Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Jump to content
UK EditionAsia EditionEdición en Español
Sign up to our newslettersSubscribe: $6 for 6 months
More
Best
Climate
TV

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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

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

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

Where is Death in Paradise filmed?

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

The best things to do in Jamaica

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

The most affordable Caribbean destinations

<p>The Dominican Republic brings a Latin flavour to the Caribbean</p>
Caribbean

The best Dominican Republic holidays

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

The best things to do in Antigua

<p>Set sail with P&O and Disney Cruise Lines to the Caribbean islands</p>
Cruise

Best Caribbean cruises for 2024/2025

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

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

Central America Caribbean

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

<p>The Dominican Republic set the scene for the fictitious Floridian Key</p>
<p>A butler will do all the holiday legwork, letting you kick back </p>
Central America Caribbean

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

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

The best things to do in the Dominican Republic

<p>Year-round sunshine makes the Caribbean’s sandy swathes a go-to for a winter holiday </p>
Central America Caribbean

The best Caribbean islands for winter sun

<p>Year-round sunshine makes the Caribbean’s sandy swathes a go-to for a winter holiday </p>
Central America Caribbean

The best Caribbean islands for winter sun

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

Best things to do in Barbados and where to stay

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

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>
Central America Caribbean

Caribbean islands where hurricanes won’t impact your holiday

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

Best Caribbean holidays and countries to visit

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

Antigua travel guide: Everything to know before you go

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

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

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

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
Central America Caribbean

Swim with pigs and other unusual Caribbean experiences

Central America Caribbean

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

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in