Exploring Cuba’s Hidden Gems
Cuba, a land frozen in time, yet pulsating with cultural richness and historical significance, offers an unparalleled adventure for the avid traveller. From the vibrant streets of Havana to the tranquil beauty of the Topes de Collantes, a tour of Cuba presents a unique palette of experiences, if you come with an open mind, leaving your preconceptions at the border, and willing to engage a local to give you insights not covered in the guide books.
Whether you’re drawn by the allure of colonial cities, the serenity of untouched natural landscapes, or the warmth of its people, a well-crafted Cuba tour can be your gateway to an unforgettable journey. In this post, we’ll guide you through some of the island’s most captivating sights, that we got to discover with the help of our fabulous local guide. Each place offering a glimpse into Cuba’s soul – especially when you get the narrative of the locals.
Havana: A Gateway to Cuban Heritage
Step back in time and discover Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with rich history, stunning architecture, and atmospheric narrow streets. This city speaking tales of ages past is best explored on foot, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a bygone era.
Suit up in your most comfortable walking shoes and prepare to navigate the cobbled lanes that wind through the heart of Havana. From bustling plazas to stoic fortresses, vibrant museums to busy local artists, you’ll be swept away by the charm and spirit that Old Havana has to offer.
Our tour begins at Old Havana’s entrance, a beautifully restored square kissed by cool sea breezes that blow in from the harbor. This inviting space is home to the Lonja del Comercio and the Basilica Menor de San Francisco de Asis, each boasting their unique attractions such as the stunning central dome and a tower that offers breathtaking views over Havana and the sea. Onward to the Plaza de la Catedral, where you’ll find the awe-inspiring Catedral de San Cristobal in all its Cuban Baroque glory, a structure that took an astounding 29 years to complete.
Explore Plaza de Armas, a historical social hub and the perfect retreat from the tropical heat. Discover the grandeur of the Palacio de los Capitanes, the peace of shady gardens, and the allure of mid-16th-century colonial fort, Castillo de la Real Fuerza. Plaza Vieja, a vibrant gathering spot and a popular marketplace, adds a touch of charm with its blend of architectural styles and the bubbling fountain at its heart.
Don’t miss the colorful Calle Obispo, a narrow roadway buzzing with life that connects Central Park with Plaza de Armas. Be entertained by street performers, enjoy some delicious local cuisine, and even drop into the famous El Floridita.
Our Old Havana Walking Tour is the perfect opportunity to soak up the history and vibe of this incredible city. Guided by our passionate local experts, you’ll come away with intriguing stories and a deep appreciation of the unique culture Havana has to offer.
Needless to say that we are already in awe and have learnt about little stories, we wouldn’t have known about visiting ourselves… like why there is a wooden paved street in the middle and the tragic love story of the poet of Havana, and our journey is only beginning.
Vinales: Nature’s Masterpiece
The natural first stop on your discovery, especially if you have heard about Cuban cigars. We’d say that Viñales, the crown jewel of Cuba! Nestled in the Pinar del Rio province, about a three-hour drive from Havana, this quaint countryside town is steeped in the rustic charm reminiscent of a simpler time. Honored as a UNESCO Heritage site since 1999, and said to be Fidel Castro’s favourite place, Viñales is an idyllic retreat that will make you fall in love with the Cuban countryside.
Imagine stepping away from the incessant rush of city life and into a world where time slows down. Where people welcome you with warm smiles and open arms, inviting you to share in their laid-back lifestyle. It’s where the call of a rooster greets the dawn and where the setting sun is met with live music and friendly chatter instead of glowing screens.
Viñales is not just about the relaxing pace of life, it’s also a visual treat. The region is a green paradise, adorned with impressive limestone formations known as mogotes that paint an imposing picture against the clear blue sky. The fertile soil provides lush agricultural land where the finest tobacco in the world grows. Witnessing Oxen plowing this rich soil, or learning how a tiny seedling becomes a fine cigar is a unique experience you can only enjoy here.
Walking through this small town, you’ll be welcomed by brightly coloured colonial buildings and wooden huts that add a certain charm to the townscape. The aroma of fresh coffee beans roasting on the farm will reach your senses, and the taste of that coffee, ground and brewed just before you drink it, will linger long after your visit. While you are on the farm, you can also learn the magic of creating the world’s best cigar, from seed to smoke. The history, the process, the love for this aromatic leaf turned making a cigar into an art form.
To round off the day here, shake a leg at a local dance floor, sipping on delicious mojitos while swaying to the rhythm of live music.
However, to truly grasp the essence of Viñales, don’t rush. Take your time, soak in the slower pace of life. Explore and engage with the community, immerse yourself into the “real” Cuba. After all, Viñales is not just a place, it’s an experience… a feeling… a memory that will stay with you forever.
Cayo Jutias: Serenity by the Sea
Imagine stepping onto the shores of a beach so remote, so unspoiled, that you feel as though you’ve arrived at your own private paradise. This is the experience that awaits you at Cayo Jutias, the best beach in Cuba according to many seasoned travelers. Tucked away on the northern coast of Cuba and aptly named as the “most discovered ‘undiscovered’ beach,” by Lonely Planet, Cayo Jutias beckons with its irresistible charm and tranquil beauty.
The adventure at Cayo Jutias begins even before you set foot on its sandy shores. A picturesque two-hour car ride from the town of Viñales takes you through idyllic backroads fringed by quaint small towns. The anticipation builds as you approach the beach while soaking up the authentic Cuban countryside.
Upon arrival, you are greeted by sun-drenched sand as far as the eye can see. The beach extends in both directions, allowing you to explore both sides. The shores, blanketed in dead branches and trees, echo the raw, untouched beauty of this remote Cuban paradise. A trail snakes through the heart of the mangrove forest, occasionally giving way to hidden portions of the beach perfect for unwinding in solitude.
But the allure of Cayo Jutias goes beyond its sand. The azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico, though surprisingly warm, offer a tranquil respite from the tropical heat. The gentle slope of the beach allows you to stroll almost 50 yards out into the still waters, as if taking a leisurely walk on water. And in an enchanting twist, the warm, salty waters lend you an unprecedented buoyancy, making floating an effortless delight.
The piece de resistance, however, is the local wildlife. Cayo Jutias is a playground for hundreds of starfish that call the far end of the peninsula home. A boat ride or a hike through the island trail gets you up close and personal with these vibrant creatures, a sight that will remain etched in your memory long after you’ve left the beach.
While Cayo Jutias is beautiful in its solitude, it is not without creature comforts. A handful of restaurants and snack bars near the entrance serve up delectable fare. Fancy a lobster? Don’t mind if we do!
Bay of Pigs: History and Nature Intertwined
As the gateway to the Cienaga de Zapata National Park, the small fishing village of Playa Larga, located on the southern Cuban coast, opens its arms to the world. This modest locale holds a grand significance, marking the head of the Bahía de Cochinos, famously known as the Bay of Pigs.
The Bay of Pigs, known for the US-backed invasion of April 17, 1961, saw a decisive victory for the Cuban army and militias. This event is a testament to the resilience and spirit of the Cuban people, making the bay not just a tranquil paradise but a historic landmark.
Positioned halfway between Havana and Trinidad, Playa Larga serves as the prime base for exploring the Zapata peninsula and the Ciénaga de Zapata National Park. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a treasure trove of biodiversity, housing a spectrum of wetlands, mangrove forests, coral reefs, and underwater canyons.
The park is a magnet for nature lovers, bird watchers, and explorers with its diverse fauna, including 203 species of birds, 31 types of reptiles, and 12 varieties of mammals. The sight of the park’s pink flamingos is an incomparable delight, – especially helpful to have our local guide in our corner, as he calls this place home and knows where to go for the best chance of seeing the most birds.
The Bay of Pigs isn’t just for bird enthusiasts. Its clear Caribbean waters brim with corals and exotic fish, making it a diver’s utopia. Whether you’re a scuba diver exploring the flooded caves or a snorkeler enjoying the underwater views, there’s an adventure waiting for you.
Trinidad: A different side
In the heart of Cuba, nestled between the dramatic Topes de Collantes and the pristine beaches, lies a timeless oasis named Trinidad. Steeped in history, this charming little town is akin to an outdoor museum, frozen in the delightful era of the 1850s. But beyond its cobblestone streets and pastel-colored buildings, Trinidad houses an assortment of hidden gems waiting to be discovered!
One such treasure is the Finca La Lima, a quaint farm tucked away in the lush greenery of the Escambray Mountains. Owned by the welcoming couple, Osmary and Alberto, this farm invites visitors on an unforgettable rural adventure – a perfect escapade from the modern world’s hustle and bustle.
Journeying to this serene escape offers a scenic travel from Trinidad. Prepare to disconnect from the digital world as you step onto the farm, with no cell phone coverage. Instead, reacquaint yourself with the earthy aromas of roasting coffee, the rhythmic grind of traditional coffee bean ‘pilón’, and the satisfying process of milking cows and crafting cheese.
Venture out to a nearby mini waterfall for a refreshing dip or a picturesque horseback ride. Later savor traditional dishes meticulously prepared with fresh farm products. Organic here is a given! The intimate and authentic dining experience, devoid of throngs of tourists, adds a unique flavor to your meal.
A venture of the beaten trek, may just be what your soul requires.
Embarking on Your Tour in Cuba
Our Cuban escapade is only beginning, leading us into the heart of an island teeming with stories, beauty, and the warmth of its people. Cuba is not just a destination; it’s an experience, a moment in time, waiting to be lived and loved.
Join us on this extraordinary adventure, where each step unveils the hidden gems of Cuba, inviting you into its vibrant soul of colors, flavors, and stories. This is not just travel; it’s a pilgrimage to the heart of cultural richness, and it begins with the simple act of exploration.
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