Tastes and trails: Food and nature journeys in Latin America

Across Latin America, travellers are seeking more than just scenery. Purpose-driven travel is shaping today’s journeys, where the experiences that leave a mark are rooted in nature, community, and culture. Whether it's exploring rainforests teeming with wildlife or savouring dishes steeped in tradition, these are the holidays that offer depth as well as delight. In places like Cartagena and Quepos, you’ll find escapes that restore your sense of self and your connection to the world around you.

Cartagena: A coastal feast of culture and cuisine

On Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Cartagena offers a culinary scene as vibrant as its colonial architecture. With visitors from dozens of countries finding their way to its tables, the city has become one of the region’s most internationally appealing food destinations, a reflection of its rich cultural tapestry.

Cartagena’s cuisine is shaped by African, Spanish, and Indigenous influences, rooted in local ingredients and centuries of tradition. In lively open-air markets, you’ll find stacks of plátanos, yuca, and guanábana, while street vendors serve arepas de huevo and fresh tropical juices in every hue. Sit down to savour mojarra frita (fried fish) with coconut rice or a bowl of sancocho; a comforting soup made with yuca, meat, and sweetcorn.

For a deeper connection to the city, join a chocolate tour to explore Cartagena’s historic streets, uncover its cacao heritage, and sample handmade sweets infused with local flavour. Or dive into its savoury side on a street food tour, tasting authentic bites while wandering through vibrant neighbourhoods. Both experiences offer a flavourful way to understand Cartagena - one bite at a time.

Eco-tourism in Quepos: Rainforests, and restorative moments

On Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, Quepos is the gateway to one of Central America’s most biodiverse corners - Manuel Antonio National Park. Here, rainforest trails lead to golden beaches and mangrove-lined shores, where nature reveals itself at every turn: capuchin monkeys swinging through the canopy, sloths nestled in treetops, and flashes of colour from toucans overhead. This is eco-tourism in Quepos at its best: low-impact, deeply immersive, and unforgettable.

Visitors come not only for the park’s wild beauty, but also to slow down and reconnect. After a hike or guided wildlife walk, many turn to restorative activities like forest bathing or beachfront yoga, designed to ground the body and quiet the mind. Mealtimes are equally intentional, local restaurants serve freshly caught seafood and tropical fruits in unfussy, nourishing dishes. Imagine citrus-cured ceviche, grilled mahi-mahi with mashed plantain, or smoothies blended with papaya and passion fruit.

For those seeking a deeper connection with Costa Rica’s natural rhythms, Rainmaker Conservation Park offers a guided eco-experience tour through a private rainforest reserve. Walk across canopy bridges, swim in natural pools, and learn about native flora in a setting designed to promote both conservation and calm. It’s a serene complement to the vibrant coast, and a reminder of why purpose-driven travel resonates more than ever.

When it’s time to leave Costa Rica, unwind and recharge in one of the San José lounges or other airport experiences. Whether you found stillness among Quepos’s mangroves or energy in Cartagena’s vibrant markets, these journeys linger - leaving you refreshed and ready for whatever comes next.