Top Travel Ideas for Central America and the Caribbean

Gethin Morgan

Content and CRM Executive

From the depths of Central America’s rainforests to its Caribbean shores, these small-group adventures showcase amazing biodiversity, thrilling excursions and the best coffee in the world.

Central America is a wonderful holiday destination. In a single weekend you can climb volcanoes, trudge through rainforest and surf multiple coastlines. In a mere week you can crisscross countries, sampling coffee and cuisine as diverse as the lands from which they spring. Opportunities for adventure are limitless – especially on these Central American and Caribbean trips, bookable with Culture Trip.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Aldama Street Parroquia Archangel church Dome Steeple San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

A sprawling metropolis, ancient ruins and colonial cities in Mexico

If you want to get to the heart and soul of Mexico, this eight-day trip is the one for you. We start in the capital, where you’ll get a guided tour of the city’s most significant sights, including a visit to Frida Kahlo’s home and a boat tour on the Aztec canals of Xochimilco. You’ll also get authentic foodie experiences at Cafe de Tacuba, Mercado San Juan and Azulisimo restaurant. From there we travel back in time at the ancient Mesoamerican sites of Teotihuacan and Tula, before visiting a series of gorgeous towns and cities, characterised by their beautiful Spanish colonial architecture and their crucial place in the fight for Mexican independence. You’ll get a city tour of Querétaro, take part in a cooking class and embrace arts and crafts in San Miguel de Allende, and learn about the Cry of Dolores in the Museo de la Independencia Nacional in Dolores Hidalgo. The trip wraps up in the pretty university town of Guanajuato, before returning to CDMX.

From US$2299

Next available from 10th Feb 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Mexico City, Mexico

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ENDS AT

Mexico City, Mexico

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

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STYLE

Discovery

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Hike, surf and sip coffee the pura vida way in Costa Rica

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly where you’ll learn the meaning of pura vida on this eight-day Costa Rica trip. For some, it’ll be while spotting sloths during moonlit hikes in Monteverde. For others, it may be on the deck of a surfboard just off Tamarindo’s shore. For you, it could be the first sip of coffee in La Fortuna or the first glimpse of Arenal volcano. Ultimately, it’s academic – from the minute you set foot in this country, pura vida is wherever you roam.

From US$2199

Next available from 6th Apr 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

San Jose, Costa Rica

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ENDS AT

Tamarindo, Provincia De Guanacaste

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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Aerial shot of Puerto Angelito in Puerto Escondido, Mexico

From capital city to the coast in Mexico

Mexico is a vastly diverse nation, but we’ve attempted to capture its complete essence in just eight days with this Complete Mexico Experience. You’ll start in Mexico City with an itinerary similar to the other Mexican trip on this list, and you’ll also get to visit the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan on this tour, but from there we take a different route. First is Puebla, the City of Tiles famous for pretty ceramics and a sticky sweet local delicacy. We’ll escape to the cactus-filled countryside in Zapotitlan Salinas, with a visit to an amazing botanical gardens en route to Oaxaca. Mexican cuisine takes centre stage here as you learn how to make tortilla, take part in an expert cooking class and a tasty mezcal tasting session. The trip wraps up with a taste of coastal Mexico in the resort town of Puerto Escondido, where we’ll stay at a glorious hotel, fit with its own private stretch of sand – perfect for a bit beach therapy after a week of pure adventure.

From US$2399

Next available from 24th Feb 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Mexico City, Mexico

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ENDS AT

Puerto Escondido, Mexico

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

14

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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This is an updated version of an article with contributions from Richard Collett and Nick Dauk.

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Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

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HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

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Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

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KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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