Costa Rica tropical rainforest and waterfall

Why Central America & Caribbean

Where the Americas Meet the Tropics

This is where ancient civilisations, colonial grandeur, and raw tropical wilderness collide. Mexico's Yucatán hides Maya cities in the jungle. Costa Rica protects 6% of the world's biodiversity in its national parks. Cuba is a living time capsule of 1950s splendour.

Add Caribbean islands with white sand, cenotes you can swim in, volcanic hot springs, and some of the most vibrant food and music cultures on the planet — and you've got one of the world's most exciting travel regions.

Mexico & Yucatán

Costa Rica

Cuba

Guatemala & Belize

Panama

Caribbean Islands

Where to Go

Iconic Destinations

Mexico

Yucatán & Riviera Maya

Chichén Itzá, cenotes, Tulum's clifftop ruins, mezcal in Oaxaca, and Mexico City's world-class food scene.

Costa Rica

Rainforests & Volcanoes

Arenal volcano, Monteverde cloud forest, Manuel Antonio beaches, and sloths in every tree. Pura vida.

Cuba

Havana & Trinidad

Vintage cars, crumbling grandeur, rum distilleries, live salsa, and a country frozen beautifully in time.

Caribbean

Island Paradise

Jamaica, Barbados, St Lucia, Turks & Caicos — each island has its own rhythm, cuisine, and shade of turquoise.

Guatemala

Tikal, Antigua & Lake Atitlán

Maya pyramids engulfed by jungle, cobblestone colonial streets, and a volcanic lake that Aldous Huxley called the most beautiful in the world.

Unforgettable Moments

Ways to Experience the Region

Maya Ruin Exploration

Chichén Itzá, Tikal, Palenque, Tulum — walk through 3,000 years of Maya civilisation, from jungle-swallowed cities to clifftop temples.

Rainforest Adventures

Zip-line through cloud forests, hike volcanic trails, spot toucans and howler monkeys, and soak in natural hot springs in Costa Rica.

Cenote Swimming

Dive into crystal-clear underground sinkholes — the Yucatán has over 6,000 cenotes, sacred to the Maya and perfect for swimming.

Havana by Classic Car

Cruise the Malecón in a 1950s Chevrolet, explore Old Havana's colonial plazas, sip mojitos at La Bodeguita, and dance salsa till dawn.

Caribbean Diving

Belize's Blue Hole, Cozumel's reefs, Bonaire's shore dives — the Caribbean offers world-class diving in bathtub-warm water.

Mexican Food Culture

Tacos al pastor in Mexico City, mole in Oaxaca, ceviche on the coast, and mezcal under the stars — Mexican cuisine is UNESCO-listed for a reason.

Plan Your Trip

When to Visit

☀️

Dry Season

November — April

Peak travel season across the region. Clear skies, warm days, lower humidity. Best for Mexico, Costa Rica, Caribbean, and Guatemala.

🌧️

Green Season

May — October

Afternoon showers bring lush landscapes. Great value and fewer crowds. Costa Rica's wildlife is most active. Caribbean hurricane risk increases.

🐋

Marine Season

June — September

Sea turtle nesting in Costa Rica, whale sharks off Mexico, and humpback whales passing through Caribbean waters.

🎉

Festival Season

Oct — Nov & Feb

Día de los Muertos (Nov), Carnaval across the Caribbean (Feb), and Semana Santa (Easter) bring explosive colour, music, and celebration.

Sample Journey

14-Day Mexico & Costa Rica

Mexico City to Manuel Antonio — ruins, cenotes, volcanoes, and tropical coastline across two unforgettable countries.

01

Arrive Mexico City

Welcome to CDMX. Evening walk through the Zócalo, Palacio de Bellas Artes, and tacos al pastor in Roma Norte.

02

Mexico City

Teotihuacán pyramids, Frida Kahlo museum, Chapultepec Castle, and the city's incredible food markets and mezcalerías.

03

Fly to Oaxaca

Mezcal distilleries, Monte Albán ruins, artisan markets, and the best mole in Mexico. Evening street food crawl.

04

Fly to Cancún, Drive to Tulum

Arrive on the Caribbean coast. Clifftop Tulum ruins, cenote swimming, and a beachside dinner under swaying palms.

05

Yucatán Interior

Day trip to Chichén Itzá — one of the New Seven Wonders. Stop at Cenote Ik Kil for a swim on the return.

06

Riviera Maya

Snorkelling at Akumal with sea turtles, Sian Ka'an biosphere reserve boat tour, or a cooking class in Playa del Carmen.

07

Fly to San José, Costa Rica

Welcome to Costa Rica. Transfer to Arenal volcano region. Evening soak in volcanic hot springs under the stars.

08

Arenal

Hanging bridges walk through the canopy, La Fortuna waterfall hike, optional zip-lining or white-water rafting.

09

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Drive to the cloud forest. Night walk for tree frogs and sleeping birds. Morning canopy tour above the treetops.

10

Monteverde

Hummingbird garden, coffee tour, butterfly conservatory, and wildlife spotting — sloths, quetzals, and howler monkeys.

11

Transfer to Pacific Coast

Drive to Manuel Antonio. Afternoon at the beach — one of Costa Rica's most beautiful stretches of coastline.

12

Manuel Antonio National Park

Guided nature walk through the park — monkeys, iguanas, toucans, and pristine beaches fringed by rainforest.

13

Pacific Coast Leisure

Surf lessons, catamaran sunset cruise, or simply hammock time. Evening dinner with feet in the sand. Pura vida.

14

Depart San José

Morning transfer to San José airport — or extend to the Osa Peninsula, Panama, or Caribbean coast.

Before You Go

Essential Travel Tips

🛂

Visas

Australians get visa-free entry to Mexico (180 days), Costa Rica (90 days), Guatemala, Belize, and most Caribbean islands. Cuba requires a tourist card.

💰

Currencies

Mexican Peso, US Dollar widely accepted in Central America. Caribbean islands have varied currencies. Card is accepted in tourist areas; cash essential in rural zones.

🌡️

Tropical Heat

Hot and humid year-round, especially lowlands. Pack light breathable clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, and a hat. Highland areas (Oaxaca, cloud forests) are cooler.

💉

Health Precautions

Consult a travel doctor for Hepatitis A, typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis (some areas). Mosquito repellent is essential. Drink bottled water only.

🗣️

Spanish Basics

English is limited outside tourist areas. A few Spanish phrases go a long way — locals appreciate the effort and it opens doors everywhere.

🚌

Transport

Domestic flights connect major cities cheaply. Shuttle vans are the best way between tourist hubs. Rental cars work well in Costa Rica and Mexico.

🌀

Hurricane Season

June–November is hurricane season in the Caribbean and Gulf coast. Travel insurance with trip cancellation cover is essential if visiting during this period.

🛡️

Travel Insurance

Essential. Ensure cover for medical evacuation, adventure activities (zip-lining, diving), and trip disruption from weather or natural events.

Ruins, Rainforests & Rhythms