Visit the Americas

Historic Travel in the Americas | Explore Ancient Civilizations & Colonial Cities

The Americas are a vast tapestry of history—woven from the ancient civilizations of the Maya, Inca, and Mississippians to the colonial cities and modern metropolises that followed. Each destination reveals stories of resilience, exploration, and cultural fusion. Walk through the cobbled streets of Cartagena or Boston, stand among the temples of Mexico, or trace the paths of revolution in Philadelphia and Buenos Aires. From Indigenous heritage to colonial encounters and modern innovation, the Americas invite travelers to explore a history as diverse and dynamic as the landscapes themselves.

Plan your journey through the Americas with the Roaming Historian affiliate partners and experience its fascinating heritage firsthand. Discover tours that uncover pre-Columbian ruins, explore UNESCO World Heritage cities, or stay in charming historic hotels that reflect the region’s layered past. Whether you’re wandering the French Quarter of New Orleans, climbing Machu Picchu, or strolling through Old Quebec, your next great adventure begins where history comes alive.

  • Ancient Civilizations & Archaeological Sites
    Discover the secrets of Machu Picchu, Chichen Itza, and other pre-Columbian sites. Guided tours provide context and stories that history books can’t capture.
  • Colonial Cities and Historic Neighborhoods
    From Quebec to Cartagena, explore cities shaped by European settlement. Walking tours and historic hotels let you step back in time.
  • Revolutionary Landmarks & Museums
    Trace the paths of independence movements in Philadelphia, Buenos Aires, and Mexico City. Visit museums and historic homes with expert guides.
  • Indigenous Heritage and Cultural Experiences
    Learn about Native, Inca, and other Indigenous histories through cultural tours, local artisans, and immersive experiences.
  • Guided Tours and Adventures Across the Americas
    Whether it’s a city tour or a nature-infused expedition, guided experiences reveal hidden stories across North, Central, and South America.
  • Historic Hotels and Unique Stays
  • Sleep in historic inns, colonial-era mansions, or restored haciendas that immerse you in the culture and history of the Americas.

Caribbean and Central America

In the vibrant tapestry of the Caribbean and Central America, there’s an abundance of experiences to entice travelers. Start with the Caribbean’s pristine beaches, where the azure waters beckon for snorkeling, diving, or simply soaking up the sun. Explore the colorful underwater worlds of the Belize Barrier Reef or the Tobago Cays Marine Park. For a cultural immersion, wander through the historic streets of Havana, Cuba, or delve into the rhythmic beats of reggae in Jamaica. Central America offers its own allure, from the ancient wonders of Tikal in Guatemala to the lush rainforests of Costa Rica teeming with exotic wildlife. Embark on an adventure along the Panama Canal or hike through the misty cloud forests of Monteverde. Whether it’s savoring the flavors of Caribbean cuisine or uncovering the archaeological treasures of the Maya, the Caribbean and Central America promise unforgettable journeys filled with beauty, history, and excitement.

North America

North America offers wonders from the bustling streets of New York City to the stunning landscapes of Hawaii, vibrant culture in Mexico, the glitz of Las Vegas, and more. Guided tours provide insider access to delve deeper into history and culture, creating an immersive travel experience. Explore unforgettable experiences and hidden gems in the following blog highlighting the aforementioned places, as wells as Miami, Nashville, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Washington DC. Use our affiliate links to support our work at no extra cost to you.

Hawaii

Experience the aloha spirit in the Hawaiian islands: Hawai’i, Maui, Kauai, O’ahu, and others. Visit a volcano or race along on a zipline. Learn the art of hula. Relax on the golden sands of Waikiki Beach in Oahu or snorkel with tropical fish, turtles, and more. Learn to surf in the birthplace of this iconic sport or paddleboard along the picturesque coastline. Feast on a traditional Hawaiian luau. Take a sunset cruise and witness the mesmerizing colors of the Hawaiian sky. And, for the ultimate adventure, take a helicopter tour and soar above the breathtaking landscapes, getting a bird’s-eye view of this tropical paradise.

Las Vegas

Take a stroll along the Strip and marvel at the iconic resorts like the Bellagio, the Venetian, and Caesars Palace. Have a food tour of the Las Vegas Strip. Take gambling lessons. Immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas as you catch a headline act by a legendary performer or be mesmerized by a magic show. Visit the Neon Museum and see the iconic signs that once adorned the city’s legendary casinos. Explore the stunning landscapes of Red Rock Canyon, Death Valley, Eldorado Canyon, and others. Go to the Hoover Dam. Ride a horse in the desert. Take a helicopter tour to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. Or, for the ultimate adrenaline rush, go skydiving over the desert landscape.

Mexico

Explore ancient pyramids. Marvel at archaeological sites and marvel at architectural wonders. Explore the ruins of Palenque, hidden deep in the lush jungles of Chiapas, and uncover the secrets of this ancient Mayan city. Explore the colorful streets of Mexico City. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Oaxaca. Take a food tour, sampling traditional dishes and learning about the ingredients that make them so unique. Relax on the pristine beaches of Cancun or Tulum.

New York City

Explore history in the Financial District or at Ellis Island. Marvel at architectural wonders such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. Experience the melting pot of cultures that make up New York City through its vibrant arts, music, and culture. Visit world-class museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art. Indulge in a culinary adventure through the city’s diverse neighborhoods, Greenwich Village and Hell’s Kitchen, sampling everything from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. Catch a show at one of the iconic theaters. Take a sunset cruise along the Hudson River and admire the city’s skyline from a different perspective.

San Francisco

No visit to San Francisco is complete without a walk or bike ride across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Join a guided tour to learn about the history and construction of the bridge, as well as its cultural significance to the city. Embark on a ferry ride to Alcatraz Island, once home to one of the most notorious federal prisons in the United States. Explore the colorful streets of Chinatown, the oldest and largest Chinatown in North America, and indulge in authentic cuisine and cultural experiences. Visit the bohemian neighborhood of Haight-Ashbury, famous for its role in the 1960s counterculture movement and its eclectic shops and cafes. Take a wine tour in nearby Sonoma or visit the Redwoods.

Other potential areas to explore:

South America

South America is a continent of astonishing diversity and breathtaking beauty, offering an array of experiences for every traveler. Begin your journey by marveling at the majestic wonder of the Amazon Rainforest, where vibrant biodiversity awaits exploration. Venture to the heights of the Andes Mountains, where ancient ruins like Machu Picchu in Peru beckon with their enigmatic allure. In Brazil, lose yourself in the rhythm of Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival or witness the awe-inspiring power of Iguazu Falls. Delve into the rich cultural heritage of Colombia’s colonial cities, such as Cartagena, or sample the tantalizing flavors of Argentine cuisine in Buenos Aires. From the otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama Desert to the pristine shores of the Galapagos Islands, South America captivates the senses with its natural wonders, vibrant cultures, and boundless adventures.

Visit countries like: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, and more. Viator Top South American tours (but you can easily search for whichever city/place you’re going): https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=south%20america&pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector

More Recommendations

For blogs on many of historic places, go to my “Read About Can’t Miss Places” page.

For travel tips in general, including how to pack for your fabulous trip, see Travel Tips page.

Follow me on my social media channels:

My recommendations for various countries and cities around the globe.

LivTours (semi-private/private tours): https://livtours.com?af_code=E1DDN61   

**You can save 10% on LivTours tours with the code AMYRH10 (good on two or more tours)

TourGuy (small group/private tours): https://tidd.ly/3J78sNi

Viator (small to medium size groups/private): https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector

Roaming Historian Viator Shop:

Shore Excursions Group (especially great for the Americas): https://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1634209&data=roaminghistorian@gmail.com

Protect your vacation with Travel Insurance dot com. This awesome travel site provides quotes from numerous travel insurance agencies and allows you to purchase them with no added increase to you: https://www.travelinsurance.com/?utm_source=pap&a_aid=65590b3a60c44

Our incredible partners, such as LivTours, TripAdvisor, VRBO, World Nomads insurance, and more, make exploring the globe an unforgettable experience. With industry leaders in tours, travel insurance, hotels, vacation rentals, flights, cruises, and trip planning, explore the world with our curated list of affiliate links on our Travel Planning page: https://roaminghistorian.com/travel-planning/

Amy French, Ph.D., is the voice behind Roaming Historian. A professional historian and seasoned traveler, she shares stories that blend history and travel to give readers a deeper understanding of the places they explore.

Disclosure: Roaming Historian may derive revenue from affiliate links and other sources, which helps offset the costs of bringing you the information we do. The blogs and reviews posted on this website are of our own opinion though.

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