All destinations
The Americas stretch across 41 million km² and 17 time zones. Three distinct families coexist: North America (USA, Canada), Central America & Caribbean (Mexico, Costa Rica, Cuba), South America (Peru, Brazil, Argentina). Our guide covers 11 destinations field-tested by our team, from US national parks to Patagonia.
🔄 Updated May 22, 2026
Americas at a glance
Destinations covered
11
Sub-regions
3
Min flight from Paris
~8h (NY)
Max flight
~14h (Patagonia)
Average / day
€70 – 400
Time difference
-3h to -10h
Best overall season
May to October (North), December to March (South)
Choose in 30 seconds
Continent of contrasts. Seasons flip between North and South, so do budgets. Here's how to orient yourself before zeroing in on a destination.
For a first road trip
US West (Yosemite, Grand Canyon and other national parks), East Canada (Québec-Toronto-Niagara), Costa Rica.
For pre-Columbian culture
Mexico (Yucatán, Mexico City), Peru (Cusco, Machu Picchu), Colombia (San Agustín).
For wide open spaces
Patagonia (Argentina and Chile), US national parks, Canadian Yukon, Atacama.
For beaches
Mexico (Riviera Maya), Cuba, Dominican Republic, Brazil (Nordeste, Fernando de Noronha).
For value for money
Mexico outside Riviera Maya, Peru, Colombia, Cuba. €30 to 50 per day in comfort on the ground.
Calendar
Northern hemisphere: June-September is summer. Southern hemisphere: December-February is summer. Tropical zones avoid the cyclone season (June-November for the Caribbean).
| Month | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| January – February | Argentina (Patagonia in austral summer), Chile, Brazil (Carnival mid-February), Costa Rica, Mexico, Cuba, US Florida |
| March – April | US Southwest (national parks), Mexico, Peru (dry season approaching), Costa Rica |
| May – June | US West (parks open), East Canada, Peru (dry season), Colombia |
| July – August | Full Canada (Yukon, Rockies), US Northwest, Peru, Northern Argentina, Brazil Nordeste |
| September – October | USA (Indian summer in New England), Mexico, Peru (still dry), Argentina (spring) |
| November – December | US Florida, Mexico, austral summer ramps up in Argentina, Costa Rica |
All destinations
Decide
10 days
Mexico Yucatán (Cancun + Tulum + Mérida + Holbox), US East Coast (NYC + Boston + Niagara), Cuba (Havana + Trinidad + Viñales).
2 weeks
US West road trip (national parks), full Peru (Lima + Cusco + Machu + Titicaca), Southern Argentina (Buenos Aires + Patagonia), full Costa Rica.
3 weeks or more
Coast-to-coast US grand tour, Argentina + Chile combo (Patagonia + Atacama), Brazil multi-region (Rio + Salvador + Amazon), full Colombia.
| Style | Destinations |
|---|---|
| Backpacker < €2,000 | Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Cuba |
| Comfort €2,500 – 4,500 | USA, luxury Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, Chile |
| Premium €5,000 – 9,000 | Premium USA, luxury Patagonia, Peru (Hiram Bingham), Brazil (Fasano) |
Family with children
USA (Disney, national parks), East Canada, Costa Rica (wildlife and safety), Mexico Yucatán (cenotes, accessible ruins).
Honeymoon
Patagonia (Argentina + Chile), Mexico (Riviera Maya + Holbox), Easter Island, Costa Rica.
Backpacking
Peru, Colombia, Mexico outside Riviera Maya, Northern Argentina. Plenty of hostels, accessible transport.
Cultural travel
Peru (Inca civilisation), Mexico (Maya and Aztec), Cuba, Colombia (colonial), Brazil (Afro-Brazilian in Salvador).
Diving
Mexico (Yucatán cenotes, Cozumel), Costa Rica (Cocos), Cuba.
Road trip
US West (Route 66, Pacific Coast Highway), Patagonia (Carretera Austral, Route 40), West Canada (Vancouver-Banff).
Before you leave
Visa-free
Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic. Short tourist stay.
Electronic travel authorisation
USA (ESTA, USD 21, valid 2 years), Canada (eTA, CAD 7, valid 5 years). Minimum 72 h before departure.
E-visa or tourist card
Cuba (tourist card €22, buy before departure), Brazil (e-visa reinstated in 2025).
Official source
Always check France Diplomatie. Passport valid 6 months after return date everywhere. Recommended vaccines: yellow fever for Amazon (Brazil, Peru, Colombia), sometimes required depending on previous zone.
Essential comparisons
US medical bills can exceed €100,000 for a simple hospital stay. Unlimited cap strongly recommended.
View →Revolut Premium or Wise for dollar, peso and real withdrawals with minimal fees.
View →Holafly and Airalo offer dedicated bundles (USA + Mexico + Caribbean or full South America).
View →Detailed sheet for each continent destination.
View →FAQ
Explore elsewhere
Mathieu Dubois ✓
·Luxury & gastronomy expert
Mathieu Dubois covers this geographic area for L'Heure du Voyage.
