Cuba is totally distinctive.
From the crumbling facades of Havana outdated the city to the plush valley of Vinales and the pristine seashores of Varadero, there’s so much to suit into two weeks in Cuba. You’re going to fall in love with the salsa rhythms of the nice and cozy Caribbean evenings, in finding trendy paladares with some superb Cuban delicacies, and discover a shockingly biodiverse nation filled with secret waterfalls and dense jungles.
But it surely’s the folks of Cuba which can be probably the most welcoming. Spending simply 14 days in Cuba will provide you with a way of a completely distinctive tradition that’s resourceful and resilient, however above all, glad. A turbulent historical past of revolution, communism and business embargoes has given this island a ‘stuck-in-time’ really feel that many people within the Western global lengthy for.
Getting Round in Cuba
After all, it isn’t precisely a small nation, and also you couldn’t perhaps have compatibility the whole lot into simply two weeks in Cuba. Particularly with the Cuban delivery and street community being the way in which that it’s. However for those who focal point on explicit puts that each and every display a special side, you’ll get a perfect perception into this excellent nation.
Cuba doesn’t have an out of this world rail infrastructure like Japan or the inexpensive in a single day buses of South The usa. Getting anyplace takes a very long time, it’s very best to rent a neighborhood driving force or e-book buses via a resort for those who’re touring round Cuba for 2 weeks.
Slightly than looking to have compatibility so much into your Cuba itinerary, experience spending a little bit time in each and every position. After all, the sluggish tempo of existence does have its advantages; Ernest Hemingway got here for a brief consult with and stayed two decades!
Cash in Cuba
There was once a vacationer foreign money (CUC) and a neighborhood foreign money (CUP), however fortunately this complicated gadget has been phased out by means of the federal government leaving simply Cuban pesos as the only foreign money. You’ll be able to’t purchase Cuban foreign money out of doors of the rustic or with an American checking account so make sure you take sufficient money to switch. ATM’s will also be discovered within the towns, however are few and a long way between in far flung spaces and in quite a lot of states of disrepair. Playing cards don’t seem to be extensively accredited both because of the loss of dependable web connections. I’ve an in depth information to commute prices in Cuba for those who’re prepared to learn extra.
Easy methods to Spend Two Weeks in Cuba
Our Cuba itinerary begins with 3 nights in Havana, then heads out to cigar nation in Viñales for a 3-night keep. We then spend 2 nights in Cienfuegos, 2 nights in Trinidad, and take day trip with a 3-night seashore retreat at Varadero. Completing with the closing evening in Havana, to make sure we will simply make it again to the airport on time!
Day One: Arrive in Havana and Acclimatize
Cuba is usually a little bit of a tradition surprise. Despite the fact that you’re an achieved traveler, Cuba has distinctive oddities that separate it from the remainder of the sector. At the beginning, say good-bye to being hooked up 24/7, or possibly even in any respect.
Despite the fact that there may be some Wi-Fi in large inns (like Lodge Inglaterra in Havana), the remainder of the rustic stays disconnected. Wi-Fi hotspots in puts like Vinales see crowds of teenagers huddled round them, determined to stick up to date with the out of doors global.
So, you’ll put out of your mind about getting any updates until you wish to have to relive the dial up speeds of the past due ‘90s, however it does have its advantages. Cuba will provide you with a possibility to disconnect from trendy existence and get again to seeing a spot via your personal eyes slightly than distorted via a display screen.
Spend the primary day easing your self into the tempo of existence in Havana. I like to recommend staying within the outdated the city. It’s touristy, however it’s additionally with reference to the whole lot. In my thoughts it’s now not price losing time bartering with taxis or getting misplaced on public buses when you’ll keep proper within the middle of all of it.
Wander the cobblestone streets and head over to the outdated the city sq. Plaza Vieja. Inbuilt 1559 this sq. is stuffed with the crumbling facades and colourful paintwork that make Havana so iconic. Pop as much as Cámara Oscura for an strange view of the town, then head over to unfashionable 50’s bar L. a. Vitrola for one of the crucial very best cocktails round. The meals is a mixture of Spanish tapas and conventional Cuban delicacies.
A great spot to stick within the outdated the city is Residencia Santa Clara. The rooftop terrace is excellent for night beverages, with nice perspectives over the town. The hosts are superb, and so they make you’re feeling like you might be a part of the circle of relatives.
The home itself is easily designed, spacious and each and every room comes with a rest room with a rainfall bathe. I really like that the resort provides any such beneficiant breakfast, and the espresso is tremendous sturdy!
Day Two: See the Points of interest of Havana in a Antique Automotive
A good way to get your bearings and have compatibility in numerous the extra spread-out attractions in Havana is by means of taking a vintage automotive excursion. Select the best-looking antique automotive from the parade at Parque Central and excursion the town in taste. And sure, my selection all the time is a vivid, Barbie crimson!
Seeing the town in the way in which simply beats the Havana hop-on-hop-off bus that’s additionally to be had in just about each different capital town.
We have been so enamored with our 1950’s Ford Thunderbird that we ignored to test that the driving force may discuss English on our 2nd consult with to Cuba. And so, my greatest tip right here is if you wish to have an informative excursion, all the time take a look at your drivers spoken language and excursion course sooner than you hop in!
The motive force will normally take you out to Vedado, previous many stunning colonial structures and huge boulevards. A forestall at Plaza de l. a. Revolución is a should to clutch snaps of the good monuments to the enforcing revolutionaries of Cuba. Those come with the enduring portrait of Che Guevara, heroic guerrillero Camilo Cienfuegos, and the José Martí Memorial. The sq. serves as the bottom of the Cuban executive and hosts large-scale political rallies and occasions just like the pope’s well-known consult with.
You’re going to additionally most likely consult with a small park with a well-recognized Liverpudlian seated on a bench. Despite the fact that he by no means visited Cuba, John Lennon Park used to be created by means of the communist Cuban chief Fidel Castro as an ode to a “fellow dreamer”. There’s additionally a full-time safety guard loitering across the bench, searching after Lennon’s iconic glasses.
Again at Parque Central you’ll’t leave out the grand golden cupola of the Nationwide Capitol of Cuba. The entire space is stuffed with baroque structures that wow at each flip. Spend the night subsequent door, catching a display on the Grand Theater of Havana. The spectacular structure of the palatial theater inbuilt 1838 is definitely worth the access price on my own.
Day 3: Discuss with the Museums of Havana
To your 3rd day in Havana, dig a little bit deeper by means of visiting one of the crucial very best museums within the town. The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes holds one of the crucial maximum vital artwork in Cuba. There are 24 rooms with greater than 45,000 works, there also are artwork items from the traditional global with collections from Rome, Greece, and Egypt.
Head over the street to El Floridita Bar for a fast refreshment at one of the vital well-known bars within the town, it’s possible you’ll now not get a desk as this position will get tremendous busy, however the internal is price a glance for those who’re close by.
Last at the beverages theme, Havana Membership Museo Bar is where to be told all concerning the globally exported tipple. Havana Membership Rum is a large deal in Cuba, be informed all concerning the rum-making procedure, from the sugar cane itself to a scale fashion manufacturing facility. Tasters are normally unfastened too!
You’ll be able to additionally consult with the Museum of the Revolution housed within the former presidential palace. This museum will pay homage to the rustic’s largest revolutionaries in addition to Fidel Castro’s well-known yacht. An alternative choice that’s nice for youngsters is the Herbal Historical past Museum or ‘Museo Nacional de Historia Herbal de Cuba’ positioned within the heart of Havana on the Plaza de Armas. It’s filled with herbal wonders and an excellent spot to be told concerning the various existence in this island.
Spend the past due afternoon mountaineering the bell towers at L. a. Catedral de l. a. Virgen María de l. a. Concepción Inmaculada de L. a. Habana. Get some nice perspectives over the town and discover one of the crucial very best church buildings in Havana. It’s suggested to put on lengthy pants as a mark of recognize, or wraps are equipped to hide naked legs.
Havana has one of the crucial very best meals in Cuba, so don’t leave out consuming at one of the crucial many nice eating places, or paladares, whilst you’re within the town. Take a look at Ropa Vieja (shredded pork) at L. a. Lluvia de Oro eating place or for one of the crucial very best conventional Cuban delicacies consult with Los Mercaderes.
For night beverages there’s no higher position than L. a. Bodeguita Del Medio. It’s one of the vital well-known watering holes in Havana, with partitions lined in messages and photographs of well-known guests. There’s just one factor to drink right here, a mojito. A well-liked spot with the mint cocktail loving creator, Ernest Hemmingway, this position is normally busy with vacationers, however the tune and the pleasant body of workers all the time make everybody really feel welcome.
After all, for an actual slice of Havana existence, consult with the Malecón at sundown. Spot {couples} out on a date, households taking a night stroll and businessmen on their approach house from paintings. All strolling alongside the prom taking within the closing solar kissed perspectives of the town sooner than dusk.
You’ll be able to prepare your onward commute by means of bus via a resort or vacationer data level or prepare a collectivo (proportion taxi) or non-public driving force via your casa explicit.
Day 4: Forestall at Las Terrazas at the Method to Vinales
On methods to your subsequent casa explicit in Vinales, forestall off at Las Terrazas. Began in 1968 as an ecotourism venture, the world incorporates over part of Cuba’s local birds; it’s house to 117 species of birds in general, and 12 of them are endemic.
Fidel Castro enlisted Camilo Cienfuegos’s brother to construct 1,360 kilometers of terraces to battle erosion, leading to a self-sustaining group with roads, properties, and faculties. Locals come with a whole artist colony, who are living and paintings within the space complete time.
The group planted an astonishing seven million timber between 1968 and 1978. Then it used to be designated a Biosphere Reserve by means of UNESCO in 1984. It’s the easiest forestall for lunch and a hike. Las Terrazas is positioned within the Artemisa province within the Sierra del Rosario mountains, at the approach from Havana to Vinales.
Many vacationers by no means forestall right here, however locals incessantly consult with Las Terrazas as an afternoon time out from Havana. Discuss with group initiatives just like the Aire Libre café, the Casa-Museo Polo Montañez and the Moka Lodge. There’s additionally Cuba’s first zipline, with six traces surrounding the native village, and horseback using alongside the San Juan River.
If, like us, you’re keen on mountain climbing, the Sierra del Rosario has some superb choices. Climb Taburete Mountain, consult with the ruins of the San Ildefonso and El Contento espresso plantations, or take the straightforward six kilometer hike as much as the Santa Serafina Espresso farm. It’s very best to rent a neighborhood information for all of those even though, as the paths aren’t marked and it’s beautiful simple to get misplaced!
Then commute onto your casa explicit in Vinales to chill out for the evening. Keep within the middle of the city to be with reference to the whole lot. Casa Esperanza Tuta options air con, non-public toilets, and mountain perspectives. We beloved the hosts – they went above and past to make our keep as at ease as imaginable. And the continental breakfast, with in the neighborhood grown fruit, is astounding.
Day 5: Uncover The place Actual Cuban Cigars are Made
Vinales is a gorgeous a part of Cuba to consult with, with its lush inexperienced valleys and big limestone outcrops. Those towering cliff-like buildings are referred to as mogotes, they are able to upward thrust as excessive as 300 meters on this space and dominate the panorama.
Vinales is very best recognized for its tobacco and occasional plantations, take a excursion to learn the way the locals develop, harvest, and convey those essential commodities. Those aren’t the polished, flashy espresso excursions of Costa Rica or the arranged excursions of espresso plantations in Colombia.
Those tobacco and occasional excursions are the actual employees taking you round their farms. There’s normally a wholesome quantity of rum concerned! And naturally, on the finish you might have the risk to shop for their merchandise immediately from the supply (at closely discounted costs, which I will be able to extremely suggest).
Keep away from purchasing faux cigars from boulevard dealers in puts just like the Malecon in Havana and get them right here as an alternative. Cuba is in fact widely recognized for its cigars, however for those who’ve by no means attempted the espresso be ready for a kick! It’s one of the crucial most powerful espresso on the planet.
A mix of how the beans are grown and the way the espresso is made makes for an intense caffeine hit. Even probably the most avid caffeine addict may get a surprise from the power of Cuban espresso.
Within the afternoon rent a motorbike to discover Vinales, you’ll consult with the close by Mural de l. a. Prehistoria and spot the various stunning perspectives of the valley. Discover the backstreets and get a way of the quiet nation existence in Cuba.
Go back for your casa to experience a fantastically house cooked meal. There are normally 3 possible choices; rooster, beef or lobster, served with rice and a delectable collection of native fruit and veggies. You’re going to more than likely get to check out all of them for those who’re in Cuba for 2 weeks.
Day Six: Move Caving in Vinales
In your closing day in Vinales, you need to do different farm excursions or just chill out round the city. However for one thing a little other, take an afternoon time out from Vinales to consult with the biggest cave gadget in Cuba.
Gran Caverna de Santo Tomás is only a 30-minute power away and consists of greater than 46 km of galleries in 8 other ranges. Take a 90-minute guided excursion to peer the stalactites and stalagmites, underground swimming pools, and different fascinating rock formations.
Your casa explicit will have to have the ability to prepare a driving force, and even perhaps the excursion. Cubans are marketers and we all know each and every different in those small cities. Don’t be stunned for those who in finding one individual doing a couple of jobs; excursion information, driving force, cook dinner, entertainer!
Within the night be certain that to not leave out the tune and dance venues that line Cisneros Side road. 3J Bar Tapas is a smart position to clutch a rum, pull up a rocking chair, and watch the sector cross by means of.
Vinales is the easiest position to get a way of Cuban existence out of doors the town. There might not be an excellent web connection or public delivery, however everyone seems to be smiling, and assist is rarely too a long way away.
Day Seven: See the Structure in Cienfuegos
Subsequent up is a consult with to Cienfuegos, which interprets to ‘One Hundred Fires’. The town used to be based in 1819 by means of French immigrants from Bordeaux and Louisiana, and you’re going to understand the structures have strikingly other structure to the remainder of Cuba.
There’s an strange mixture of Baroque, Gothic and Moorish types. Discuss with the Jose Marti Park and the central plaza to your first day to get a style of the town. Many say it’s probably the most stunning primary sq. in Cuba.
A consult with to L. a. Reina Cemetery could also be a should whilst within the town. Declared a countrywide monument in 1990, the spectacular statues and headstones make it one of the vital fascinating puts to consult with within the town.
Within the night head to the well known Te Quedaras eating place for standard Cuban meals, nice beverages, and a full of life surroundings. We beloved the pina coladas, and the Cuban tune enjoying neatly into the evening.
Keep on the Casa Buena Vista for vivid ethereal rooms proper within the heart of Cienfuegos. The eclectic design, with the whole lot from outdated vinyls to patron saints caught to the partitions, made us fall in love with this house from house. The terrace and full of life bar also are improbable for assembly different visitors.
Day 8: See Flamingos and Shower in Waterfalls in Cienfuegos
In your 2nd day in Cienfuegos, discover the encircling space with its various landscapes and plentiful natural world.
For a possibility to identify crimson flamingos head to Laguna Guanaroca, only a 30 minute power out of the town. Take a guided excursion of the lake to be told concerning the native natural world, vegetation, and fauna that make this a part of Cuba their house.
An alternative choice to get out of the town for some time is a consult with to El Nicho, a lovely and common swimming hollow fed by means of waterfalls. A round-trip taxi will value you about U.S. $30 from Cienfuegos heart. It’s an effective way to chill off in the summertime warmth and hang around with the locals.
Day 9: Discuss with the Historical Town of Trinidad
Shuttle east to Trinidad on day 9, and the furthest level to your time out round Cuba.
Trinidad is the Cuba you’ve all the time imagined. Colourful homes, straw hats and cigar toting locals. It’s the second one oldest town at the island. Trinidad used to be based in 1514 and declared a UNESCO International Heritage website online in 1988.
Discuss with Plaza Mayor to peer the pretty Seventeenth-century buildings and get to the center of the native tradition. Grasp a espresso and watch the sector cross by means of as you soak within the surroundings on this full of life, picture-perfect the city. Or take a strolling excursion of the world.
Get one of the crucial very best perspectives over the city from Museo Nacional de l. a. Lucha Contra Bandidos. Then within the night consult with one of the crucial tune venues hidden in an underground cave, like Disco Ayala.
Keep at Casa Barmarin, positioned within the pedestrian space of Trinidad, proper between the markets. The tranquil gardens and rustic rooms are trendy and filled with eco-friendly little touches, however the casa nonetheless keeps its Cuban attraction. A spotlight is the outside terrace and seating space, the easiest position to unwind from a hectic day’s sightseeing.
Day Ten: Day Journeys from Trinidad
There’s lots to do out of doors of Trinidad too. In case you’re feeling vigorous, consult with the lovely mountains of Topes de Collantes. Take a seven kilometer around time out hike to Salto del Caburni, a 60-meter-high waterfall with spectacular perspectives of the encircling space.
Some other good thing to do close to Trinidad is to take a steam educate experience to consult with the deserted sugar plantations at Valle de Los Ingenios. It used to be the middle for sugar processing and refinery and taken numerous wealth to Trinidad all the way through the Seventeenth and 18th centuries.
There have been 56 sugar turbines in general powered by means of greater than 11,000 slaves, bringing with it Afro-Cuban heritage like Santería, a syncretic faith between Catholocism, and Yoruba ideals.
If you’ll, have compatibility in a consult with to the untouched reefs at Playa Ancon, and sit back by means of the ocean. Head again to Trinidad to check out one of the crucial native catches at the finest paladares, like recent snapper at Restaurante San José, or grilled octopus at Vista Gourmand.
Within the night check out a Canchánchara, a potent rum cocktail, on the Taberna L. a. Canchánchara. It’s one of the crucial 4 beverages that Cuba’s very best recognized for at the side of the mojito, daiquiri, and Cuba libre.
Day 11: Take a Shuttle to the Seashore in Varadero
Spend the previous couple of days in whole distinction to the remainder of your time out to Cuba by means of visiting the biggest vacationer lodge within the Caribbean. Positioned at the 20-kilometer lengthy Hicacos Peninsula, Varadero boasts over 60 inns (most commonly all inclusive). It’s well-known for its white sand seashores and is an important a part of Cuba’s tourism trade.
Playa Varadero provides all the western comforts the remainder of Cuba lacks, like public bogs in addition to very easily positioned cafes and seashore loungers. It’s the easiest position to unwind and chill out in general peace and quiet, with a mojito in hand in fact!
But it surely’s now not all seashores and cocktails. Discuss with the landscaped gardens of Parque Josone, the outdated Hershey chocolate manufacturing facility, or the close by the city of Matanzas to get to grasp the world higher.
Keep on the comfortable Casa de Betty y Jorge proper in the midst of Varadero. This position has the whole lot you wish to have for a relaxed keep, plus there’s a perfect Italian eating place subsequent door. One of the most highlights of this casa is the site, you’ll simply clutch a chew to consume on the town and head out to Varadero Seashore.
Day Twelve: Move Scuba Diving in Varadero
For me, one of the crucial primary causes to visit Varadero is scuba diving. Discuss with Cayo Piedras del Norte positioned 5 kilometers north of Playa las Calaveras to dive a sunken towboat, a missile wearing gunship, an plane and the Coral Negro yacht.
The marine park right here used to be created all the way through the 90’s and has since attracted a plethora of sea existence. You’ll be able to additionally snorkel some websites or take a tumbler backside boat excursion of the world.
There are some improbable dive websites dotted across the many cayes and coves surrounding Varadero. Excursions are simple to e-book out of your resort reception, and don’t cost a fortune both.
Fill your day with all the underwater wonders of Cuba, that is the Caribbean in spite of everything.
Day 13: Off the Crushed Trail Issues to do in Varadero
If you become bored with the pristine seashores and out of this global diving, there are many different issues to do in Varadero too.
Discuss with 47 pre-Columbian cave drawings in Cueva de Ambrosio. Simplest just lately present in 1961, they’re regarded as round (an astonishing) 2000 years outdated. Then head to the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve to discover 2,500-year-old human stays in addition to historic pictographs.
You’ll be able to additionally take an afternoon time out to discover the cenote at Cueva Saturno or consult with the superb coral reef at Playa Coral, only a 30-minute power away in Carbonera.
The wonderful thing about Varadero is the crowds of holiday makers don’t generally tend to depart the lodges, so you’ll have the pretty surrounding space all to your self!
Day 14 Havana: Spend the Final Evening Sipping Mojitos and Salsa Dancing in Havana
Head again to Havana for a becoming finish for your time in Cuba. It’s arduous to slot in the whole lot this town has to supply and there are a couple of further issues to do at the closing day right here. Discuss with the Almacenes San José Artisans’ Marketplace, one of the crucial very best within the town, for native handicrafts and convey to take house as souvenirs.
After an afternoon checking off anything else you overlooked the primary time round, get the ferry over to Casablanca. There are improbable perspectives over the outdated the city, and the community feels very other to the remainder of the town. My favourite spot is the Christ of Havana statue.
Discuss with L. a. Cabaña de Che Guevara (Che Guevara’s modest area) and the Fortress of San Carlos of the Cabin. Don’t leave out the “Cañonazo”, a nightly tournament through which ceremonial infantrymen re-enact the ancient firing of the cannon that when introduced the last of the town gates. Attempt to arrive round 8pm for a just right view because the cannon is fired at round 9pm.
An alternative choice is to go to one of the vital well-known spots in Cuban musics’ historical past. The Legendarios del Guajirito Buena Vista Social Membership is where to be to your closing evening within the town. In case you haven’t heard the album or observed the movie don’t fear, you’re going to be conversant in the Buena Vista Social Membership by the point you permit Cuba. Consume sooner than you arrive because the meals is not anything to write down house about, however the tune and dancing is an effective way to finish your time in Cuba.
That’s Easy methods to Spend 14 Days in Cuba!
This is a straightforward technique to spend two weeks in Cuba. Have compatibility in one of the crucial primary attractions, a couple of off the overwhelmed trail adventures, and a few cultural highlights.
You’ll want to lower down some seashore time in Varadero if in case you have much less time or however spend extra time in Trinidad. However take into accout, if you’re going it on my own don’t attempt to have compatibility an excessive amount of in. Permit a lot of time for closing minute adjustments and “Cuba time”, issues may simply take a little longer than you have been anticipating!
