Americas journey information 2026: All of the must-do highlights of North, Central, and South America

When the FIFA World Cup kicks off in June, hosted by 16 cities throughout Canada, the US and Mexico, you’ll be able to anticipate the worldwide highlight to swing firmly onto the international locations of North America.

But that’s solely revealing a part of the story of the Americas, an unlimited land mass that stretches from the deep north of the globe to the far south.

Taken collectively, the three contiguous Americas – North, Central and South – kind one of many world’s most compelling locations. They account for about 30 per cent of the Earth’s land space and are house to greater than a billion folks unfold throughout 35 international locations.

This is the place one can find the Andes mountains, the Amazon rainforest, the Atacama Desert and the Patagonian Ice Field, together with different wonders such because the world’s oldest timber and its highest freshwater lake.

Look past landscapes and there may be much more to marvel at. The Americas are house to a number of the world’s greatest cities, with São Paulo, Greater Mexico City, New York City, Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Bogotá and Lima all with populations upwards of 10 million folks.

The area’s historical past is simply as spectacular, with ruins left behind by outstanding indigenous civilisations together with the Cahokia and the Sinagua, the Olmec and the Toltec, the Inca and the Moche, the Teotihuacano and Zapotec, the Maya and the Aztecs.

With a lot to select from, the place do you begin your adventures? With our listing of a number of the space’s most memorable experiences. Traversing the territory from prime to backside, a few of these experiences are world-famous, others much less so – however you’ll solely discover them within the Americas.

NATURAL HIGHS

Be dazzled by the world’s largest salt flat in Bolivia

Bolivia is house to some gorgeous landscapes, however few can compete with the Uyuni salt flat. Covering greater than 10,000 sq. kilometres – or virtually two million soccer fields, if that helps – standing on this glittering expanse appears like being transported to a different planet. The uncanny lack of perspective has launched hundreds of thousands of Instagram posts, however there may be loads to see and do right here past feeding your social media behavior, from soaking in sizzling springs to visiting lakes stuffed with pink flamingos. The practice cemetery, a sight befitting a Mad Max movie, is a stunning spotlight. See salardeuyuni.com

Cool off in Brazil’s seasonal lagoons

If the one factor to see on the Lencois Maranhenses National Park, within the north-eastern state of Maranhao, have been the dunes – seeming to rise out of nowhere and stretching as much as 40 metres excessive – it might nonetheless be spectacular. But come between January and June and you will notice one thing much more placing. During the wet season water collects within the dips of the dunes – which relaxation on a layer of impermeable rock – creating wonderful lagoons which can disappear mid-year. Lounging in these shallow, crystal-clear swimming pools is a delight; hold an eye fixed out for the fish that lie dormant beneath the floor throughout the dry season and emerge when the water returns. See visitbrasil.com

Explore a pure laboratory within the Galapagos

Visit the Galapagos Islands, 900km off the coast of Ecuador, and you’re following within the footsteps of Charles Darwin, whose principle of evolution was partly impressed by the genetic variations of the native wildlife. What is actually outstanding is how little these uninhabited islands have modified since Darwin’s time. Book a cruise by the islands and, identical to Darwin, one can find that the world’s distinctive fauna – together with sea lions, large tortoises and blue-footed boobies – are totally unafraid of people, however, after all, do keep your distance. See galapagos.org

Feel small on the largest canyon within the US

The numbers make it clear that the Grand Canyon is spectacular: 446km lengthy, 29km huge, 1.5km deep, and round six million years outdated, though a number of the uncovered rocks are as much as two billion years outdated. Even if you recognize the numbers, nevertheless, you received’t be ready for the canyon’s jaw-dropping vastness. Allow at the least a day, ideally two, to return to grips with it. A hike into the canyon is very really helpful, but when that isn’t an choice benefit from the views from the completely different lookouts, and absorb a cultural demonstration from one of many 11 tribes linked with the canyon on the Desert View Watchtower. Outside the Grand Canyon National Park, the Skywalk is a thrill for anybody with a head for heights. See nps.gov

Marvel at Iguazu Falls, Brazil and Argentina

How good are the Iguazu Falls? So good, it’s a must to go to two separate international locations to totally respect them. Unlike Africa’s Victoria Falls, with their huge curtain of water, the Iguazu Falls include a number of cascades surrounded by rainforest. It is unimaginable to view the entire thing directly, giving a go to right here a way of discovery. You can get nearer to the falls on the Argentine aspect, which additionally has extra strolling trails and boat rides; the Brazilian aspect provides extra panoramic vistas. Both sides are price visiting and, when you’re there, hold an eye fixed out for native wildlife, from macaws and toucans to the lovable little mammals often known as coatis. See argentina.travel; visitbrasil.com

THRILLS AND SPILLS

Celebrate life throughout Mexico’s Day of the Dead

Cutesy Halloween this ain’t. The dates of Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos (Day the Dead) could also be a close to match with Halloween – festivities usually kick off on October 31, though the official dates are November 1 and a pair of – however this mix of Toltec, Aztec and Catholic customs is an altogether completely different beast. Head to town of Oaxaca for essentially the most over-the-top celebrations. Families flock to candlelit cemeteries for all-night vigils, honouring their dearly departed with ornate altars and elaborate feasts. Doorways are adorned with vibrant sand carpets, and road parades characteristic marching bands and performers in eerie cranium face paint. See oaxaca.travel

Get grizzly in Canada’s bear-spotting capital

The title says all of it. The Great Bear Rainforest, greater than six million hectares of temperate rainforest within the province of British Columbia, is the prime place to return if you wish to chalk up an ursine encounter. The finest time to identify a few of BC’s 15,000-strong inhabitants of grizzly bears is between August and October, when the bears could be seen feasting on spawning salmon. Keep your eyes open for different wildlife, particularly the uncommon “spirit bears”, black bears with a mutant gene that creates white fur. Settle in for a keep in a wilderness lodge similar to Knight Inlet Lodge, or e book a cruise alongside the coast. See supernaturalbc.com

Hike Argentina’s most energetic glacier

Glaciers are retreating proper around the globe, however Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park provides an exception. The Perito Morena glacier – a mighty blue behemoth towering greater than 60 metres above Lago Argentino, with a complete floor space of 250 sq. kilometres – is advancing by a few metres a yr, accompanied by a soundtrack of cracks and booms. There are quite a lot of methods to get near this showstopper, together with taking a cruise, or just following the boardwalk path, however for a real up-close expertise join a brief glacier trek with one of many tour firms based mostly within the close by city of El Calafete (they’ll even provide the crampons). See argentina.travel

Join the enjoyable at Rio’s greatest get together

About eight million folks headed to Rio for this yr’s Carnival celebrations – a brand new file – so if you wish to get into to Sambadrome for the principle occasion, the place 100 of Brazil’s prime samba faculties vie to outdo one another with over-the-top floats and dance shows, you will want to e book many months forward of the February celebrations. There are different methods to get into the swing – strive a number of the blocos, themed road events the place costumed crowds dance their cares away. See riotur.rio

Soar above La Paz in its unbelievable cable automobile

Sydney has its metro, Melbourne has its trams, however for essentially the most thrilling public transport system round, the Bolivian capital of La Paz, at an elevation of 3650 metres, takes some beating. The Mi Telerifico system is each the world’s longest and highest city cable automobile system, masking round 30 kilometres. This breathtaking journey lifts you excessive above the gridlocked streets, which additionally makes it essentially the most sensible manner of getting across the metropolis – and with a one-way ticket costing three bolivianos, or round 60 cents, additionally it is a cut price. See tourismbolivia.com

FOOD + WINE

Go hacienda-hopping at Chile’s wineries

Sheltered by mountains on one aspect and the ocean on the opposite, Chile has an abundance of fantastic wine-growing nation, and no scarcity of family-run companies producing award-winning wines. Some of the best-known areas, together with the Maipo Valley, the Rosario Valley and the Casablanca Valley, recognized for its cool-climate whites, are only a quick drive from Santiago. Slightly additional away (permit round three hours) is the Colchagua Valley, which produces wonderful cabernet sauvignon and carmenère, a varietal believed misplaced earlier than it was rediscovered in Chile. See chile.travel

Steak your declare at an Argentina parilla

There is a motive why Argentines are such enthusiastic carnivores, chowing down on 49 kilograms of beef per individual, per yr – their beef is among the many finest on this planet. Queues usually kind exterior Buenos Aires’ favorite parillas, or steakhouses, similar to La Cabrera and Miranda, however you’ll be able to shorten the wait by eating at lunch as a substitute of dinner. Steak is clearly the principle sport however sides similar to grilled greens and even cheese, grilled with a smoky flavour, are a part of the expertise. See turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar

Follow the taco path in Mexico City

You might spend a number of weeks sampling Mexico City’s most-loved road meals and nonetheless discover one thing new to strive, with a unprecedented vary of fillings on supply. For each individual championing tacos al pastor (filled with slivers of spit-roasted pork), one can find another person singing the praises of fish tacos, tacos campechanos (which combine steak and sausage), or the stew-filled tacos de guisados. For these with adventurous appetites, strive tacos de lengua (tongue) or tacos de chapulines (toasted grasshoppers). See mexicocity.cdmx.gob.bx

Tuck in at Lima’s star-studded eating places

It’s not usually one restaurant irrevocably adjustments the fame of a rustic, however that’s exactly what occurred to Peru. Back within the Nineteen Nineties, chef Gaston Acurio opened Astrid y Gaston in Lima, a French high quality diner that step by step moved in the direction of Peruvian flavours and elements – every part from quinoa and blue corn to alpaca and cuy, or guinea pig. His success impressed a brand new technology of cooks whose eating places are actually world-famous. You might want to e book forward if you wish to eat at Central, Maido, Merita or Maito, however there are many lesser-known eateries the place you’ll be able to tuck into mouthwatering native favourites similar to ceviche or lomo saltado. See peru.travel

Pick a aspect within the US barbecue wars

Every southern state has its personal twist on the culinary establishment often known as barbecue – beef brisket or pork slow-cooked over fires of hickory or oak – and naturally every state reckons theirs is the very best. We love ’em all, from the basic Texan brisket to Memphis’ dry-rub pork ribs and Kansas City’s pulled pork, also referred to as pig salad. Expect a protracted wait on the most well-known barbecue joints, together with La Barbecue in Austin, Central BBQ in Memphis and Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que. Don’t maintain again on the sauces. Variously made with vinegar, tomato or mayonnaise, they’re a key a part of the expertise. See visitusa.org.au

MAGICAL MONUMENTS

Encounter an Easter Island statue as heavy as a Dreamliner

Rapa Nui is a tiny speck of land simply 24 kilometres lengthy, floating within the ocean 3700 kilometres from the closest landmass, Chile (which governs the territory). Yet, the inhabitants of the place previously often known as Easter Island weren’t afraid to assume large. Over a number of centuries, they erected virtually 1000 large stone constructions often known as moai, a few of which stand 10 metres excessive. Some are nonetheless standing, others have been largely buried in centuries of sediment, with solely their heads exhibiting, and a few have been left uncompleted. They embody Te Tokanga (The Giant), the most important moai, which measures greater than 21 metres in size. See rapanuinationalpark.com

Plunge into jungle-shrouded Mayan ruins in Guatemala

More than 4000 Mayan ruins are scattered throughout Central America and Mexico, however none can evaluate with Guatemala’s Tikal. Once the centre of one of the vital highly effective of the Mayan metropolises, Tikal is best-known for its big six big pyramid temples, the tallest of which stretches 65 metres into the sky. Wooden steps can help you climb to the highest for views throughout the encircling jungle. As you wander by the sprawling website, keep in mind that the constructions on present are believed to be a small fraction of the entire nonetheless coated by forest. See tikalnationalpark.org

Make a pilgrimage to Brazil’s most distinctive cathedral

Brazil has lots of of lovely baroque church buildings, however its nationwide cathedral has a really completely different aesthetic. Designed by modernist architect Oscar Niemeyer as a part of his designs for Brasilia, the nation’s created-from-scratch capital, this eye-catching concrete and glass design symbolises fingers reaching in the direction of the sky. And whereas the skin is placing, the within – filtered with blue and white gentle by stained-glass panels – is concurrently serene and spectacular. See visitbrasil.com

Be awed by Peru’s most intact Incan break

It is tough to think about that, just a bit over a century in the past, Machu Picchu was nonetheless unknown to the broader world. Shrouded by cloud forests and sitting 2430 metres above sea degree, this distant Incan citadel is now thought of one of many wonders of the world. Getting right here is all the time an journey, whether or not you go hard-core with a multi-day trek or take the scenic practice journey to the gateway city of Aguas Calientes. The Incan ruins, that includes dry-stone development, is not going to disappoint – simply keep in mind to e book your tickets properly prematurely. See machupicchu.gob.pe

Step inside a large sphere in Montreal, Canada

Few architectural designs have had as large an affect as Buckminster Fuller’s geodesic dome. Lightweight but super-strong, these hemispherical domes have been designed as super-cheap housing however captured the world’s consideration when a 76-metre huge, 62-metre excessive instance housed the US Pavilion at Montreal’s Expo ’67. The structural rules have since been utilized to create ever-larger architectural areas however this basic instance – now housing the Biosphere environmental museum – is certainly one of a form. See parcjeandrapeau.com

ADVENTURES WITH CAPITAL ‘A’

Slide down Nicaragua’s black volcano

There are greater than two dozen volcanoes in Nicaragua and most of them are lush and inexperienced. Cerro Negro (black hill), close to town of Leon, is completely different. The 400-metre-high volcano will get its title from its ash-covered slopes, which offer the proper setting for a spot of volcano boarding. The uphill hike is hard – it takes round an hour to achieve the highest, from the place you slide down the slope on a chunk of plywood. Your tour operator will present jumpsuits and goggles to protect towards flying ash. See visitnicaragua.us

Bathe within the majesty of the most important forest within the US

You won’t ever breathe more energizing air than whereas strolling by the Tongass National Forest. Think Alaska and also you in all probability assume glaciers and peaks, however a lot of it’s coated by the most important forest within the US. Stretching virtually 70,000 sq. kilometres, this can be a world of its personal, a spot the place solely gentle gentle filters by the tall stands of cedar, spruce and hemlock, and the place footfalls land quietly on the moss and leaf litter. As you stroll, hold your eyes peeled for deer, eagles and, sure, bears. See travelalaska.com

Cruise amongst icy giants in Canada’s Iceberg Alley

They come each spring: lots of of icebergs, freshly calved from the glaciers of western Greenland or the Canadian Arctic, floating by the world often known as Iceberg Alley. Coming in all styles and sizes, ranging in color from icy white to a wealthy turquoise, you’ll be able to view them from wherever alongside the coast of Labrador, all the best way to the southeast coast of Newfoundland. Watch from shore or, even higher, head out on a ship to admire the icebergs from all sides. Top spots embody Battle Harbour, Fogo Island or Witless Bay. See newfoundlandlabrador.com

Sink into Mexico’s magical cenotes

The Yucatan Peninsula is understood not only for its Mayan ruins but additionally for its 1000’s of cenotes, water-filled limestone sinkholes that are available a variety of styles and sizes. The Mayans used them as wells or, in some circumstances, as sacred websites – right now they’re prime vacationer sights. For each tourist-thronged cenote similar to Ik Kil, close to Chichen Itza, there are a dozen extra off-the-radar delights, such Xux Ha close to Valladolid, a tranquil spot to chill off. See yucatan.travel/en

Zip line by the rainforest cover of Costa Rica

Home to hummingbirds and three-toed sloths, capuchin monkeys and toucans, Costa Rica’s rainforests are a hotspot for international biodiversity. Ninety per cent of Costa Rica’s animals stay within the rainforest cover, so a zipper lining journey is an exhilarating technique to discover this wealthy habitat. In between bouts of high-speed “flying”, you’ll be able to observe this outstanding ecosystem in a extra leisurely manner from hanging bridges, or just benefit from the view from the aerial tram. See visitcostarica.com

NEVER IN THE AMERICAS – FIVE PLACES TO AVOID

Cancun, Mexico Overpriced, overbuilt and overrun with US vacationers, this well-known seaside city is now a washout.

Havana, Cuba Even earlier than the present disaster, Cuba’s tourism trade was in freefall because of blackouts and shortages.

Ambergris Caye, Belize This once-lovely island is more and more dilapidated, its seashores eroding, and its streets clogged with visitors.

Uros floating islands, Peru The high-altitude Lake Titicaca is a delight, however the Uros islands expertise feels exploitative and staged.

Times Square, New York, US No-one fairly is aware of why Times Square nonetheless attracts so many vacationers, however locals correctly keep away from the neon-lit throngs.