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Moving to Australia

Completing AFP National Police Checks (NPC) for your 820/801 Australian Partner Visa

July 5, 2019

To satisfy character requirements of the 820/801 Partner Visa for permanent residency in Australia (and sponsorship of a partner to migrate), it is necessary to complete police checks in every country you’ve lived for more than 12 months in the last 10 years. For most onshore applicants (and definitely their sponsors), this will include Australia. Thankfully, the process of applying for an Australian Federal Police National Police Check is incredibly simple, quick, and inexpensive! This post will walk you through the entire process, including when to apply for your AFP police checks, completing the online application, and what to expect after submission.

Need to apply for an FBI police check, too? FBI POLICE CHECKS FOR AMERICANS APPLYING FOR THE 820/801 AUSTRALIAN PARTNER VISA

Read my whole series on applying for the 820/801 Australian Partner Visa for more information about preparing your evidence, lodging your application, and the next steps. If you’re just beginning, start with this post to get an overview (and to read about our story). And, as always, please remember that I am not a migration agent or affiliated with Home Affairs in any way, so all the information provided in these posts and in the comments below is based entirely on my own experience and my own understanding of the application process.

When to apply for your AFP police check

Some people choose to have their AFP National Police Checks completed at the time of initially submitting the online 820/801 Partner Visa application. This is referred to as “front loading” or having a “decision-ready application”, meaning the CO could in theory pick up your application and approve it without asking for any additional documentation. It used to be a great way to speed up the visa grant process, but seems to have fallen out of fashion as wait times have gotten longer and longer.

Given that police and medical checks are only valid for one year and visa processing times often extend far beyond this (as high as 2 years for the grant of the 820 Temporary Partner Visa), many applicants choose to wait for the CO to request the checks rather than risking expiration (and having to re-do the checks).

The third, and probably safest, option is to fall somewhere in the middle of these two strategies: wait ~6 months after submitting your application, when there is a reasonable chance of having the visa granted within the next year, and then submit your police checks. This avoids waiting for a CO to request the police checks, but also (hopefully) prevents you from doing the checks twice if they expire.

Note: Both the applicant and the sponsor should complete this police check!

Submitting your application for an AFP police check

Compared to other steps of the immigration process, completing an AFP National Police Check is alarmingly simple. To get started, click this link to navigate to the National Police Check application page, and have your ID ready (your passport and an Australian driver’s licence are enough).

  1. Select which ID documents you are going to provide from the list provided, ensuring your selections add up to greater than 100 points (list of accepted Primary ID Documents pictured above)
  2. Enter your full name, DOB, email
  3. Select purpose: 33- Immigration/Citizenship (pictured below)
  4. Provide consent
  5. Upload your chosen ID as JPEG, PDF, or TIF only (under 4MB)
  6. Check all of the files before ticking the box and continuing
  7. Confirm your full name, country of birth, daytime contact number, Aus driver licence number, and any other names (e.g. maiden)
  8. Do you live in Australia? Provide residential address and address start date
  9. Provide a history of every address you’ve lived at
  10. Confirm your application details are correct
  11. Pay the $42 AFP National Police Check application fee and you’re done!
Purpose of Check: select 33 Immigration/Citizenship

After completing the AFP National Police Check

After submitting and paying for your application for a National Police Check, all that’s left to do is wait— and thankfully not long at all! My partner and I got our AFP checks back in the mail within 2 weeks.

You can then scan these documents and upload them to your application under the appropriate section: Character, Evidence of.

Uploading AFP check to your Australian Partner Visa application

Need to complete FBI police checks?

Obviously I can’t offer advice on completing police checks for countries other than those I’ve actually completed myself (and there are vastly different processes and regulations governing these checks around the world), but for any fellow American applicants or those who have lived in America for longer than 12 months, I wrote a comprehensive post about getting your FBI checks done while in Australia. Check it out, since the process is a fair bit more complicated than the AFP checks!

I hope this information has been helpful and I wish you so much luck on your Australian Partner Visa journey! Feel free to ask any questions below and I will do my very best to answer them.

* I am not a migration agent or affiliated with Home Affairs in any way, so all the information provided in these posts and in the comments below is based entirely on my own experience and my own understanding of the application process. 

If you found this post helpful and want to contribute to some of the costs associated with running the blog, I would be infinitely grateful!

You can use the PayPal button below to donate whatever you feel this information is worth. If you aren’t able, don’t worry— I will always keep my posts free and accessible for everyone!

UPDATE: A MASSIVE THANK YOU to everyone who’s commented to let me know that you found these posts helpful— I can’t tell you how much it means to me to read your success stories! I worked incredibly hard to compile all of this information (while getting my PhD & teaching), but it’s genuinely been worth it to make even a small difference for my fellow immigrants.

More importantly, though, THANK YOU to everyone who has shared their own experience or answered questions for other readers in the comments below! We are building a wonderful & supportive community of Partner Visa applicants here, and every comment and question is a resource for others.

If you felt like these posts helped with your application, I’d encourage you to come back after your visa is granted (or even after various milestones) and let us all know what happened— it might mean the world to someone else struggling with this process! Best wishes to you all xx bb

TAGS:australian partner visamoving to australia
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brooke brisbine

I've spent the last decade exploring the world— everything from solo trekking in the Andes to overlanding in Zambia, all while completing a PhD in Biomechanics, teaching at a university & securing permanent residency in Australia. In 2020, I finally fulfilled my dream of becoming a full-time nomad! Whether it’s vanlife in Mexico, scuba diving in the Galápagos, ticking off incredible US National Parks, or climbing in the Dolomites, I hope this blog will inspire your future adventures & help you find wonder in every corner of the globe. xx bb

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The Comments

  • Jay
    March 20, 2023

    Hi Brooke, the form 80 – I got a digital application instead. Do I still need to fill in the PDF?

    Also some of the questions are the same as what is asked of the applicant – are we allowed to add in the same responses?

    We also did a police check – do they get the details directly or are we supposed to upload the report / letter??

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Jay
      November 16, 2023

      Hi Jay,

      Form 80 is a lot of repetition and they are probably phasing it out at some point for that very reason, but it’s better to fill it out and be on the safe side, in my opinion!

      As for the police check, you should indeed upload the results.

      Hope that all helps!
      xx bb

      Reply
  • Anonymous
    February 8, 2023

    Hi Brooke,
    I was wondering if I can submit my overseas police clearance after I apply for my visa?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Anonymous
      November 16, 2023

      Yes, you can upload the documents after submitting your application!

      xx bb

      Reply
  • Rabbia
    January 4, 2023

    Hi Brooke,
    I am ever so thankful & grateful for your blog & guidance as I was able to successfully submit my Partner Visa 820 application. You truly are a life & money saver.
    Now I need to add my dependent child to the same application onshore. I would really appreciate it if you could point me towards any other blogs like yours for child visas. I am really struggling as the available info is not as thorough and detailed as you had provided.
    Much love & a million thanks! 🙏🏻

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Rabbia
      November 16, 2023

      Hi Rabbia, thank you so much for your thoughtful comment, that means a lot! I don’t personally know of any blogs, but if you did manage to find some, perhaps you can come back and reply to this comment in case anyone else has this question in the future!

      Wishing you all the best,
      xx bb

      Reply
  • Mina
    April 9, 2022

    Hi Brooke,

    Thanks very much for this amazing blog, it helped me a lot to get my 820!
    now my 2 years passed and I have submitted my 801 and I am on the process of uploading the attachments.
    I was wondering if my sponsor has to get a Police check for 801 again?
    We already uploaded mine for 801.

    again appreciate your help

    Reply
    • brooke
      Mina
      May 18, 2022

      Hi Mina,

      Congratulations!! So close to the finish line 🙂

      Since my 820 and 801 were granted simultaneously, I never had to complete this step and can’t answer conclusively– perhaps another reader can chime in?

      Best of luck!
      xx bb

      Reply
      • Anonymous
        brooke
        May 18, 2022

        No worries Brooke.

        We got 801 Oct 21. We married last Sunday so all is well!!!

        Reply
        • brooke brisbine
          Anonymous
          May 29, 2022

          Congratulations!!

          Reply
  • Jacob
    February 14, 2022

    Hi,

    I submitted 820 partner visa application on July 29,2021, then immigration department asked me and my partner to have Australian police check certification on October 12,2021, I submitted both police check certification on October 27,2021, so far I have not received any answer from immigration department, could you please advise, how long will take my 820 visa to be approved after submitting my police check certification?

    Thanks,

    Jacob

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Jacob
      March 27, 2022

      Hi Jacob,

      Unfortunately, there’s absolutely no way to say. Since the police check is only valid for 12 months, it’s likely to be within that period– but it could still be 1 week or 51 weeks of waiting.

      Let us know when your visa is granted, best of luck!
      -Brooke

      Reply
    • Mark
      Jacob
      March 27, 2022

      I found out through a Migration lawyer that they will use them for up to 18 months, happened with me. GOod luck

      Reply
      • brooke
        Mark
        May 18, 2022

        Hi Mark,

        Thanks for sharing! I think there is a little leeway with many of these official time limits– my health check was older than 12mo when my visa was approved! Nice to know that also applies for the police check, as well.

        xx bb

        Reply
    • Rachel Kelly
      Jacob
      December 18, 2022

      Hi Brooke, thank you so much for your amazing blog! I have a quick question. I have submitted 801/820 application and uploaded all my doc’s. My partner (and sponsor) has also completed his application. We linked his application to my account. My question is, does he need to upload all of the evidence as I have? It’s the same stuff?
      Thanks in advance,
      Rachel

      Reply
      • brooke brisbine
        Rachel Kelly
        November 16, 2023

        Hi Rachel, I am SO sorry for the slow reply– I just saw your comment! As I am sure you’ve figured out, but maybe this will help future readers now, you do not need to upload duplicate evidence to both applications, just upload to the primary and that’s sufficient.

        xx bb

        Reply
  • Mark Rusconi
    December 24, 2021

    Hi

    Most likely given its been 2 years, it will be completed very soon , most likely approved if everything else is genuine & in good order….that what happend for us, good luck

    Reply
  • Adriana
    December 18, 2021

    Hi brooke

    After 2 years of waiting I have finally heard something back. They have requested a police check. Would this suggest that once I have submitted this, a decisión on my visa will be close?

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Adriana
      December 24, 2021

      Hi Adriana,

      It’s very likely! At the very least, it means they’ve actually reviewed some component of your application, which is a good sign– fingers crossed!

      Reply
  • Patricia
    July 1, 2021

    Can i upload receipt of Police check if i waited too long for the result

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Patricia
      July 21, 2021

      Hi Patricia,

      Yes, there is an option to upload “proof of intention to obtain” the police check, which is a good placeholder while you await the final check– thankfully, though, it does come through fairly quickly!

      Best of luck,
      Brooke

      Reply
  • ESTEBAN
    January 27, 2021

    Hi Brooke, sorry, I’m wondering is there any option to pay the partner visa by 2 instalments? my partner and I are struggling to get the whole amount.

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      ESTEBAN
      April 14, 2021

      Hi Esteban,

      Not as far as I know, but I’d recommend calling Home Affairs to ask!

      Reply
  • Sophie
    January 24, 2021

    Hi Brooke –

    Some questions on this form, it seems it’s been changed since you went through this process. #33 is no longer an option, only “overseas visa” so not sure what to put for purpose. Also, it wants you to list all addressed you’ve lived at for the last 5 years, but only seems to want those to be Australian. Is this only the Australian addresses you’ve lived at?

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Sophie
      January 25, 2021

      Hi Sophie,

      Thanks for the update, it’s certainly possible that this has changed since I did it– yes, I’d imagine ‘overseas visa’ is the best option.

      As for the addresses, I had only lived in Aus the last 8 years so I didn’t have the same issue. Is there no way to provide an overseas address too??

      Reply
  • Mark
    December 4, 2020

    Hi Brooke

    thanks for your reply. Yeah sounds correct ,will do today

    Take care! Regards

    Reply
  • Mark
    December 3, 2020

    Hey Brooke

    Hope you are enjoying your residency!

    One question that just popped up as I viewed the immi website, Does my Brazilian partner need an AFP police check since she has been living in Australia on her bridging visa for more that 12 months? I think I overlooked this one

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Mark
      December 4, 2020

      Hi Mark,

      Yes, sounds like she will definitely need an AFP check! Thankfully, it’s super easy, so you guys should be able to get it done without any stress.

      Best of luck on the application!
      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Tom
    November 30, 2020

    Hi Brook,
    This blog is amazing and it helped me calm down last night when I found it! A quick question for you, on the immi website it says under the section about police checks “You must also provide written consent for us to disclose any convictions for relevant offences to the visa applicant”. How do I go about doing that? Do I need to write a letter and attach it?
    Also you have added a note to this section of the blog saying “Note: Both the applicant and the sponsor should complete this police check!”. Are you saying my partner should do an AFB check too? She’s only been to Australia for 1 month so far.
    Kind regards,
    Tom

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Tom
      December 4, 2020

      Hi Tom,

      I believe the “written consent” they are referring to is part of the police check. I did not write any separate letter or statement for this.

      If the applicant has only been in Aus for 1 month, then no, I do not think she needs to complete the check. My understanding is that it’s only for those who’ve lived here longer than 12 months. She will, however, need to submit a police check from wherever she HAS been living– any country longer than 12m months.

      Hope that helps!
      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Gabriella
    October 2, 2020

    Thank you Brooke!! I have been putting the police check part off and didn’t know what I needed to do and then today I thought, I bet Brooke Around Town knows – and sure enough!
    I have commented on your evidence post before, but thank you again so much for putting all this together. Could not have done it without your help!

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Gabriella
      October 6, 2020

      AH, so glad I could help, Gabriella! Thankfully, this is one of the easier parts of the application 🙂

      Best of luck with your application!
      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Anne
    August 31, 2020

    Hi Brooke,

    Thank you for taking the time to document your whole process! I also felt rewarded reading that you finally received your PR. Congratulations!

    I submitted my application on November 2019 and got the medical request last June 2020. Unfortunately, the medical centres were completely booked that the next available slot was on September! Good thing time seems to just fly these days.

    Would you know how long after the application do they normally ask for police checks? My partner included one on our application and I recently got one as a work requirement. Would we still need to provide these again?

    Thank you again!

    Cheers,
    Anne

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Anne
      September 1, 2020

      Hi Anne,

      Thank you so much for the thoughtful message 🙂

      I submitted my police checks on my own accord after about 7 months, so I’m not sure at what point they’d specifically request them– if you have them, submit them now! They are valid for 12 months, so there’s an outside chance you’d have to resubmit depending on when exactly you got them, but it might also save time on your visa processing if the CO knows you have a complete application.

      Best of luck!
      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Angela Jovic
    June 10, 2020

    Hi Brooke,
    Your blog is amazing source for whom applying the Australian partner visa (like me :D). It is super details 🙂 I have a question (bit silly, but just want to clarify before doing it), with the purpose, we choose #33 for applicant and sponsor as well? Or choose another purpose # for sponsor? Thank you so much.
    Cheers, Angela

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Angela Jovic
      June 14, 2020

      Hi Angela,

      I think my partner (the sponsor) also chose #33! I don’t think there was another option that made sense, and technically it is being supplied to the Department of Immigration for Immigration purposes (i.e. my immigration!).

      Hope that helps 🙂
      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Anonymous
    May 31, 2020

    Mine look a bit different, do you mind if we share private messages? Do you use WhatsApp or some kind?

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Anonymous
      June 1, 2020

      Hi Vera, send me an email to hello@brookebeyond.com and I’ll see if I can help!

      Reply
  • Anonymous
    May 31, 2020

    Oh wow you’re fabulously quick!! 🤗
    Character evidence tab? Where is that? I can see character assessment form 80 but it didn’t give the option for AFP. Am I missing something?

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Anonymous
      May 31, 2020

      It’s the first choice under the “Character, Evidence of” tab, which says “Australian Federal Police Clearance”. I’ve just added a screenshot to the post to clarify 🙂

      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Vera
    May 31, 2020

    Hi Brooke, my name is Vera. I just got my AFP, I’m trying to find the tab to upload the AFP onto immi account- is it because this is and additional details the immi requested? Can you please advice which tab should I go to to upload the AUSTRALIAN Federal Police clearance.

    Many thanks 🙏🏻

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Vera
      May 31, 2020

      Hi Vera,

      I realise I should have put this in the original post, so I’ve now updated it: You can then scan these documents and upload them to your application under the appropriate section: Character, Evidence of.

      Hope that helps 🙂
      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Giulia Aliverti
    April 2, 2020

    Hey Brooke!

    Thank you very much for creating this blog and the detailed break down of what the process entails.
    My partner and I were just wondering, do we both sponsor and applicant have to submit police checks or is it only the application?

    Thanks so much!
    Giulia

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Giulia Aliverti
      April 4, 2020

      Hi Giulia, so happy to hear that the blog has been helpful 🙂

      It is my understanding that both need to submit a police check!

      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Marcus
    March 21, 2020

    Hey Brooke,

    Thanks for this blog, it has been a great resource.
    We are wondering when the much anticipated FBI check walk-through will be posted, as it’s next on our to do list!

    Cheers,
    Marcus

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Marcus
      April 4, 2020

      Ahh Marcus, thank you for keeping on me about this!

      I wrote most of the post on doing the online “application”, paying the fee, and getting the fingerprint form, but have yet to actually GET my own fingerprints done, so I’ve held off on posting. Perhaps I will just put it up anyway and update it after I get my prints taken..

      Check back tomorrow, I’ll do it tonight 🙂

      -Brooke

      Reply
  • sohrab
    March 6, 2020

    Thank you for useful advice. I just got what to do after reading it. so clear, Cheers!

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      sohrab
      March 8, 2020

      Hi Sohrab, glad to hear it was helpful! Best of luck with everything.
      -Brooke

      Reply
  • Taylor Wynne
    February 25, 2020

    Hi Brooke! Your posts have been super helpful for me during this process. Whenever I have a question I can almost always find the answer on your page so thank you!! Just curious, when will you be posting on how to complete the FBI Police Checks??

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Taylor Wynne
      March 8, 2020

      Hi Taylor, thanks for your comment! I am hoping to get that post done soon, I’ve just been buried under other travel posts. Stay tuned, it’s definitely coming!
      -Brooke

      Reply

You May Also Like

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Applying for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) while waiting for your 820/801 Australian Partner Visa

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Studying in Australia on a Student Visa (Subclass 500)

July 31, 2018

Moving to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 or 462)

hi, I’m brooke!

I've spent the last decade exploring the world— everything from solo trekking in the Andes to overlanding in Zambia, all while completing a PhD in Biomechanics. In 2020, I finally fulfilled my dream of becoming a full-time nomad! Whether it’s vanlife in Mexico, scuba diving in the Galápagos, ticking off incredible US National Parks, or climbing in the Dolomites, I hope this blog will inspire your future adventures & help you find wonder in every corner of the globe. xx bb

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  • WILD YAXCHILÁN 🌿🐒

The most incredible ruins in Chiapas, and some of the best I've seen in all of Mexico, are WAY out of the way— and that's exactly what makes them so spectacular. 

Driving hours into the jungle to the town of Frontera Corozal, you can hire a lancha (wooden boat) to take you 1hr up the Usumacinta River that divides Mexico and Guatemala, eventually delivering you to the base of the Yaxchilán ruins. 

Settled circa 350CE & at the height of its power from 600-800CE, Yaxchilán was once a massive urban centre and a dominant power in this region, largely thanks to its protected position right on the river’s curve that limited land access to the south side.

Feeling like Indiana Jones, scramble up stone steps & root-laden paths to see the impressive ruins excavated in the middle of this seemingly impenetrable swathe of trees & vines. The name Yaxchilán means ‘green stones’ in a local Mayan dialect, which seems apt for a city that almost appears to grow right out of the jungle itself.

Monkeys howl in the distance & munch on purple flowers by the fistful, completing the fantasy of being deep within the jungle, exploring something few eyes have seen. 

While Palenque is crawling with tourists, you can have Yaxchilán all to yourself 😍
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#mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #chiapas #chiapasmexico #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #yaxchilan #sancristobaldelascasas #adventurebabes #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #girlswhotravel #wearetravelgirls #mexicomagico #mexicomaravilloso
  • Wild & wonderful Chiapas 🇲🇽✨

I fell in love with this beautiful Mexican state during my van trip around Mexico last year-- even 20 states later, it's one of my favourite places in the whole country, an incredible jungle paradise full of wildlife & so much natural beauty, not to mention the rich indigenous heritage & colourful traditions preserved here.

It's been such a treat to live in Chiapas for a few months & it's inspired me to go back through all my favourite parts of the state to finally share with you all! 

So, over the next couple weeks, I'm really excited to showcase some of the best waterfalls, most remote ruins, and unique experiences to enjoy in Chiapas. I hope it inspires your next trip to what is absolutely one of the most magical places in Mexico!
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#mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #chiapas #chiapasmexico #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #sancristobaldelascasas #adventurebabes #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #girlswhotravel #wearetravelgirls #mexicomagico #mexicomaravilloso
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In a city renowned for its incredible food scene, I went on a personal mission to eat at 1 new restaurant EVERY day for the last 2 months in order to assemble a “best of” list for my blog! 

It has been a delicious endeavour & only resulted in food poisoning twice, so here’s a little sneak peak of THE BEST OF THE BEST before I publish the full article on brookebeyond.com:

🌽 best authentic local food: Comal
🥑 best gourmet Mexican: Xut
🌮 best street tacos: Achiote Cochinita Pibil
🍤 best seafood tacos: Taquería El Bony
🥕 best healthy brunch: Aguacate Veggie Bar
🥖 best bakery: Panadería Artesanal Roots
🧀 best chilaquiles: Astro Cafe (salsa verde con aguacate)
🍝 best Italian: Trattoria Catanzaro (homemade pasta!)
🧆 best Labanese: Malaak al Horno
🍛 best Indonesian: Casa Jasmine (vegan!)
🌶️ best Thai: Bangcook
🥘 best Indian: Cardamomo
🍜 best Korean: Casa de Ahn
🍨 best ice cream: Jangala (bean to bar chocolate)

Where are you eating first?!
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#sancris #sancristobaldelascasaschiapas #sancristobal #chiapas #chiapasmexico #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #mexicolindo #sancristobaldelascasas #foodie #travelguide #restaurantguide
  • A love letter to San Cris 💛

I moved to southern Mexico 2 months ago— to a town that held a lot of specific pain for me— feeling just about as broken as I’ve ever felt & so far from myself that I feared I wouldn’t be able to find my way back. 

But somehow, I did.

Wandering these cobbled streets, reading in my sunny garden, dancing around the kitchen to loud music (& sometimes crying even louder), waking up in a place that’s become completely my own, I’ve felt things inside of me start to bloom again. Inspiration, creativity, passion, purpose.

I spent more time truly alone in the last couple months than I ever have, going days on end without anyone’s company but my own— and I’ve started to reconnect with myself, to sift through all the feelings that were too big & too messy to grapple with while I was rushing around the world, to unearth pieces of me that I buried over the years just trying to survive bad situations.

And I’ve learned to love those parts of me again. To find light in my shadows, peace in my pain, poetry in my rough edges.

I’m moving out of my apartment in a week and there’s part of me that’s honestly scared to start travelling again, to allow other people into my days & into my life after carefully curating such a peaceful & solitary existence here in San Cris. But I also know I’m not the same girl I was when I came here. And I can’t be only me when I’m with me.

I think it’s time to find my way back into the world again, into the chaos of new places & faces & challenges.

But I will always, always be grateful for the place that taught me how to breathe again, showed me a path back to myself, and reminded me that I am so much greater than the things that happened to me.

Te amo, San Cris 💛
  • 🏔️ PATAGONIA 2024 GROUP TRIP 🏔️

I still have a few spots left on my second group trip to Patagonia with @zealoustravelco from 23 Feb - 2 Mar 2024 😍😍

Our 9-day itinerary includes:
💃🏻 a day in Buenos Aires (one of the world’s best cities!)
🧊 Perito Moreno Glacier
🧗‍♀️ an epic via ferrata in El Chalten
💦 white water rafting
🏔️ 3-day backpacking trip around Mt Fitzroy
🐴 horseback riding
👯‍♀️ & BEST FRIENDS FOR LIFE

If you want more information or a link to sign up for the trip, comment DETAILS below & I’ll dm you! Can’t wait to see you guys in Patagonia 🤩
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#patagonia #fitzroy #elchalten #losglaciaresnationalpark #parquenacionallosglaciares #argentina #hikerbabes #girlswhohike #outdoorwomen #adventuregirl #adventurebabes #mountaingirl #mountaingirls #grouptrip
  • I guess it was that Mexico MAGIC ✨
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 #sancris #sancristobaldelascasaschiapas #sancristobal #chiapas #chiapasiónate #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #chiapasmexico #méxico #vivamexico #mexicolindo #mexicotravel #mexicodesconocido #mexicomagico
  • LA CALAVERA CATRINA 💀👒💐

One of the best ways to get into Día de Muertos is to dress up in elaborate costumes— none more iconic than La Calavera Catrina, the elegant skull 💃🏻

The skull makeup so closely associated with Day of the Dead actually relates to a painting by Jose Guadalupe Posada more than a hundred years ago, later honoured (& largely popularised) in a mural by Diego Rivera. Depicting a well-dressed woman as a skeleton, the artwork was intended as a commentary on how death is the one common thread between the rich & poor, and regardless of material wealth, we are all skeletons in the end.

This is the most popular costume for Día de Muertos and you can find stalls all over the city centre painting a million creative versions of La Catrina-- I paid 150p ($8) for makeup + 100p ($5) for my marigold crown.

Another beautiful thing about this country— love & respect for its traditions are almost always enough to earn you an honorary seat at the table. Even foreigners are encouraged to dress up & paint their faces, often pulled close to celebrate with local families. It’s hard to remain a stranger in Mexico ❤️🇲🇽
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 #diademuertos #díademuertos #felizdiademuertos #comparsas #lacatrina #oaxaca #oaxacabonito #etlaoaxaca #panteón #dayofthedead #méxico #vivamexico #mexicolindo #mexicotravel #mexicodesconocido
  • Cheers to knowing better 🌙✨
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#visittelemark #visitnorway #mynorway #norwegianhospitality #MagicalEscapes #selflove #abuserecovery
  • I wrote a note on my phone titled “Goals to a better Brooke” last year after leaving an abusive relationship. And then I basically disregarded all of it for another year.

Again & again, I chose the ‘adventure’ of running around the world with someone over working on myself. I genuinely believed I could ‘learn the lesson’ intellectually & then those SAME situations would lose their power to hurt me, that if I saw the abuse happening & put up internal walls, I’d somehow outsmart it. That if I didn’t give people full access to a future with me, then I could protect myself & still ~enjoy the trip~ right next to them.

And so, I repeated a lot of unhealthy patterns this year. Maybe because I thought it didn’t matter as long as I was having fun (even if I wasn’t), maybe because (I believed) I only knew how to exist in a relationship where I was hurt & held by the same person, maybe because I thought I could change the story if I just *tried a little harder to be good*, but definitely because I never took the time to heal properly.

It’s been a month since I moved to Mexico to work on myself, and coming across this note again, I actually started crying. Not because I’m THERE. But because I’m finally, FINALLY taking these goals seriously for the first time since I wrote them. And that feels really good.

~ this will be the last drink I pour out for the same mistakes.
follow @brookebeyond_

travel beyond the ordinary

Explore my travel guides, custom itineraries & blog posts with an interactive world map ✨

all destinations

  • WILD YAXCHILÁN 🌿🐒

The most incredible ruins in Chiapas, and some of the best I've seen in all of Mexico, are WAY out of the way— and that's exactly what makes them so spectacular. 

Driving hours into the jungle to the town of Frontera Corozal, you can hire a lancha (wooden boat) to take you 1hr up the Usumacinta River that divides Mexico and Guatemala, eventually delivering you to the base of the Yaxchilán ruins. 

Settled circa 350CE & at the height of its power from 600-800CE, Yaxchilán was once a massive urban centre and a dominant power in this region, largely thanks to its protected position right on the river’s curve that limited land access to the south side.

Feeling like Indiana Jones, scramble up stone steps & root-laden paths to see the impressive ruins excavated in the middle of this seemingly impenetrable swathe of trees & vines. The name Yaxchilán means ‘green stones’ in a local Mayan dialect, which seems apt for a city that almost appears to grow right out of the jungle itself.

Monkeys howl in the distance & munch on purple flowers by the fistful, completing the fantasy of being deep within the jungle, exploring something few eyes have seen. 

While Palenque is crawling with tourists, you can have Yaxchilán all to yourself 😍
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#mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #chiapas #chiapasmexico #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #yaxchilan #sancristobaldelascasas #adventurebabes #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #girlswhotravel #wearetravelgirls #mexicomagico #mexicomaravilloso
  • Wild & wonderful Chiapas 🇲🇽✨

I fell in love with this beautiful Mexican state during my van trip around Mexico last year-- even 20 states later, it's one of my favourite places in the whole country, an incredible jungle paradise full of wildlife & so much natural beauty, not to mention the rich indigenous heritage & colourful traditions preserved here.

It's been such a treat to live in Chiapas for a few months & it's inspired me to go back through all my favourite parts of the state to finally share with you all! 

So, over the next couple weeks, I'm really excited to showcase some of the best waterfalls, most remote ruins, and unique experiences to enjoy in Chiapas. I hope it inspires your next trip to what is absolutely one of the most magical places in Mexico!
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#mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #chiapas #chiapasmexico #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #sancristobaldelascasas #adventurebabes #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #girlswhotravel #wearetravelgirls #mexicomagico #mexicomaravilloso
  • BEST FOOD IN SAN CRIS, CHIAPAS 🌯✨

In a city renowned for its incredible food scene, I went on a personal mission to eat at 1 new restaurant EVERY day for the last 2 months in order to assemble a “best of” list for my blog! 

It has been a delicious endeavour & only resulted in food poisoning twice, so here’s a little sneak peak of THE BEST OF THE BEST before I publish the full article on brookebeyond.com:

🌽 best authentic local food: Comal
🥑 best gourmet Mexican: Xut
🌮 best street tacos: Achiote Cochinita Pibil
🍤 best seafood tacos: Taquería El Bony
🥕 best healthy brunch: Aguacate Veggie Bar
🥖 best bakery: Panadería Artesanal Roots
🧀 best chilaquiles: Astro Cafe (salsa verde con aguacate)
🍝 best Italian: Trattoria Catanzaro (homemade pasta!)
🧆 best Labanese: Malaak al Horno
🍛 best Indonesian: Casa Jasmine (vegan!)
🌶️ best Thai: Bangcook
🥘 best Indian: Cardamomo
🍜 best Korean: Casa de Ahn
🍨 best ice cream: Jangala (bean to bar chocolate)

Where are you eating first?!
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#sancris #sancristobaldelascasaschiapas #sancristobal #chiapas #chiapasmexico #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #mexicolindo #sancristobaldelascasas #foodie #travelguide #restaurantguide
  • A love letter to San Cris 💛

I moved to southern Mexico 2 months ago— to a town that held a lot of specific pain for me— feeling just about as broken as I’ve ever felt & so far from myself that I feared I wouldn’t be able to find my way back. 

But somehow, I did.

Wandering these cobbled streets, reading in my sunny garden, dancing around the kitchen to loud music (& sometimes crying even louder), waking up in a place that’s become completely my own, I’ve felt things inside of me start to bloom again. Inspiration, creativity, passion, purpose.

I spent more time truly alone in the last couple months than I ever have, going days on end without anyone’s company but my own— and I’ve started to reconnect with myself, to sift through all the feelings that were too big & too messy to grapple with while I was rushing around the world, to unearth pieces of me that I buried over the years just trying to survive bad situations.

And I’ve learned to love those parts of me again. To find light in my shadows, peace in my pain, poetry in my rough edges.

I’m moving out of my apartment in a week and there’s part of me that’s honestly scared to start travelling again, to allow other people into my days & into my life after carefully curating such a peaceful & solitary existence here in San Cris. But I also know I’m not the same girl I was when I came here. And I can’t be only me when I’m with me.

I think it’s time to find my way back into the world again, into the chaos of new places & faces & challenges.

But I will always, always be grateful for the place that taught me how to breathe again, showed me a path back to myself, and reminded me that I am so much greater than the things that happened to me.

Te amo, San Cris 💛
  • 🏔️ PATAGONIA 2024 GROUP TRIP 🏔️

I still have a few spots left on my second group trip to Patagonia with @zealoustravelco from 23 Feb - 2 Mar 2024 😍😍

Our 9-day itinerary includes:
💃🏻 a day in Buenos Aires (one of the world’s best cities!)
🧊 Perito Moreno Glacier
🧗‍♀️ an epic via ferrata in El Chalten
💦 white water rafting
🏔️ 3-day backpacking trip around Mt Fitzroy
🐴 horseback riding
👯‍♀️ & BEST FRIENDS FOR LIFE

If you want more information or a link to sign up for the trip, comment DETAILS below & I’ll dm you! Can’t wait to see you guys in Patagonia 🤩
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#patagonia #fitzroy #elchalten #losglaciaresnationalpark #parquenacionallosglaciares #argentina #hikerbabes #girlswhohike #outdoorwomen #adventuregirl #adventurebabes #mountaingirl #mountaingirls #grouptrip
WILD YAXCHILÁN 🌿🐒

The most incredible ruins in Chiapas, and some of the best I've seen in all of Mexico, are WAY out of the way— and that's exactly what makes them so spectacular. 

Driving hours into the jungle to the town of Frontera Corozal, you can hire a lancha (wooden boat) to take you 1hr up the Usumacinta River that divides Mexico and Guatemala, eventually delivering you to the base of the Yaxchilán ruins. 

Settled circa 350CE & at the height of its power from 600-800CE, Yaxchilán was once a massive urban centre and a dominant power in this region, largely thanks to its protected position right on the river’s curve that limited land access to the south side.

Feeling like Indiana Jones, scramble up stone steps & root-laden paths to see the impressive ruins excavated in the middle of this seemingly impenetrable swathe of trees & vines. The name Yaxchilán means ‘green stones’ in a local Mayan dialect, which seems apt for a city that almost appears to grow right out of the jungle itself.

Monkeys howl in the distance & munch on purple flowers by the fistful, completing the fantasy of being deep within the jungle, exploring something few eyes have seen. 

While Palenque is crawling with tourists, you can have Yaxchilán all to yourself 😍
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#mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #chiapas #chiapasmexico #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #yaxchilan #sancristobaldelascasas #adventurebabes #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #girlswhotravel #wearetravelgirls #mexicomagico #mexicomaravilloso
WILD YAXCHILÁN 🌿🐒

The most incredible ruins in Chiapas, and some of the best I've seen in all of Mexico, are WAY out of the way— and that's exactly what makes them so spectacular. 

Driving hours into the jungle to the town of Frontera Corozal, you can hire a lancha (wooden boat) to take you 1hr up the Usumacinta River that divides Mexico and Guatemala, eventually delivering you to the base of the Yaxchilán ruins. 

Settled circa 350CE & at the height of its power from 600-800CE, Yaxchilán was once a massive urban centre and a dominant power in this region, largely thanks to its protected position right on the river’s curve that limited land access to the south side.

Feeling like Indiana Jones, scramble up stone steps & root-laden paths to see the impressive ruins excavated in the middle of this seemingly impenetrable swathe of trees & vines. The name Yaxchilán means ‘green stones’ in a local Mayan dialect, which seems apt for a city that almost appears to grow right out of the jungle itself.

Monkeys howl in the distance & munch on purple flowers by the fistful, completing the fantasy of being deep within the jungle, exploring something few eyes have seen. 

While Palenque is crawling with tourists, you can have Yaxchilán all to yourself 😍
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#mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #chiapas #chiapasmexico #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #yaxchilan #sancristobaldelascasas #adventurebabes #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #girlswhotravel #wearetravelgirls #mexicomagico #mexicomaravilloso
WILD YAXCHILÁN 🌿🐒

The most incredible ruins in Chiapas, and some of the best I've seen in all of Mexico, are WAY out of the way— and that's exactly what makes them so spectacular. 

Driving hours into the jungle to the town of Frontera Corozal, you can hire a lancha (wooden boat) to take you 1hr up the Usumacinta River that divides Mexico and Guatemala, eventually delivering you to the base of the Yaxchilán ruins. 

Settled circa 350CE & at the height of its power from 600-800CE, Yaxchilán was once a massive urban centre and a dominant power in this region, largely thanks to its protected position right on the river’s curve that limited land access to the south side.

Feeling like Indiana Jones, scramble up stone steps & root-laden paths to see the impressive ruins excavated in the middle of this seemingly impenetrable swathe of trees & vines. The name Yaxchilán means ‘green stones’ in a local Mayan dialect, which seems apt for a city that almost appears to grow right out of the jungle itself.

Monkeys howl in the distance & munch on purple flowers by the fistful, completing the fantasy of being deep within the jungle, exploring something few eyes have seen. 

While Palenque is crawling with tourists, you can have Yaxchilán all to yourself 😍
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#mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #chiapas #chiapasmexico #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #yaxchilan #sancristobaldelascasas #adventurebabes #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #girlswhotravel #wearetravelgirls #mexicomagico #mexicomaravilloso
WILD YAXCHILÁN 🌿🐒

The most incredible ruins in Chiapas, and some of the best I've seen in all of Mexico, are WAY out of the way— and that's exactly what makes them so spectacular. 

Driving hours into the jungle to the town of Frontera Corozal, you can hire a lancha (wooden boat) to take you 1hr up the Usumacinta River that divides Mexico and Guatemala, eventually delivering you to the base of the Yaxchilán ruins. 

Settled circa 350CE & at the height of its power from 600-800CE, Yaxchilán was once a massive urban centre and a dominant power in this region, largely thanks to its protected position right on the river’s curve that limited land access to the south side.

Feeling like Indiana Jones, scramble up stone steps & root-laden paths to see the impressive ruins excavated in the middle of this seemingly impenetrable swathe of trees & vines. The name Yaxchilán means ‘green stones’ in a local Mayan dialect, which seems apt for a city that almost appears to grow right out of the jungle itself.

Monkeys howl in the distance & munch on purple flowers by the fistful, completing the fantasy of being deep within the jungle, exploring something few eyes have seen. 

While Palenque is crawling with tourists, you can have Yaxchilán all to yourself 😍
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#mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #chiapas #chiapasmexico #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #yaxchilan #sancristobaldelascasas #adventurebabes #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #girlswhotravel #wearetravelgirls #mexicomagico #mexicomaravilloso
WILD YAXCHILÁN 🌿🐒

The most incredible ruins in Chiapas, and some of the best I've seen in all of Mexico, are WAY out of the way— and that's exactly what makes them so spectacular. 

Driving hours into the jungle to the town of Frontera Corozal, you can hire a lancha (wooden boat) to take you 1hr up the Usumacinta River that divides Mexico and Guatemala, eventually delivering you to the base of the Yaxchilán ruins. 

Settled circa 350CE & at the height of its power from 600-800CE, Yaxchilán was once a massive urban centre and a dominant power in this region, largely thanks to its protected position right on the river’s curve that limited land access to the south side.

Feeling like Indiana Jones, scramble up stone steps & root-laden paths to see the impressive ruins excavated in the middle of this seemingly impenetrable swathe of trees & vines. The name Yaxchilán means ‘green stones’ in a local Mayan dialect, which seems apt for a city that almost appears to grow right out of the jungle itself.

Monkeys howl in the distance & munch on purple flowers by the fistful, completing the fantasy of being deep within the jungle, exploring something few eyes have seen. 

While Palenque is crawling with tourists, you can have Yaxchilán all to yourself 😍
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#mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #chiapas #chiapasmexico #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #yaxchilan #sancristobaldelascasas #adventurebabes #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #girlswhotravel #wearetravelgirls #mexicomagico #mexicomaravilloso
WILD YAXCHILÁN 🌿🐒

The most incredible ruins in Chiapas, and some of the best I've seen in all of Mexico, are WAY out of the way— and that's exactly what makes them so spectacular. 

Driving hours into the jungle to the town of Frontera Corozal, you can hire a lancha (wooden boat) to take you 1hr up the Usumacinta River that divides Mexico and Guatemala, eventually delivering you to the base of the Yaxchilán ruins. 

Settled circa 350CE & at the height of its power from 600-800CE, Yaxchilán was once a massive urban centre and a dominant power in this region, largely thanks to its protected position right on the river’s curve that limited land access to the south side.

Feeling like Indiana Jones, scramble up stone steps & root-laden paths to see the impressive ruins excavated in the middle of this seemingly impenetrable swathe of trees & vines. The name Yaxchilán means ‘green stones’ in a local Mayan dialect, which seems apt for a city that almost appears to grow right out of the jungle itself.

Monkeys howl in the distance & munch on purple flowers by the fistful, completing the fantasy of being deep within the jungle, exploring something few eyes have seen. 

While Palenque is crawling with tourists, you can have Yaxchilán all to yourself 😍
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#mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #chiapas #chiapasmexico #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #yaxchilan #sancristobaldelascasas #adventurebabes #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #girlswhotravel #wearetravelgirls #mexicomagico #mexicomaravilloso
WILD YAXCHILÁN 🌿🐒

The most incredible ruins in Chiapas, and some of the best I've seen in all of Mexico, are WAY out of the way— and that's exactly what makes them so spectacular. 

Driving hours into the jungle to the town of Frontera Corozal, you can hire a lancha (wooden boat) to take you 1hr up the Usumacinta River that divides Mexico and Guatemala, eventually delivering you to the base of the Yaxchilán ruins. 

Settled circa 350CE & at the height of its power from 600-800CE, Yaxchilán was once a massive urban centre and a dominant power in this region, largely thanks to its protected position right on the river’s curve that limited land access to the south side.

Feeling like Indiana Jones, scramble up stone steps & root-laden paths to see the impressive ruins excavated in the middle of this seemingly impenetrable swathe of trees & vines. The name Yaxchilán means ‘green stones’ in a local Mayan dialect, which seems apt for a city that almost appears to grow right out of the jungle itself.

Monkeys howl in the distance & munch on purple flowers by the fistful, completing the fantasy of being deep within the jungle, exploring something few eyes have seen. 

While Palenque is crawling with tourists, you can have Yaxchilán all to yourself 😍
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#mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #chiapas #chiapasmexico #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #yaxchilan #sancristobaldelascasas #adventurebabes #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #girlswhotravel #wearetravelgirls #mexicomagico #mexicomaravilloso
WILD YAXCHILÁN 🌿🐒

The most incredible ruins in Chiapas, and some of the best I've seen in all of Mexico, are WAY out of the way— and that's exactly what makes them so spectacular. 

Driving hours into the jungle to the town of Frontera Corozal, you can hire a lancha (wooden boat) to take you 1hr up the Usumacinta River that divides Mexico and Guatemala, eventually delivering you to the base of the Yaxchilán ruins. 

Settled circa 350CE & at the height of its power from 600-800CE, Yaxchilán was once a massive urban centre and a dominant power in this region, largely thanks to its protected position right on the river’s curve that limited land access to the south side.

Feeling like Indiana Jones, scramble up stone steps & root-laden paths to see the impressive ruins excavated in the middle of this seemingly impenetrable swathe of trees & vines. The name Yaxchilán means ‘green stones’ in a local Mayan dialect, which seems apt for a city that almost appears to grow right out of the jungle itself.

Monkeys howl in the distance & munch on purple flowers by the fistful, completing the fantasy of being deep within the jungle, exploring something few eyes have seen. 

While Palenque is crawling with tourists, you can have Yaxchilán all to yourself 😍
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#mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #chiapas #chiapasmexico #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #yaxchilan #sancristobaldelascasas #adventurebabes #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #girlswhotravel #wearetravelgirls #mexicomagico #mexicomaravilloso
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
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WILD YAXCHILÁN 🌿🐒 The most incredible ruins in Chiapas, and some of the best I've seen in all of Mexico, are WAY out of the way— and that's exactly what makes them so spectacular. Driving hours into the jungle to the town of Frontera Corozal, you can hire a lancha (wooden boat) to take you 1hr up the Usumacinta River that divides Mexico and Guatemala, eventually delivering you to the base of the Yaxchilán ruins. Settled circa 350CE & at the height of its power from 600-800CE, Yaxchilán was once a massive urban centre and a dominant power in this region, largely thanks to its protected position right on the river’s curve that limited land access to the south side. Feeling like Indiana Jones, scramble up stone steps & root-laden paths to see the impressive ruins excavated in the middle of this seemingly impenetrable swathe of trees & vines. The name Yaxchilán means ‘green stones’ in a local Mayan dialect, which seems apt for a city that almost appears to grow right out of the jungle itself. Monkeys howl in the distance & munch on purple flowers by the fistful, completing the fantasy of being deep within the jungle, exploring something few eyes have seen. While Palenque is crawling with tourists, you can have Yaxchilán all to yourself 😍 . . . . . . . #mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #chiapas #chiapasmexico #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #yaxchilan #sancristobaldelascasas #adventurebabes #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #girlswhotravel #wearetravelgirls #mexicomagico #mexicomaravilloso
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
1/5
Wild & wonderful Chiapas 🇲🇽✨

I fell in love with this beautiful Mexican state during my van trip around Mexico last year-- even 20 states later, it's one of my favourite places in the whole country, an incredible jungle paradise full of wildlife & so much natural beauty, not to mention the rich indigenous heritage & colourful traditions preserved here.

It's been such a treat to live in Chiapas for a few months & it's inspired me to go back through all my favourite parts of the state to finally share with you all! 

So, over the next couple weeks, I'm really excited to showcase some of the best waterfalls, most remote ruins, and unique experiences to enjoy in Chiapas. I hope it inspires your next trip to what is absolutely one of the most magical places in Mexico!
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#mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #chiapas #chiapasmexico #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #sancristobaldelascasas #adventurebabes #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #girlswhotravel #wearetravelgirls #mexicomagico #mexicomaravilloso
Wild & wonderful Chiapas 🇲🇽✨

I fell in love with this beautiful Mexican state during my van trip around Mexico last year-- even 20 states later, it's one of my favourite places in the whole country, an incredible jungle paradise full of wildlife & so much natural beauty, not to mention the rich indigenous heritage & colourful traditions preserved here.

It's been such a treat to live in Chiapas for a few months & it's inspired me to go back through all my favourite parts of the state to finally share with you all! 

So, over the next couple weeks, I'm really excited to showcase some of the best waterfalls, most remote ruins, and unique experiences to enjoy in Chiapas. I hope it inspires your next trip to what is absolutely one of the most magical places in Mexico!
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#mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #chiapas #chiapasmexico #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #sancristobaldelascasas #adventurebabes #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #girlswhotravel #wearetravelgirls #mexicomagico #mexicomaravilloso
Wild & wonderful Chiapas 🇲🇽✨

I fell in love with this beautiful Mexican state during my van trip around Mexico last year-- even 20 states later, it's one of my favourite places in the whole country, an incredible jungle paradise full of wildlife & so much natural beauty, not to mention the rich indigenous heritage & colourful traditions preserved here.

It's been such a treat to live in Chiapas for a few months & it's inspired me to go back through all my favourite parts of the state to finally share with you all! 

So, over the next couple weeks, I'm really excited to showcase some of the best waterfalls, most remote ruins, and unique experiences to enjoy in Chiapas. I hope it inspires your next trip to what is absolutely one of the most magical places in Mexico!
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#mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #chiapas #chiapasmexico #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #sancristobaldelascasas #adventurebabes #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #girlswhotravel #wearetravelgirls #mexicomagico #mexicomaravilloso
Wild & wonderful Chiapas 🇲🇽✨

I fell in love with this beautiful Mexican state during my van trip around Mexico last year-- even 20 states later, it's one of my favourite places in the whole country, an incredible jungle paradise full of wildlife & so much natural beauty, not to mention the rich indigenous heritage & colourful traditions preserved here.

It's been such a treat to live in Chiapas for a few months & it's inspired me to go back through all my favourite parts of the state to finally share with you all! 

So, over the next couple weeks, I'm really excited to showcase some of the best waterfalls, most remote ruins, and unique experiences to enjoy in Chiapas. I hope it inspires your next trip to what is absolutely one of the most magical places in Mexico!
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#mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #chiapas #chiapasmexico #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #sancristobaldelascasas #adventurebabes #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #girlswhotravel #wearetravelgirls #mexicomagico #mexicomaravilloso
Wild & wonderful Chiapas 🇲🇽✨

I fell in love with this beautiful Mexican state during my van trip around Mexico last year-- even 20 states later, it's one of my favourite places in the whole country, an incredible jungle paradise full of wildlife & so much natural beauty, not to mention the rich indigenous heritage & colourful traditions preserved here.

It's been such a treat to live in Chiapas for a few months & it's inspired me to go back through all my favourite parts of the state to finally share with you all! 

So, over the next couple weeks, I'm really excited to showcase some of the best waterfalls, most remote ruins, and unique experiences to enjoy in Chiapas. I hope it inspires your next trip to what is absolutely one of the most magical places in Mexico!
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#mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #chiapas #chiapasmexico #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #sancristobaldelascasas #adventurebabes #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #girlswhotravel #wearetravelgirls #mexicomagico #mexicomaravilloso
Wild & wonderful Chiapas 🇲🇽✨

I fell in love with this beautiful Mexican state during my van trip around Mexico last year-- even 20 states later, it's one of my favourite places in the whole country, an incredible jungle paradise full of wildlife & so much natural beauty, not to mention the rich indigenous heritage & colourful traditions preserved here.

It's been such a treat to live in Chiapas for a few months & it's inspired me to go back through all my favourite parts of the state to finally share with you all! 

So, over the next couple weeks, I'm really excited to showcase some of the best waterfalls, most remote ruins, and unique experiences to enjoy in Chiapas. I hope it inspires your next trip to what is absolutely one of the most magical places in Mexico!
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#mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #chiapas #chiapasmexico #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #sancristobaldelascasas #adventurebabes #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #girlswhotravel #wearetravelgirls #mexicomagico #mexicomaravilloso
Wild & wonderful Chiapas 🇲🇽✨

I fell in love with this beautiful Mexican state during my van trip around Mexico last year-- even 20 states later, it's one of my favourite places in the whole country, an incredible jungle paradise full of wildlife & so much natural beauty, not to mention the rich indigenous heritage & colourful traditions preserved here.

It's been such a treat to live in Chiapas for a few months & it's inspired me to go back through all my favourite parts of the state to finally share with you all! 

So, over the next couple weeks, I'm really excited to showcase some of the best waterfalls, most remote ruins, and unique experiences to enjoy in Chiapas. I hope it inspires your next trip to what is absolutely one of the most magical places in Mexico!
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#mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #chiapas #chiapasmexico #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #sancristobaldelascasas #adventurebabes #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #girlswhotravel #wearetravelgirls #mexicomagico #mexicomaravilloso
Wild & wonderful Chiapas 🇲🇽✨

I fell in love with this beautiful Mexican state during my van trip around Mexico last year-- even 20 states later, it's one of my favourite places in the whole country, an incredible jungle paradise full of wildlife & so much natural beauty, not to mention the rich indigenous heritage & colourful traditions preserved here.

It's been such a treat to live in Chiapas for a few months & it's inspired me to go back through all my favourite parts of the state to finally share with you all! 

So, over the next couple weeks, I'm really excited to showcase some of the best waterfalls, most remote ruins, and unique experiences to enjoy in Chiapas. I hope it inspires your next trip to what is absolutely one of the most magical places in Mexico!
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#mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #chiapas #chiapasmexico #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #sancristobaldelascasas #adventurebabes #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #girlswhotravel #wearetravelgirls #mexicomagico #mexicomaravilloso
Wild & wonderful Chiapas 🇲🇽✨

I fell in love with this beautiful Mexican state during my van trip around Mexico last year-- even 20 states later, it's one of my favourite places in the whole country, an incredible jungle paradise full of wildlife & so much natural beauty, not to mention the rich indigenous heritage & colourful traditions preserved here.

It's been such a treat to live in Chiapas for a few months & it's inspired me to go back through all my favourite parts of the state to finally share with you all! 

So, over the next couple weeks, I'm really excited to showcase some of the best waterfalls, most remote ruins, and unique experiences to enjoy in Chiapas. I hope it inspires your next trip to what is absolutely one of the most magical places in Mexico!
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#mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #chiapas #chiapasmexico #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #sancristobaldelascasas #adventurebabes #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #girlswhotravel #wearetravelgirls #mexicomagico #mexicomaravilloso
Wild & wonderful Chiapas 🇲🇽✨

I fell in love with this beautiful Mexican state during my van trip around Mexico last year-- even 20 states later, it's one of my favourite places in the whole country, an incredible jungle paradise full of wildlife & so much natural beauty, not to mention the rich indigenous heritage & colourful traditions preserved here.

It's been such a treat to live in Chiapas for a few months & it's inspired me to go back through all my favourite parts of the state to finally share with you all! 

So, over the next couple weeks, I'm really excited to showcase some of the best waterfalls, most remote ruins, and unique experiences to enjoy in Chiapas. I hope it inspires your next trip to what is absolutely one of the most magical places in Mexico!
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#mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #chiapas #chiapasmexico #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #sancristobaldelascasas #adventurebabes #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #girlswhotravel #wearetravelgirls #mexicomagico #mexicomaravilloso
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
Follow
Wild & wonderful Chiapas 🇲🇽✨ I fell in love with this beautiful Mexican state during my van trip around Mexico last year-- even 20 states later, it's one of my favourite places in the whole country, an incredible jungle paradise full of wildlife & so much natural beauty, not to mention the rich indigenous heritage & colourful traditions preserved here. It's been such a treat to live in Chiapas for a few months & it's inspired me to go back through all my favourite parts of the state to finally share with you all! So, over the next couple weeks, I'm really excited to showcase some of the best waterfalls, most remote ruins, and unique experiences to enjoy in Chiapas. I hope it inspires your next trip to what is absolutely one of the most magical places in Mexico! . . . . . . . #mexico #travelmexico #vivamexico #exploremexico #chiapas #chiapasmexico #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #sancristobaldelascasas #adventurebabes #girlsgoneglobal #girlslovetravel #sheisnotlost #girlswhotravel #wearetravelgirls #mexicomagico #mexicomaravilloso
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
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Follow
BEST FOOD IN SAN CRIS, CHIAPAS 🌯✨ In a city renowned for its incredible food scene, I went on a personal mission to eat at 1 new restaurant EVERY day for the last 2 months in order to assemble a “best of” list for my blog! It has been a delicious endeavour & only resulted in food poisoning twice, so here’s a little sneak peak of THE BEST OF THE BEST before I publish the full article on brookebeyond.com: 🌽 best authentic local food: Comal 🥑 best gourmet Mexican: Xut 🌮 best street tacos: Achiote Cochinita Pibil 🍤 best seafood tacos: Taquería El Bony 🥕 best healthy brunch: Aguacate Veggie Bar 🥖 best bakery: Panadería Artesanal Roots 🧀 best chilaquiles: Astro Cafe (salsa verde con aguacate) 🍝 best Italian: Trattoria Catanzaro (homemade pasta!) 🧆 best Labanese: Malaak al Horno 🍛 best Indonesian: Casa Jasmine (vegan!) 🌶️ best Thai: Bangcook 🥘 best Indian: Cardamomo 🍜 best Korean: Casa de Ahn 🍨 best ice cream: Jangala (bean to bar chocolate) Where are you eating first?! . . . . . . . . . #sancris #sancristobaldelascasaschiapas #sancristobal #chiapas #chiapasmexico #chiapasionate #chiapasmagico #mexicomagico #mexicolindo #mexicolindo #sancristobaldelascasas #foodie #travelguide #restaurantguide
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/5
A love letter to San Cris 💛

I moved to southern Mexico 2 months ago— to a town that held a lot of specific pain for me— feeling just about as broken as I’ve ever felt & so far from myself that I feared I wouldn’t be able to find my way back. 

But somehow, I did.

Wandering these cobbled streets, reading in my sunny garden, dancing around the kitchen to loud music (& sometimes crying even louder), waking up in a place that’s become completely my own, I’ve felt things inside of me start to bloom again. Inspiration, creativity, passion, purpose.

I spent more time truly alone in the last couple months than I ever have, going days on end without anyone’s company but my own— and I’ve started to reconnect with myself, to sift through all the feelings that were too big & too messy to grapple with while I was rushing around the world, to unearth pieces of me that I buried over the years just trying to survive bad situations.

And I’ve learned to love those parts of me again. To find light in my shadows, peace in my pain, poetry in my rough edges.

I’m moving out of my apartment in a week and there’s part of me that’s honestly scared to start travelling again, to allow other people into my days & into my life after carefully curating such a peaceful & solitary existence here in San Cris. But I also know I’m not the same girl I was when I came here. And I can’t be only me when I’m with me.

I think it’s time to find my way back into the world again, into the chaos of new places & faces & challenges.

But I will always, always be grateful for the place that taught me how to breathe again, showed me a path back to myself, and reminded me that I am so much greater than the things that happened to me.

Te amo, San Cris 💛
A love letter to San Cris 💛

I moved to southern Mexico 2 months ago— to a town that held a lot of specific pain for me— feeling just about as broken as I’ve ever felt & so far from myself that I feared I wouldn’t be able to find my way back. 

But somehow, I did.

Wandering these cobbled streets, reading in my sunny garden, dancing around the kitchen to loud music (& sometimes crying even louder), waking up in a place that’s become completely my own, I’ve felt things inside of me start to bloom again. Inspiration, creativity, passion, purpose.

I spent more time truly alone in the last couple months than I ever have, going days on end without anyone’s company but my own— and I’ve started to reconnect with myself, to sift through all the feelings that were too big & too messy to grapple with while I was rushing around the world, to unearth pieces of me that I buried over the years just trying to survive bad situations.

And I’ve learned to love those parts of me again. To find light in my shadows, peace in my pain, poetry in my rough edges.

I’m moving out of my apartment in a week and there’s part of me that’s honestly scared to start travelling again, to allow other people into my days & into my life after carefully curating such a peaceful & solitary existence here in San Cris. But I also know I’m not the same girl I was when I came here. And I can’t be only me when I’m with me.

I think it’s time to find my way back into the world again, into the chaos of new places & faces & challenges.

But I will always, always be grateful for the place that taught me how to breathe again, showed me a path back to myself, and reminded me that I am so much greater than the things that happened to me.

Te amo, San Cris 💛
A love letter to San Cris 💛

I moved to southern Mexico 2 months ago— to a town that held a lot of specific pain for me— feeling just about as broken as I’ve ever felt & so far from myself that I feared I wouldn’t be able to find my way back. 

But somehow, I did.

Wandering these cobbled streets, reading in my sunny garden, dancing around the kitchen to loud music (& sometimes crying even louder), waking up in a place that’s become completely my own, I’ve felt things inside of me start to bloom again. Inspiration, creativity, passion, purpose.

I spent more time truly alone in the last couple months than I ever have, going days on end without anyone’s company but my own— and I’ve started to reconnect with myself, to sift through all the feelings that were too big & too messy to grapple with while I was rushing around the world, to unearth pieces of me that I buried over the years just trying to survive bad situations.

And I’ve learned to love those parts of me again. To find light in my shadows, peace in my pain, poetry in my rough edges.

I’m moving out of my apartment in a week and there’s part of me that’s honestly scared to start travelling again, to allow other people into my days & into my life after carefully curating such a peaceful & solitary existence here in San Cris. But I also know I’m not the same girl I was when I came here. And I can’t be only me when I’m with me.

I think it’s time to find my way back into the world again, into the chaos of new places & faces & challenges.

But I will always, always be grateful for the place that taught me how to breathe again, showed me a path back to myself, and reminded me that I am so much greater than the things that happened to me.

Te amo, San Cris 💛
A love letter to San Cris 💛

I moved to southern Mexico 2 months ago— to a town that held a lot of specific pain for me— feeling just about as broken as I’ve ever felt & so far from myself that I feared I wouldn’t be able to find my way back. 

But somehow, I did.

Wandering these cobbled streets, reading in my sunny garden, dancing around the kitchen to loud music (& sometimes crying even louder), waking up in a place that’s become completely my own, I’ve felt things inside of me start to bloom again. Inspiration, creativity, passion, purpose.

I spent more time truly alone in the last couple months than I ever have, going days on end without anyone’s company but my own— and I’ve started to reconnect with myself, to sift through all the feelings that were too big & too messy to grapple with while I was rushing around the world, to unearth pieces of me that I buried over the years just trying to survive bad situations.

And I’ve learned to love those parts of me again. To find light in my shadows, peace in my pain, poetry in my rough edges.

I’m moving out of my apartment in a week and there’s part of me that’s honestly scared to start travelling again, to allow other people into my days & into my life after carefully curating such a peaceful & solitary existence here in San Cris. But I also know I’m not the same girl I was when I came here. And I can’t be only me when I’m with me.

I think it’s time to find my way back into the world again, into the chaos of new places & faces & challenges.

But I will always, always be grateful for the place that taught me how to breathe again, showed me a path back to myself, and reminded me that I am so much greater than the things that happened to me.

Te amo, San Cris 💛
A love letter to San Cris 💛

I moved to southern Mexico 2 months ago— to a town that held a lot of specific pain for me— feeling just about as broken as I’ve ever felt & so far from myself that I feared I wouldn’t be able to find my way back. 

But somehow, I did.

Wandering these cobbled streets, reading in my sunny garden, dancing around the kitchen to loud music (& sometimes crying even louder), waking up in a place that’s become completely my own, I’ve felt things inside of me start to bloom again. Inspiration, creativity, passion, purpose.

I spent more time truly alone in the last couple months than I ever have, going days on end without anyone’s company but my own— and I’ve started to reconnect with myself, to sift through all the feelings that were too big & too messy to grapple with while I was rushing around the world, to unearth pieces of me that I buried over the years just trying to survive bad situations.

And I’ve learned to love those parts of me again. To find light in my shadows, peace in my pain, poetry in my rough edges.

I’m moving out of my apartment in a week and there’s part of me that’s honestly scared to start travelling again, to allow other people into my days & into my life after carefully curating such a peaceful & solitary existence here in San Cris. But I also know I’m not the same girl I was when I came here. And I can’t be only me when I’m with me.

I think it’s time to find my way back into the world again, into the chaos of new places & faces & challenges.

But I will always, always be grateful for the place that taught me how to breathe again, showed me a path back to myself, and reminded me that I am so much greater than the things that happened to me.

Te amo, San Cris 💛
A love letter to San Cris 💛

I moved to southern Mexico 2 months ago— to a town that held a lot of specific pain for me— feeling just about as broken as I’ve ever felt & so far from myself that I feared I wouldn’t be able to find my way back. 

But somehow, I did.

Wandering these cobbled streets, reading in my sunny garden, dancing around the kitchen to loud music (& sometimes crying even louder), waking up in a place that’s become completely my own, I’ve felt things inside of me start to bloom again. Inspiration, creativity, passion, purpose.

I spent more time truly alone in the last couple months than I ever have, going days on end without anyone’s company but my own— and I’ve started to reconnect with myself, to sift through all the feelings that were too big & too messy to grapple with while I was rushing around the world, to unearth pieces of me that I buried over the years just trying to survive bad situations.

And I’ve learned to love those parts of me again. To find light in my shadows, peace in my pain, poetry in my rough edges.

I’m moving out of my apartment in a week and there’s part of me that’s honestly scared to start travelling again, to allow other people into my days & into my life after carefully curating such a peaceful & solitary existence here in San Cris. But I also know I’m not the same girl I was when I came here. And I can’t be only me when I’m with me.

I think it’s time to find my way back into the world again, into the chaos of new places & faces & challenges.

But I will always, always be grateful for the place that taught me how to breathe again, showed me a path back to myself, and reminded me that I am so much greater than the things that happened to me.

Te amo, San Cris 💛
A love letter to San Cris 💛

I moved to southern Mexico 2 months ago— to a town that held a lot of specific pain for me— feeling just about as broken as I’ve ever felt & so far from myself that I feared I wouldn’t be able to find my way back. 

But somehow, I did.

Wandering these cobbled streets, reading in my sunny garden, dancing around the kitchen to loud music (& sometimes crying even louder), waking up in a place that’s become completely my own, I’ve felt things inside of me start to bloom again. Inspiration, creativity, passion, purpose.

I spent more time truly alone in the last couple months than I ever have, going days on end without anyone’s company but my own— and I’ve started to reconnect with myself, to sift through all the feelings that were too big & too messy to grapple with while I was rushing around the world, to unearth pieces of me that I buried over the years just trying to survive bad situations.

And I’ve learned to love those parts of me again. To find light in my shadows, peace in my pain, poetry in my rough edges.

I’m moving out of my apartment in a week and there’s part of me that’s honestly scared to start travelling again, to allow other people into my days & into my life after carefully curating such a peaceful & solitary existence here in San Cris. But I also know I’m not the same girl I was when I came here. And I can’t be only me when I’m with me.

I think it’s time to find my way back into the world again, into the chaos of new places & faces & challenges.

But I will always, always be grateful for the place that taught me how to breathe again, showed me a path back to myself, and reminded me that I am so much greater than the things that happened to me.

Te amo, San Cris 💛
A love letter to San Cris 💛

I moved to southern Mexico 2 months ago— to a town that held a lot of specific pain for me— feeling just about as broken as I’ve ever felt & so far from myself that I feared I wouldn’t be able to find my way back. 

But somehow, I did.

Wandering these cobbled streets, reading in my sunny garden, dancing around the kitchen to loud music (& sometimes crying even louder), waking up in a place that’s become completely my own, I’ve felt things inside of me start to bloom again. Inspiration, creativity, passion, purpose.

I spent more time truly alone in the last couple months than I ever have, going days on end without anyone’s company but my own— and I’ve started to reconnect with myself, to sift through all the feelings that were too big & too messy to grapple with while I was rushing around the world, to unearth pieces of me that I buried over the years just trying to survive bad situations.

And I’ve learned to love those parts of me again. To find light in my shadows, peace in my pain, poetry in my rough edges.

I’m moving out of my apartment in a week and there’s part of me that’s honestly scared to start travelling again, to allow other people into my days & into my life after carefully curating such a peaceful & solitary existence here in San Cris. But I also know I’m not the same girl I was when I came here. And I can’t be only me when I’m with me.

I think it’s time to find my way back into the world again, into the chaos of new places & faces & challenges.

But I will always, always be grateful for the place that taught me how to breathe again, showed me a path back to myself, and reminded me that I am so much greater than the things that happened to me.

Te amo, San Cris 💛
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
Follow
A love letter to San Cris 💛 I moved to southern Mexico 2 months ago— to a town that held a lot of specific pain for me— feeling just about as broken as I’ve ever felt & so far from myself that I feared I wouldn’t be able to find my way back. But somehow, I did. Wandering these cobbled streets, reading in my sunny garden, dancing around the kitchen to loud music (& sometimes crying even louder), waking up in a place that’s become completely my own, I’ve felt things inside of me start to bloom again. Inspiration, creativity, passion, purpose. I spent more time truly alone in the last couple months than I ever have, going days on end without anyone’s company but my own— and I’ve started to reconnect with myself, to sift through all the feelings that were too big & too messy to grapple with while I was rushing around the world, to unearth pieces of me that I buried over the years just trying to survive bad situations. And I’ve learned to love those parts of me again. To find light in my shadows, peace in my pain, poetry in my rough edges. I’m moving out of my apartment in a week and there’s part of me that’s honestly scared to start travelling again, to allow other people into my days & into my life after carefully curating such a peaceful & solitary existence here in San Cris. But I also know I’m not the same girl I was when I came here. And I can’t be only me when I’m with me. I think it’s time to find my way back into the world again, into the chaos of new places & faces & challenges. But I will always, always be grateful for the place that taught me how to breathe again, showed me a path back to myself, and reminded me that I am so much greater than the things that happened to me. Te amo, San Cris 💛
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/5
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
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Follow
🏔️ PATAGONIA 2024 GROUP TRIP 🏔️ I still have a few spots left on my second group trip to Patagonia with @zealoustravelco from 23 Feb - 2 Mar 2024 😍😍 Our 9-day itinerary includes: 💃🏻 a day in Buenos Aires (one of the world’s best cities!) 🧊 Perito Moreno Glacier 🧗‍♀️ an epic via ferrata in El Chalten 💦 white water rafting 🏔️ 3-day backpacking trip around Mt Fitzroy 🐴 horseback riding 👯‍♀️ & BEST FRIENDS FOR LIFE If you want more information or a link to sign up for the trip, comment DETAILS below & I’ll dm you! Can’t wait to see you guys in Patagonia 🤩 . . . . . . #patagonia #fitzroy #elchalten #losglaciaresnationalpark #parquenacionallosglaciares #argentina #hikerbabes #girlswhohike #outdoorwomen #adventuregirl #adventurebabes #mountaingirl #mountaingirls #grouptrip
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
5/5

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