Travel Blog

Trip ideas and practical advice from Anywhere's local experts, the people who design our clients' trips across Central and South America. Here you'll find multi-country vacation ideas, planning and packing guides, straight answers on travel agents and travel insurance, and stories from travelers we've planned trips for. Looking for one country? Each destination section below links to that country's full travel guide.

Central & South America trip ideas

Ancient Ruins You Can Visit in Central & South America

Tikal, Machu Picchu, Copán, Caracol and more: the ancient Maya and Inca ruins you can still walk through, with how to reach each one and when to go.

Ancient Ruins You Can Visit in Central & South America
Peru vs Ecuador: Which Should You Visit?

Peru or Ecuador? Our local experts compare Machu Picchu and the Galápagos, the Amazon, food, costs and trip length to help you choose.

Peru vs Ecuador: Which Should You Visit?
2-Week Belize & Guatemala Itinerary

A 2 week travel itinerary for Belize and Guatemala that includes a beach vacation, jungle lodge stay, Mayan ruins, and charming colonial towns.

2-Week Belize & Guatemala Itinerary
Best Time to Visit Central America, Country by Country

Planning a tropical getaway? Make sure you know the best time to visit Central America, and enjoy the tropical weather you're anticipating.

Best Time to Visit Central America, Country by Country
Central America in Winter: Where to Go Nov–Mar

Traveling to Central America is the easiest way to escape North America's winter cold. Enjoy warm weather and clear skies at beaches, jungles, and cities.

Central America in Winter: Where to Go Nov–Mar
Cloud Forests & Rainforests of Central & South America

Want to get lost in natural wonders? The cloud forests and rainforests of Central and South America are perfect for an unforgettable travel experience!

Cloud Forests & Rainforests of Central & South America
Water Caves You Can Float Through in Central America

Add a wet and wild element to your holiday, and choose your own adventure on a cave float! This article profiles 4 caves found in the Carribean and Central America.

Water Caves You Can Float Through in Central America
The Coolest Hot Springs in Central & South America

Want to relax and unwind during your travels? These are some of the best hot springs in Central and South America you can add to your itinerary.

The Coolest Hot Springs in Central & South America
Dip Your Toes in The 7 Best Swimming Holes in The Tropics

Looking for a spot to cool off? These are some of the best swimming holes in some of our favorite countries including Costa Rica!

Dip Your Toes in The 7 Best Swimming Holes in The Tropics
Four of The Best Proposal Spots in Central America

Let Anywhere Travel help you make your favourite person in this world say, “YES!” Read on to find these four top spots for a magical marriage proposal.

Four of The Best Proposal Spots in Central America
Best Islands in Central America

Central America is blessed with not one but two stunning coastlines and hundreds of amazing islands surround them both. This list of Central America islands are some of the very best.

Best Islands in Central America
Wonderful Wildlife Experiences In Central & South America

If you are looking for wildlife experiences on your next trip to Central or South America, book mark these destinations for your itinerary!

Wonderful Wildlife Experiences In Central & South America
The Best Surfing Beaches In Central & South America

Travel is exhilarating on its own. But nothing is quite as exciting as a trip some of the best surfing beaches in the world.

The Best Surfing Beaches In Central & South America
The Best Beaches for Everyone in Central & South America

Imagine the sound of waves on the beach. Now get inspired and read about the best beaches in our favorite Central & South American countries.

The Best Beaches for Everyone in Central & South America
Best Time to Visit South America: Peru & Ecuador

When to visit Peru and Ecuador, month by month: dry season in the Andes, Galápagos seas, Amazon rains and the coast.

Best Time to Visit South America: Peru & Ecuador
Attend The 2020 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup The Easy Way

Don't just attend the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2020, make a vacation out of it! Book your trip with Anywhere and head to Costa Rica and Panama in 4 simple steps.

Attend The 2020 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup The Easy Way
7 Destinations Worth Dreaming About in 2020 and Beyond

2017 is flying by. So far it’s been a great year. The best is yet to come. Here are destinations worth dreaming about for your next trip.

7 Destinations Worth Dreaming About in 2020 and Beyond
5 Things You Need To Know About Tropical Holiday Season Vacations

Make the most of your tropical holiday vacation during the holiday season by knowing what to expect when you head to paradise this time of year.

5 Things You Need To Know About Tropical Holiday Season Vacations
Where to Get in Touch with Nature in Central & South America

What's the wildest place you've been? These spots in our favorite countries are the best destinations to become one and get in touch with nature.

Where to Get in Touch with Nature in Central & South America
5 Mystical Destinations Where You Can Seek Answers

Travel can widen your perspective, we all know that. But can you believe the mythical stories about these mystical destinations?

5 Mystical Destinations Where You Can Seek Answers
The Best Chocolate You’re Not Eating, But Should Be

The best chocolate may be a matter of opinion, but what isn't up for debate is that some of the world's finest has always been produced in Latin America .

The Best Chocolate You’re Not Eating, But Should Be

Planning & packing

Altitude Sickness on Your Trip: Prevention & Treatment

What altitude sickness is, who gets it, and how to prevent and treat it in Cusco, the Andes and Guatemala's highlands.

Altitude Sickness on Your Trip: Prevention & Treatment
What to Pack for a Tropical Vacation

Packing for a trip to the tropics? You may be surprised by what you should include in your carry-on. Whether you're a vacationing novice or a travel pro, this is your ultimate guide to what to pack for a vacation in paradise.

What to Pack for a Tropical Vacation
How to Plan a Family Vacation: Anywhere's Guide

A step-by-step family trip planner: picking a destination kids and adults both enjoy, pacing, lodging, packing and staying healthy on the road.

How to Plan a Family Vacation: Anywhere's Guide
How To: Train to Trek to Mt. Everest Base Camp

A once in a lifetime excursion is more achievable than you realize. Anywhere+ trek leader, Karl Nessler has the information you need to plan your own trek to Mt. Everest base camp, even if you're a mountaineering novice.

How To: Train to Trek to Mt. Everest Base Camp
8 Things You MUST Prepare for A Family Adventure Vacation

Planning a family adventure vacation isn't always easy, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. This article will tell you how to make getting the whole family from one country to another as smooth of a process as possible. The sooner you reach your destination, the sooner you'll enjoy some well-deserved family fun!

8 Things You MUST Prepare for A Family Adventure Vacation
Tell The Best Travel Stories: Avoid All-Inclusive Resorts!

You'll find a lot of things at all-inclusive resorts, but the best travel stories aren't one of them. Tell great stories by having an authentic experience!

Tell The Best Travel Stories: Avoid All-Inclusive Resorts!
How To Save A Destination Wedding

Destination weddings are as stressful as they are beautiful. If things wrong, an online travel portal won't help you, but a dedicated travel agent will...

How To Save A Destination Wedding
The Truth About Moving or Retiring Abroad: Part IV

Whether you're heading to Panama for the first time, or are convinced that this is the country you're meant to call home, it's time to learn about the perks of moving to Panama. Anywhere CEO Zach Smith tells you why moving to Panama may literally afford you the life you've always dreamed of. Part 4 of 4.

The Truth About Moving or Retiring Abroad: Part IV
The Truth About Moving or Retiring Abroad: Part III

So, you've finally settled on your chosen expat country and are going to be moving to Belize. Anywhere CEO Zach Smith lets you know what it's like when the vacation ends and real life begins after moving to Belize full-time. Part 3 of 4.

The Truth About Moving or Retiring Abroad: Part III
The Truth About Moving or Retiring Abroad: Part II

Learn the benefits of retiring abroad, including lower costs and new routines, plus tips on packing and pet travel from Anywhere CEO Zach Smith.

The Truth About Moving or Retiring Abroad: Part II
7 Articles To Jump-Start Planning Your Best Vacation Ever

Hurry-up and pack your bags! You can take it slow when you reach your destination. Here are 7 articles to help you start planning your next vacation. From surfing to, swimming holes, to diving sites, these are the best beaches and spots to splash around.

7 Articles To Jump-Start Planning Your Best Vacation Ever
The Truth About Moving or Retiring Abroad: Part I

Ready to enter a new stage of your life and retire or join the 'digital nomad' community abroad? Before you pack your bags, Anywhere's CEO Zach Smith teaches you why spending 365 days a year in a vacation destination isn't always a day at the beach. Part 1 of 4.

The Truth About Moving or Retiring Abroad: Part I
The One Date You Should ALWAYS Save

Planning a vacation is stressful; read the story of one couple who forgot they were supposed to be in Belize, and how their travel agency saved their trip.

The One Date You Should ALWAYS Save

Travel agents & booking

Travel Agent vs Planning It Yourself

When a travel agent is worth it and when it isn't: price, support when things go wrong, local knowledge, and what online booking can't do.

Travel Agent vs Planning It Yourself
Anywhere’s Trip Postponement Program Lets You Book with Confidence

Book confidently! Anywhere's Trip Postponement Program lets you push back your travel itinerary up to 1-year if your destination is impacted by coronavirus

Anywhere’s Trip Postponement Program Lets You Book with Confidence
Top 5 Reasons Why Travelers Love Booking Trips with Anywhere

Travelers share why they book custom trips with Anywhere: seamless logistics, local expertise and reliable support for the whole vacation.

Top 5 Reasons Why Travelers Love Booking Trips with Anywhere
Why Travel Agencies Offer The Best Accessible Travel Solutions

Looking for accessible travel solutions? If you try to plan an accessible holiday without the assistance of a professional travel consultant, be prepared to work every minute of your vacation. Learn why accessible travel is best left to the pros.

Why Travel Agencies Offer The Best Accessible Travel Solutions
The Truth About Booking A Vacation Online

Booking a vacation online is easy enough, it's getting ongoing assistance that's difficult. Learn why booking a vacation online may be the beginning of your travel woes if a company's support ends as soon as your credit card clears...and how Anywhere is different.

The Truth About Booking A Vacation Online

Travel insurance & safety

Going Abroad? This Is Why Travel Insurance Is A Must!

You hear about travel insurance, and that it might be important be important to buy, but you’re still not sure. Anywhere clearly explains why travel insurance is a must for trips abroad, especially if you stay at ecolodges or participate in adventurous travel activities.

Going Abroad? This Is Why Travel Insurance Is A Must!

Sustainable travel

Sustainable Travel Tips: 10 Ways to Travel Better

Be a better traveler by fitting these easy sustainable travel practices into your trip planning, and help make the tourism industry more environmentally and socially friendly.

Sustainable Travel Tips: 10 Ways to Travel Better
How to Make Your Destination Wedding More Eco-Friendly

Top tips for planning an eco-friendly destination wedding anywhere in the world, including how to encourage your guests to be more eco-conscious!

How to Make Your Destination Wedding More Eco-Friendly
5 Ways To Think About Sustainable Travel In 2020

Five ways to travel sustainably: go off the beaten path, practice slow travel, and choose eco-friendly places to stay in Peru and Ecuador.

5 Ways To Think About Sustainable Travel In 2020
Support Children's Literacy With The Imagination Bus

Cynthia Crumme of Pure Trek Canyoning is on a mission to bring the adventure of reading to the children of Costa Rica with her Imagination Bus.

Support Children's Literacy With The Imagination Bus
Making Travel Dreams Come True With Make-A-Wish

Anywhere is the premier travel agency for Make-A-Wish children who want to visit Costa Rica. Learn more about our partnership with this amazing foundation.

Making Travel Dreams Come True With Make-A-Wish
From Seed To Sapling: Reforestation Explained

You've heard the term 'reforestation' before, now learn what it really entails, and why it is crucial to the well-being of planet Earth. Katherine Barrantes, a forestry engineer and nursery production professional, explains reforestation, once and for all.

From Seed To Sapling: Reforestation Explained
The Easy Way To Offset Your Travel Carbon Footprint

There are many positive attributes of travel, practically too many to list, but there is one major drawback: the carbon footprint it leaves behind. Learn what the travel carbon footprint is, and how Anywhere makes it easy to offset your travel carbon footprint.

The Easy Way To Offset Your Travel Carbon Footprint
See Environmentally Sustainable Tourism In Action!

Your dream vacation is all about you, except when you're a part of something bigger. "Don't Be A Tourist with Zorinah Juan" showcases some of Anywhere's exciting tours, and why a commitment to environmentally sustainable tourism is every traveller's responsibility.

See Environmentally Sustainable Tourism In Action!
An Education In Sustainability

Did you know that you can travel your way to a better planet? Learn what sustainable tourism means from an academic on the subject, and why the way you treat the people in your host countries is just as important as how you treat the Earth.

An Education In Sustainability
Can Sustainable Tourism Entrepreneurs Save The Travel Industry?

The travel industry is a far cry from the days of PanAm, but a new generation of businessmen and businesswomen are attempting to change the narrative of what it means to go on holiday. Sustainable tourism entrepreneurs want to know: why can't we travel our way to making the world a better place?

Can Sustainable Tourism Entrepreneurs Save The Travel Industry?

Traveler stories

Santería in Cuba: History, Beliefs and Where to See It

How Santería grew from Yoruba beliefs and Catholic saints, what its followers believe, and where in Cuba travelers can respectfully learn about it.

Santería in Cuba: History, Beliefs and Where to See It
Internet Access in Cuba: Wi-Fi Parks, Mobile Data and Limits

How Cuba went from one of the least connected countries to Wi-Fi parks, home internet and mobile data, and what travelers should expect online.

Internet Access in Cuba: Wi-Fi Parks, Mobile Data and Limits
Religion in Myanmar: Buddhism, Nats and Minority Faiths

About 88 percent of Myanmar is Buddhist. A look at Theravada Buddhism, nat worship, monastic life, and Myanmar's Muslim, Christian and animist minorities.

Religion in Myanmar: Buddhism, Nats and Minority Faiths
Cuba's Classic Cars and the Cubans Who Keep Them Running

Why Cuba's streets are full of 1950s American cars, how local mechanics keep them running, and what a classic car ride in Havana costs today.

Cuba's Classic Cars and the Cubans Who Keep Them Running
The Perfect Rainy Season Adventure

The Lewis family goes on a 'green season' adventure in Costa Rica. Read their story to learn why a little rain doesn't have to put a stop to adventure.

The Perfect Rainy Season Adventure
Farming in Cuba: Sugar, Tobacco and Organic Agriculture

Why Cuba still imports most of its food, how the Special Period pushed it toward organic farming, and the sugar, tobacco and coffee you'll see there.

Farming in Cuba: Sugar, Tobacco and Organic Agriculture
Mother. Daughter. Pura Vida.

A grandmother, mother, and (grand)daughter have their first Costa Rican adventure. It's three generations of Serkin family women living 'Pura Vida!' Join them as they rappel, horseback ride, and soak up the Costa Rican sunshine on golden beaches. Get inspiration to plan a Costa Rica Mother's Day getaway.

Mother. Daughter. Pura Vida.
Perspective Is Everything

Going on the Anywhere+ Everest Base Camp Trek is said to be an incredible experience. One traveller literally finds himself marked for life.

Perspective Is Everything
Two Days In The Clouds

When you're younger, you always hope that you will one day live your dreams 'when you grow up.' One traveller brings this hope to fruition when she and her husband embark on a journey through a Monteverde cloud forest, and enjoy the luxurious perks of adulthood.

Two Days In The Clouds
Pearson & Lepine - It's Just Happening

Tune out the chaos of everyday life and tune in to each other. Let the Pearson/Lepine's adventurous and romantic getaway for two inspire you to plan your own dream vacation in Costa Rica.

Pearson & Lepine - It's Just Happening
Peru: The More The Merrier

Family and friends go on a Peru group tour and prove that travel is even better when its shared. Discover how much you can do in Peru on a 10 day tour...

Peru: The More The Merrier
The Piantas In Paradise

The Piantas are going on a Costa Rican family adventure, and they are taking us along for the ride. They'll come face to face with the beauty of the country, and its beauty, including a puma...

The Piantas In Paradise
Into The Rainforest

One couple leaves the cold beauty of Finland for the warm and humid shores of Costa Rica. Along the way, they enjoy tropical naps, and view animals in their natural habitat. They also learn that as one adventure ends, another always begins.

Into The Rainforest
The Guatemalan Dream Vacation That Almost Wasn't

A hurricane landslide closed their route, but a group of 20 travelers still reached Panajachel and Lake Atitlán with help from Anywhere's travel agents.

The Guatemalan Dream Vacation That Almost Wasn't
The Trek That Changed Me

When taking a dream vacation abroad, nothing will keep you from completing your "must see" list. Not even landslides and official governmental warnings.

The Trek That Changed Me

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