The Caribbean may be the number one destination for Americans going on a sunny break in winter, but for some, it’s not without its downsides:
Cancun, Punta Cana, and the like are all primariliy resort destinations you go for relaxing, taking a breather, and some week-long pampering, and though they are indisputably incredible on the luxury tourism front, the cultural offer is infamously lacking.
With a growing number of U.S. passport holders now actively seeking cultural immersions when away from home, as opposed to lounging by the pool all day, the usual beach hotspot may not exactly fit their criteria for a more meaningful experience.
There are plenty of exceptions to the rule, of course, with 4 incredible Caribbean destinations boasting not only palm tree-lined sands and turquoise seas but also mind-blowing sights.
If we may add, they’re all a short 2-4 hour flight away from major U.S. hubs like 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 U.S. territory U.S. citizens can travel to passport-free, San Juan is a cultural treasure dating back to the time of Spanish rule, which, similarly to Santo Domingo, has retained much of its Old World allure.
The main attraction here is Old San Juan, a maze of cobble-covered streets and tree-shaded plazas flanked by brightly-colored edifices that will make you feel more like being in Southern Europe, proper, than somewhere in the Caribbean.
The towering Bautista Cathedral serves as the final resting place for Juan Ponce de León, a renowned Spanish explorer, and the Old Town is still surrounded by city walls, making San Juan one of a handful of colonial cities in the Americas to have this feature.
Needless to say, there are countless beaches and swimming spots within a short distance of the picture-perfect historic center, with a sandy Condado Beach, lined with restaurants and high-rises, and El Escambrón, a well-frequented snorkeling area, to name a couple.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
The often-overlooked capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo is the oldest European city in the Americas and a bustling metropolis best known for its cobbled Zona Colonial, with buildings dating as far back as the 1500s, surrounded by UNESCO-listed ramparts and towers.
Its towering cathedral is the first built by the Spaniards upon their initial incursion into the New World, while Plaza de España is the city’s colonial centerpiece, housing a monumental Alcázar de Colón palace and a number of casual, charming cafes.
Minus the buzzing traffic, exotic smells emanating from the stall-lined Mercado Modelo, and the fact it’s a little rough around the edges, you could easily be led to believe Santo Domingo is just another postcard town in Spain, but that’s not to say old stones is all it has to offer.
With up-and-coming Boca Chica and its largely undeveloped, sun-kissed shores being a short half-hour drive from the historic center, where beachfront stays start from $63, it is a budget-friendly alternative to a pricey Punta Cana or increasingly expensive La Romana.
Cartagena, Colombia
Lining the sun-drenched Caribbean shores of Northern Colombia, Cartagena ticks all the boxes for what makes a culture-infused sunny break great: it has the postcard-ready colonial core, the inviting street food scene, and even pristine islands just off its mainland.
If you’re going to Cartagena this winter, you should take your time strolling its monument-packed fortified Old Town, filled with 16th-century squares, street food stalls strewn along cobblestone alleys, and ornate Baroque churches, as well as walking the impressive ramparts.
Thanks to its tropical weather, Cartagena is great for water-based activities, and one could argue no visit is complete without an island-hopping adventure: in that case, this 5-island boat tour around the Rosario archipelago is a must-do, costing only $75.66.
Now, if you’re keen on seafood, you can’t miss out on Pezetarian‘s sushi tacos: not exactly traditional, but one of Cartagena’s culinary highlights, nonetheless; as for authentic Colombian food, Reina Arepa probably serves the yummiest arepas in town, starting from a single dollar.
Tulum, Mexico
A trendy resort town straddling the turquoise Mexican Caribbean, Tulum may be best known for its luxury hotels, party scene and shop-bordered Quinta Avenida, but if it’s ancient culture you’re coming all the way down to Mexico for, then it’s ancient culture you’ll get:
It is home to the sprawling, 13th-century Tulum National Park, an archeological zone comprising the iconic cliffside Castillo, a Mayan watchtower overlooking the Caribbean, and many smaller temples, including the landmark, mural-clad Templo de las Pinturas.
The Tulum Ruins ranks among the most popular in the Yucatán Peninsula for tourists to immerse themselves in the region’s rich past, though they’re not the only ones accessible from Tulum: for instance, the equally-beautiful Cobá is a 45-minute drive inland.
This winter, Americans flying directly to Tulum Airport can use the opportunity to board the newly-launched Teen Maya, a scenic train traveling on a loop around Yucatán and calling at Tulum to discover many more Mayan sites, undisturbed native settlements, and colonial towns.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, 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 within the post.
