Cuba is a destination unlike any other. Steeped in history, vibrant with culture, and wrapped in a mix of tropical charm and colonial grandeur, it offers an experience that lingers long after your trip ends. From the rhythmic streets of Havana, where vintage cars cruise past colorful façades, to the untouched beauty of Viñales Valley, where time seems to slow down, Cuba is a country that invites exploration at every turn.

In this post, I’ll take you through the must-see spots, local secrets, and cultural highlights that make Cuba one of the most captivating travel destinations in the world. Whether you're seeking pristine beaches, rich history, or authentic Cuban cuisine, this guide will help you discover why Cuba should be at the top of your travel list.

What Can You Expect When Visiting Cuba?

Breathtaking beaches, jungles, scenic roads through spectacular landscapes, and yet the highlight for me was the people. What a wonderful, warm, and welcoming nation! The Cubans are eager to share their country with the world while also sharing their personal stories. The color will meet you everywhere you look! The cars (of course), the architecture, the villages, the food, the scenery but most of all, the people themselves! 

Cuba is famous for contentious rhythms, rich history, salsa, rum & exotic cocktails such as the Cuba Libre, and let's not forget the legendary cigars! It is a fun and interesting experience to sit in the heart of Havana and have drinks for example in the same bar where Hemingway himself sat. These days students hang around debating Che Guevara's contribution to the world of revolution, wondering where Cuba would have been today had he lived.

Did you know that Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean? There is just so much to see here! I will have to go back to discover more of this amazing island.

Why Should You Visit Cuba?

• It is a stunningly diverse island to explore.

• There are many unique adventures to be had.

• It is the least commercial island in this area, making it authentic!

• I would recommend traveling to Cuba now before it becomes touristy so to speak, and overly commercial. It is a matter of time before major multinationals show up in Cuba, so seeing it the way it is and has been for centuries; is the true magic of Cuba!

The people of Cuba taught me that much of what is said about them in the Western world isn't true and that you can be happy with less. Material things are not important here, the key here is family and togetherness, this is the true essence of the Cuban people.

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Travel Guide To Cuba

Practical Information About Traveling To Cuba

Visa Requirements

Any foreign visitor visiting Cuba needs a visa to enter. This process is done online ~ Click for details here

Travel Insurance

Please, make sure you have the right travel insurance before taking your trip!

Make sure you have health insurance in place as well!

Best Times To Visit Cuba

Cuba has a sub-tropical climate meaning it's warm year-round with gorgeous sunshine to look forward to. The cool winds provide some relief from the heat. Just like any other island in the region, here too, you have a dry and wet season: The dry season is from December to April. June to October is the wet season. You can expect to have a couple of tropical rain showers during the dry season. Luckily, they are short in time, and the warm temperatures don't drop.

Getting Around Cuba

Domestic flights: This is a quick way to get around from one side of Cuba to the other, however, all flights go via Havana so depending on your end destination and where you are staying in Cuba, check to see if it makes sense in your case to do that or perhaps another way is easier and quicker.

Travel by bus or train: Viazul is the main bus company running though it does have more competition these days worth checking. In general, using the bus is reasonably priced, it is comfortable, and runs daily, offering many route options to travelers.

PRO TIP ~ Make sure you purchase your tickets in advance! And keep in mind: The trains are slow!

Taking an organized tour: This was our preferred way of getting around, and it didn't disappoint! Good prices, reliable, a very comfortable way of traveling and moving around, and we've learned so much from our local guides! They were goldmines of information.

Self-driving: This is probably the most challenging way of getting around here, or it adds to your Cuban adventure depending on how you look at it. It starts with you driving on the right side, the majority of cars here have a manual transmission, and many cars are also old...Signage on the roads is close to nonexistent, roads in remote areas are in poor conditions and not well-lit. Keep all this in mind when considering hiring a car.

Taxis: These will surprise you with just how cheap they are! Drivers will either let the meter run or offer you a flat rate instead. Usually, there will be a very small difference if any between the two prices. Just make sure you have a clear agreement with your driver beforehand.

Did you know that from the air Cuba resembles a crocodile or alligator? This is the reason behind Cuba being referred to in Spanish as El Cocodrilo

The Food In Cuba

The food in Cuba is sensational! Make sure you taste it, these are some local dishes I recommend ~

• Empanadas and Pastelitos: Meat-stuffed, fried, or baked.

• Have fresh fish and seafood along the coast. Simply a MUST!

• Arroz con pollo: A classic- Chicken and rice.

• Boniato con mojo: Sweet potatoes in a garlic citrus sauce.

• Cocido de garbanzos: Chickpea stew

Where To Stay In Cuba

We started our Cuban adventure in Varadero as this area ticks all the boxes and is perfect to be used as a base for taking trips to other parts of the island easily. Another option is Havana. I would recommend spending a couple of nights here but not your entire holiday.

We chose Sol Palmeras Resort as our base camp. This was a top location to explore Cuba from with spectacular ocean views while being a relaxed yet vibrant all-inclusive resort. This resort features 6 restaurants, 8 bars & a lagoon-style pool, and of course, beach access, water sports, and spa treatments are awesome too!

PRO TIP ~ Going to an all-inclusive resort in countries like Cuba is the best option for you as far as convenience goes, and getting great value for money.

You should check these two hotel chains out before booking your accommodation ~

Pestana Hotels & Resorts ~ BeLive Hotels ~ Barceló Hotels & Resorts

A Suggested Itinerary In Cuba

Start in Varadero ~ Varadero is located in the province of Matanzas and is probably the most famous beach town in Cuba. This 20 km-long peninsula runs along the Atlantic Ocean coastline and features a string of all-inclusive resorts and golf courses.
This is a gorgeous stretch of white sandy beaches with turquoise waters, hotels, small restaurants, shops, and water activities. Varadero Beach is fantastic!

Top 4 activities to enjoy in Varadero

• Visit the Hicacos Point Natural Park: Mangón Lake is at the heart of it and is home to colorful birds and butterflies. The famous attraction here is swimming in Ambrosio’s Cave, an ancient long cave with paintings and quite a large amount of bats so beware. Visit the ruins of La Calavera Salt Works.

• Enjoy the water! There are eight marinas and watersports centers to choose from. Activities on offer are kayaking, jet skis, windsurfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. There are wonderful diving spots in the area filled with corals, opening up a whole world of color you'll love!

  Take time to relax on the beach, and take in the sun and amazing surroundings. Are you more about relaxation? Take a boat trip to one of the offshore cays.

• Visit the Artisan Market: A great place for getting your souvenirs. Think wooden figurines, handmade jewelry, and fashion accessories such as shoes, and bags.

• Hotspot alert! VILLA XANADU: The villa is built at the highest point in Varadero to make the most of the glorious sunset views. The ultimate rooftop to enjoy a cocktail and die for panoramic views.

Excursions & Day Trips You Can Take From Varadero

Take A Day Trip To Havana

From Varadero, it's about a two-hour drive to Havana, and the views are stunning! To name a few worthy spots, you will be driving along Matanzas Bay. On the Bacunayagu Bridge, you can watch over the beautiful Yumuri Valley, and the del Este beach is a beautiful sight as well.

Havana is a city buzzing with energy! Wander the colorful narrow streets and enjoy its rich history which you will find on every corner, music, street art, and charming local characters.

Havana Highlights

Visit Havana Vieja ~ The Old City: This is a colonial neighborhood protected by UNESCO since 1982, rich in history featuring restaurants and bars, live music, and just awesome local vibes. This area is the origin of Havana.

Visit El Templete: This house was built in 1827 at the foot of the Ceiba tree also marking the famous Plaza de Armas. The Ceiba tree that now stands here is a part of the original tree. This is where the locals celebrated the town's first mass and town meeting back in the 1500s.

This house commemorates all that! Every year on November 16, the day Havana was founded, a procession makes its way around the Plaza de Armas to the Ceiba tree. This happy occasion is to commemorate and celebrate the city’s founding.

Visit El Castillo de La Real Fuerza: The Castillo de la Real Fuerza is a fort on the Western side of the harbor built to protect the entrance to Havana.

Visit Palacio De Los Capitanes Generales: This is the former official residence of the governors of Havana. It's built where the city's original church once stood, a very extravagant 18th-century building showing Cuban baroque architecture in full glory.

Have a drink in one of Hemingway's favorite hangouts such as the Floridita and visit the Cathedral square.

Take a drive in a classic car! So much fun! The usual stops are at the iconic Hotel Nacional, the Square of the Revolution, and the Malecon.

Visit a local Tabak factory: Seeing the way cigars are made and the level of knowledge and professionalism required will help you see why they are so expensive!

Visit a rum museum: The bonus here is that you can have a taste!

It’s now time to enjoy the beautiful nature and jungles of Cuba!

Take two organized tours to visit Santa Clara, Trinidad, Cardenas, and Cienfuegos.

NOTE ~ You can also fly with a helicopter to Trinidad, an unusual adventure indeed. Not for the fainthearted.

Day 1

You’ll be driving through Cardenas and Cienfuegos, along the Caribbean coast arriving in the El Cubano Nature Park which is located on the banks of the Guaurabo River. Here you can enjoy horseback riding, hiking trails and so much more.

Trinidad is a small colonial town, very Insta photogenic. Wandering the cobblestone streets you’ll find a Cathedral and a beautiful Neo-Baroque main square. Here you'll see grand houses owned in the past by former sugarcane plantation lords. The beach in this area is something to write home about! It’s also been declared a World Heritage by UNESCO.

We spent the night in the Escambray mountains, a perfect location to connect with Mother Nature while disconnecting for a bit from social media and the world.

Day 2

On the second day, an old Russian army truck will take you to Guanayara ~ Welcome to the jungle! You have a couple of trails to choose from to reach the waterfalls. We chose the Rambo Tour which was loads of fun, except for a slightly cold swim as the water is cold. From here you'll walk through coffee plantations and the rain forest, ending in Casa de la Gallega; perfect for a meal with a view.

The final stop will be the town of Santa Clara. Here you'll find the National Monument for Che Guevara, his Mausoleum, and a Museum dedicated to his memory and achievements. This place has a deep impact on all who visit here. It is very hard to describe in words.

Another fun day tour I recommend is joining a Jeep safari! A memorial day from our Cuban adventure.

We chose the Yumuri tour; excellent on all fronts!

You self-drive your jeep following the guide leading the convoy. The best thing about this trip is that you get out into the countryside seeing farms, plantations, tiny villages along the way, and just beautifully scenic views. You also get a chance to engage the locals. You’ll visit the city of Matanzas. You'll also drive through the Yumuri Valley. Later you will enjoy boat rides and water bicycles on the Canimar River.

Visit the Saturno caves and snorkel in the Coral beach - MUST STOPS! This is a flooded underground cave featuring an amazing pool of crystal-clear freshwater.

Swim with dolphins: It is a special encounter that will stay with you forever! And you can combine this with a day out sailing on the water in a catamaran.

From the Gaviota marina in Varadero, you can sail out for the day, you'll stop in the dolphinarium built in the middle of the sea where you can cuddle and bond with dolphins. From here after a short snorkeling break, you'll sail to the island of Cayo Blanco, a beautiful uninhabitable island to enjoy the rest of your day.

If you plan to stay longer than three weeks and have more time, think about visiting these places

• Santiago de Cuba

• Guardalavaca

• Guantanamo Bay

• Holguin

Bottom Line: Why Cuba Should Be on Your Travel List

Cuba is a vibrant fusion of rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Whether you're exploring the lively streets of Havana, lounging on the pristine beaches of Varadero, or savoring authentic Cuban flavors, this island offers an unforgettable travel experience. Its unique blend of old-world charm and natural beauty makes it a destination worth visiting for any traveler seeking adventure, culture, and a touch of nostalgia. Cuba will leave you with memories that stay with you long after you've returned home.

Do you need help planning your trip? Drop me a line: fromadifferentangle@gmail.com

Before you go, don’t forget to follow me on social for more travel guides and golden travel tips ~ @mytrendytrail

Yours,

Diti