With spring and summer around the corner, and the large number of tourist destinations in Latin American and Caribbean countries, here are some of the places you might want to visit.
1. Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Discover Old San Juan and its more than 500 years of history. Using the free trolley system is the best way to see the historic city and its landmarks, such as El Morro, built between the 16th and 18th century, according to the website Discover Puerto Rico.
El Yunque Rainforest – the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest System– is a one hour drive from Old San Juan. It awaits you with 25 waterfalls throughout various hikes.
Want to soak up the sun? Visit Icaco Beach on Cayo Icacos. It’s an hour drive from Old San Juan to Fajardo marina, where it’s necessary to take a boat to the isolated island. The trip takes about 30 minutes from the coast. Bring enough food, water, sunscreen, and other items because they aren’t available on the island.
Visiting Santurce, a 20 minute driver from Old San Juan, is an option. It is home to various art galleries, restaurants specializing in all kinds of cuisine, bars with spectacular cocktail menus and nightlife.
2. Puerto Vallarta, México
Beautiful beaches and landscapes are found throughout the island. Puerto Vallarta is also known for its authentic Mexican food and architecture.
There are also plenty of hikes. According to the website Visit Puerto Vallarta, some of the best trails include the Cerro de la Cruz Lookout, where you can watch the sunrise over the mountains, and Palo María River, which leads to a waterfall.
The city is also rich in history and art. Once the sun goes down, the night comes to life with bars and nightclubs along the Malecón.
3. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Visit the beaches and clearwaters in the town of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Most resorts include food, beverages, lodging, and other amenities for one price. Be sure to visit the spas and golf courses. According to the website Go Dominican Republic, the town has 10 golf courses along its main strip.
4. Machu Picchu, Perú
Machu Picchu, also known as the “lost” city of the Incas, is the top tourist attraction in Peru. It’s located at the top of the Andes Mountains and above the Urubamba River Valley.
Visit Machu Picchu to see beautiful architecture and learn about its history. Places to visit include The Sacred Rock, The Temple of the Sun, and The Temple of Condor. Climb up Huayna Picchu to see the “top of the world.” These are just a few of the 196 tourist spots in the city, according to the website Travel Peru.
In addition to the architecture, Machu Picchu has a rich bio-diversity to discover. Travel Perú states that the area is home to the Andean fox and puma. It’s also home to 370 types of orchids.
5. Medellín, Colombia
Medellín, the City of Eternal Spring and second largest city in Colombia. The city hosts many events and activities, such as the Flower Festival, usually held in late July or early August. The festival provides many activities, such as parades, concerts, flower exhibitions and competitions. It’s one of the biggest festival and many people come from around the world to enjoy it.
The Metrocable, which is a transportation system, connects the outer parts of the city to the center.
