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Caribbean and Central America

Expert travel guides & holiday advice

Central America and the Caribbean offers serene tropical vibes making them popular holiday destinations. From Mexico to Cuba, there are ample beaches to discover and unwind at. The Independent's travel experts have explored some of the best Central America and the Caribbean tourist attractions to visit.

<p>Pastel coloured waterfront houses in Nassau, the Bahamas. Year-round sunshine makes the Caribbean’s sandy swathes a go-to for a winter holiday </p>
Caribbean and Central America

The best Caribbean islands for winter sun in 2024-25

<p>Antigua is one of two main islands that comprise the country of Antigua and Barbuda </p>

Best things to do in Antigua for 2024

<p>Adults-only holidays and family-friendly adventures can be found aboard Caribbean cruises </p>
Cruise

The best Caribbean cruises for a 2024/25 holiday

<p>Can a setting for proposals and post-nuptial passion host parties of one? </p>
Caribbean and Central America

A couple’s resort when single was the perfect start to Brat summer

<p>Travel from Mexico City to Oaxaca for excellent cuisine, rich culture and beautiful landscapes </p>
Mexico

Combining the magic of Mexico City with the charm of Oaxaca

Lifestyle

TravelSmart’s guide to the Caribbean islands

<p>Paradise found: Barbados boasts turquoise sea and white sand </p>
Barbados

Best things to do in Barbados 2024

<p>The slow-cooked beef tacos at Barbacoa Gonzalitos, Mexico City</p>
Mexico

How Mexico City’s humble taco went from market stall to Michelin star

Mexico

From tropical beaches to colourful cities, unforgettable festivals and Mayan ruins, Mexico boasts charm and culture for all kinds of holidays.

<p>A lagoon in the Quintana Roo part of the Mayan Riviera</p>
Mexico

Seven of the best Mexico holiday destinations

<p>A sunlit church in Santa Elena, a Mayan village six miles from the Uxmal ruins</p>
Mexico

The new train route exploring Mexico’s Mayan heartlands

<p>Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico City</p>
Mexico

Beyond the burritos: How Mexico City’s foodie scene got an upgrade

<p>Locals and tourists are fans of Condesa’s cool, cosmopolitan vibe </p>
Mexico

How to spend a day in Condesa, Mexico City’s on-trend neighbourhood

Cuba

Cuba is the epitome of tropical. From sugar-soft beaches to villa-studded cities, it has a lot to offer. From Havana, Old City to the cobbled streets of Trinidad, there are various towns and cities to explore on the Caribbean island that are rich with culture.

<p>Cuba’s achingly beautiful old towns are one of its greatest draws </p>
Cuba

The best places to visit in Cuba and where to stay

<p>A vintage car in the streets of Havana</p>
Cuba

The ultimate Cuba travel guide

Pastel-coloured buildings in Havan, straight out of a Wes Anderson movie
Cuba

The ultimate guide to Havana

La Bodeguita, where Hemingway stopped for mojitos
Americas

How to explore Ernest Hemingway’s Cuba

<p>Pig swimming in the Exuma Cays </p>
Caribbean and Central America

Avoid casinos and swim with pigs: How to discover authentic Bahamas

Caribbean and Central America

Avoid casinos and swim with pigs: How to discover authentic Bahamas

<p>Pig swimming in the Exuma Cays </p>
<p>The peaceful lagoon pool at Haven Riviera </p>
Mexico

Why Mexico is an ideal choice for LGBT+ honeymoons

<p>Expect only a short walk from room to beach </p>
Jamaica

Hotel review: Azul Beach Resort Negril, Jamaica

British Airways Caribbean

How to island hop around the Caribbean like a pro

British Airways Caribbean

The Dominican Republic: beautiful beaches

British Airways Caribbean

The Dominican Republic: beautiful beaches

British Airways Caribbean

Discover the natural and cultural highlights of Tobago

British Airways Caribbean

Here’s why St Lucia is becoming the hiking hotspot of the Caribbean

British Airways Caribbean

Unearth Grenada’s rich spices and tasty chocolate

British Airways Caribbean

Discover the food, drink, culture and heritage of Barbados

British Airways Caribbean

Adventure beyond the beaches of St Kitts

<p>These small Caribbean islands pack a punch</p>
Caribbean and Central America

The tiny twin-island nation that’s become a celebrity holiday hotspot

<p>Saint Marie island, though fictional in name, is a real-life slice of the Caribbean</p>
Caribbean and Central America

Where is Death in Paradise filmed?

<p>The Dominican Republic set the scene for the fictitious Floridian Key</p>
Caribbean and Central America

Road House: The Dominican Republic film sets behind the Amazon movie

<p>These small Caribbean islands pack a punch</p>
Caribbean and Central America

The tiny twin-island nation that’s become a celebrity holiday hotspot

<p>Saint Marie island, though fictional in name, is a real-life slice of the Caribbean</p>
Caribbean and Central America

Where is Death in Paradise filmed?

<p>The Dominican Republic set the scene for the fictitious Floridian Key</p>
Caribbean and Central America

Road House: The Dominican Republic film sets behind the Amazon movie

<p>A butler will do all the holiday legwork, letting you kick back </p>
Caribbean and Central America

Enjoy a stress-free holiday at this Caribbean resort – with a butler

Caribbean and Central America

Enjoy a stress-free holiday at this Caribbean resort – with a butler

<p>A butler will do all the holiday legwork, letting you kick back </p>
<p>The Dominican Republic brings a Latin flavour to the Caribbean</p>
Caribbean and Central America

The best Dominican Republic holidays for 2024

<p>Jamaica is one of the Caribbean’s most popular tourist destination </p>
Jamaica

The best things to do in Jamaica

<p>Nothing says paradise like holing up hassle-free at a Caribbean resort with all the trimmings </p>
Caribbean and Central America

The best all-inclusive Caribbean resorts

<p>The splendid shores of the Caribbean are reachable without breaking the bank </p>
Caribbean and Central America

The most affordable destinations in the Caribbean

<p>The splendid shores of the Caribbean are reachable without breaking the bank </p>
Caribbean and Central America

The most affordable destinations in the Caribbean

<p>The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti </p>
Caribbean and Central America

The best things to do in the Dominican Republic

<p>Reaching the summit of Gros Piton, St Lucia</p>
Caribbean and Central America

Why now’s the time to explore St Lucia’s wild side

<p>The Caribbean is one of the most popular tourism regions in the world</p>
Caribbean and Central America

Caribbean islands where hurricanes won’t impact your holiday

<p>The island of Sint Eustatius, as seen from nearby St Kitts </p>
Caribbean and Central America

Why you should visit the Caribbean island you’ve never heard of

<p>The west coast boasts calm waters, while busier beaches and nightlife are found in the south </p>
Barbados

Barbados travel guide: Where to go and what to see

<p>The Pitons dominate the skyline on the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia </p>
Caribbean and Central America

Best Caribbean holidays and countries to visit

<p>Antigua tempts with white sand beaches and warm blue waters </p>
Caribbean and Central America

Antigua travel guide: Everything to know before you go

<p>A three-toed sloth in the canopies of Costa Rica</p>
Caribbean and Central America

Costa Rica travel guide: Everything you need to know before you go

<p>The island is low on modern development and high on Mother Nature</p>
Travel

Why resilient Dominica is the nature-packed island for the adventurous

<p>Bob Marley’s legacy can be felt across Jamaica</p>
Travel

How to explore Bob Marley’s Jamaica

Splash around with swine in the Bahamas
Caribbean and Central America

Swim with pigs and other unusual Caribbean experiences

Caribbean and Central America

Swim with pigs and other unusual Caribbean experiences

Splash around with swine in the Bahamas
<p>A colourful, low-rise street typical of Oaxaca, Mexico</p>
Mexico

Oaxaca city guide: Where to stay, eat, drink and shop

<p>Bird of paradise: Trinidad Carnival is set to be bigger and better next year</p>
Travel

How to do Trinidad Carnival like a local

<p>Members of the Navy patrol a beach resort as part of the vacation security in the tourist zone in Cancun by the government of Quintana Roo</p>
Americas

Cartel violence is raging in Mexico - should you cancel your trip?

<p>Hotel Esencia has a private beach</p>
Mexico

Hotel Esencia review: Relax and unwind at Tulum’s ultimate sanctuary

<p>Hotel Esencia has a private beach</p>
Mexico

Hotel Esencia review: Relax and unwind at Tulum’s ultimate sanctuary

<p>Oaxaca, Mexico</p>
Mexico

Mexico travel guide: Everything you need to know before you go

<p>Experience a tropical island escape in Belize</p>
Travel

10 reasons to visit Belize in 2022

<p>Tulum, on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula</p>
Mexico

Mexico travel rules: What are the latest restrictions for visitors?

<p>The Escuela Metallica building in San Jose </p>
Costa Rica

The ultimate guide to San José, Costa Rica

<p>La Valise hotel on Calle Tonala</p>
Mexico

How to get under the skin of Mexico City’s coolest neighbourhood, Roma

Poolside views at Hotel San Cristóbal Baja
Mexico

This might be the hippest new hotel in Mexico

The Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski is Havana's first truly five-star hotel
Cuba

This hotel is proof that Havana has shaken off its communist roots

Casa Malca used to belong to Colombia's notorious drug lord
Mexico

Narcos fans can now stay in one of Pablo Escobar’s mansions

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