ByHelen Warwick
Published January 6, 2024
• 9 min read
Staring at a map of North and South America, from the frozen extremities of Canada down to the Diego Ramírez islands off Chile, it’s hard to fathom the cultural variations that have evolved across the two continents. This is a region of ancient civilisations and lost cities, from the indefinable magic of Peru to the jungle temples of Mexico. Yet it’s also the birthplace of rock and roll, country music and the blues, with a wildly vivacious, deep-rooted commitment to the good times. Just look to New Orleans and the Deep South, where renowned music forms arose beside atmospheric marshlands, in a truly authentic piece of Americana. Here, five experts reveal their favourite cultural locations and experiences across the two continents.
1. Cuba
Best for: unique history and thriving nightlife
Drawing from various African, Caribbean and Spanish influences, Cuba is a world unto itself. To understand this complex island, travellers need to spend a couple of days exploring Havana, slipping through crumbling colonial doorways into atmospheric art deco bars for daiquiris and cruising the streets in an iconic American motor. But Cuba’s capital is only the beginning of the story: head west to the lush Viñales Valley, where limestone karsts rise out of the earth like sleeping giants, before exploring the eerie swamps of the Zapata Peninsula and the city of Cienfuegos, which is filled with Gallic charm and an insatiable Caribbean energy.
Tony Leyva, who leads the eight-day Taste of Cuba tour, says: “I love the greens of Viñales, the architecture of Cienfuegos and the vibrant music and colours of Havana. Learning salsa is one of those things that you never forget.”
2. Peru
Best for: an iconic South American journey
Peru is a country with undeniable natural beauty, from the remote Ballestas Islands off the southern coast, to the formidable Andes clawing wide-open skies. But it’s also one of the cultural kingpins of the continent, with a human backstory as intricate as its homespun tapestries: there’s the mysterious Nazca Lines, scrawled into the desert floor, the ethereal Inca Sayhuite stone and Tarawasi ruins, and the lost underwater world beneath Lake Titicaca, said to be the birthplace of the Incas. In fact, the ancient Inca civilisation left such an indomitable mark on Peru, it’s hard to believe the empire lasted for less than a century, from 1438 to 1533. Its traces are felt everywhere, from the citadels of Pisac and Ollantaytambo to the isolated, sky-high fortress of Machu Picchu — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
Renzo Muñoz, lead guide of the 15-day Essential Peru tour, says it’s the journey from Cusco into the Sacred Valley that really stirs the soul: “The early start provides stunning views of snowcapped mountains, river rapids, rock formations, villages, corn fields, Inca remains, steep Amazonian mountains and lush vegetation before finishing the journey exploring South America’s best tourist attraction — the citadel itself.”
3. The Deep South
Best for: tracing the roots of American music
A journey along the legendary Mississippi river takes travellers towards sun-seared marshes and eclectic cities that have spawned some of music’s all-time greats. There’s Nashville for every traveller’s fill of honky-tonk bars and cowboy-boot-wearing line dancers, and Memphis, the birthplace of rock and roll. Over in New Orleans, saxophone rhythms swirl through the streets and the eclectic mix of European, Creole and Cajun cultures can be felt in every aspect of the architecture and cuisine. Visitors who time their trip right can attend the city’s ultimate party, Mardi Gras, where the streets come alive with music, art and costumed revellers.
Jay Burleson, who guides the 10-day Southern Soul: New Orleans to Nashville tour, says: “Driving from Natchez to Clarksdale, through the heart of the Mississippi Delta, is one of my highlights within the region. I love taking my guests to Dockery Farm, which is arguably the birthplace of the blues.”
4. Mexico
Best for: rich gastronomy and eye-opening festivals
The culture of Mexico is rich, colourful and vibrant, influenced by its ancient civilisations such as the Aztec and Maya, as well as its Spanish customs. To grasp the magnitude of its cultural rhythms, travellers should kick things off in Mexico City, where they can wander around trendy neighbourhoods, Aztec temples and museums. Further south, Oaxaca has rightfully gained a reputation for its world-class gastronomy, which fuses pre-Hispanic and European cuisine.
Adriana Pinon, who leads the 15-day Mayans, Aztecs & Conquistadors tour, says Oaxaca is one of his favourite cities: “I always take my guests to the main markets to explore the local fare, such as the seafood broths, corn dough cakes, tamales and the seven classic varieties of deliciously rich moles.” San Cristóbal, the traditional Mayan villages of Tixkokob and Izamal, and the Mayan pyramids and temples of Chichen Itza are other highlights, but for a truly memorable experience, travellers should visit between 1-2 November for the life-affirming Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), when locals put out marigolds, sugar skulls and food offerings for the departed.
5. Colombia
Best for: spanish colonial heritage and wild beaches
It’s easy to get wrapped up in Colombia, with its giant Andean peaks, tangles of cloud forest and colourful colonial towns. The Caribbean coast, which rolls east from Panama towards Venezuela, is where adventurers can wade along jungle trails to reach the honey-coloured beaches of Tayrona National Park. Further inland, giant cactuses rise above the ochre Tatacoa Desert. Travellers can also discover the ancient statues at San Agustin Archaeological Park and stay overnight in Cali where the frisson of late-night salsa dancing crackles with an unapologetic energy.
German Aguilar, who guides the 15-day Culture, Coffee & Caribbean tour, says: “Bogotá is one of my favourite cities for its culture, diversity and architecture, including the incredible Salt Cathedral. There’s also the beautiful city of Cartagena, whose historic centre has been so carefully preserved.”
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