🇨🇺 10 must-dos in Cuba: from Havana to the beaches of Varadero
An isolated country, but striving for development, is how Cuba can be described. The absence of a visa and budget but colorful travel have made this country very desirable for many. Grab your sunhat and get ready to discover the magic of Cuba. And we will help with this!
Enjoy live Cuban music
Spend a day in Cuba and not hear live music? Are you really in Cuba? After all, this is one of the most musical countries on the planet: from Benny More to X-Alfonso. Here it is also a form of verbal communication. Here the rhythm plays on the beats of the general pulse. Come and feel it.
Stay local
The hotel will not help you experience everyday Cuban life without censorship. For bright and homely emotions, you can visit private houses that can be found for any budget. From luxurious in Havana and Viñales, to simple in other regions. Rocking chairs on the porch, a bottle of rum on the dresser, a living room with family heirlooms, the sound of horse hooves outside and lively conversations over breakfast – these are Cuban moments.
Enjoy the festivals
Despite the Cuban war, austerity and hardship, the locals have surprisingly retained an infectious joy for life. Even in the darkest days, the noisy festivals never stopped. Get ready to party.
Admire local architecture tour in Old Havana
“Cubanness” is what makes the local architecture stand out. An impressive number of buildings appeared here during the time of Afro-Cuban slave labor. They were built with “sugar” money. But there is also more modern architecture in the style of French classicism, art deco and modernism. But who will be surprised by this?
Go bird watching
The fauna of Cuba can hardly be called impressive, with the exception of crocodiles, of course. But the approximately 350 species of birds living here completely compensate for the scarcity of living creatures. About 20 of them are endemic, meaning you can only see them here. For birdwatching, we recommend going to Gran Parque Natural Montemar.
Go to the beach
The beaches of Cuba will satisfy the needs of all travelers. For a resort holiday, head to Varadero. The beaches of the Guanaacabibes Peninsula are so quiet and peaceful that turtles have chosen these areas to lay their eggs. If you want to escape the crowds, you can follow in the footsteps of the pirates on Isla de la Juventuda. And if you don’t light up in a swimsuit, then visit the nudist beaches in Cayo Largo del Sur.
Understand the Revolutionary Legacy
Sailing on a yacht and lying on the beaches is for losers and lazy people. Just like being in Cuba and not learning the details of the revolutionary war in Cuba is a huge omission. Moreover, little has changed in the country since the revolution. But the concentration of history is in Fidel's military headquarters on the top of Mount Comandancia de la Plata, Havana's Museum of the Revolution and the Moncada barracks in Santiago de Cuba.
Step back in time in Trinidad
Soporific Trinidad froze around 1850. Even after a century and a half, you can still stroll through the preserved sugar town. Mixed with countryside and colonial houses, Trinidad remains a true working-class town with all the follies and fun of modern Cuba.
Check out diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean
The Caribbean Sea is ready to offer its clear waters for underwater activities. The local underwater fauna includes pristine reefs and exotic fish. Those new to diving should pay attention to the Bay of Cochinos (Bay of Pigs). But experienced divers can go to the Jardines de la Reina archipelago.
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Experience the new wave of Cuban culture
Welcome to the “new” Cuba! And now we will talk about Fábrica de Arte Cubano, which was founded by local music star X-Alfonso. “Factory” is a territory of freedom and creativity. Here, while listening to innovative music, you can wander through the halls and make interesting acquaintances – all while discussing paintings.
Discover the secrets of Matanzas
Usually we went through Matanzas in transit to Varadero, where the resorts are located. For the familiar all-inclusive, this is the place to go. But the authorities of Matanzas decided to change this situation and return the city to its former beauty. Therefore, concert halls were restored here, the theater was restored and an ultra-modern art street was created. Be sure to stay in Matanzas and experience the local cultural revolution.
Take a ride through the Valle de Vinales
Pastoral Viñales welcomes fans of cycling with open arms. Even if you are not usually attracted to such activities, make an exception this time. The valley contains many natural and man-made wonders. Just look at the rocky limestone monoliths! But there are also vast tobacco fields, and local bulls that have gone wild and replenished the fauna of Cuba. After admiring the local beauty, stop the moment and enjoy the sunset.
Try local cuisine
After the adoption of new privatization laws in 2011, a culinary revolution began. If in the past the country could offer little more than rice and beans, today the picture is completely different. There is now culinary diversity here: from Caibarien crabs to Baracoa chocolate. And in addition to the newly opened establishments, there are also plenty of those who do not forget traditional cuisine. However, keep in mind that it may have a touch of modernity.
Recharge your batteries at Santa Clara
Progressivity bordering on creativity and all this accompanied by rock and roll. Santa Clara is a bundle of modernity, where absolutely everyone will be welcome. This is the territory where the boundaries of art and consciousness are pushed. Mejunje puts on LGBT shows, Casa de la Ciudad hosts student productions, and Vidal Park hosts evening concerts by the city orchestra.
Take part in local dances
The hypnotic beating of Santeria drums, to which the spirits of the orishas are invoked, is a special ritual dance of the locals. And while such productions are usually for tourists, the same cannot be said about Cuba. Anyone can join them. Moreover, local folk groups organize similar dances. Their activities are supported by the government, because in this way they want to preserve the African culture of Cuba.
Climb Pico Turquino
Visiting Cuba and looking at it from the highest mountain, Pico Turquino, will be another omission. We recommend taking a guide and making the climb. However, you should not go to the mountain on your own.
There are two routes offered here. For beginners there are one-day distances. For the more advanced, there is a 17-kilometer hike over several days. Along it, through the cloud forests of the Sierra Maestra, you will find yourself at the 1972 m peak. There, a bronze bust of the Cuban national hero José Martí will be waiting for you.