Top Travel Ideas for Central America and the Caribbean
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.
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$2099
Next available from 9th Dec 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
San Jose, Costa Rica
ENDS AT
Tamarindo, Provincia De Guanacaste
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
17
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Pristine beaches and a vibrant barrier reef in Belize
This tiny Central American paradise is one of the most underrated beach destinations on this side of the globe. Its stretch of Caribbean coast real estate may be small but it is spectacularly beautiful, especially on the Placencia Peninsula, where we’ll be staying on our five-day trip to Belize. You’ll get to go snorkelling in the Unesco-listed Belize Barrier Reef and discover pretty little sandy islets, surrounded by crystal clear waters. You’ll also get to head into the jungle on a cruise down Monkey River, spotting jaguars, crocodiles and monkeys hiding in the rainforest. There’s be plenty of time to take advantage of our resort’s outdoor pool and private beach, as well as visiting some of the more hidden stretches of golden sand along the peninsula. Cap it all off with a dreamy sunset cruise, the perfect way to end your Caribbean retreat in Belize.
From US$1094
Next available from 7th Oct 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Belize City, Belize
ENDS AT
Belize City, Belize
DURATION
5
GROUP SIZE
18
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Culture
Ancient Mayan ruins and volcanic wonders in Guatemala
Belize’s western neighbour is another underrated gem of Central America. It’s filled with vibrant cultures, volcanic landscapes and a strong Mayan heritage – this is actually the only country in Central America where the largest demographic is of indigenous descent, with around half the population descending to the Mayan people. Our five-day trip in Guatemala starts with a guided tour along the colourful streets of Antigua, followed by a sunset trek to the summit of Pacaya volcano, where we’ll treat you to pizza and marshmallows cooked using molten lava. Next up is a tour of Iximche, the ancient ruins of a pre-Columbian Mayan city, where you’ll get to witness a traditional Mayan ceremony. We’ll end the trip in the alternative, artistic town of San Juan La Laguna, but not before exploring the volcanic Lake Atitlán by kayak and zipline.
From US$934
Next available from 24th Jan 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Guatemala City, Guatemala
ENDS AT
Guatemala City, Guatemala
DURATION
5
GROUP SIZE
18
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Culture
Soak up the sun on the beaches and rivers of Colombia's Caribbean coast
Young adult vacations and older adult vacations tend to have beach days in common, which is why Colombia’s Caribbean coast is ideal for sun worshipers of all ages. This eight-day trip grants you permission to tan on the country’s pristine beaches, including on a trip to the Rosario Islands, where you’ll find more coral reefs than tourists. You’ll also tackle two rivers – one via boat and another with a river tube – so keep your sunscreen handy.
From US$1711
Next available from 9th Dec 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Cartagena, Colombia
ENDS AT
Santa Marta, Colombia
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
14
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Richard Collett and Gethin Morgan contributed to this article.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
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!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
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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