north and central america

The sun is setting over the mountains and trees in Yosemite National Park

North & Central America tours

Travel guide

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real North & Central America in a way like no other.  From pulsating cities and towering mountains in North America, to the fiery volcanoes and cloud forests of Central America, this continent is bursting with adventure. And while there’s an endless stream of highlights, with the eclectic streets of New York and the colossal Grand Canyon, we’ll take you from the iconic to the unexpected. Our North America tours will introduce you to the inspirational people that make these countries special. Meet wine growers in California, real-life ‘Mounties’ in Banff and even chocolatiers in Costa Rica, all of whom will share their stories and give you an insight into local life. Whether you want to scale the Canadian Rockies, explore famous museums, discover traditional Mayan monuments or relax on the dreamy beaches of Hawaii, you'll find a smorgasbord of enriching experiences in North & Central America.

Trending North & Central America tours

Best of the Canyonlands Guided Tour 2025
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4.6

Best of the Canyonlands

7 Days

1 Country

9 Locations

7-Day US National Parks Tour from Denver to Las Vegas

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£2,231

Costa Rica Eco Adventure Guided Tour
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4.7

Costa Rica Nature Adventure

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1 Country

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8-Day Costa Rica Tour from San Jose to Liberia

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Mackinac Island Guided Tour
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4.9

Scenic Great Lakes with Mackinac Island

9 Days

1 Country

8 Locations

9-Day Mackinac Island Tour from Chicago to Detroit

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Iconic Rockies and Western Canada Guided Tour
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4.5

Iconic Rockies and Western Canada

13 Days

1 Country

13 Locations

13-Day Canada Tour of Vancouver, Whistler and Banff

From

£3,956

Was

£4,395

5 million happy guests and counting

Overall Rating

4.6

OUT OF 5

Based on

independent user reviews

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Grand Canyon and river at sunrise in USA

North & Central America at a glance

From pulsating cities and towering mountains in North America, to the fiery volcanoes and cloud forests of Central America, this continent is bursting with adventure. Join your expert Trafalgar Travel Director and scale the Canadian Rockies, explore Mayan monuments, and relax on the dreamy beaches of Hawaii.

Countries

30

Largest Country

Canada

Smallest Country

Saint Kitts and Nevis

"I love introducing our guests to my big backyard. From the Canadian Rockies to the Costa Rican jungles, North and Central America is absolutely incredible."

Travel Director

Our top 5 things to do in North & Central America

We’ll reveal the wonders of the continent, from vibrant New York streets and blissful Hawaiian beaches to the ancient Mayan architecture and jungles of Central America.

Best museums in North & Central America

Our North America trips take in the best museums on the continent, from gazing at the works of Warhol and Picasso, to an impressive collection of dinosaur skeletons.

Best food in North & Central America

One of the best parts of a North America road trip is the food you’ll find along the way. From zesty Latin cuisine to the famous American cheeseburger, every day is simply delicious.

What to pack for North & Central America

A man standing and packing suitcase next to a woman sitting on a bed

Versatile shoes

With a wide variety of terrains in North & Central America, you’ll need to pack shoes that can take you from roaming the beaches of Hawaii to enjoying an elegant restaurant in New York.

Headphones

As the third largest continent in the world, you’ll cover vast expanses on your journey. A pair of headphones can be great to listen to music or podcasts, as you watch the beautiful landscapes from the window.

Camera

You’ll discover a staggering amount of beauty all over North & Central America, and you’ll need a reliable camera to capture all the magic.

All climate clothing

From the snowy peaks of Canada to the steamy jungles of Costa Rica, you’ll encounter a myriad of climates. Come prepared for all climates with layered and versatile clothing.

A blank journal

You’ll find pockets of inspiration and extraordinary sights all over the continent, and a journal is a great way to record your memories or recommendations to share with friends back home.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and refillable toiletry bottles.

Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this on our Frequently Asked Questions page, well in advance of your trip departure date. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.

Looking for inspiration?

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10 of North America's Most Epic Views

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20 bucket list experiences you can only have in the USA

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21 incredible things to know about America

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Escape the crowds in these 5 peaceful US national parks

Frequently Asked Questions

North America spans multiple climate zones, from icy Arctic tundra in the north to tropical beaches in the south. The US and Canada experience four seasons, while Mexico and parts of the southern US are generally warmer year-round. Always check the local forecast, especially if you're crossing regions—packing layers is your best bet.

Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October) are ideal for many parts of North America. You’ll get mild weather, fewer crowds, and stunning scenery—think cherry blossoms or autumnal colours. Summer is popular for national parks and coastlines, while winter is best for ski trips or festive city breaks.

There’s no shortage of iconic spots. Think Grand Canyon, New York City, Banff National Park, New Orleans, Yellowstone, and the Canadian Rockies. For something different, try the lesser-known gems of New Mexico or Nova Scotia. Whether you're into cities, coasts, or canyons—North America delivers.

North America spans several countries, so there are multiple currencies. The US uses the US dollar (USD), Canada uses the Canadian dollar (CAD), and Mexico uses the Mexican peso (MXN).

Central America has a tropical climate with two main seasons: dry (roughly November to April) and rainy (May to October). The weather is warm year-round, with coastal areas hot and humid, and mountain regions a bit cooler. Expect more rain and humidity during the wet season, especially in the afternoons.

Snow is extremely rare in Central America due to its tropical climate and low latitudes. Some higher-altitude regions, like the mountains of Guatemala or Costa Rica, can get chilly—but snowfall is virtually unheard of. Pack light layers and prepare for sunshine or tropical showers, not snow.

Currency varies by country. Costa Rica uses the colón, Guatemala the quetzal, and Panama uses both the balboa and the US dollar. US dollars are accepted in some countries too, especially near tourist areas.

The dry season (November to April) is the most popular time to visit Central America. You’ll enjoy sunny skies and warm temperatures—perfect for beaches, volcano hikes, and cultural festivals. The rainy season has its perks too: lush landscapes, lower prices, and fewer crowds if you're happy with afternoon showers.

There’s so much to explore. Costa Rica offers rainforest adventures and Pacific surf towns, while Guatemala has ancient ruins and volcanic lakes. Belize is great for diving and beaches, and Panama blends tropical beauty with urban charm. There's culture, coasts, and canopies galore.

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