You are considering Cuba for your next travel destination? It can be an alluring option for those interested in untouched history and a glimpse at a rich culture that is still unspoiled by traditional tourism. As you plan your trip to this corner of the Caribbean, you need to know all about what this island has to offer.
1. Drive around Havana in beautiful classic cars
Experience the four top municipalities of Havana: Old Havana, the diplomatic districts Vedado and New Vedado and the Miramar Neighborhood.
Passing breathtaking buildings in their Spanish colonial style, you will see the sights of Havana such as the National Capitol Building, Chinatown, the Carlos III Street, Revolution Square, the Cristobal Colon Cemetery, the John Lennon Statue Park, the city forest of Havana, Miramar and of course the world famous shore road, the Malecón.
2. Take a walk through Old Havana
You can't visit Cuba without making Old Havana a part of your trip. This vibrant city is featured most prominently in songs and movies - and for good reason. Located in the center of modern-day Havana, this area is so full of history it ranks as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You'll find plenty to see and explore in Old Havana, from aged fortresses to grand cathedrals to colorful colonial buildings. Not to mention, the people watching along the Malecón is unbeatable, and you could spend hours at sunset basking in the sea air and music alongside the locals.
3. Take a Drive Along the Bay of Pigs
The northern bay of pigs was the site of a failed military invasion in 1961. Today, it is a thriving tourist destination, not just for its historic significance but also for its adventure potential.
A drive along the coast offers beautiful views, with several stops along the way offering opportunities for exploration. The waters are highly sought after for snorkeling and scuba diving, with plenty of coral reefs and local sea life to see.
4. Rum tasting in Havana
A visit to the Havana Club Museum of Rum isn't merely a journey back to the origins of Cuba's most famous beverage. From freshly cut stalks of sugar cane to a reconstitution of a distillery and ageing cellars, the museum offers a real-time experience of the rum-making process, as well as a taste of true Cuban culture.
Situated in the historic district of Habana Vieja ("old Havana"), the museum is housed in a renovated 18th-century "solar" (colonial townhouse). Downstairs is a shady patio, with its broad stone columns and ferns, yuccas and potted palms.
After visiting the museum you can taste the rum. You can stick with the classics and order a Mojito or a Daiquiri, or you can go native and ask for a "Cata Vertical", a sampling of various Havana Club rums from the youngest to the oldest.
5. Taste Authentic Cuban Cigars in Viñales
Dotted with tobacco farms (some over a hundred years old), Valle de Viñales is a stunning stop on your Cuba tour.
This lush valley is akin to Hawaii, with its rich red dirt and rounded mogotes covered in vegetation. Tour authentic tobacco farms and taste freshly-rolled cigars.
Rent bikes or horses and explore the valley, stopping by Mural de la Prehistoria, a massive mural painted onto a limestone cliff.
You can also explore Cuevas de Santo Tomas, Cuba’s largest cave system and take a short boat ride through the dazzling stalagmite caves. The adventures never end in this beautiful region.
6. Listen to Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club is an ensemble of Cuban musicians established in 1996 to revive the music of pre-revolutionary Cuba. The project was organized by World Circuit executive Nick Gold, produced by American guitarist Ry Cooder and directed by Juan de Marcos González.
7. Horseback riding in a setting like from Jurassic Park
If you want to mix some relaxation into your Cuban adventure, consider horseback riding around Viñales.
One of the most popular options is to book a horse ride with a guide and fully enjoy a day on the saddle. Some tours include a menu or a rum tasting.