Reasons to go to the Caribbean and Central America
It’s no coincidence why most people’s idea of paradise...
Reasons to go to the Caribbean and Central America
It’s no coincidence why most people’s idea of paradise is based on the tropical land and seascapes of Central America and the Caribbean. Closed canopy forests, towering volcanoes, azure skies, and turquoise blue waters teeming with colourful marine life are just some of the stunning sights that await you. You'll visit Central American coastal communities — from vibrant, cosmopolitan cities to isolated villages nestled in a gorgeous pocket of rainforest. You’ll visit sleepy fishing towns with soft sandy beaches, ancient Mayan ruins and national parks home to some of the most exotic wildlife on the planet.
Spectacular Scenery
You might be familiar with the dramatic sights and sounds of the Caribbean and Central America’s jungles from films and wildlife documentaries, but nothing can prepare you for experiencing this in person. And that’s without even mentioning the pristine beaches, lagoons, atolls, reefs, and palm-tree islands this region is so famous for.
Exotic Wildlife
The dense trees and vegetation of Costa Rica's forests alone are home to approximately 5% of the world’s biodiversity. The Caribbean and Central America are a haven for exotic wildlife including iguanas, dolphins, whales, sloths, monkeys, turtles, manta rays, and toucans. Whether you're hiking up a volcano, trekking through a forest, or simply strolling through a botanical garden, you’ll see why this special part of the world is a dream for animal lovers, birdwatchers, and photographers alike.
Active Adventures
Enjoy a range of optional excursions as well as pre or post-cruise adventures to make the most of your expedition here. Take a romantic catamaran tour to the many bays of Huatulco, Mexico. See spectacular coral and colourful fish while snorkelling in Belize’s famed barrier reef. Scan for Basilisk lizards and crocodiles from a riverboat in Puntarenas, Costa Rica before your cruise.
Culinary Delights
As you would expect, the food in this region is as delicious as it is diverse. Sample a pupusa, the national dish of El Salvador – a corn tortilla filled with either cheese, pork or beans. Join an optional excursion to a communal kitchen in Piedra de Moros, Mexico to see how authentic tortillas and tamales are made. We also have to highlight two of Central America’s greatest exports – coffee and chocolate.
Mayan History
Your expedition to Central America will take you into Mayan territory. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about their history in informative lectures from our Expedition Team and on optional excursions to ancient ruins. Whether you’re taking in stunning views atop a carefully restored Mayan temple in Belize or exploring a village preserved in volcanic ash in El Salvador, you will leave with a deeper knowledge of this fascinating civilisation.
Local Communities
The region includes a mix of native customs, immigrant traditions, and Spanish and English colonial influences. Our commitment to sustainable travel also includes forming meaningful relationships with local communities. One of our included activities in Granada, Nicaragua, is a local school visit where we drop off donated school supplies.