For all its Euro influence, Central America is no Western world. With Mayan ruins, Afro beats, and thriving indigenous cultures, this place is as foreign as can be.
The grand cathedrals were built by conquistadors, and the now the locals speak nothing but Spanish – but there’s something far-from-Europe about this place. It may be the tropical air or Caribbean sun that makes this place so different from the old world – like the smooth sand and stunning reefs of Belize. Or it may be the natural purity of the forest, in places like Costa Rica and Panama, where the people are happier than most places on earth. Or could it be the African beats of Cuba or the indigenous markets of Guatemala, forever weaving the exotic through this land.
New trips in Central America
43 Days From €13,180
Embark on the ultimate journey through Central America, travelling from Mexico down to...
29 Days From €9,195
Take a comprehensive adventure through Mexico and Central America - exploring the...
29 Days From €8,800
Journey through Central America from Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador and...
15 Days From €4,960
Journey through Belize, Guatemala and El Salvador, starting in Mexico, to explore the...
Top 10 trips in Central America
9 Days From €2,080
Escape to Cuba on an adventure to this exotic Caribbean island and explore the sultry...
13 Days From €3,530
Experience Cuba’s finest on a 13-day journey across the colourful Caribbean island....
15 Days From €3,620
Discover Maya ruins, Indian communities and colonial towns on this in-depth Mexican...
15 Days From €3,690
From your launching pad in San Jose, venture across some of Costa Rica's pristine...
15 Days From €4,960
Journey through Belize, Guatemala and El Salvador, starting in Mexico, to explore the...
8 Days From €2,640
Join Peregrine and experience the best Central American small ship adventure cruise...
Why we love Central America
- From the cloud forests of Costa Rica to Nicaragua’s giant volcanoes, Latin America does nature on a truly grand scale
- When it comes to vibrant colour, energy and food, nowhere delivers quite like Mexico. Bargain with descendants of the Zapotec and Mixtec peoples over hand-woven blankets in Oaxaca’s buzzy markets. You may even feel brave enough to try a crunchy chili and lime grasshopper!
- The Mayans were known for their advanced systems in architecture, mathematics, astronomy and hieroglyphics. From the temple ruins of Chichen Itza to the once-mighty capital of Tikal, our experts will lead you on a guided journey through Central America’s ancient history
- Let the dreamy Caribbean carry you away in the island archipelago of the Belize Cayes. With sleepy towns, sun-drenched beaches and some of the region’s best diving and snorkelling, what’s not to love?
- While Cuba may be a time warp of 1950s American cars and fading colonial splendour, the locals dance to the beat of the moment (and the rhythm of a rumba). From Havana and Trinidad to Vinales in the heart of Cuba’s tobacco-growing region, discover the landscapes and history of an island nation that defies categorisation
Destinations in Central America
What our travellers are saying about the region
Mexico In Depth, June 2018
Gavin Thomson
Mexico in Depth was a great trip. I thoroughly recommend for anyone that wants see the best archaeological sites and see the culture of food and fun of Mexico.
Review submitted 20 Jun 2018
Essential Cuba , April 2018
John O'Flaherty
I wanted to be able to comment on our arrival in Cuba. We were a long time in immigration and then it took quite some time fro our bags to arrive. when they did they had been opened presumably in customs. They could have simply cut the locks but they damaged the suitcases so they cant be locked again. There was nothing missing from our luggage. If it is normal for cases to be opened in Cuba then Peregrine should advise travellers of this and recommend the use of tietabs or that you not lock your suitcase.
Review submitted 04 Jun 2018
Cuba Highlights, May 2018
Beata Siemaszko
This trip is a great way to get to know Cuba and its main highlights. Our leader was amazing and we got a real view of what life in Cuba is like. If you’re thinking of going this is the trip to do - book it! You won’t be disappointed.
Review submitted 03 Jun 2018
Essential Cuba , May 2018
Nan Williamson
We were delighted with out trip Essential Cuba and felt fortunate to be visiting Cuba at this time. We found the people to be friendly, and we really enjoyed the wide range of activities in this delightful country.
Review submitted 01 Jun 2018
Essential Cuba , May 2018
Jill Bruce
Cuba is a destination in sad decay and needs to be experienced as that. The seemingly grinding poverty, poor housing for the masses, the government propaganda, rationed food, feral dogs, lack of public transport that leaves people by the road in the rain waving money for a lift are all depressing aspect that cannot be ignored.
Review submitted 01 Jun 2018
Cuba Highlights, May 2018
Daryl Rogers
I thoroughly enjoyed this trip including places visited, activities, inclusions and suggestions from our capable guide. The balance of planned activities and free time was also enjoyable. Take plenty of supplies of gastro stop or equivalent, keep plenty of small notes and coins for tipping.
Review submitted 30 May 2018
Central America stories
Jan 10, 2017
Central America beyond the beaches
While there are certainly plenty of high-end ocean resorts on the Yucatan...
Aug 23, 2016
Everything you need to know before your Mexico...
Mexico is a country of contrasts; a state of striking diversity. Here's everything...
Jul 27, 2016
A guide to Mexico’s best Maya temples
Since the Spanish first set foot on Mexican soil in 1519, the stepped, crumbling...
Jul 18, 2016
How to spend the perfect day in Mexico City
It’d take a couple of lifetimes to plumb the full depths of Mexico City. It’s...
Jun 06, 2016
5 reasons you need to get to Costa Rica
In the brunch buffet of Central America, Costa Rica is the organic chia seed...
Jan 13, 2016
Photoblog: This is Guatemala through the lens
A word of warning, Guatemala will steal your heart. Tangled forests and soaring...
Dec 25, 2015
Life guides: how to live Cuban
While it’s hard to capture and channel that natural joie de vivre, we can always...
Nov 06, 2015
Cuba for beginners: what to know before you travel
If I had to give one piece of advice to anyone travelling to Cuba, it would be to...