For those who crave more than just sightseeing, travel should be about connection, cultural immersion, and meaningful experiences. It’s no longer enough to simply check off destinations from a list—travelers today are looking for authentic, ethical, and transformative journeys that allow them to engage with the people, traditions, and landscapes they encounter. This is exactly what The Heart of Travel delivers. Founded by Chelsea Glass, The Heart of Travel has curated some of the most unforgettable and impactful small-group travel experiences in Latin America. These tours go beyond the traditional tourist experience, offering deep cultural insight, sustainability, and community engagement. If you’re looking for a way to explore with purpose, The Heart of Travel is the perfect choice.
The Heart of Travel Difference
Traveling with The Heart of Travel is a completely different experience from booking a standard group tour. Forget the rigid itineraries and whirlwind checklists—these trips are designed to slow you down and draw you in. Founded by Chelsea Glass, Heart of Travel prioritizes authenticity, sustainability, and ethical engagement with local communities. Each itinerary is carefully crafted to foster genuine connections—whether that’s through sharing meals with local families, learning ancestral traditions firsthand, or venturing off the beaten path with trusted local guides. The result? A travel experience that blends adventure, culture, and human connection, where every moment feels intentional and every memory is deeply meaningful..
Unlike mainstream tourism companies, The Heart of Travel is deeply committed to ensuring tourism dollars stay within the communities they serve. By partnering with locally owned boutique hotels, family-run restaurants, and artisans who source and create their goods regionally, every detail of the journey is intentionally crafted to uplift local economies and foster meaningful, long-term impact.
What to Expect from a Heart of Travel Tour
One of the standout aspects of The Heart of Travel’s tours is their ability to foster genuine connections between travelers and the places they visit. Whether you’re wandering through the colonial streets of Antigua, Guatemala, exploring the vibrant energy of Mexico City, or dancing to the rhythms of Cuba, these trips are designed to immerse travelers in local culture rather than keeping them at a tourist’s distance.
Each itinerary is curated with a balance of adventure, cultural exchange, and relaxation. You might start your morning with a walking tour led by a local historian, spend the afternoon learning to cook a traditional dish with a family in their home, and end your day sipping locally sourced mezcal while listening to live music in a small, intimate venue. The goal is to give travelers a real sense of place, allowing them to experience destinations in a way that goes far beyond standard tourist attractions.
Popular Destinations and Tour Highlights
The Heart of Travel specializes in Latin American destinations, offering tours that bring travelers to some of the most stunning, culturally rich locations in the world. Chelsea Glass and her team have spent years building relationships with locals, ensuring that each trip is both immersive and beneficial to the communities involved.
Guatemala: One of the most breathtaking destinations in Central America, Guatemala is a key location for The Heart of Travel. With its dramatic volcanoes, stunning lakes, and indigenous Mayan culture, Guatemala offers a rich, diverse experience. Travelers may explore the bustling markets of Chichicastenango, learn about traditional textile weaving from indigenous women, and hike the famous Acatenango Volcano for an unforgettable sunrise view.
Mexico: From the culinary wonders of Oaxaca to the artistic heart of Mexico City, a tour through Mexico with The Heart of Travel is an immersive dive into the country’s deep history and diverse landscapes. Expect food tastings, visits to ancient ruins, and encounters with artisans who have been preserving their crafts for generations.
Cuba: Cuba is often misunderstood by mainstream tourism, but The Heart of Travel’s ethical approach ensures that travelers get a deeper, more authentic experience. Whether you’re staying in locally owned casas particulares, taking salsa lessons in Havana, or exploring the lush countryside of Viñales, a Cuba tour with The Heart of Travel will give you a richer, more nuanced perspective of this fascinating island.
Why These Tours Are Worth It
When it comes to travel, experiences matter more than checklists. The Heart of Travel’s tours are designed for those who want to truly experience a destination, not just see it from a tour bus window. These trips are small-group, intimate, and focused on creating long-lasting memories through meaningful interactions.
One of the biggest reasons these tours are truly worth it is the unparalleled level of cultural immersion they offer. Rooted in ethical travel and sustainable tourism practices, every itinerary is designed to ensure that your journey leaves a positive footprint. You’re not just passing through a destination—you’re engaging with it. From learning directly from local artisans and entrepreneurs to dining at family-owned restaurants and staying in locally run accommodations, every experience supports small businesses and strengthens local economies in a meaningful way.
Another reason to choose The Heart of Travel is the expertise and passion of Chelsea Glass and her team. With years of experience in Latin American travel, they provide an insider’s perspective, ensuring that you get to experience places in a way most tourists never do. Their carefully cultivated relationships with local communities mean that travelers get exclusive access to experiences that would be difficult, if not impossible, to arrange on their own.
Connecting with Like-Minded Travelers
One of the most rewarding aspects of traveling with The Heart of Travel is the sense of community that develops among participants. These tours attract individuals who are passionate about ethical travel, cultural exploration, and meaningful experiences. Unlike generic package tours where travelers remain distant from both the destinations and each other, these trips foster deep connections among group members, making them perfect for solo travelers looking for an enriching, social experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first international adventure, you’ll find that the shared experiences, cultural encounters, and insider access offered by The Heart of Travel create lifelong memories and friendships.
Engaging with The Heart of Travel Online
Travel is about storytelling, and The Heart of Travel does an incredible job of continuing the travel experience online. Through their social media channels, they share valuable insights into sustainable tourism, highlight local entrepreneurs, and offer behind-the-scenes glimpses into their latest tours. If you want to stay connected and gain inspiration for your next adventure, be sure to follow Chelsea Glass and The Heart of Travel on Instagram and Facebook.
How to Book Your Next Adventure
If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience that prioritizes authenticity, sustainability, and cultural immersion, then The Heart of Travel is your answer. With expertly crafted itineraries, a commitment to ethical tourism, and a passion for creating life-changing journeys, these tours offer an unparalleled way to see Latin America. Whether you’re hiking volcanoes in Guatemala, exploring historic cities in Mexico, or dancing in the streets of Havana, every moment is designed to be both memorable and meaningful.
To learn more about upcoming tours and to book your next adventure, visit The Heart of Travel. With Chelsea Glass and her team at the helm, you’re guaranteed an experience that goes beyond the ordinary—one that will change the way you see the world forever.