The Spirit of the Americas: Signature Journeys across South, Central and North America

There’s a special kind of energy that pulses through the Americas; a sense of untamed scale and limitless possibilities that it’s hard to replicate elsewhere.

From the memories of ancient civilisations, the living indigenous traditions and the boundless mythologies of the Old West to landscapes that still feel vast and elemental, days here are spent discovering through movement, flavour and story.

Mornings that begin in historic plazas and mountain passes, afternoons defined by water, wilderness and open horizons and evenings that draw people together through mezcal tastings, flickering campfires and conversations beneath enormous skies.

Wild landscapes, living cultures and experiences that feel raw, real and totally human - join us as we embark on an immersive exploration across this continent of contrasts, with our expert DMCs at the helm to reveal the true spirit of the Americas to your clients…

What’s in this Article

• We take a curated journey through the Americas shaped by our expert DMCs, where every destination, experience and stay has been handpicked to capture the continent at its most alive.

• We discover a multisport immersion across Ecuador and the Galapagos with ​Adventure International,​ where the Andes, Amazon and ocean come together through a mix of hiking, rafting, wildlife encounters and island exploration.

• We see Nicaragua at its best through the eyes of ​Viaventure Central America,​ on a journey that moves effortlessly from colonial Granada to wild Pacific beaches, complete with the unique adrenaline rush of sandboarding down an active volcano.

• In Mexico, we explore Oaxaca’s living traditions with ​Viaventure Mexico,​ from ancient landscapes and Zapotec ruins to artisan villages - plus an intimate mezcal experience with the region’s most respected maestro.

• We share the myth and majesty of the American West courtesy of ​Northern Journeys​ (by Adventure International), with wildlife safaris, rafting, hiking and horseback riding beneath the towering peaks of Grand Teton National Park.

• And we introduce ​unique properties​ that deepen connection, including low-impact luxury glamping across Central America and a private jungle hideaway in Costa Rica designed for togetherness, luxury and immersion.

Ecuador & the Galapagos with Adventure International

If there’s one destination that perfectly captures the soul of South America, it’s Ecuador; a country that compresses Andes, Amazon and ocean into a single, beautifully layered journey, curated by ​Adventure International.​

Adventure International’s ​Ecuador Mainland & Galapagos Multisport Adventure​ is designed for travellers who want to do as much as they want to see; moving often and sleeping well, with thoughtfully chosen hotels that balance comfort with authenticity.

Beginning in colonial Quito, with its elegant plazas and sweeping rooftop views, your clients head along the legendary Avenue of Volcanoes - hiking beneath the looming cone of one of the world’s highest active volcanoes in Cotopaxi National Park, skirting high-altitude lagoons and then descending towards the mythical cloud forests and waterfalls of Banos, where Inca gold lies hidden still and mountain biking, canyoning and whitewater rafting bring all of Ecuador’s wild energy to life in spectacular style.

From here, the journey slips seamlessly into the Amazon basin.

Here, jungle lodges sit deep within primary rainforest and days are shaped by river rafting, wildlife-rich hikes and encounters with local communities, including time spent at the inspirational Sacha WarmiKuna women’s project where travellers can shop and share food and stories with their foundation in timeless Andean traditions.

In the evening? High in the Andes, it’s time to soak tired limbs in the volcanic hot springs of Papallacta, as the mist rises from the pools into the dusk skies - a perfect end to an experience of active travel at its most playful and immersive, where each day brings a new way to interact with the landscape, guided by experts at every step.

After the adventure of the mainland, the shift to the Galapagos Islands is palpable - and breathtaking.

Here, days spent between San Cristobal, Isabela and Santa Cruz are filled with snorkelling alongside sea lions and turtles, kayaking through mangroves, biking volcanic coastlines, hiking active craters and walking among giant tortoises.

There are surfing lessons at Tortuga Bay, lava tunnels alive with marine life and encounters both close and unfiltered - again guided all the way by experts with ​Adventure International​ who bring context and care to every encounter.

Where to stay…

On the mainland, ​Termas Papallacta​ offers rare and precious respite for weary adventurers, with its private thermal pools fed by volcanic springs and its misty Andean backdrops creating the perfect mood for recovery and rest.

In the Galapagos, ​Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel​ is the only beachfront hotel in the archipelago, enjoying a privileged position on Santa Cruz and blending barefoot luxe with access to exceptional wildlife experiences. When the weather is good? Guests can even surf straight out front.

Nicaragua with Viaventure Central America

Nicaragua, where colonial cities, vast lakes, volcanic landscapes and wild Pacific beaches sit within easy reach of one another, is a place of extraordinary range and rhythm - and it’s all fabulously distilled by ​Viaventure’s​ meticulously curated itineraries.

Theirs are journeys that move with ease between culture and adrenaline, blending exhilarating experiences with luxurious relaxation for a best of all worlds journey that your clients will love.

In Granada, the colourful streets and lively plazas open onto Lake Nicaragua, with cafes, galleries and daily life playing out beneath the shadow of the iconic Mombacho Volcano, one of three close to the city. This is the perfect place to linger, explore and absorb the culture, and a wonderful counterpoint to the rawness of the nature that defines much of Nicaragua.

Beach lovers won’t want to leave the Southern Pacific Coast near San Juan del Sur, where Nicaragua’s wild side is on full display with jungle-backed beaches, excellent surf breaks and charming fishing villages all creating an irresistible sense of barefoot freedom - the elemental, unpolished Pacific as people imagine it should feel.

And in terms of experiences, there’s one - unique and thrilling in equal measure - that captures Nicaragua’s thrill and spirit perfectly, and that’s Cerro Negro sandboarding.

As ​Viaventure​ say, “There are adventure experiences and then there’s hurtling down the side of Central America’s youngest active volcano on nothing but a board and pure adrenalin.”

This day sees the intrepid climb the volcano, hiking past sulphur vents to the summit, where the view stretches across Nicaragua’s dramatic volcanic chain… and then gravity takes over!

Kitted out in protective suits and riding a traditional Nicaraguan board, the descent is fast - up to 60km an hour - and joyfully absurd: geology plus pure fun in one of the most unforgettable adventures around.

Where to stay...

In Granada, ​Hotel Plaza Colon​ sits directly on the city’s central park, pairing refined colonial style with immediate access to the cultural heart of the city - a perfect base for exploration.

On the coast, ​Morgan’s Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge​ offers eco-luxury within a private nature reserve, with beautiful bungalows overlooking the Pacific, low-impact design and a strong sense of authenticity that preserves the wild feel of its oceanfront location.

Oaxaca, Mexico with Viaventure Mexico

In Oaxaca, the spirit of the Americas is revealed through land and lineage, and expressed through rituals and traditions that have been carefully guarded through the generations.

Coming in with ​Viaventure Mexico​ from Puebla’s highlands via the extraordinary Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve (a UNESCO-listed “desert of life” where towering cacti, rare agaves and ancient salt-harvesting villages illustrate Mexico’s deep ecological richness), Oaxaca City is all colour and rhythm.

With marimba music drifting across the Zocalo and the scent of mole and toasted corn wafting from the markets, this is a city with a fascinating, living historic centre that balances everyday life with centuries of tradition.

Heading just outside the city, Monte Alban, one of the most important ancient Zapotec capitals, offers sweeping valley views alongside an abundance of early Mesoamerican ruins, from expansive plazas to temples and ritual carvings believed to be more than two millennia old.

And for those who love to discover local crafts, the villages surrounding the city are rich with distinct local offerings, from intricate weaving to black clay pottery and hand-carved “alebrijes”, vividly painted and detailed fantastical creatures based on spirit animals.

But few experiences reveal Oaxaca’s land and lineage better than a visit to the Central Valleys with renowned mezcal maestro Don Jeronimo.

At his family finca, the feel is less “tour” and more an invite into the work of a lifetime.

Here, your clients will be welcomed as active participants in a piece of living heritage innovatively reinvented, as they explore the third-gen palanque and agave fields and learn the differences between varieties and the secrets of traditional distillation methods.

After, with sweeping valley views framing the terrace, visitors get to taste the mezcal under the expert tutelage of the man who knows it best, learning how to nose, sip and read it in an experience firmly rooted in artisan know-how, infinite patience and well-earned pride.

Where to stay...

In Oaxaca City, ​Casa Oaxaca​ is a thoughtful, design-led retreat with a calm, refined vibe and a deep connection to the city’s food and craft culture. Offering a local without sacrificing comfort, it’s the perfect restorative base after immersive days in the valleys.

Grand Teton, USA with Northern Journeys

For those who dream of an experience with the myth, scale and soul of the Old West, Grand Teton National Park is the place to go, with ​Northern Journeys​ (an Adventure International company) as your guide.

Described often as the “Patagonia of America”, this stunning spot delivers an authentically American expression of wilderness - replete with towering, jagged peaks, broad valleys and wildlife-rich plains that feel absolutely cinematic.

Here, ​Northern Journeys’ Wildlife & Adventure itinerary​ is the most beautifully balanced immersion into this iconic corner of Wyoming, blending safari-style wildlife encounters with gentle adventure and refined comfort.

Based in Jackson Hole, a rustic luxe ski setting bordered by both Yellowstone and Grand Teton, days are taken at a blissfully unhurried pace that gives your clients time to truly absorb their surroundings, whether they’re spotting elk and bison or drifting quietly along the Snake River beneath the towering mountain walls.

Early mornings bring sunrise wildlife safaris along low-traffic back roads, guided by expert naturalists who know exactly where the animals move as the light changes.

And what a range of animals too, with the potential to spot everything from moose, elk, pronghorn antelope and bison to wolves, black and grizzly bears and bald eagles.

Paired with short, accessible hikes on lesser-known trails, the adventures continue by both water and land, with scenic rafting floats along the Snake River offering a serene counterpoint to the peaks above, easy hikes to lakes and viewpoints such as Taggart Lake and Phelps Lake Overlook and lake crossings to reach Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.

But our favourite way to experience this spectacular place?

It’s probably the most enduringly Old West way there is - a guided horseback ride through wildflower meadows and across open plains, with time spent in the saddle evoking all the authentic sense of discovery your clients could hope for.

Where to stay...

An intimate, design-led base at the foot of the Tetons, ​Caldera House’s​ expansive and luxurious two- and four-bedroom suites are ideal for couples, families and small groups alike.

Pairing fully equipped chef’s kitchens and generous living spaces with spa facilities, an outdoor infinity plunge pool and superb dining, there’s also a dedicated concierge and seamless access to both adventure and apres moments; taking the Grand Teton experience to an exceptional level.

Retreats that keep the spirit alive

Clients looking for more? Our Americas portfolio goes further still.

Alongside the journeys above, your clients can also choose from our curated selection of properties through our ​Retreat Collection​, ideal for those seeking immersion in exceptional locations, with thoughtful design, privacy and respect for the natural world…

Where wild places meet considered comfort - Guatemala, Panama & Belize

Travel Kinship’s Retreat Collection extends the spirit of the Americas into stays that are shaped around nature, privacy and connection - like ​Beyond Expeditions’ luxury glamping retreats​, which offer guests front-row access to rainforests, coastlines and culture across Guatemala, Panama and Belize.

Combining low-impact design with deep environmental respect, these are truly magical places where evenings are shaped by birdsong and firelight, and days are dictated by the pace of the setting.

Private jungle living designed for togetherness - Southern Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, ​Villa Kanik​ offers a different but equally compelling retreat, designed to provide privacy, flexibility and togetherness in a way that never feels crowded.

Wrapped in dense jungle and designed as a refined private home rather than a hotel, Villa Kanik is perfect for families or small groups who want a space to connect that’s also nestled deep inside one of the most biodiverse environments in the Americas.

Perfectly positioned for exploring Costa Rica’s wildlife, beaches and adventure-rich landscapes by day, this is a sanctuary of open-plan living areas that spill out onto terraces, beautifully crafted accommodations and pools framed by rainforest; a place where conversations stretch long as the forest hums softly beyond the lights.

And the whole offering is brought together through exclusive, personalised service, from the dedicated concierge who can arrange everything from private chefs and grocery runs to tours, restaurant reservations and airport transfers to curated all-inclusive options that offer the height of ease and luxury for your clients.

The Spirit of the Americas...

It’s something your clients need to engage with, to find through movement and stillness, through tradition and innovation and through varied landscapes that change at every stop.

And of course, with ​our exceptional DMCs​ guiding the way, your clients’ journeys step way beyond a simple itinerary, becoming a story of adventure, discovery and connection to people and place that they’ll treasure forever.

For an introduction to any or all of the DMCs featured here, ​get in touch​ today.