Central America & Caribbean

Guatemala: Be sure to visit the colonial city of Antigua, renowned for its Spanish architecture, churches, monasteries, and cobbled streets. Nearby, you’ll find the stunning Lake Atitlan, a 128 sq. km lake set in a collapsed volcanic cone. Don’t miss the unpronounceable Chichicastenango, famous for its massive indigenous market on Thursdays and Sundays, where you can buy everything from local fruits and vegetables to embroidered cloths and hand-carved wooden masks. Explore the world-renowned Mayan ruins of Tikal, located in the jungle, unlike other cleared sites such as Chichén Itzá and Copan. Here, you can see towering pyramids among the trees, with howler monkeys, toucans, and parrots all around. Arrive for sunrise to experience a dramatic scene reminiscent of an Indiana Jones movie.

Belize: The only English-speaking country in Central America boasts the world’s second-largest barrier reef. Enjoy the laid-back Caribbean lifestyle on Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. You can also visit more Mayan ruins at Altun Ha and Lamanai.

Honduras: This country is home to coastal wetlands, lagoons, and stunning tropical scenery, protected in numerous national parks and reserves. Discover famous Mayan ruins at Copan. The Bay Islands of Roatan and Utila offer white sandy beaches and are possibly the cheapest places in the world to learn to scuba dive.

Costa Rica: A leader in nature and eco-tourism in the region, Costa Rica offers numerous volunteer trips to help protect leatherback turtles. Visit the rainforest, where you might spot the elusive jaguar in Corcovado National Park. The country also features beautiful white sand beaches and offers something for everyone.

The largest and most densely populated island in the Caribbean, Cuba stands out for many reasons, including its history, politics, and music. Since Castro came to power in 1959, life has changed dramatically for the average person, and the ongoing communist ideologies make for a particularly intriguing visit.

Havana – All the major attractions are in the old part of Havana. Founded by the Spanish in the 16th century, the city boasts an array of churches, including the main cathedral, charming old squares, and a bustling tourist market near the port catering to American cruise passengers who bypass the travel ban by flying to Canada or Jamaica and cruising from there. You’ll find small bands on almost every corner and strolling minstrels throughout the old town. Your CD collection will likely double in size before you leave.

Santiago de Cuba – This historic city played a pivotal role in the Cuban Revolution but is even better known for its music. Santiago’s historical centre retains a time-worn charm, perfect for photographers. After a day of sightseeing, spend the night dancing salsa in the city that gave birth to the dance.

Trinidad – Known for its Spanish-style churches and excellent museums, Trinidad is also the gateway to the Valle de los Ingenios, where sugar cane plantations stretch out in all directions.

A captivating region renowned for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant cultures, and rich history. Comprising over 700 islands, islets, reefs, and cays, the Caribbean offers an array of destinations, each with its unique charm. The region’s colonial past is reflected in its architecture, languages, and traditions, with influences from African, European, and Indigenous cultures creating a vibrant tapestry. Visitors can explore lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and underwater worlds teeming with life, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

Also famous for its music and dance, with reggae, calypso, and soca rhythms infusing the air. Whether you’re diving in the Cayman Islands, hiking in the Dominican Republic, or simply relaxing on a secluded beach in Saint Lucia, the Caribbean promises an unforgettable experience filled with warmth, colour, and life.