From Amsterdam to the Caribbean: Punta Cana, San Juan, Medellín, Aruba, and Curaçao
This route is built for variety without the chaos. One long flight out of Amsterdam, then a smooth Caribbean arc: all-inclusive resort time in the Dominican Republic, a colourful city stop in Puerto Rico, a short, energising detour to Medellín, and a finish across two very different islands — Aruba and Curaçao — before a direct flight home.
Route overview
The journey, stop by stop
Dominican Republic
Punta Cana
Five all-inclusive days of white sand and warm water — the easy, restful start of the trip.
Puerto Rico
San Juan
Colourful Old San Juan streets and a lively, walkable Caribbean city stop.
Colombia
Medellín
Green hills, spring-like weather and the buzz of El Poblado — a short city change of pace.
Island escape
Aruba
Postcard turquoise water and a polished resort scene — the premium island stretch.
Island escape
Curaçao
Candy-coloured Willemstad and a relaxed, local island feel to finish.
Punta Cana (6–11 September). The trip opens with the long flight from Amsterdam on 6 September (around €780). Settle in for five all-inclusive days — this is the easy, do-nothing part of the route: white sand, warm water, and meals taken care of. Reckon on roughly €500 total for the five nights, all-inclusive.
San Juan, Puerto Rico (11–14 September). On 11 September, hop to San Juan (about €183). One to three days is plenty to wander Old San Juan's colourful streets and feel a different, more urban side of the Caribbean. A central Condado stay runs around €250 total.
Medellín, Colombia (14–16 September). Fly on 14 September (about €176 for two) for a short, energising city stop before the islands. Base yourself in El Poblado for green hills, cafés and easy evenings. Budget stays here can be very low — as little as around €50 — so treat that as a rough low-cost reference rather than a promise.
Aruba (16–20 September). On 16 September, cross to Aruba (about €300 for two) — the premium island-relaxation stretch. Eagle and Palm Beach deliver that postcard turquoise, with calm, shallow water and a polished resort scene. Plan on roughly €500–€600 total for four nights.
Curaçao (20–22 September). A quick 20 September hop to Curaçao (about €300) closes the islands. Willemstad's candy-coloured Handelskade waterfront gives the trip a final, photogenic flourish, with a slightly more local, laid-back feel than Aruba. Two nights is enough for a taste; expect roughly €200–€350 total. On 22 September, fly direct back to Amsterdam (about €660).
More of Aruba & Curaçao
Why this route is interesting
- One long-haul departure from Amsterdam, then short, easy hops
- A real mix: resort rest, a Latin American city, and island hopping
- A practical, logical progression with no backtracking
- Five distinct vibes — Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Aruba, Curaçao
- Ideal if you want several different experiences in one trip
Approximate budget
Flights (approximate)
Hotels (approximate)
These prices are approximate and depend on the booking date and season.
Example hotels & stay ideas
- Punta Cana: all-inclusive resort style — e.g. Occidental Punta Cana, Riu Republica, Iberostar Waves Punta Cana
- San Juan: Condado / Ashford Avenue area — e.g. Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort & Casino
- Medellín: El Poblado area — e.g. Haven A Design Hotel, Hotel bh El Poblado, Cyan Suites
- Aruba: beach resort stay — e.g. Riu Palace Aruba, Riu Palace Antillas
- Curaçao: Willemstad / beach resort — e.g. Sonesta Livingstone Curaçao, Blue Bay Lodges, Baoase (premium)
It's an easy route to fall for: you front-load the relaxation, slip in a city for energy, and save two of the Caribbean's most photogenic islands for last. Adjust the nights to taste, book the flights early for the best fares, and you'll be home with a passport full of very different days. Safe travels.
