National parks
The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite and Banff offer magnificent landscapes, ideal for hiking, wildlife watching and road trips.
North America and its wide open spaces
From the Canadian Arctic to Mexican beaches, North America unfolds landscapes of spectacular scale. Legendary national parks, vibrant metropolises and iconic road trips make it an ideal playground for lovers of wide open spaces.
- 3 countries
Why travel to North America?
North America attracts visitors with its magnificent national parks, dynamic big cities and iconic road trips. From the canyons of the southwest to the Canadian forests and Mexican beaches, it offers landscape diversity ideal for adventure.
What to discover in North America?
North America is the continent par excellence of wide open spaces and road trips. The United States and Canada are home to some of the most famous national parks in the world: the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Banff and Jasper, where mountains, canyons, turquoise lakes and forests stretch as far as the eye can see.
The continent also appeals with iconic metropolises such as New York, San Francisco, Toronto and Mexico City, blending culture, gastronomy and nightlife. Further south, Mexico adds a cultural and beach dimension with its Maya sites, Caribbean beaches and cuisine recognized by UNESCO. The climatic contrasts are striking, from the frozen expanses of the Arctic to the sunny coasts of California and the Yucatán. Whether you dream of driving Route 66, hiking in the Rockies, exploring cosmopolitan cities or relaxing on tropical beaches, North America offers varied itineraries perfectly suited to road trips and long journeys.
Countries of North America
Discover the countries that make up North America and easily plan your next travel stages.
Cities to visit in North America
Featured destinations appear first.
North America in pictures
National parks, metropolises and wide open spaces: discover North America in pictures to fuel your wanderlust.
North America's highlights
North America combines wide open spaces, national parks, metropolises and unforgettable road trips.
Iconic cities
New York, San Francisco, Toronto and Mexico City blend culture, skyscrapers, gastronomy and nightlife in cosmopolitan, dynamic settings.
Legendary road trips
Iconic routes such as Route 66 and the California coast cross varied scenery, making the car a favourite way to travel.
Beaches and coastlines
From the Californian coast to the Caribbean beaches of Mexico, the continent offers many beach options ideal for relaxation and water sports.
Diverse landscapes
From Arctic tundra to southwestern deserts, from Canadian forests to the tropical coasts of Mexico, the continent gathers a wide variety of climates and scenery.
Cultural heritage
Maya sites, Native American heritage, music scenes and great museums form a rich cultural offering, from New Orleans jazz to the pre-Columbian cities of Mexico.
Practical information about North America
- Number of countries
- 23 sovereign countries
- Approximate area
- About 24.7 million km²
- Approximate population
- About 600 million inhabitants
- Main languages
- English, Spanish, French
- Time zones
- Several, roughly UTC-10 to UTC-3
- Dominant climate
- Highly varied: arctic, temperate, desert and tropical
- Best season
- May to October for the parks; winter for the south
- Travel formalities
- ESTA or eTA authorization often required; visa depending on nationality
Frequently asked questions about North America
Which countries make up North America?
North America comprises around twenty sovereign countries. The United States, Canada and Mexico are the largest, complemented by the nations of Central America and the Caribbean depending on the geographic definitions used.
When is the best time to travel to North America?
Summer, from May to October, is ideal for visiting national parks and the north of the continent. Winter suits sunny southern destinations such as Mexico and the southern United States, as well as ski resorts.
Do I need a visa to travel to the United States or Canada?
Many travellers can enter with an electronic authorization: the ESTA for the United States and the eTA for Canada. Conditions depend on nationality; some countries require a standard visa.
Is North America suitable for road trips?
Yes, it is one of the best destinations in the world for car travel. The distances, road infrastructure and diversity of landscapes allow varied itineraries, from national parks to coasts and big cities.
What budget should I plan for a trip to North America?
The budget varies by country. The United States and Canada have a high cost of living, especially for accommodation and dining, while Mexico remains more affordable, making it an economical option.
Which national parks should I visit in North America?
The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Zion, Banff and Jasper are among the most spectacular. They offer hikes, panoramas and wildlife watching, and often form the heart of a successful road trip.
Explore the other continents
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Plan your trip to North America
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