Think of the Caribbean and you’ll likely picture white-sand beaches, tall palm trees and turquoise seas. And you’d be right – this cluster of islands does some of the best beaches you’ll ever see. It’s not all about sand and sea here, though. You’ll also find tropical landscapes, plenty of culture and an infectious party spirit.
Temperatures in the Caribbean range from hot to even hotter – the mercury on these islands tends to hover in the high 20s even in the winter. Summertime in the more northerly islands – Jamaica and the Dominican Republic – gets even hotter, with temperatures climbing into the 30s.
Stretching all the way from the USA in the north to Guatemala and Belize in the south, Mexico is the glue that links the North and South American continents together. The country’s two million square kilometres pack in everything from mega cities and tiny pueblos to ancient jungle and Mayan relics. But, for holidaymakers at least, the coastal areas hold the main appeal.
Mexico’s eastern edge sidles up to the Caribbean Sea. Cancun is home to upmarket hotels, a 22-kilometre belt of white sand, shopping malls, and an after-dark scene to rival Rio. As you head down the coast, Mexico begins to shed its tourist skin. Playa del Carmen offers everything Cancun does, but in smaller portions, but by Playacar, the bars and shops disappear in favour of secluded beaches and seaside villas. In Riviera Maya, meanwhile, tropical jungle and Mayan ruins begin to appear in the picture.
Mexico’s west coast is lapped by the Pacific Ocean. The beaches around Puerto Vallarta mirror the quality of those on the opposite side of the country. And away from the sand, abseiling and zip-lining circuits are strung through the Sierra Madre Mountains.
If you’re searching for the ultimate adventure playground, Latin America is perfect! It stretches from the wilds of Patagonia, through the Amazonian rainforest, past Incan ruins and up to the truly unique wildlife of the Galapagos. The destination offers iconic attractions that can’t be seen anywhere else – Iguazu falls, Machu Picchu, Torres Del Paine, Salar de Uyuni and Easter Island, alongside wildlife – whales, sea lions, monkeys, jaguars, guanacos, condors and blue-footed boobies. In this land of cultures, colours, coffee, and celebration, you’ll meet some of the warmest people you’ve ever come across. Escorted tours here are a very popular option for the traveller that wants something a little less ordinary!
