U.S. News ranks P.R. among top ‘best adventure’ vacation destinations
Puerto Rico's historic background and adventure offerings make it an attractive destination for thrill-seekers. (Credit: Víctor Román)
Puerto Rico has nabbed fifth place in the “Best adventure vacations in the USA” ranking released by U.S. News Media Group Thursday, which listed the island along with the likes of Yosemite and Yellowstone National Parks and the Grand Canyon as one of the hottest places to go for an adrenalin rush.
The list — which put Puerto Rico ahead of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Miami Beach — seeks to give fall travelers more guidance on where to visit in the U.S. and Europe.
“‘Vacation’ doesn’t always translate into a poolside cabana or a Broadway show. For some, escaping the monotony of the daily grind means getting the adrenalin pumping; like on a rugged mountainside or 50 feet below the ocean surface. Others search out snowy peaks and alpine lakes simply for a change of scenery,” U.S. News said on its website. “This list highlights some of America’s most exciting spots to take a thrilling walk on the wild side.”
The full list includes: Yellowstone, Yosemite, Kauai, Maui, Grand Canyon, Hawaii’s big island, Outer Banks, Portland, U.S. Virgin Islands, Key West, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, South Padre Island, and Miami Beach.
“In Puerto Rico, you can find thrills to suit nearly any adventurer’s taste. Twenty-foot waves keep surfers happy. And the coquí tree frogs of the El Yunque National Rainforest elicit smiles from the naturalists,” the prestigious media outlet said. “Hard-core hikers will dig the rainforest’s many trails too. Even spelunkers will be ecstatic with 268 acres of caves to explore at the Parque de las Cavernas del Río Camuy. There are even secluded islands to enjoy — Vieques and Culebra, anyone?”
The just-released rankings pinpoint seasonal vacation spots based on a methodology that combines expert and consumer opinions, U.S. Media Group said. The rankings reflect how strongly a destination is recommended by an independent collection of published travel writers and by U.S. News Travel website users.
“Whether in the fall or any time of year, everyone is looking for a great travel experience,” said Chad Smolinski, vice president of rankings and reviews at U.S. News & World Report. “Our vacation rankings help travelers find places that others would recommend in a heartbeat.”
In total, more than 100 top destinations were considered in the current rankings, and that list will likely double in the coming year, the organization said.
