Photograph by Jens Benninghofe, Alamy
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.
Photograph by Joana Kruse, Alamy
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.”