Skip link for screen readers

Authentic insights with our expert guides for an in-depth perspective into the rich cultures and local life of people of Latin America, India and China.

Local culture and people is the central theme of our holidays to South America, Central America, India and China. It is a common thread that links the countries in which we travel, manifested in music, dance, art and social gatherings at thriving markets, in local parks and in bars, cafes and teahouses.

In the Brazilian city of Salvador, African, Portuguese and Brazilian influences blend to create an exotic city, embodied in rhythmic Olodum drumming. Music is a core component of the cultural identity of Havana in Cuba, where a unique society has grown out of decades of isolation and an African and Spanish heritage, and also in Buenos Aires, a city of tango halls and traditional cafes.

Mexico is a country infused with a strong cultural identity, perhaps best experienced in the city of Oaxaca and during the Day of the Dead celebrations. We also find traces of Mayan roots in Mexico and Guatemala, whilst the Inca heritage in the Andean regions of Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador remain particularly strong. Explore the islands of Lake Titicaca and you will find timeless communities preserving ancient ways of life and customs. Far away from the cities, we encounter remote Amazon communities with little contact with the 21st century world and in the pampas of Argentina are country estancias in which you can experience elements of the traditional Guacho way of life.

In China, the cities, towns and nomadic villages of Tibet are home to devout pilgrims striving to lead their centuries-old lifestyles in the face of change, whilst throughout Yunnan, the province demonstrates strong cultural identities in its many minority communities. The capital Beijing offers windows into the lives of very distinct generations; the older Beijingers who grew up in communist China, and socialise together early every morning in the city's parks and a younger generation embracing the trappings of capitalism.

Timeless men at the barbers
Unique Society
Cuban Women with Flower Baskets
Brasilian style
Traditional costumes
00086
Riot of colours - Weavings and Flowers
Man in traditional dress
Patacancha Weavers
Making Panama hats, not made in Panama
Frank Ecuador Others DSC 0100 1
Serious News

Explore some of our favourite holidays
Suggestions & Recommendations

1681 Sacred Valley Of The Incas

Sacred Valley of the Incas

Experience rural life and local traditions in the timeless Sacred Valley

 
8376 Taquile Island

Taquile Island

 
8377 Uros Floating Reed Islands

Uros Floating Reed Islands

 
La Havana Car

Havana

Cuba's colonial, US, revolutionary and socialist history converge in its iconic capital

 
Capoeira Show

Salvador da Bahia

 
Making Manioc/Cassava Flour

Amazon Community Visit

 
IMG 0774

Buenos Aires

Fall in love with Latin America's most stylish and sophisticated city

 
1701 Estancias

Estancias

Live like a Gaucho at a traditional Estancia

 
Chichicastenango

Chichicastenango

 
9302 Otavalo Market

Otavalo Market

 
9366 Tarabuco Sunday Market

Tarabuco Sunday Market

 
Potosi & Cerro Rico

Potosi & Cerro Rico

 
000026240021

Beijing & Great Wall

 
3940 Shigatse & Tibet

Shigatse & Tibet

 

Find Inspiration & Advice from our
Specialist Insights

Hong Kong at night

7 Ways to Experience Hong Kong

 
11340 Holidays To Tibet The Complete Guide

Holidays to Tibet - the complete guide

 
10679 The Virgen Natividad Festival In Cusco

The Virgen Natividad Festival in Cusco

 
8741 Curious Tales From The Original Copacabana

Curious tales from the original Copacabana

 
8505 Brazils June Festivals

Brazil's June Festivals

 
8064 Rio Carnival 2019 Plan Your Visit

Rio Carnival 2021 - Plan your visit

 
000045700034

7 Ways to Experience Salvador

 
20171031 224159

The beginner's guide to the Day of the Dead Ancestors

 
Explore Our Travel Blog

Specialist Advice & Ideas

Since 1999, we focus on carefully crafting unique and authentic travel experiences in Latin America and beyond.

Create Your Perfect Tour

Your holiday is tailored by our specialist advisors to fit your preferences using our extensive kowledge of each destination

The Best Local Guides

We have developed an extensive network of expert local guides, hand-picked to provide exclusive excursions and authentic insights.

Travel with Confidence

Our local guides are your hosts providing support, information and so you visit the main sites and experience life like a local.

X

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE - 16 OCT

WEBINARS with Experts Live Reports on location. Click on Our Service above to sign-up and for recording of previous webinars. Next: China 21 Oct at 9am  Ecuador & Galapagos 17 Nov at 14.00  Please register by Email: travel@veloso.com

CURRENT TRAVEL STATUS - SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA, INDIA OPEN FOR TRAVEL. Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Panama should also be open soon.

NEW HOLIDAYS - WE ARE READY

TRAVEL INSURANCE with COVID-19 cover: AllClear, CedarTree, StaySure, CampbellIrvine, BattleFace