The American continent contains many places to go on a trip. Generally divided into 3 parts – North, South and Central America – it offers a wide variety of landscapes, cultures and places to discover. So, when choosing where to go in America, it’s important to keep in mind the possible alternatives in order to make your selection.
In this guide, we present the main countries and places to visit in America. For each, we’ll briefly mention its main characteristics and why you should go there. For more information and advice on choosing accommodation in these destinations, you can consult our dedicated guides.
Things you need to know
Before getting into a description of where to go in America, here’s what you need to know about tourism.
Main destinations in the Americas
We’re going to review and introduce you to the main places to go in America. For each, you can consult our dedicated guide for more information and advice.
Going to the United States, the American dream
With its grandiose reputation, the USA is one of the most important countries in the world. Its must-sees are world-famous: from the Big Apple to the West Coast, the U.S. boasts a wide range of breathtaking sights. Visitors come to immerse themselves in American culture, starting with New York. With the Empire State Building, Central Park and the Statue of Liberty, the city that never sleeps is full of surprises.
Don't hesitate to head for California, also a popular destination for its beaches, natural landscapes and major cities such as San Diego, San Francisco and Los Angeles. If you're a road trip enthusiast, you can extend your trip to the American West, and marvel at the beauty of its great natural parks (Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Yosemite, Death Valley, etc.).
Florida, with Miami and the Keys, Louisiana or Texas. These states are also worth exploring to discover all their riches. And don't miss Washington DC, Chicago, Boston, New Orleans, Seattle and Las Vegas!
With this American Dream atmosphere, there's plenty of excitement and plenty of tourists. You'll find lively megalopolises with brand-name boutiques and fast-food outlets selling hot dogs, burgers and XXL pizzas, as well as splendid national parks and wilderness areas like Alaska and Hawaii. While the West is renowned for its chill, the East offers an over-the-top atmosphere.
On the other hand, going to the USA is quite expensive. Between airfare, car rental and accommodation, you can expect to pay quite a bit if you decide to go.
A natural immersion in Canada
Canada is synonymous with sublime untouched landscapes, abundant nature and bustling megacities. In fact, large cities follow immense national parks in this country of unsuspected grandeur.
A trip to the province of Quebec reveals the typical image of the country, from whale watching in Tadoussac to the Montmorency Falls. In terms of urban life, you'll find that each city has its own architecture and atmosphere. While Montreal is dominated by modernity and skyscrapers, the capital Ottawa and Quebec City have more typical buildings, notably the Château de Frontenac.
Visit Toronto in Ontario, and Vancouver in British Columbia. These two immense cities on the cutting edge of modernity are well-known and highly popular with tourists. Calgary and Winnipeg are also well worth a visit.
National parks, with their lakes and mountains, are found all over the country. These include Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, both in Alberta. Another must-see is Niagara Falls, on the border between the USA and Canada. Locals and adventurers also appreciate the Bay of Fundy.
If you've decided to go there, you absolutely must try the maple syrup, poutine, tourtière or nanaimo bar. Please note, however, that if you decide to go to Canada, you'll need a substantial budget to book your accommodation.
Mexico, a cultural and relaxing destination to go to
Mexico is a culturally rich and colorful country. Traditions are deeply rooted, the Mayan and Aztec ruins are sublime and the immense beaches are perfect for relaxing under coconut palms.
In terms of must-sees, Chichén Itzá is a must, as are the seaside resorts of Tulum and Cancún, the cities of Mérida and San Cristóbal de Las Casas, the 7-colour lagoon of Bacalar and the capital of Mexico City.
The beaches are heavenly all over the country, the best known being Playa del Carmen, and you can swim in the many cenotes. The state of Campeche also boasts beautiful architecture.
Mexico is best explored by car. Travellers generally take road trips in certain regions, the most popular being Yucatan, Chiapas and Quintana Roo. With affordable prices, it's very easy to stay here. Alternatively, you can stay in a resort. They have a strong presence on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.
Brazil, where nature and culture meet
Brazil is South America's best-known country. Filled with architectural treasures, wild spaces, endless beaches and surprising sites, it's the place to go if you're looking for relaxation and nature.
Places not to be missed include Rio de Janeiro and its famous statue of Christ the Redeemer, major cultural cities like São Paulo and the small, colorful villages of Recife, Paraty and Olinda.
Exceptional sites await you, such as Iguazú Falls, Chapada Diamantina National Park with its caves, and Lençois Maranhenses National Park with its dunes and lagoons. Enjoy the beaches of the Costa Verde, surrounded by lush nature. Not forgetting, of course, the Amazon rainforest.
Salvador de Bahia, on the other hand, is a beach-oriented destination, and remains very popular during the high season. The wilder, more secluded Ilha Grande offers total disconnection thanks to its long stretches of beach and hiking trails. More tranquil is the village of Jericoacoara and its immense 30m-high dune, perfect for admiring the sunset.
The atmosphere in the country is intense. Many travellers decide to go to Brazil to discover this rich culture, with its diverse dances, musical rhythms and typical gastronomy. You can spend a week here, choosing a single stopover, although a 3-week road trip is also feasible.
Visit other South American countries, colorful and historic
South America is another beautiful destination, and many of these countries are full of beauty. Going there will immerse you in a very different culture and way of life. Snow-capped mountain landscapes, untouched expanses and omnipresent nature, the south of this continent can generally be discovered country by country, thanks to fairly long road trips lasting from 2 to 3 weeks.
Going to Peru means admiring the famous site of Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca city. Lake Titicaca, the cities of Arequipa and Cusco, the Nazca lines and the Colca Canyon are all examples of the country's beauty.
Chile has the distinction of stretching 4200km along the Pacific coast. It benefits from the prestige of the Andes mountain range, but also from the highly touristic Patagonia region, shared with Argentina. Here you'll find the Torres del Paine National Park. Easter Island is also worth a visit, although it takes several hours to fly there.
With its Los Glaciares National Park, Aconcagua and its capital Buenos Aires, Argentina is a place to consider if you want to go in search of its culture. A trip to Ecuador avoids the tourist crowds and lets you enjoy the capital Quito, the Galapagos Islands or natural landscapes such as Cuicocha.
Last but not least, Bolivia also has a lot to offer, including the Salar d'Uyuni, a sandy desert. Other lesser-known places like Paraguay, Uruguay and Colombia, with cities like Medellin, Bogota or Cartagena, are also very entertaining. The advantage of going there is that these regions are relatively inexpensive. Their gastronomy is also well worth discovering.
Relax in the Caribbean sun
The Caribbean islands are the stuff of dreams, with their fine sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Generally speaking, people come here to relax under coconut palms, go hiking and, of course, enjoy the sun and the local specialities. Especially rum!
Indeed, if you like hiking, you'll fall under the spell of these volcanic islands. Between Martinique, which is perfect for its verdant nature, and Guadeloupe, which offers a climb up to the famous Soufrière, you won't be disappointed.
On the other hand, if you're more of a beach person, there are plenty of islands where you can relax: Barbados, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica are just the ones for you. They're popular for their spicy cuisine and natural parks. If you like water sports, you'll be able to do just that, as the diving spots are very popular.
Cuba, especially Havana, is different in that its original atmosphere is more “out of time”. There are also many English-speaking islands to discover, such as Grenada, the Bahamas and the Caymans.
Going to the Caribbean off the coast of America is relatively affordable, depending on the destination, and can suit all budgets. Beware, however, that some islands are more expensive than others!
Go to Central America for a complete change of scenery
Tropical forests, ancient ruins, deserted beaches -Central America has more treasures than you might think. Discoveries and activities await you in this corner of America, where most travel is by car. A trip here guarantees a change of scenery and immersion in the wilderness.
Authentic and traditional, Guatemala, located under Mexico, is the least expensive of the region. Here you'll find Tikal and its Mayan temples, as well as Lake Atitlán and its waterfalls.
Nicaragua, further south, is a sportsman's paradise, offering canyoning, hiking, diving and surfing. Traditional churches abound, but the main attraction is the Mayasa volcano and its lava lake.
In Honduras, you'll find Islas de la Bahía, a must for diving enthusiasts. It is home to one of the world's largest coral reefs. La Ruta Lenca, an authentic region, and the ruins of Copàn are also worth discovering.
Costa Rica is the most visited country in Central America. Tourists choose it for its Monteverde and Santa Elena forests, as well as its volcanoes and ubiquitous waterfalls. There's plenty of wildlife to be seen, and it's always a pleasure to stroll along its long beaches.
Panama, just below, offers a variety of landscapes, including the Chagre National Park, the Panama Canal and the Bocas del Toro archipelago.
It's one of the cheapest areas on the continent, and a visit here is a guarantee of tranquillity. Outside Costa Rica, it is spared mass tourism.
Summary
As we’ve seen, America is a vast territory with many opportunities for year-round travel.
Some countries, mainly in Central and South America, offer both cultural interest and scenic beauty. Others are ideal for city-trips, which may be far away, but which can be visited in just a few days. These include major cities in the USA and Canada. Finally, there are others suitable for road trips of varying distances.
In short, there’s no easy answer to choosing where to go in America. It all depends on your expectations, your budget, the season and the trips you’ve already made!