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.
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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
Central America stories
Oct 26, 2018
A magical journey down the Floating Gardens of...
When you think of a boating holiday, Venice’s gondolas, a kettuvalam (houseboat)...
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...