Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico, once an overseas territory of the Spanish crown, is only a short flight away from St Maarten and St Barth. Despite obtaining partial autonomy in 1952, it remains an American territory with its capital, San Juan, boasting a rich history. When wandering through Old San Juan, visitors are transported back to an 18th and 19th century Spanish city, with its predominantly Spanish colonial architecture.
The El Yunque National Forest, located in northeast Puerto Rico, offers visitors a breathtaking walkway that begins at the El Portal tourist information center and takes you through the canopy. Hiking trails lead to the stunning La Mina Waterfall and Mount Britton, and continue on to a dwarf forest at higher elevations. South of the forest, you can find ancient petroglyphs made by the Taino indigenous people.
Ponce, on the southern coast of Puerto Rico, is the island’s second largest city with views overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Known for its history of sugar cane cultivation, Ponce is a hub for rum distilleries.
ACERIBO is home to the world’s largest radio telescope with a diameter of 305 meters.
A visit to Puerto Rico promises a total change of scenery.
Dominican Republic.
Just a one-hour flight from St. Maarten or St. Domingue, the Dominican Republic is the oldest Spanish settlement in the Americas, founded in 1496.
The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean country that shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. It boasts picturesque beaches, resorts, and golf courses. The landscape is diverse, encompassing tropical forests, savannahs, and towering mountains, including the highest peak in the Caribbean, Pico Duarte. The capital, Santo Domingo, is home to a wealth of historic Spanish monuments, including the Gothic-style Catedral Primada de America located in the Zona Colonial district, which dates back to the 16th century.
Santo Domingo, the capital, is famous for its Spanish monuments, including a Gothic cathedral located in the colonial district. As the site of the first cathedral, hospital, and university in the Americas, the Dominican Republic has a rich history and heritage to explore.
Punta Cana, home to the famous Playa Bavaro, is a popular tourist destination located three hours from Santo Domingo and just 58 minutes from San Juan.
The Victorian-style Puerto Plata is a golf lover’s paradise with its impressive courses that will surely enchant fans of the sport.
La Romana, with its airport for charters and its proximity to a national park and coral formations, is a popular embarkation point for cruise ships, making it a highly attractive destination.
Samana Las Terrena, located in the northeast of the island, is famous for its bay where the annual mating ritual of whales takes place, drawing visitors from around the world.
Cuba
With no direct connection from St Maarten, traveling to the island requires a stopover in Santo Domingo.
The flight time is approximately 4 hours and 35 minutes.
Medical insurance is required by the Cuban authorities for travelers to Cuba. It is strongly recommended to verify that such insurance has been taken out and that a certificate has been produced.
To enter Cuba, travelers must have a tourist card (tarjeta de turista), which is the equivalent of an entry visa.
Island state in the Caribbean, where the official language is Spanish. The Cuban revolution and the Bay of Pigs episode in 1961 turned it into a regime described as a dictatorship. The embargo that was put in place by John F. Kennedy more than 60 years ago, hardened by Trump, and considerably ignored by Biden, continues to significantly hamper the country’s economy.
Island state in the Caribbean, where Spanish is the official language. The Cuban revolution and the Bay of Pigs episode in 1961 brought about a regime described as a dictatorship. The embargo imposed by John F. Kennedy has lasted for more than 60 years, was hardened by Trump and remains in place under Biden, significantly hampering the country’s economy.
Starting in 2021, individuals who have traveled to Cuba or plan to travel there in the future must obtain a visa to enter the United States
La Havana, recognized by UNESCO as part of the World Heritage of Humanity, exudes a faded grandeur with most of its historic houses not having been renovated since the revolution.
Old Havana is one of the most peaceful and secure neighborhoods in Latin America, and the best way to discover its charm is by strolling through its streets, wandering down its alleys, and taking impromptu paths that will leave a lasting impression on your senses
The Ruta del Tabaco (Tobacco Route) is a tour that starts in Havana and ends in Pinar del Río, and it’s impossible to truly discover Cuban culture without understanding the importance of tobacco in the country’s history.
If you’re interested in learning more…. We are waiting for you!
