
Explore Cuba
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Cuba, the largest island in the Caribbean, captivates travelers with its intoxicating mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Stepping onto Cuban soil feels like entering a living museum where 1950s American cars cruise past colorful colonial buildings, and the revolutionary spirit of Che Guevara and Fidel Castro still permeates the national identity. The island's rich musical heritage—from rumba and son to salsa—provides a pulsating soundtrack to your journey through this fascinating country.
Beyond Havana's vibrant streets, Cuba reveals a diverse landscape of verdant tobacco fields in Viñales, pristine beaches along the northern keys, and the historic charm of Trinidad and Santiago de Cuba. The warmth of Cuban hospitality is as genuine as the island's famous rum and cigars, inviting visitors to experience the authentic rhythm of life where time seems to move at its own pace. Despite economic challenges, Cuba's resilience shines through in its thriving arts scene, community-focused initiatives, and the enduring spirit of its people.
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Capital city, Cuba
- Old Havana (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- El Malecón seafront promenade
- Classic car tours
Havana mesmerizes with its perfect blend of faded grandeur and vibrant street life. The historic center of Old Havana (Habana Vieja) features meticulously restored colonial plazas and buildings alongside crumbling yet beautiful architecture. The famous Malecón, a 5-mile seafront boulevard, serves as the city's social hub where locals gather at sunset. Throughout the city, vintage American cars from the 1950s function as both practical transportation and moving museums of a bygone era.
Pinar del Río Province, Western Cuba
- UNESCO-protected tobacco farms
- Mogote limestone formations
- Cave systems including Cueva del Indio
The picturesque Viñales Valley showcases Cuba's rural charm with its distinctive limestone hills (mogotes) rising dramatically from the valley floor. This fertile region produces the world's finest tobacco, with traditional farms where cultivation methods have remained unchanged for centuries. Visitors can tour tobacco plantations, witness cigar rolling demonstrations, explore vast cave systems, and hike through the lush landscape dotted with traditional wooden farmhouses with red-tiled roofs.
Sancti Spíritus Province, Central Cuba
- Perfectly preserved colonial architecture
- Plaza Mayor
- Valle de los Ingenios sugar plantations
Trinidad stands as Cuba's most perfectly preserved colonial town, with cobblestone streets leading to pastel-colored houses and grand mansions built from sugar wealth in the 19th century. This UNESCO World Heritage site feels frozen in time, with horse-drawn carts still traversing streets illuminated by wrought-iron lamps. The nearby Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugar Mills) provides insight into the region's sugar-producing past, while the beautiful Playa Ancón offers Caribbean beaches just 12km from the historic center.
Matanzas Province, Northern Cuba
- 20km of pristine white sand beaches
- Varahicacos Ecological Reserve
- Luxury all-inclusive resorts
Varadero boasts one of the Caribbean's most spectacular beaches—a 20km stretch of powdery white sand meeting turquoise waters. This premier resort destination balances natural beauty with tourist infrastructure, offering everything from all-inclusive luxury to local casa particulares. Beyond beach relaxation, visitors can explore the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve with its ancient burial caves and 500-year-old cactus, enjoy water sports, or play a round at Cuba's only 18-hole golf course, all while experiencing a more developed side of Cuban tourism.
Santiago de Cuba Province, Eastern Cuba
- San Pedro de la Roca Castle (El Morro)
- Revolutionary history sites
- Afro-Cuban cultural influences
Santiago de Cuba, the country's second-largest city, pulses with a distinct Afro-Caribbean energy and revolutionary significance. Known as the 'Cradle of the Revolution,' Santiago houses important sites including the Moncada Barracks and Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, where Fidel Castro and national hero José Martí are buried. The city's mountainous backdrop and proximity to the Sierra Maestra creates a dramatic setting for its passionate Casa de la Trova music scene, carnival celebrations, and the imposing El Morro castle guarding its harbor since the 17th century.
Guidelines for Cultural Awareness
- Bring small gifts like pens, soaps, or children's items to give to locals you connect with, as many everyday items are difficult to obtain in Cuba due to the ongoing embargo.
- Cash is king in Cuba, with limited ATM access and virtually no acceptance of American credit/debit cards. Bring Euros or Canadian dollars to exchange, as US dollars incur an additional 10% penalty fee when converting to Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC).
- Respect the dual nature of political discussions in Cuba—while many Cubans may openly discuss politics with tourists, criticizing the government can put locals in a difficult position, so approach such conversations with sensitivity.
- Expect limited and sporadic internet access throughout the country. Purchase ETECSA wifi cards in advance and use designated hotspots in parks and hotels, but prepare for a largely disconnected experience.
- Embrace the 'resolver' (problem-solving) mentality of Cubans—services may not always be available as advertised, schedules might change unexpectedly, and improvisation is often necessary. Flexibility and patience will enhance your Cuban experience.
Suggestions for Evening Activities
- Experience authentic Cuban music at the famous Buena Vista Social Club performances in Havana, where veteran musicians play traditional son, bolero, and salsa rhythms.
- Join locals for the nightly cannon ceremony (La Ceremonia del Cañonazo) at Havana's La Cabaña fortress, a tradition dating back to colonial times when a cannon shot signaled the closing of the city gates.
- Visit Casa de la Música venues found in most major cities, where live bands perform and locals showcase impressive dance skills—arrive early for salsa lessons if you want to join in.
- Enjoy a sunset drink at Hotel Nacional's gardens in Havana, where you can sip mojitos while overlooking the Malecón and reflecting on the hotel's storied past as a hangout for American celebrities and mafia figures.
- Attend a performance at the Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso in Havana, home to the acclaimed Cuban National Ballet and a stunning example of neo-baroque architecture.
Customer Feedback
Sophie Dubois
Viñales Valley was the highlight of my Cuban adventure! Horseback riding through tobacco fields, learning cigar-making from a local farmer named Miguel, and watching the sunset over the mogotes was magical. Our casa particular host treated us like family, preparing the most delicious home-cooked meals with ingredients from their garden.
Journeyed from Lyon, France
Javier Rodríguez
Trinidad's preserved colonial architecture transported me back in time. The cobblestone streets were challenging to navigate but worth every step. Don't miss Casa de la Música for evening salsa under the stars! One star deducted only because finding vegetarian food options was difficult outside of our casa particular.
Journeyed from Barcelona, Spain
Akiko Tanaka
Havana exceeded all expectations with its vibrant energy and friendly locals. Our classic car tour with driver Jorge provided fascinating insights into Cuban history and daily life. The Fusterlandia art district was an unexpected treasure—José Fuster's neighborhood-turned-art installation is Cuba's answer to Gaudí!
Journeyed from Tokyo, Japan
Lars Eriksen
Santiago de Cuba offers authentic culture away from tourist crowds, with the best live music we found in Cuba at Casa de la Trova. However, prepare for frequent power outages and limited hot water. The revolutionary history sites were fascinating but poorly maintained. Worth visiting for cultural immersion, but manage your expectations.
Journeyed from Copenhagen, Denmark
Maria Gonzalez
Spent three days at Cayo Coco's pristine beaches—the water clarity was unbelievable! The all-inclusive resort provided excellent value with unlimited mojitos and fresh seafood. While the beaches are world-class, the resort felt somewhat isolated from authentic Cuban culture. Take a day trip to nearby Morón town for a more genuine experience.
Journeyed from Mexico City, Mexico