The Best Places in North and Central America to Visit in 2024
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There’s so much to love about North and Central America, from ancient ruins to glorious golden beaches and tropical rainforests teeming with quirky creatures. Here are our top tips for the places you need to visit with Culture Trip in 2024.
![Aerial shot of Puerto Angelito in Puerto Escondido, Mexico](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1--trips_mexicooaxaca_puertoescondido_seufersontheroad_shutterstock_1772183393-1.webp)
Oaxaca and Puerto Escondido – The Complete Mexico Experience
It’s hard to nail Mexico down to just one destination. This sprawling nation has something for just about every traveller, which we’ve tried to encapsulate in our Complete Mexico Experience tour. The trip includes a deep-dive into Mexico City and a visit to the charming city of Puebla, but if there’s one Mexican region we want to spotlight in 2024 it’s the state of Oaxaca, which dominates the second half of this itinerary. The state capital, of the same name, is regarded as the culinary capital of Mexico. You’ll get to find this out for yourself as you learn how to make fresh tortilla, take part in an authentic cooking class and a mezcal tasting session – the majority of this smoky spirit is made in the region. The other notable joy of this region is Puerto Escondido, its stunning Pacific resort town, lined with gorgeous golden stretches of sand. After exploring the ancient ruins of Monte Albán, you’ll have two full days at a luxurious beach resort to enjoy coastal bliss in southwestern Mexico – that said, we won’t blame you if you want to extend your stay here further.
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
ENDS AT
Puerto Escondido, Mexico
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
14
PHYSICAL RATING
STYLE
![A view through shrubbery of Arenal Volcano, in Costa Rica, surrounded with clouds in the sky](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/rikin-katyal-ipa-v6bir1e-unsplash.webp)
Arenal Volcano National Park – The Real Costa Rica
Choosing our favourite part of Costa Rica is like picking a favourite child. The diverse landscapes of this extraordinary country are utterly spellbinding, but if there’s one we want to shout about in 2024, it’s Arenal Volcano National Park. This luscious region is covered in greenery – populated by an array of cute creatures – and dominated by the presence of its namesake volcano. The behemoth of Arenal powers a range of natural hot springs throughout the region, so you can take a refreshing soak while staring at the power source itself. Our eight-day Costa Rica itinerary starts in Arenal, where you’ll stay at a spa resort, sip on world class coffee and go sloth spotting in the rainforest. Honourable mentions go to our next two destinations – the magical cloud forests of Monteverde and the laid-back surf vibes of Tamarindo.
From US$2199
Next available from 6th Apr 2024
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
16
PHYSICAL RATING
STYLE
![Aldama Street Parroquia Archangel church Dome Steeple San Miguel de Allende, Mexico](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/3--trips_mexicocentral_sanmigueldeallende_-bill_perry_shutterstock_574137151.webp)
Cities of Central Mexico – Authentic Central Mexico
Back in Mexico, we simply had to give a mention to some of the country’s most intoxicatingly beautiful towns and cities, many of which can be found in the central heartlands of Queretaro and Guanajuato. This eight-day tour is an ode to these scenic cities, which share a common theme of two obvious things – easy on the eye Spanish colonial architecture and a key historical role in the rise of independent Mexico. Having thoroughly explored the food, art and ancient history of Mexico City, we’ll visit Querétaro – where Mexico’s current constitution was passed – and the magical Baroque streets of San Miguel de Allende. You’ll learn about a key moment in the Mexican revolution at Dolores Hidalgo and sip on fine wines in the vineyards of Cuna de Tierra before reaching Guanajuato itself. By the time we tuck into a delicious farewell dinner, you’ll feel culturally enriched, your camera roll will be overflowing and your appetite will be more than satisfied – that’s the Mexican way!
From US$2299
Next available from 10th Feb 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Mexico City, Mexico
ENDS AT
Mexico City, Mexico
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
STYLE
![landscape with balloons floating in the air](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/trips_turkey_-cappadocia_stocksy_txp81a0648dwea300_medium_2665653-1024x682.webp)
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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.