands

    Hostels are an option to keep accommodation costs down, and if you want a real budget choice then you could consider camping (can be as cheap as $25 a night).

    One of my top tips is to go to hotels’ websites directly after finding them on a comparison site, as they seem to offer better deals this way quite consistently. The average price of a moderate hotel should come through at about $110-$130 per night.

    On a road trip like this, another great way to save money is to get a cooler and fill it to the brim when you’re near a supermarket or store – that way, you’ll have lunches and breakfasts covered while you’re traveling around. 

    You Won’t Regret It

    That’s my number one piece of advice about visiting the more remote parts of Scotland.

    the mountain ben loyal near tongue in the noprth west of the highlands in scotland

    Sure, the cities of this wonderful country are great and absolutely worth visiting, but while you’re there, with just a little more effort, you can see deep into Scotland’s soul and quickly realize why it has inspired so many poets, artists, and writers (guilty) over the eons. 

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  • These Are The 6 U.S. States With The Most Hidden Gems To Visit Right Now

    These Are The 6 U.S. States With The Most Hidden Gems To Visit Right Now

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    It seems more and more like there are very few undiscovered places left in the world.

    The most beautiful or interesting sites are plastered all over social media by travelers keen to share their discoveries.  

    People walking through a park

    But there are still plenty of hidden gems dotted across the U.S.

    These are exciting attractions that aren’t quite so well-known and are great places to enjoy an adventure outside the obvious landmarks.  

    These are the 6 U.S. States with the most hidden gems to visit right now:  

    6. Maine 

    The state with the 6th highest number of hidden gems is Maine.

    Tourists visit Maine for its outdoor activities and a whopping 90% of the state is covered in trees.  

    View from North Bubble, in Acadia National Park, Maine.

    Maine also boasts 3,500 miles of coastline, which attracts rafters and water sport enthusiasts, and some of the most popular attractions in the state include the Acadia National Park as well as the Portland Museum of Art.  

    Some of the best-hidden gem attractions in the state include the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and the Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse. Outdoor pursuits dominate here and it’s a perfect destination for outdoorsy types and adventure lovers.  

    5. Utah 

    Utah is the U.S. State with the 5th highest number of hidden gems. 219 of the 4,126 attractions in the State are considered hidden gems.  

    Landscape in the petrified forest of Escalante Utah

    Some of the best hidden gem attractions in Utah include the Capitol Reef National Park or the Escalante Petrified Forest State Park.  

    Utah is best known for its incredible scenic views and wide range of beautiful National Parks. With its high desert mountains and plummeting canyons, you’re sure to fall in love with the hidden gems of this red rock state.  

    4. Hawaii 

    It’s impossible to believe that Hawaii boasts any hidden gems, considering the huge number of tourists that visit the State each year. But despite this there are plenty of lesser-known attractions to enjoy and explore here. 

    According to the report, there are 418 hidden gem attractions in Hawaii.   

    hawaii waterfall

    Of course, Hawaii is best known for its outstanding natural beauty and stunning beaches. Active volcanoes, tall peaks, an incredible array of wildlife and white sand beaches all attract travelers to Hawaii.

    If you want to get off the beaten path then some of the state’s main hidden gem attractions include the Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden, Likeke falls, and the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden.  

    3. Wyoming 

    Some of Wyoming’s most famous attractions include the famous Yellowstone National Park, the beautiful hot springs, and the diverse array of wildlife throughout the state.  

    But as well as these obvious attractions there are also a whopping 120 attractions in Wyoming that are considered to be hidden gems.  

    Sunrise-at-Devils-Tower-Wyoming

    One of the best of these is the Devil’s Tower National Monument. This is a 870 foot stone monument that is the center of many native Indian religious ceremonies and offer spectacular views.  

    It’s worth noting that in June, climbing the tower is suspended due to the Native Americans holding their ceremonies, so you should avoid visiting then if possible.  

    2. Alaska 

    Alaska is a breathtaking destination with a well-deserved reputation for its natural beauty, wide-open spaces, mountains and glaciers.  

    The tallest mountain in North America is in Alaska in the heart of the State’s Denali National Park and Preserve. Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park also attracts visitors from all over the world for its stunning fjords and glaciers.  

    Flowery-Meadow-In-Lupine-Alaska-With-Mountains

    But as well as these famous and obvious attractions, you’ll also find a huge number of lesser-known hidden gems in Alaska, which is the destination with the second-largest percentage of hidden gems in the U.S. 

    One of the best-hidden gems in Alaska is the Alaska Native Heritage Center. This is a great place to learn more about Alaskan native culture and features a life-sized village where you can experience dancing, crafts, and storytelling. 

    1. Colorado 

    Colorado is officially the U.S. state with the highest number of hidden gems. According to recent research a whopping 10.51% of attractions in the state are classified as hidden gems.  

    garden of the gods rock formations in colorado

    There are many wonderful attractions for both national and international visitors, and 996 of them are considered to be hidden gems. One of the best of these is the Garden Of The Gods.

    This is a huge park located in Colorado Springs and boasts some of the best rock climbing and hiking routes in the state.  

    If you’re looking for something a little more mainstream, then the blend of cities, mountains, and valleys makes Colorado well worth visiting, some of its biggest attractions include the Rocky Mountains National Park and the Denver Botanic Garden.  

    Read More:

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  • Mexico Will Launch A New Incredible Train Route Visiting Lesser-Known Gems In 2024

    Mexico Will Launch A New Incredible Train Route Visiting Lesser-Known Gems In 2024

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    Last year, the Maya Train marked the triumphant return of the passenger railway in the Yucatan Peninsula after almost a century of defunding and lack of investment. It now connects all of the top tourist attractions around the Yucatán Peninsula, including Cancun, Tulum, and Chichén Itzá.

    The success of the Maya Train is ongoing after initial hiccups getting started, with connectivity across the Mexican Caribbean having greatly improved and tourists now using the train to discover off-path parts of the country that were not as accessible before – but it doesn’t end there.

    Tourists On A Tourist Bus Admiring The View Of A Colonial City In Veracruz, Mexico

    Soon enough, yet another train route visiting hidden gems in two additional states will be launched, including a historical colonial port on the Gulf of Mexico and a laid-back beach town currently trending among surfing enthusiasts:

    Mexico’s Next Tourist Train Traveling From The Gulf To The Pacific Coast

    As reported by The Cancun Sun, the so-called Isthmus Train is Mexico’s next major development project heading into 2024.

    Though it was inaugurated last December, it did not make a splash as all eyes were on the Maya Train, which set out on its inaugural journey from Cancun around the same time.

    Despite being ignored at first, the Isthmus Train is now being touted as Mexico’s next major breakthrough in tourism: the service is already up and running, connecting the city of Coatzacoalcos, in the state of Veracruz, to the quaint town of Salina Cruz, in neighboring Oaxaca.

    Colorful Port Town Near Coatzacoalcos In Veracruz State, Mexico

    Though the current railway map is not nearly as extensive as the much more popular Maya Train, calling at seven stations and linking the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Coast, authorities have promised ‘additional routes’ will be added this year.

    By the time of its completion, it is expected that the train will cover over 700 miles. The most exciting thing is, if you’re traveling on the Maya Train from mid-2024, you will be able to connect to the Isthmus line in Palenque.

    The Maya Train Will Connect To The Isthmus Line

    @codigoveracruz Así se mira el Tren Interoceánico desde el aire partiendo desde Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz rumbo a Salina Cruz, Oaxaca #coatzacoalcos #tren #interoceanico #oaxaca ♬ Where Is the Love? – Est Realis TEAM

    The UNESCO-protected archaeological zone is the last, southwesternmost station of the Maya Train, located at the far end of the line’s enlongated ‘tail’, and as announced by local media, it will host Isthmus trains as well.

    This means it will soon be possible for passengers boarding the Maya Train in Cancun, or any major city on the line, to switch to the Coatzacoalcos-bound Isthmus Train when traveling all the way south to Palenque.

    A Bustling Port On The Gulf Of Mexico

    Neo Mayan Pyramid In The State Of Veracruz, Mexico

    Coatzacoalcos is a strategic port on the Gulf of Mexico, best known for its booming ship industry and indigenous Olmec culture. The cityscape itself is characterized by a unique combination of colonial, modernist, and Mesoamerican revivalist architecture.

    Two of the most emblematic symbols of Coatzacoalcos include Pirámide Malecón, an imposing modern pyramidal structure taking direct inspiration from the ruined cities that litter the Yucatán peninsula, and the whitewashed Cathedral of Saint Joseph.

    The city also hosts a well-frequented shopping mall (Plaza Forum) with attractive prices and the Olmec Archaeology Museum, where artifacts from this lesser-known pre-Columbian civilization, which co-existed alongside the world-famous Mayans and Aztecs, can be admired.

    Light, Breakwaters of entrance in ports of Coatzacoalcos and Pajaritos, Mexico

    A Quaint Pacific Town

    On the other hand, Salina Cruz is a much smaller coastal hub best known for its unspoiled golden sand beaches, surfing culture, and year-round warm weather: winters are basically a non-existent concept here, where the lowest-ever temperatures average a pleasant 69.8°F.

    Playa Cangrejo, a short half-hour drive from downtown Salina, is the perfect place for unwinding and basking in the sun without being disturbed by surging crowds, what with its quieter, family-friendly environment and varied selection of seafood spots.

    @paadondee ¿Sabías que en #salinacruz existe una #poza ? Aquí te muestro cómo es y dónde la puedes encontrar! – – – #istmodetehuantepec #lugaresenoaxaca #juchitan #tehuantepec #costasdeoaxaca #salinacruzoaxaca ♬ Chill Vibes – Tollan Kim

    Playa Azul is not to be missed either, as it is one of a handful in the region where the sands are virgin-white, and the seas are of an inviting azure color. An even shorter 20-minute drive from town, it is a popular half-day trip for tourists venturing down the Oaxaca coast.

    Other non-beach, noteworthy points of interest are the Cortés Lighthouse, a state-protected monument built as early as the 16th century during the first Spanish incursions into Mexican territory, and the Piedra Cuchi viewpoint.

    Salina Cruz is a beautiful place to visit in Oaxaca, where you can find a lot of beaches like Punta Azul, Punta Conejo and others.

    What We Know So Far About The Isthmus Train

    Other confirmed stops on the Isthmus line, departing from Coatzacoalcos, include the towns of Minatitlán, Acayucan, Matías Romero, Unión Hidalgo, Ixtetepec, and Tehuantepec.

    So far, we do not know whether the train tracks will be extended to the state capitals of Veracruz and Oaxaca, home to towering Spanish cathedrals and beautiful colonial centers.

    As for tickets, prices for the Isthmus Train departing from Palenque have not been announced either, but the route already in operation, linking Coatzacoalcos to Salina Cruz, is quite affordable, starting from $27 for ‘tourist-class’ passengers, and roughly $35 for executive.

    If you’re starting your journey in Cancun, you should expect to pay for one-way tickets to Palenque, where you’ll connect to the Isthmus Train, costing between $123 and $197, depending on the chosen fare.

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