Cuba - Incredible Experiences

Cuba’s turbulent past and defiant political stance have imbued it with an undeniable mystique - but beyond its historical intrigue, there’s plenty more to discover and enjoy about this unique travel destination. The island is like one of its ubiquitous vintage cars - shabby but chic, erratic and unpredictable, and ultimately loveable. Fine cigars, salsa dancing, Afro-Latin beats - all these things and many more contribute to Cuba’s one-of-a-kind flavour. Highlights include the glittering capital city, Havana, where you can dance the night away in salsa clubs, or marvel at the crumbling beauty of colonial buildings on a stroll through town; the laid-back little town of Vinales, surrounded by tropical landscapes studded with bulbous limestone karsts; the terracotta buildings of historical Trinidad; and picture-perfect beaches at Varadero, and on the islets of Cayo Guillermo and Cayo Largo del Sur.

Havana

As the capital of Cuba, Havana is a remarkably vast, sprawling metropolis. The city’s compelling history is reflected in the astonishing diversity of its architecture, its multicultural inhabitants, and its exotic and eclectic cuisine. The Old Town remains a remarkably well-preserved colonial centre. It is characterised by an exquisite hotchpotch of architectural styles, of opulence and decay, socialism and capitalism, the past and the present. Imperial mansions have been converted into modern tenement buildings, government agencies find homes in eighteenth-century convents and the nostalgic classic American cars for which the city is known share Havana’s lively streets with the latest models of BMW and Mercedes. While the UNESCO-funded restoration programme has introduced a modicum of modernity into the city, Havana has managed to retain its wonderfully quirky cultural heritage, its unique character, and its undeniable charm.

Santiago de Cuba

Situated in the south east of the Cuba, about 870 kilometres from the capital of Havana, Santiago de Cuba is the nation’s second largest city and arguably its most soulful. Founded by the Spanish in 1515, this historical city is best known for its colonial architecture, revolutionary history and excellent museums. One of the most picturesque cities in Cuba, it is a hilly city with sloping streets, nestled between the coast and the Sierra Maestra mountain range. With its diverse ethnicity of inhabitants and its inspiring music tradition, the city streets are perpetually bustling with energy, particularly around the colonial quarter where the air is often filled with the intoxicating rhythms of Afro-Caribbean drums. With all of this on offer, it is little surprise that many visitors who make it this far east count Santiago as their favorite Cuban city.

Cayo Largo del Sur

Set just off Cuba’s southern coast, Cayo Largo del Sur is a tiny island famous for its gorgeous beaches, bright blue waters and luxury resort facilities. Most tourists are surprised by the size of the beaches, their relative tranquillity and their fascinating nesting turtle visitors. More can be learned about these wonderful creatures at the island’s turtle conservation centre, the Centro de Rescate de Tortugas Marinas. There is also an array of other wildlife to be seen including iguanas, hummingbirds and flamingos, and divers can swim among a rich abundance of sea life in the bright coral reefs just offshore. Other highlights include a wide range of watersports; plenty of excellent seaside restaurants, bars, and beachside facilities; an informative museum; and convenient proximity to other islands. There are also day trips to the island from Havana and Varadero on offer.

Baracoa

Sandwiched between towering mountains on one side and the glistening Atlantic ocean on the other, Baracoa is Cuba’s easternmost and oldest city. While the area’s spectacular beaches attract visitors with their pristine stretches of golden sand and their graceful palm trees, the town itself finds its appeal in its unique traditional culture and distinctive local cuisine including some of Cuba’s best chocolate and ice cream. The city’s most famous attraction is the distinctive anvil shaped Yunque Mountain which offers some excellent hiking opportunities as well as superb views of the town and the bay below. Other attractions include the mighty River Toa with its series of rapids and attractive waterfalls; the lovely seafront promenade; and a selection of museums including the popular Municipal Museum which occupies an impressive historical fortress.

Matanzas

Fondly known as the ‘City of Bridges’ due to the many bridges crossing the city’s three rivers, the quiet city of Matanzas serves as the capital of Cuba’s Matanzas Province. The city rests on the banks of the spectacular Matanzas bay, about 100 kilometres east of Havana, near the internationally acclaimed Varadero beach resort area. As one of Cuba’s oldest and most culturally significant cities, Matanzas is the perfect destination for travellers seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-track Cuban experience. The city boasts countless cultural attractions including: the 1882 Pharmaceutical Museum Ernesto Triolet; the 1835 Museo Municipal Provincial de Matanzas, portraying a fine collection of the province’s historical documents and objects; the 1863 Italian Design Sauto Theater; and, on the former parade ground, the magnificent 17th century Catedral de San Carlos.

Las Terrazas

Las Terrazas is a small community that was originally founded as an eco-village in 1968. Today it has evolved into a burgeoning and vibrant community with many artists, workshops and open studios, as well as a well-visited activity centre. Las Terrazas is now a protected Unesco Biosphere Reserve, located on the site of Cuba’s earliest coffee plantation. Nestled in 5 000 hectares of forest nature reserve in the Sierra del Rosario Mountains, the area is rich in plant and animal life. Numerous footpaths and trails crisscrossing the lush area make the profusion of lakes and waterfalls accessible.

Bayamo

Also known as simply Bayamo, San Salvador de Bayamo is the second of the seven Spanish villages founded in Cuba by Diego Velázquez in the early 1500s. This historic, colonial city is small and quiet for a provincial capital and is considered by many to be the “birthplace of the Cuban Nation”. The town is characterised by an undeniable old world atmosphere with an estimated 40% of the population continuing to use horse drawn carts as their primary mode of transportation. Visitors can look forward to exploring the city’s lovely public squares, grand Spanish mansions, its impressive old cathedral, and an array of buildings that date from the early 20th century. Other popular visitor activities include joining in the festivities of the weekly Saturday night street parties, usually to the tune of antiquated street organs; and taking a ride in one of the town’s famous horse drawn buggies.

Zapata Peninsula

Situated in southern Cuba, the Zapata Peninsula is set in the Matanzas Province. This large peninsula stretches over 4300 square kilometres and is home to abundant wildlife. There are many activities to enjoy in and around Zapata including scuba diving, fishing, bird watching, hiking, swimming and snorkelling. It is home to the spectacularly scenic Unesco-listed Cienaga de Zapata National Park where visitors can spot the Cuban crocodile in its natural environment. Visitors can look forward to unwinding on the string of palm-fringed beaches scattered along the secluded coastline such as Playa Larga, discovering the wildlife-rich mangroves featuring giant toads, crabs and crocodiles, as well as swimming in the crystal-clear waters and snorkelling through the coral gardens filled with a myriad of colourful exotic fish.

Sierra Maestra

Famous as the hideout of Fidel Castro and his followers between 1956 and 1959, Sierra Maestra is a majestic mountain range extending along the southern coast of the island of Cuba. As the nation’s most extensive and highest mountain range, Sierra Maestra features a number of pristine nature reserves including the Baconao National Park, an extensive UNESCO biosphere reserve. Other popular attractions include: El Cobre, an imposing Basilica featuring a jewel encrusted statue of the Virgin Mary; a coffee plantation producing some of Cuba’s finest coffee; Daiquiri beach, which gave its name to the famous cocktail; and La Gran Piedra, the third largest rock in the world – weighing an extraordinary 70 thousand tons and offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Vinales

The naturally beautiful valley of Vinales is a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Pinar del Río Province of Cuba known for its its distinctive limestone hills, endless tobacco farms and traditional Cuban culture. The majority of the area’s inhabitants live in the tiny eponymous agricultural village which, despite its small size, features a number of well-established tourist facilities including shops, restaurants, and hotels. The village is centred around a main plaza which is home to a lovely little art gallery, a charming church, a Saturday morning farmer’s market and daily cultural events. The Vinales Valley offers a truly authentic experience of rural Cuba as well as an ideal natural environment for a range of outdoor activities including, among others: birdwatching, rock climbing, cycling, hiking, horse riding, spelunking and swimming in natural pools.

Varadero

Visitors tend to come to Varadero for the uninterrupted 20-kilometre-stretch of white sandy beaches and stunning turquoise sea and stay for the colourful rum-filled cocktails and fabulously friendly locals. This elongated island is a relatively exclusive part of Cuba, abundant with private hotel resorts and the country’s only full golf course. Varadero even has it’s own rather wonderfully cheesy Beatles bar complete with live rock music, an energetic atmosphere and life-size statues of the famous four standing guard at its front door. Whether you choose to marvel at the wildlife at the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve, stroll down the makeshift bar strewn walkways of Josone Park, or plonk yourself down in the sun on a deck chair with a mojito, this island paradise is a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the dusty streets of Cuba.

Cienfuegos

Cienfuegos is a small city in the Central Cuban province of the same name. This attractive port city was founded in 1819 by French settlers and this French influence remains evident in the local architecture, a combination of art nouveau and art deco. The city overlooks a magnificent bay which features immaculate coral reefs and provides sun and sand along with plenty of opportunities for diving, sailing and even swimming with the dolphins. Other natural attractions include a number of hidden caves, waterfalls, natural pools and healing hot springs. The historic city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is home to an impressive array of visitor sights including, among others: the Casa del Fundador (Founder’s House); the Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción (Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception) Cathedral; the Tomás Terry Theater; and the Ferrer Palace

Cayo Coco

Accessible by a causeway which links it to the mainland, Cayo Coco is one of the idyllic little islands that make up the tiny island chain of Jardines del Rey, just off Cuba’s north coast. The island’s pristine white beaches and palm tree groves are home to several prominent resorts making Cayo Coco a popular destination for tourists seeking a relaxing Cuban getaway. The entire island is an environmentally protected area which supports an impressive range of birdlife including the world’s largest colony of pink flamingoes. Located on one of the world’s largest coral reefs, Cayo Coco is a dream destination for both snorkelers and scuba divers who flock here to enjoy the crystal-clear warm waters and the abundance of colourful marine life. Other activities available on the island include watersports such as kitesurfing, deep-sea fishing, fly-fishing and boat or catamaran tours.

Holguin

Set in the eastern part of Cuba just south of Cayo Largo, Holguín is an attractive coastal city known for the exquisite natural scenery of its surroundings and its rich architectural heritage. As the capital of Cuba’s Holguin province, the city features a number of impressive cultural establishments, including the Centro Provincial de Arte and Bayado galleries, multiple museums and the popular Marti Theatre. The main visitor sight is a large crucifix on the hill known as Loma de la Cruz, which provides panoramic views of the city below and can be reached by climbing 465 stairs. Additional highlights include the San Isidoro Cathedral, Calixto García Park, an interesting museum occupying an old colonial barracks, as well as countless galleries and commemorative monuments dotted around the city’s numerous historic plazas.

Cayo Guillermo

The tropical island of Cayo Guillermo lies off the central coast of Cuba in the Jardines del Rey archipelago. Beaches like the Playa el Paso, Playa del Medio and Playa Pilar provide soft, golden-sanded sands lapped by calm turquoise waters, backed by magnificent dunes. Long stretches of abundant coral reefs lie just offshore offering the chance to enjoy spectacular diving and snorkelling among brightly coloured marine life. In particular, the Cayo Media Luna island’s surrounds (just north of Playa Pilar) are filled with fantastic dive sites. Arguably the top sport fishing destination in the country, Cayo Guillermo is home to both deep-sea and freshwater fishing spots, often within walking distance of each other. Numerous luxury hotels, resorts and spas provide travellers with all the trimmings.

Soroa

Situated in Cuba’s Artemisa Region southwest of Havana, Soroa is a mountain resort town known for its incredible natural beauty featuring lush landscapes, majestic mountains, and meandering rivers. Dubbed the ‘Rainbow of Cuba’, it is listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is home to the El Salto del Arco Iris, a magnificent waterfall and the Soroa Orchidarium, a world famous orchid garden boasting the largest collection of orchids in the world. Visitors can look forward to exploring this scenic area by bike, discovering the Castillo de las Nubes Medieval-style castle, visit the nearby town of La Rosita and view the coffee plantations.

Guantanamo

Cayo Saetia

Situated on the northern coast of Holguin Province, at the entrance to the Bay of Nipe, Cayo Saetía is a 42-square-kilometre island which once formed part of mainland Cuba until 1902-1903 when a canal was dug to facilitate shipping and trade. This unique and heavily wooded island was initially developed as an African style game reserve complete with African wildlife imported to Cuba in the 1960s. The island which continues to hosts a variety of endemic and imported plants and free roaming animals in its diverse ecosystems. These include among others, white-tailed deer, giraffe, antelope, zebra, ostrich, water buffalo, camels, wild boar, and a number of species of parrot. Cayo Saetía also features a lovely little hotel offering comfortable accommodation and a range of outdoor activities including snorkeling, boat rides, jeep safaris, horseback riding, and relaxing picnics on the island’s magnificent secluded beaches.

Jibacoa

Jibacoa is a picturesque fishing village located roughly 60 kilometres east of Havana in northern Cuba’s Mayabeque province. It lies at the mouth of Jibacoa River, from where a large coral reef extends into the ocean. Founded in 1756, this small, friendly town offers pristine beaches and a backdrop of lush green rolling hills. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers wishing to discover the rural countryside. Referred to as the country’s ‘best kept secret’, its beaches and coral coastline are fantastic for snorkelling, diving, boating and deep-sea fishing. You can also enjoy guided or self-tour hikes amidst the unspoilt beauty of the area’s nature parks.

Trinidad

On Cuba’s spectacular Caribbean coast, sandwiched between the pristine white sand beaches of Player Ancon and the towering Sierra Escambray mountain, lies the impossibly pretty town of Trinidad. This perfectly preserved Spanish colonial town is centred around the bustling Plaza Mayor, a historic plaza and an open-air museum of colonial architecture. The city’s charming old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a glorious maze of narrow cobbled streets lined with pastel coloured houses and impressive colonial-era edifices such as the Santísima Trinidad Cathedral and Convento de San Francisco. Visitors can look forward to exploring the glittering Palacio Brunet which houses the impressive Museo Romantico; browsing the lovely artisan street markets; or discovering the breathtaking wildlife and waterfalls of Topes de Collantes, an enormous nature reserve just beyond the city.

Vinales

Santa Clara

Resting in the heart of Cuba, Santa Clara is the capital city of the province of Villa Clara. This pleasant city boasts a lively centre of cobbled streets lined with historic colonial buildings, museums, parks and several excellent art galleries. The primary attraction is undoubtedly the mausoleum of Che Guevara, but there are many more interesting landmarks making it a great place just to wander around and soak up the atmosphere. The city ’s nightlife is electrifying, with countless clubs and music venues showcasing both traditional and more contemporary Cuban styles. As the home of one of Cuba’s largest universities, Santa Clara is known for its liberal reputation and youthful vibe. It is an ideal destination for those looking to catch a glimpse of the nation’s new trends, insatiable creativity, and edgy youth culture.

Camaguey

Camaguey is an attractive colonial city in central Cuba which serves as the capital of the eponymous province. This sprawling but tranquil town is known for its historic center, an impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site complete with a maze of narrow cobblestone alleyways, hidden Spanish plazas, baroque churches, and an eclectic mix of remarkably well preserved Spanish and Arabic architecture. Visitors can look forward to relaxing on the spectacular Coco Beach, lined with excellent restaurants and located less than a mile from the city center; watching world-class performances at the Main Theater of Camaguey; and getting a taste of local life at the the popular Carmen Square with its cool statuettes, brightly colored houses, historic buildings and fantastically lively atmosphere.

Guardalavaca

Of the countless idyllic beaches on the north coast of Cuba’s Holguin Province, Guardalavaca is the best known and is one the nation’s most popular beach holiday getaways. This seaside resort attracts visitors with its wonderful sunning, swimming, sailing, and scuba diving opportunities. You’ll find a handful of charming hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs along a single road, behind which lies a magnificent powder white beach lapped by clear, jade-coloured waters and surrounded by low-wooded hills and lush, tropical vegetation. Visitors can look forward to participating in a range of water based activities including kayaking, sailing, waterskiing, kiteboarding, and catamaran cruises. The ocean is ideal for swimming, and there are excellent snorkeling and dive sites nearby. Land based activities include horseback riding, exploring the area’s lovely little secluded coves, and visiting the impressive Bahía de Naranjo aquarium.

Topes de Collantes

Topes de Collentes is a nature lovers’ paradise: a small settlement surrounded by an exquisite nature reserve in the remote Escambray Mountain Range of central Cuba. Local attractions include medicinal mud baths, horse-back riding, hiking trails to the Salto del Caburni; one of the most popular hiking trails through coffee plantations ending in a spectacular waterfall which cascades into rock pools on the Caburni River. The Labatata, three kilometres from the city centre, is an underground river-cave system with several levels of rock pool. Parque la Represa is a large park featuring an arboretum with more than three hundred exotic tree species. Art lovers should not miss the Museo de Arte Cubano, containing a spectacular collection of post-modern and impressionist Cuban artworks and sculptures.

Sancti Spiritus

Sancti Spiritus, the capital city of the eponymous Cuban province, is one of Cuba’s seven original Spanish towns. It’s a peaceful little town where bicycles and horse-drawn taxis comprise much of the traffic and where the friendly locals socialise in the central plaza in the evenings. The town is set on the banks of the Yayabo River and its narrow, winding streets are lined with countless Spanish colonial buildings many of which have been remarkably well restored. Among the most notable of the city’s constructions are the Spanish Baroque style Iglesia Parroquial Mayor, the 1876 Teatro Principal, and the Yayabo Bridge with its medieval roman appearance. Other must see attractions include the Parque Serafín Sánchez, a large public square in the city center surrounded by neoclassical buildings and an impressive library, and the nearby Embalse Zaza, Cuba’s largest manmade lake.

Maria la Gorda

Set on a sunny peninsula at the south western tip of Cuba, Maria la Gorda is a world-renowned pristine beach and dive site, on the Bahía de Corrientes. The entire settlement consists of little more than a hotel, a diving centre, a small shop, and two charming little seaside restaurants. Visitors can look forward to snorkelling through coral gardens, relaxing on the exquisite palm-lined beach or exploring the countless dive sites in the area. With bright coral canyons, whale sharks and even the sunken remains of a Spanish galleon, Maria la Gorda features an underwater wonderland complete with an impressive array of exotic marine life. Exploring above the waterline is equally appealing with lush tropical jungles forming an ideal habitat for an astonishing range of birdlife including, among others: rainbow-coloured parakeets, trogons and hummingbirds.

Remedios

Located only 43 km northeast of Santa Clara, the colonial town of San Juan de Remedios is one of Cuba’s oldest towns. The village was founded in 1515 on the northern coast and was moved inland to its current location in 1524, after the residents were harassed by pirates. Today, visitors will find an attractive town with a host of well-preserved historical buildings, several impressive new hotels and a large central garden square, Plaza Martí. The main attraction in this square is the colonial grand church “Iglesia Mayor” of San Juan Bautista containing 13 beautifully decorated gold altars. While the town typically features a quiet, relaxing atmosphere, each year between the 16th and 26th of December, it is transformed from a sleepy village into a full-blown party town during the festivities known as “Las Parrandas de Remedios” , one of the oldest fiestas in Cuba.

Las Terrazas