TRAVERSE Issue 07 - August 2018 | Página 104

expected even better. It was time for Honduras and El Sal- vador, both stigmatized by many who criticise them for their lack of securi- ty. Our passage through these two countries was quiet, I would say an incredible discovery. We were not ‘robbed or stabbed’. People are not very used to tourism, and yet received us kindly and willing to help us at all times. Lake Yojoa (Honduras) and our stay of a few days were simply spectacu- lar. A wonderful environment and a variety of activities relating to nature. A few days later we arrived at the fa- mous Copan Ruins; an archaeological site of the ancient Mayan civilization that is worth visiting. We said goodbye to Honduras with a sense of pleasure and crossed the Citala border to enter El Salvador. At first glance, we found it is somewhat dirty, something that unfortunately does not go unnoticed. There is still a lot of awareness and respect towards nature among its population. Luckily, this aspect, little by little is improv- ing. We were left with their "pupusas", a handmade tortilla style made with wheat or rice and stuffed with differ- ent products (chicharrón, frijoles, cheese, loroco). The end of the trip through Central America was approaching, and the next country to receive us was Guate- mala. We visited one of its colonial cit- ies (Antigua) and then it was the turn of Chichicastenango, with its famous regional market where, all the mer- chants of the area sell their products. There, you can find everything; from animals to clothing, spices, fruits and vegetables and a wide variety of local crafts. We continued our way to the north, some travellers had told us about the Semuc Champei Natural Park, so we decided to go and discover it for our- selves. It is another place that any mo- torbiker would like to stumble upon. Driving through its dirt and stone roads puts you to the test as a rider. We planted the tent several days, and visited caves, rivers, and water- falls within the parks lush vegetation. Another pleasant discovery of the trip. In the north of the country, we also visited the well-known Ruins of Tikal, another Mayan complex that became one of the most powerful kingdoms of the time. After a few weeks in the country, we continued with the plan to cross Belize in search of the Riviera Maya. What we found was a peculiar country, an ex-British colony and very small compared to its neighbours. We stayed for nine days, an in that time TRAVERSE 104 went from one natural park to anoth- er, with their caves, waterfalls and cities that were really villages. We ate well and enjoyed its vegetation and the good weather. Towards the end of the trip, we en- tered Mexico; ready to cross it from end to end until we reached Tijuana. Something that we had dreamt about. We started with the Riviera Maya, a zone devastated by resorts and all-in- clusive’s, with their many private beaches on the coast. A horror, in my opinion! Deciding to continue touring the entire Yucatan Peninsula, discovering day by day, villages and corners that