Top Travel Ideas for Central America and the Caribbean

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.

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 from 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.