The variety of trips across North, South, and Central America is impressively diverse. Opportunities to take challenging hikes, whether through the Rockies or along the Inca Trail, are abundant. For keen birders, the spotting opportunities in Costa Rica and Ecuador are arguably unrivalled. Or, if meeting the people and becoming immersed in culture and communities is your idea of a country well-discovered, then hearing first-hand narratives from locals across Cuba will reveal more about this nation than a guidebook ever could.
Here, we guide you from Canada in North America down to the icy wonderland of Patagonia in South America, with all the colour, culture, and creatures found in the thousands of miles in between.
Canada
The best way to experience Canada’s blockbuster landscape is to get amongst it, following the tried and tested trails that weave through the Rockies and camping in scenic spots. Over almost two weeks, our Canadian Rockies Wilderness Walks trip checks off some of the most famous trails – nine in all – including the Iceline, the Parker Ridge, and the Sulphur Skyline. It also includes a heli-flight to hike through a wilderness area that’s the domain of bears, eagles, and moose.
Best time to visit: Most people choose to take these hikes between June and September for good reasons – the weather is warmer and sunnier with longer daylight hours, the glorious scenery is even more resplendent in the sunshine, and camping conditions are comfortable.
Cuba
Bookended with stays in the inimitably vibrant Havana, our Taste of Cuba trip is a journey through the highlights of the island. Thanks to local guides who impart their first-hand knowledge, the insights are unparalleled.
You’ll meet plenty of characters along the way, including the farmers who guide you around the tobacco plantations to the nature expert who will tell you about the swamps of the Zapata Peninsula. Residents in Trinidad will share their perspectives about the city, Cuban barmen whisper the secrets of an authentic mojito, and a local botanist reveals why they grow medicinal plants alongside their coffee and crops.
Best time to visit: Like your holidays hot? July and August trips bring the heat to Cuba, although it’s also the wettest time of year.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica, flanked by the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, is impressively biodiverse, making it almost impossible to settle on a single region to explore. To experience Costa Rica to its fullest potential, moving around the country from place to place reveals the variety of this Central American nation, from its rainforests to mangroves, lava fields to cloud forests, and pristine beaches.
Best time to visit: The green turtle nesting season runs from July to October in Costa Rica. One of the most important nesting sites is Tortuguero National Park, and on our 15 day Discover Costa Rica trip, you’ll visit on your second day, watching the turtles arriving on the beach to lay their eggs.
Green turtles are just the start of wildlife discoveries. As you venture around the country, you’ll explore different ecosystems and their residents, from the colourful birdlife in the rainforests and the howler monkeys in cloud forests. Local naturalist guides are on hand throughout, sharing their experiences, insights, and expertise.
Ecuador
A trip to Ecuador is pure magic. The scenes you’ll see could be footage in the latest Attenborough production – except this is a version you can experience with all your senses. Our Galapagos & Amazon trip combines the highlights of mainland Ecuador in the Amazon jungle with a sensational week-long cruise of the Galapagos Islands.
It’s time to put the guidebook to one side. Along the way, experienced naturalists are on-hand to spot iguanas camouflaging on rocks and share fascinating insights into the species that call this tropical wonderland home.
Best time to visit: Weather-wise, it’s possible to visit the region year-round. Many choose a departure date based on the wildlife events they’re hoping to see, whether that’s sea lion pups in November, turtle and iguana hatching in April, or migrating whales in June.
Peru
Perhaps 2022 calls for a challenge? And what better way to get back out into the world than to trek the famous, four-day-long Inca Trail as part of a longer trip to Peru. This ancient path winds around mountains and over three passes, with simply sensational views of the mountains, rivers, and cloud forests en route until you reach the ruins of the ancient city of Machu Picchu. Some say the sights from the Inca Trail are unrivalled. Others say it’s a life-changing experience. We say you should go there and decide for yourself.
Best time to visit: It’s best to tackle the Inca Trail in the dry season, typically between May and September, and it’s worth remembering that it’s busiest between June and August. Whenever you travel, preparation is vital, not least securing coveted Inca Trail reservations but ensuring you are fit and ready for the challenge, too.
Brazil
There’s nothing quite like the exhilaration of spotting a predator in the wild. And on our Land of the Jaguar trip, we set you up with the maximum chance of seeing one of these elusive creatures with seven boat trips into the Pantanal. Jaguar sightings are just part of the thrill of the Pantanal. You’ll also likely spot tapirs, monkeys, and vibrant macaws on this wildlife-focused expedition.
Best time to visit: The Pantanal has two distinct seasons – wet and dry. The dry season from May to October is generally considered best for animal spotting.
Argentina and Chile
The rawness and ruggedness of Patagonia on the southern frontier of South America can appear otherworldly in its barrenness and beauty. Far from the heat and colour of the north, our Patagonia Highlights tour is full-on escapism: trekking past glacial lakes, listening to the creaks and groans of moving glaciers and hiking to the base of the Towers of Paine. It’s a 13-day trip that visits Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city.
Best time to visit: Longer daylight hours and milder temperatures make this trip more enjoyable, so departures are in the southern hemisphere’s summertime between October and April.
Looking to book a trip to the Americas this year? Browse some of our best trips below.
