Speedboat riding, croc spotting, and more twisting mountain roads…

We arrive early at the Grijalva River to visit the spectacular Sumidero Canyon via speedboat. Lifejackets on, and cameras at the ready, we speed down the flat waters that divide the canyons which reach startling 1000m heights. The eagle-eyed tour leader frantically pulls the boat to a halt and sneaks up close to crocodiles lazing in the water’s shallows. A little further up we spot spider monkeys cheekily swinging through the trees and playing wildly. Vultures wash and sun their wings, spanning their dark feathers in the morning sunlight before taking off for the day.

As we speed 26km down the beautiful calm waters, we pass under bridges and slow down near some breathtaking sites: a religious tribute cave, the Christmas tree mountain, and a historically and culturally significant site. The water is 100m deep, and as we crane our necks to the top of the 1000m tall canyon, we are told that in ancient times, it is believed that Mayans jumped to their deaths when the Spanish invaded, a tragic leap to rid themselves from an impending life of slavery. Each day I learn more and more about Mexico’s very long and interesting history, and I promise myself to google more when I leave the country.

Back on the bus, we snack on chocolates and chips, finish our novels, and hum to our Ipods until we reach our next brief stop, a prison that sells very large, fantastic quality hammocks made by the inmates. Most of the group snap up the colourful hammocks, I on one hand opting for a bright fusion of greens – I can’t wait to set it up back at home and tell my friends about its interesting origins. Back on the road, we eventually reach our final stop for the night at Tehuantepec, where we stay at a hotel by the highway. Quickly dumping our backs at our rooms, we don our bikinis and jump into the pool, eager to exercise and relax outdoors after our five hour bus ride. A waiter brings out cocktails, and I lie in a hammock, sipping a pina colada, reading my book – and certainly not missing my usual 9-5 job back home. During the evening, we eat at the hotel’s restaurant and retire early, as we have another large travel day ahead of us tomorrow.