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The Caribbean may be the number one destination for Americans taking a sunny vacation in the winter, but for some it is not without its drawbacks:
Cancun, Punta Cana and the like are all primary resort destinations where you go to relaxa breath of fresh air and a week of pampering, and while they are undeniably incredible in the realm of luxury tourism, the cultural supply is notoriously lacking.
With a growing number of U.S. passport holders now actively seeking cultural immersion when away from home, rather than lounging by the pool all day, the usual beach hotspot may not exactly meet their criteria for a more meaningful experience.
There are of course plenty of exceptions to the rule 4 unbelievable Caribbean destinations with not only palm tree-lined sandy beaches and turquoise seas, but also breathtaking sights.
If we may add, they are all a short 2 to 4 hour flight away from major US hubs such as Atlanta (ATL), Chicago-O’Hare (ORD), Houston (IAH), New York (JFK), Newark ( EWR). ), and others:
San Juan, Puerto Rico
The bustling capital of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated US territory. American citizens can enter without a passport San Juan is a cultural treasure dating from the time of Spanish rule, which, like Santo Domingo, retains much of its Old World allure.
The main attraction here is Old San Juan, a maze of cobblestone streets and shady squares flanked by brightly colored buildings that will make you feel more like you’re in southern Europe than somewhere in the Caribbean.
The towering Cathedral of Bautista serves as the final resting place for Juan Ponce de León, a famous Spanish explorer. the old town is still surrounded by city wallsmaking San Juan one of the few colonial cities in the Americas with this feature.
Needless to say, there are countless beaches and swimming spots within a short distance of the picture-perfect historic center, with sandy Condado Beach, lined with restaurants and high-rises, and El Escambrón, a busy snorkeling area, to name but a few. a few.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
The often overlooked capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, is the oldest European city in America and a bustling metropolis best known for its cobbled Zona Colonial, with buildings dating back to the 16th century, surrounded by ramparts and towers that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The towering cathedral is the first built by the Spanish during their first incursion into the New World Plaza de España is the colonial center of the city and houses a monumental building Alcazar de Colón palace and a number of informal, charming cafes.
Aside from the busy traffic, the exotic smells wafting from the stall-lined Mercado Modelo and the fact that it’s a bit rough, you might easily think that Santo Domingo is just another postcard town in Spain, but that doesn’t mean it is old. stones is all it has to offer.
With the emerging Boca Chica and its largely undeveloped, sun-drenched coasts just half an hour’s drive from the historic center, where stay on the beach starting from $63, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to pricey Punta Cana or the increasingly expensive La Romana.
Cartagena, Colombia
Along the sun-drenched Caribbean coasts of Northern Colombia, Cartagena meets all requirements because what makes a culture-infused sunny holiday great: it has the postcard-perfect colonial core, the inviting street food scene and even pristine islands just off the mainland.
If you go to Cartagena this winter, make sure you take time to stroll through the monument-filled, fortified Old Town, full of 16th-century piazzas, street stalls along cobbled alleys and ornate Baroque churches, as well as the impressive ramparts.
Thanks to the tropical weather Cartagena is ideal for water activitiesand you could say that no visit is complete without an island-hopping adventure: in that case, this Boat trip over 5 islands around the Rosario Archipelago is a must-do and costs only $75.66.
If you like seafood, don’t miss this Pezetarian‘s sushi tacos: not exactly traditional, but still one of Cartagena’s culinary highlights; as for authentic colombian food, Reina Arepa serves probably the tastiest arepas in town, starting from a single dollar.
Tulum, Mexico
A trendy beach town on the turquoise Mexican Caribbean, Tulum may be best known for its luxury hotels, nightlife and shop-lined Quinta Avenida, but when it comes to ancient culture that makes you come all the way to Mexico, then it’s an ancient culture that you get:
It is home to the vast, 13th-century Tulum National Park, an archaeological zone that includes the iconic cliff-top Castillo, a Mayan watchtower overlooking the Caribbean, and many smaller temples, including the landmark mural-covered Templo de las Pinturas.
The Tulum ruins are among the most popular on the Yucatán Peninsula where tourists can immerse themselves in the region’s rich past, although they are not the only ones accessible from Tulum: for example, the equally beautiful Cobá is a 45-minute drive inland.
This winter, Americans flying directly into Tulum Airport can take the opportunity to board the newly launched Teen Mayaa scenic train that loops around the Yucatán and calls at Tulum to discover many more Mayan sites, undisturbed indigenous settlements and colonial towns.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
