HomeTravel GuidesNorth America

North + Central America

From the glaciers of Canada to the jungles of Central America, North and Central America offer a remarkable range of landscapes and cultures. Indigenous traditions, colonial history, and modern innovation intersect in places like Oaxaca, Montréal, and Antigua. You might snorkel coral reefs in Belize, sip mezcal in Mexico, or hike through red rock canyons in Utah—wherever the journey may take you.

aerial view of Los Cabos beach with sand and waves

Cabo

Overview

Planning your trip

Use these articles and resources to inspire—and plan—your next trip to North + Central America.

Featured Articles
hotel facade with red roof and mountains in the backdrop
hotel facade with red roof and mountains in the backdrop
Hotels We Love
These Are 12 of the Most Haunted Hotels in America
With their eerie histories and ghoulish charm, these hotels promise to give guests both thrills and chills.
October 5, 2026 06:35 PM
 · 
Bailey Berg
The sun sets over the mountains to create a beautiful golden hour at Marichel vineyard overlooking Okanagan Lake
Beer, Wine, + Spirits
You Don’t Need an Itinerary for British Columbia’s Wine Country—Just a Sauna and a Bike
Sponsored by
Some of Playa Viva's accommodations are treehouses that hover six feet off the ground.
Some of Playa Viva's accommodations are treehouses that hover six feet off the ground.
Hotels
17 Magical Tree House Hotels Around the World
October 2, 2026 08:20 PM
 · 
Bailey Berg
A humpback whale breaching in Alaska
Cruise
Ship Strikes Are Among the Biggest Threats to Whales. One Cruise Line Wants to Help Change That
October 1, 2026 01:36 PM
 · 
Michelle Baran
3 people with dirt bikes practice figure eights in a field in British Columbia
Outdoor Adventure
I Crashed, Stalled, and Slayed a Few Dragons at Dirt Bike Camp in British Columbia
October 1, 2026 08:30 AM
 · 
Ashlea Halpern
Popular Countries
Vancouver Canada totem pole
Canada
May 23, 2018 03:11 PM
View of Yosemite National Park
United States
November 6, 2023 04:05 PM
AFAR-Mexico-Guide-dennis-schrader-unsplash.jpg
Mexico
May 23, 2018 04:10 PM
Costa-rica-KatieOrlinsky.jpg
Costa Rica
October 4, 2019 04:35 PM
Locations
A turquoise lake surrounded by pine trees, with snow-capped mountains in the background.
Alberta
June 27, 2022 05:28 PM
 · 
Jeff Bartlett
[Newfoundland, Canada - Aug 2020] 'The Battery' a neighbourhood in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, seen from across St. John's Harbour in the summer.
Atlantic Canada
February 19, 2020 01:39 PM
 · 
Renee Suen
AFAR-Guide-Belize-TomPrior.jpg
Belize
December 15, 2020 03:05 PM
 · 
Erin De Santiago
How Noma Helped a Pastry Chef Connect With Her Mexican Roots
Cancún and the Riviera Maya
September 18, 2023 06:32 PM
 · 
Michelle da Silva Richmond
San Salvador City / El Salvador - September 15, 2012: An aerial view of the city of San Salvador taken from a salvadoran aerial forces helicopter.
El Salvador
May 17, 2018 11:38 AM
 · 
Julie Schwietert Collazo
GUADALAJARA, JALISCO, MEXICO - NOVEMBER 23, 2017: street of Tlaquepaque
Guadalajara
May 31, 2018 11:31 AM
AFAR-Banff-Guide-floris-siegers-unsplash.jpg
Jasper and Banff National Parks
March 20, 2019 12:46 PM
 · 
Carolina Novotny
resorts line the coastline of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Los Cabos
May 23, 2018 03:08 PM
 · 
Julie Schwietert Collazo
AFAR-Travel-Guide-Merida.jpg
Merida
May 17, 2018 01:39 PM
Palacio De Bellas Artes
Mexico City
May 23, 2018 03:12 PM
 · 
Julie Schwietert Collazo
Aerial view of Montréal with the Biosphere Environment Museum
Montreal
December 6, 2018 05:20 PM
 · 
Marie-Eve Vallieres
The Nicaraguan Islands You’ll Never Want to Leave
Nicaragua
July 19, 2024 12:48 PM
original-oaxaca-banner-crop-2019.jpg
Oaxaca
May 24, 2018 10:44 AM
Aerial view of Boquete in the Chiriqui province of western Panama.
Panama
May 17, 2018 10:52 AM
Looking out to Volcan Popocatapetl from a hill in the city of Puebla on a clear morning.
Puebla
May 17, 2018 01:38 PM
QUEBEC CITY QUEBEC CANADA 08 23 20: Musee du Fort presents an original and unique sound and light show on the military history of Quebec City & Samuel de Champlain statue as "The Father of New France
Quebec City
May 17, 2018 12:11 PM
 · 
Flash Parker
Image of an old church tower in the background with potted palms on a balcony in the foreground in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
San Miguel de Allende
May 17, 2018 01:37 PM
 · 
Julie Schwietert Collazo
Toronto-Guide-sandro-schuh-unsplash.jpg
Toronto
November 16, 2018 12:22 PM
 · 
Natalie Taylor
View of Trunk Bay Beach in U.S. Virgin Islands
U.S. Virgin Islands
May 15, 2024 03:07 PM
 · 
Steve Bennett
Suspension bridge in a park in Vancouver Canada hovering over a lush, green forest.
Vancouver
May 23, 2018 03:14 PM
 · 
Nikki Bayley
Peak to Peak
Whistler
May 17, 2018 11:33 AM
 · 
Crai Bower
Hotels
Two Bedroom Villa at Adronis wellness concept
Hotels We Love
The 15 Best Destination Spas Around the World
If you’re looking for serenity in 2024, check out these top destination spas.
January 31, 2024 12:53 PM
 · 
Laura Begley Bloom
Ta’aktana, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, features overwater bungalows in a tranquil lagoon.
Hotels We Love
5 Unique Honeymoon Destinations (and Their Most Romantic Resorts)
Book one of these romantic retreats in these off-the-beaten-path honeymoon destinations.
October 14, 2024 01:18 PM
 · 
Chris Dong
A person in a winter coat and boots standing in the snow beneath the northern lights, with two domes in the background
A person in a winter coat and boots standing in the snow beneath the northern lights, with two domes in the background
Hotels We Love
The 19 Best Hotels in the World for Stargazing
Sleep under the world’s darkest, clearest skies across six continents at one of these 19 dark sky zone hotels.
March 12, 2026 01:57 PM
 · 
Megan Eaves
The Legacy Club at Circa in Las Vegas is located on the 60th floor and has views of the city.
Hotels We Love
These Are the 11 Best Hotels in Las Vegas
Plan your best-ever trip around one of these 11 Vegas hotels and resorts that offer a different side of Sin City.
March 31, 2025 04:12 PM
 · 
Matt Villano
04Fogo_Island_Inn_Architecture.jpg
Hotels We Love
The 10 Best Hotels in Canada
From castle-like mountain resorts to rain forest retreats, these are the hotels in Canada to book right now.
August 25, 2023 02:59 PM
 · 
Aislyn Greene
Mayfair House Hotel and Garden rooftop area with orange umbrellas and palm trees
Hotels We Love
The 16 Best Luxury Hotels and Resorts in Miami
When it comes to luxury lodgings, Miami has a hotel for everyone—and these are the very best of them.
February 5, 2026 01:46 PM
 · 
Matt Meltzer
This house on Necker Island sits on the coast and is surrounded by the sea.
Hotels We Love
Dreaming of a Private Island Getaway? Here’s How to Make It a Reality
At these 14 luxury resorts, it’s possible to have that dream vacation on a private island—without having to own one.
February 25, 2025 03:31 PM
 · 
Laura Begley Bloom
Overhead view of Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage's pool area with mountains in the background and palm trees all around
Hotels We Love
Wellness, Retro Glam, and Relaxation—Escape to Palm Springs at These 5 New and Renewed Desert Hotels
California’s desert oasis is abuzz with fresh new hotels and recently refreshed resorts, making now the perfect time for a Palm Springs getaway.
February 16, 2026 02:05 PM
 · 
Michelle Baran
Accommodations at Joali Maldives with plunge pool and deck area
Accommodations at Joali Maldives with plunge pool and deck area
Hotels We Love
A Caribbean Island Escape, an Alaska Fishing Lodge, a Venetian Craft Hotel: 7 Women-Owned Hotels
These hotels around the world—all owned and run by women—reflect a wide range of destinations and styles.
March 19, 2026 02:38 PM
 · 
Alicia Erickson
The Newbury
Hotels We Love
The 10 Best Hotels in Boston
Whether you want to stay in a historic neighborhood, on the water, or in the middle of Red Sox Nation, Boston’s hotel scene delivers.
July 5, 2024 08:13 PM
 · 
Laura Dannen Redman
Ellerman House offers unobstructed views of the ocean from most guest rooms.
Hotels We Love
These Are the 10 Best Hotels for Art Lovers
Hotels can introduce their guests to the creativity that surrounds them—and reveal canvases visitors may not otherwise see.
September 16, 2023 06:00 AM
 · 
Jennifer Flowers
JW MARRIOTT PHOENIX DESERT RIDGE RESORT & SPA. PHXDR
JW MARRIOTT PHOENIX DESERT RIDGE RESORT & SPA. PHXDR
Hotels We Love
From French Polynesia to Paris, These 11 Hotels Around the World Are Getting Accessibility Right
The hotels on this list are as thoughtful about accessibility as they are about design, going beyond compliance to make travel more comfortable and intuitive for disabled guests.
April 3, 2026 02:01 PM
 · 
Kelly Dawson
Wooden cabin exterior surrounded by trees
Wooden cabin exterior surrounded by trees
Hotels We Love
The Best Hotels for a Nature Escape From NYC—No Airport Required
From the Hudson Valley to the Catskills, Berkshires, and Finger Lakes, these hotels immerse you in forests, lakes, and mountain landscapes—all within a few hours’ drive of New York City.
April 15, 2026 03:16 PM
 · 
Devorah Lev-Tov
A two-bedroom tented pavilion at Camp Sarika at Amangiri
A two-bedroom tented pavilion at Camp Sarika at Amangiri
Hotels We Love
Visiting a National Park, but Don’t Want to Rough It? Book a Room at One of These Dreamy Hotels
Why rough it? These hotels put you inside America’s most stunning landscapes without sacrificing creature comforts.
April 23, 2026 04:45 PM
 · 
Bailey Berg
The Tree Haus accommodations at the Green O are elevated 23 feet off the ground.
The Tree Haus accommodations at the Green O are elevated 23 feet off the ground.
Hotels We Love
America’s 13 Coziest Hotels to Visit This Winter
With their firepits and comfort-minded interiors, these are the best hideaways where you can embrace the chill this season.
January 13, 2026 12:55 PM
 · 
Nicholas DeRenzo
Amanemu's onsen with steam rising off the water
Amanemu's onsen with steam rising off the water
Hotels We Love
The Best Hot Springs Hotels Around the World for a Soothing Soak
Across Japan, Iceland, Italy, and beyond, these hotels offer mineral-rich waters, noteworthy design, and immersive landscapes.
May 5, 2026 09:23 AM
 · 
Bailey Berg
The accommodations at Nayara Tented Camp face Costa Rica's Arenal volcano.
The accommodations at Nayara Tented Camp face Costa Rica's Arenal volcano.
Hotels We Love
13 Standout Luxury Resorts in Costa Rica, From Jungle Hideaways to Beach Retreats
From beaches to jungles, these Costa Rica resorts immerse travelers in the country’s most picturesque natural settings.
April 20, 2026 02:27 PM
 · 
Devorah Lev-Tov
Dromoland castle stone exterior with blue skies
Dromoland castle stone exterior with blue skies
Hotels We Love
These Are the 22 Best Historic Hotels Around the World
These remarkable hotel makeovers of historic buildings are bringing the past to life again.
April 21, 2026 07:10 PM
 · 
Mary Holland
Collage of 8 photos, most showing hotels
Hotels We Love
The 40 Best New Hotels of 2026
Afar’s picks for the 40 best new and renovated hotels around the world.
June 10, 2026 10:00 AM
 · 
Jennifer Flowers
New York_TheManner_Rooftop_PR_0150.jpg
New York_TheManner_Rooftop_PR_0150.jpg
Hotels We Love
The Best Luxury Hotels in Manhattan for Every Kind of New York Trip
Heading to New York City? These are the best luxury hotels for every type of traveler in Manhattan—whether you’re hiding out, showing off, chasing restaurant reservations, or waking up next to Central Park.
June 23, 2026 06:41 PM
 · 
Heidi Mitchell
There's nothing like an Ace hotel lobby bar—and now Toronto gets to experience the good times.
There's nothing like an Ace hotel lobby bar—and now Toronto gets to experience the good times.
Hotels We Love
These Are the 20 Best Luxury and Boutique Hotels in Toronto
In Toronto’s burgeoning hotel scene, you’ll find Canada’s first Ace Hotel, a reimagined St. Regis, and an ultra-cool boutique stay in a private women’s club.
July 16, 2025 02:32 PM
 · 
Michael Kaminer
One&Only Palmilla has one of Cabo's rare swimmable beaches.
Hotels We Love
The 15 Best Resorts in Mexico
Whether you’re looking for an ocean escape, a jungle retreat, or a beach town, you’ll find it here in our expertly curated list of the 15 best Mexico retreats of 2023.
June 12, 2023 07:53 PM
 · 
Mary Holland
The exterior of Hotel San Fernando has mint green walls and is lined with plants.
Hotels We Love
These Are the 14 Best Hotels in Mexico City
These intimate, design-forward retreats across Mexico City will have you feeling like a local in no time.
August 27, 2024 02:53 PM
 · 
Mary Holland
Exterior of Desierto Azul with cactus and stone wall
Exterior of Desierto Azul with cactus and stone wall
Hotels We Love
These Design-Led Hotels Across Mexico Have 8 Rooms or Fewer
A mezcal distillery in Oaxaca, a desert hideaway in Todos Santos, and an art-filled retreat in San Miguel de Allende are among these stylish stays with no more than eight rooms.
September 17, 2026 08:52 PM
 · 
Jill K. Robinson
Susurros del Corazón, Auberge Resorts Collection, is located on a private peninsula in Mexico's Rivera Nayarit.
Hotels We Love
These Are the 10 Best Hotels in Mexico for Families, According to Parents
These hotels and resorts in Mexico deliver superlative hospitality to travelers of all ages.
July 11, 2024 12:10 PM
 · 
Devorah Lev-Tov
Orca Island Cabins is composed of eight waterfront tents.
Orca Island Cabins is composed of eight waterfront tents.
Hotels We Love
These Are the 13 Best Hotels in Alaska
Whether you’re looking to chase the northern lights, try your hand at fly-fishing, or unwind in a spa surrounded by nature, these are the best places to stay in Alaska for an adventure in the great outdoors.
July 6, 2026 09:46 AM
 · 
Bailey Berg
Malibu Sunset Suite at Regent Santa Monica Beach
Malibu Sunset Suite at Regent Santa Monica Beach
Hotels We Love
From Wellness Getaways to Design-Led Urban Retreats, These Are California’s 20 Top Hotels
These are the top luxury hotels to book in the Golden State, where experiences range from world-class culinary destinations and beachfront retreats to storied city hideaways.
August 25, 2025 07:13 PM
 · 
Kathryn Romeyn
Beacon Grand's enclosed, rooftop bar, The Starlite Lounge, echos its heyday as a popular dance hall in the early 1900s.
Hotels We Love
The 10 Best Hotels in San Francisco
These places to stay are as varied and wonderful as the city itself.
June 21, 2024 11:58 AM
 · 
Jessie Beck
Ritz Paris
Hotels We Love
The World’s 19 Most Romantic Hotels
These 19 hotels around the world immerse you in their destinations while carving out space for unhurried time together.
January 30, 2026 12:39 PM
 · 
Jennifer Flowers
Hotel Saint Vincent is located in the Lower Garden District of New Orleans.
Hotels We Love
Beignets in the Lobby, Jazz in a Chapel, Poolside Cabanas: The Best Hotels in New Orleans
From a grand mansion to a buzzy social hub, these are the 12 hotels in New Orleans we’d book again and again.
December 30, 2025 08:12 AM
 · 
Jenny Adams
United States
Gulf_State_Park_Alabama.jpg
Alabama
June 6, 2024 01:13 PM
Alaska, Mountains, Forest, Glacier
Alaska
April 11, 2019 01:42 PM
 · 
Jenna Schnuer
Catalina_State_Park_Arizona.jpg
Arizona Travel Guide
May 23, 2018 03:23 PM
 · 
Joseph Cyr
Water rushing over a rock in the daytime.
Arkansas
June 9, 2024 06:42 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC, USA-27 JULY 2019: Wall Street in downtown is busy on a summer Sunday, with small crowds at cafe tables, while a man pushes a young woman in a wheel chair.
Asheville
April 5, 2021 04:10 PM
europe_alternatives-usa-aspen-co-shutterstock_1217302321.jpg
Aspen
May 23, 2018 04:09 PM
 · 
Holly Upper
ATLANTA - AUGUST 5: Children play at Centennial Olympic Park August 5, 2014 in Atlanta, GA. The park commemorates the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Atlanta
May 23, 2018 03:22 PM
 · 
Caroline Eubanks
ATLANTIC CITY NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 2: The boardwalk at sunset on September 2 2014 in Atlantic City New Jersey.
Atlantic City
May 17, 2018 12:12 PM
 · 
Martin Fritz Huber
original-austin-banner-crop-2019.jpg
Austin
May 23, 2018 04:11 PM
 · 
Vania Lanas
Baltimore, Maryland, USA cityscape at Mt. Vernon and the Washington Monument.
Baltimore
May 17, 2018 01:32 PM
 · 
Elizabeth Doerr
Historic Acorn Street on Beacon Hill in dowtown Boston Massachusetts MA.
Boston
May 23, 2018 04:11 PM
 · 
Alison Abbott
Buffalo-NY-Guide-Lede-shutterstock_OpenToursLLC-Shutterstock.jpg
Buffalo
June 28, 2019 11:28 AM
TravelGuide-California-lala-miklos-unsplash.jpg
California
July 20, 2020 08:36 PM
 · 
Jessie Beck
Tall grass and a sand road leading to the beach in Cape Cod
Cape Cod
July 29, 2024 12:09 PM
Charleston-shutterstock_2071518224.jpg
Charleston
August 2, 2021 05:42 PM
 · 
Angela Fleury
Chicago
Chicago
January 17, 2019 05:27 PM
 · 
Kaitlyn Barrett

See More
Plan Your Trip With Expert-Designed Itineraries
View of a volcano in Costa Rica.
Journeys: Mexico + Central America
A Wilder Way to Spend 9 Days in Costa Rica
Sponsored by
utah_winter_fly_fishing_visit_park_city
Journeys: Nature + Outdoors
5 Days of Skiing and Stargazing in Park City
Sponsored by
A family walking across a pedestrian bridge in Park City, Utah.
Journeys: United States
A 4-Day Park City Itinerary for Art Lovers
Sponsored by
Indoor hot tub with a view of snowy mountains at Spa Montage.
Journeys: Wellness
This Mountain Town Is Made for Winter Wellness
Sponsored by
Two skiers looking at the view atop a slope in Deer Valley.
Journeys: Nature + Outdoors
Your Guide to a 6-Day Ski Getaway in Park City
Sponsored by
As spread of dishes at Good Hot Fish.
Journeys: History
3 Days Exploring Black History in Asheville
Sponsored by
Asheville is a mountain city with a thriving music scene.
Journeys: United States
The Ultimate Long Weekend in Asheville for Music Lovers
Sponsored by
Asheville’s mountain scenery awaits.
Journeys: Nature + Outdoors
6 Days of Cozy Stays and Scenic Drives in Asheville
Sponsored by

See More