If you want to have a great vacation, a trip to Latin America's vacation spots is your best bet. Rural and urban tourist hotspots are cropping up across the Americas.

More often, the cities and locations you visit will not just be places to run away to but the ones you want to tell everyone about.

European destinations such as the French Riviera, the Swiss Alps, Parisian boulevards, and Greek islands with their blue-domed churches seem to constantly draw the tourists' attention. However, tourists may also want to visit other incredible sights outside Europe. 

Top Latin America's Vacation Destinations That Are Better Than Europe

In addition to the tranquil atmosphere, Latin American vacation destinations are great because of the low cost of flights, favorable exchange rates that will stretch your vacation budget, and the absence of jet lag that comes with traveling south.

Quito, Ecuador

Despite its population of 1.6 million, Quito city in the Andean foothills, at an elevation of 9,000 feet on the side of Pichincha Volcano, has the laid-back feel of a small town.

Public plazas, 40 churches, and 16 convents can all be found in the old city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the best-preserved historic districts in South America. The San Francisco Monastery, built in Quito between 1537 and 1560, is home to the oldest brewery in the entire western hemisphere.

Bandido and Páramo are two other local breweries that produce beer that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the greatest of what you will find in the United States or Europe, said Thrillist.

The beer is an excellent addition to the vibrant food scene of Quito, which is sometimes eclipsed by Lima to the south but is just as appealing.

READ NEXT: Dominican Republic: 4 Exciting Things to Do in This Tropical Tourist Paradise 

Antigua, Guatemala

This once-colonial city is now among the top Latin American vacation destinations due to its beautiful Baroque buildings and strong textile industry. According to New York Times, Antigua, a small city in the southern Guatemalan hills, was once the most important Spanish colonial government between Lima and Mexico City.

The city's streets are lined with farm-to-table restaurants, modern art galleries, and design studios. They are laid out in a convenient grid and offer stunning views of the towering Volcán de Agua to the south and the twin peaks of Volcán de Fuego and Acatenango to the west.

Beyond the city's verdant Parque Central, these new additions are establishing themselves near 17th and 18th-century buildings in the Baroque Antigueño style, characterized by decorative stucco ornamentation and low bell towers designed to withstand earthquakes.

Examples of this architectural style include the former convent turned colonial-era art museum Las Capuchinas. Antigua quickly becomes one of Latin America's most desirable destinations because of its thriving coffee culture and plenty of quaint hotels.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan was a fortified city that was impossible to breach 500 years ago. Present-day San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico and a popular Caribbean vacation spot. One of the most culturally rich countries in the world is just a three-hour flight away from major U.S. cities, yet no passport is required to visit.

Puerto Rico will enchant you with its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and historic charm. San Juan is unlike any other Caribbean city, making it one of the best Latin America vacation destinations.

San Juan is the greatest place to begin your exploration of Puerto Rico and the most visited city on the island. It is the Caribbean's most important cruise port because it offers visitors easy access to the city's many must-see landmarks and cultural activities without the hassle of a lengthy boat ride.

Only visitors who stay for a few days can fully appreciate San Juan's charm.

READ MORE: Panama: Top 5 Reasons to Visit the Central American Country 

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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