Self-drive in Cuba: culture, history & nature

Havana

Day 1: Welcome to Cuba!

Upon arrival, a representative will pick you up from the airport before transferring you to your casa. During this ride, you can bask in the surroundings and colorful suburbs of Havana. 

After a long flight, nothing feels better than to relax a little and feel the vibe of Havana. Stroll down the streets and get to know Havana, a city where you can walk for hours and discover all of its pretty places. 

Alongside Havana Vieja, Centro Habana is worth a visit- it is the most colorful district, with a distinctly local touch. In the evening, try some local cuisine: fried plantains or cassava, white rice, pork, black bean soup, and salad are the staples of a traditional Cuban meal that you will find almost everywhere. Cuba is renowned for its nightlife and salsa scene; if you have the energy, this is not to be missed!

Havana

Day 2: Soak in the Atmosphere of Havana

Explore Old Havana through its World Heritage colonial architecture and cobblestone streets, as well through its daily life.

Stroll through Old Havana, Centro Habana, Vedado, and Nuevo Vedado, as you watch the city transform before your eyes, past colorful colonial architecture, mysterious cobbled alleyways, you cannot help but feel like you've stepped back in time. 

Afterward, your tour will take you to sights with considerable cultural, political and artistic significance. Step into the everyday lives of local people and witness how the city has developed over time into a grandiose, bustling urban community. 

Wander through the Plaza Vieja where you can absorb its social buzz.

At the city cathedral, marvel at its theater-like facade before discovering more hidden gems of the old town. 

Havana - Viñales

Day 3: Journey to Viñales

Journey to the charming village of Viñales and try some of the local restaurants like 'Tres Jotas' (3 Tapas Bar) or 'El Olivo.' Further from the center of the village, you will also find more traditional options like 'Balcon del Valle' restaurant, with a beautiful view of the valley. Viñales is an excellent destination to have a great Cuban food experience. 

The village is located in the middle of a fertile valley, so everything is fresh and tasty!

Besides that, the way of cooking has been the same for many years, passed from one generation to the next one. Your lunch will be not only be bursting with flavor but also enriched with the local traditions of the region.

Viñales

Day 4: Explore the Luscious Greenery of Viñales

Today's itinerary is up to you!

Why not begin with a tobacco walking tour? 

Together with a local guide, you will visit a tobacco farmer who will take you on a tour around his farm as well as the surroundings of Viñales.

The process of making cigars will be explained in detail with a real Cuban cigar that is rolled right in front of your eyes.

You are free to explore Viñales on your own for the rest of the day. Take advantage to discover the picturesque surrounding landscapes on this last day in Viñales, the views are splendid.

Perhaps wander through the streets admiring the colonial-style houses or cycle or horse-ride through the fields. Or find yourself a rocking chair to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the town.

Alternatively, this region is also popular for rock climbing and it is possible to kit up and scale the large rocks dotted about the area. 

Viñales - Cienfuegos

Day 5: Head to the Coast of Cienfuegos

Head for the area around Cienfuegos which offers a wide range of activities. Known as the "Pearl of the South," Cienfuegos is considered one of the biggest tourist destinations in Cuba, where visitors can practice a variety of water sports, climb the breathtaking Sierra del Escambray mountains, or experience the heritage of the Spanish and French settlers through its architecture.

Located next to one of the best bays in the world, this urban center is considered an architectural jewel with great French influence. Where buildings of different styles stand out harmoniously. It becomes a compulsory stop for visitors who spend their holidays in Cuba in the cultural field.

Cienfuegos - Trinidad

Day 6: Delve Into History-Frozen Trinidad

Trinidad is one of the best-preserved colonial cities in Cuba and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage since 1988. Its perfectly preserved colonial streets are crystallized in 1850. Once the home of sugar barons and pirates, it is now a living museum; the walls seem to breathe history.

Enjoy an afternoon to explore the quiet historic center as you stroll past impressive, candy-colored colonial houses. Perhaps join a guitar workshop to learn more about Cuban music.

If you fancy a more relaxing affair, sit back in front of a live show while sipping on fresh guarapo frio. Trinidad is the ideal location to relax and discover true Cuban culture. 

Trinidad

Day 7: Immerse Yourself in Nature's Wonder

Today, you have the choice as to what you get up to! Nevertheless, we would like to make a few suggestions. 

The area around Trinidad offers a wide range of activities. We recommend a hike in the Topes de Collantes Nature Park located only 5 km away from Trinidad. It is a natural park where mountains, sea, and cultural sights combine to one attraction.

This place of extraordinary beauty is of the greatest scientific value for Cuban botany, zoology, and ecology, evidenced by a protected area of more than 200 square meters where a variety of native flora and fauna grow.

Or saddle up and enjoy a stunning horseback tour of the beautiful valleys of los Pilones! Saunter through a natural reserve made up of cascading waterfalls, picturesque trails, emerald plains, and towering trees.

Trinidad - Camaguey

Day 8: Explore Camaguey's City Streets

A taxi will pick you up after breakfast to take you to Camaguey, the city of clay jugs. Suave and sophisticated, Camaguey is a bastion of the arts for the island, with its winding, pastel, colonial-streets a work of beauty.

Colonial buildings mix with modern constructions on an irregular urban layout. Tourists can enjoy this unique view from the roofs of some of the hotels in Camaguey or drive through the winding streets on a bici taxi - an innovative tricycle taxi.

Either swim with sharks on the coast of Santa Lucia, quench your thirst with refreshing water from a Tinajon after a colonial walk, or watch an authentic Guajiro rodeo, Camaguey will exceed the expectations of all.

Camaguey - Santiago De Cuba

Day 9: Feel the Rhythm of Santiago de Cuba

Today you will drive to Santiago de Cuba, the nation’s cultural capital that blends frenetic energy with a larger than life beauty. 

The afternoon is free to explore and enjoy this city, located between the Caribbean Sea and the Sierra Maestra. It is the cradle of sound: trova, bolero, conga, and guaracha. Its charms are due to a mixture of African and Caribbean rhythms.

From your accommodation, sit back and relax while listening to the sounds of this lively island nation.

Santiago De Cuba

Day 10: Stroll Down Cobblestone Streets

Emblematic cities like Santiago de Cuba always leave a pleasant memory of the people who visit them. This big city offers you a wide variety of surprises, ranging from architectural jewels, battlefields, colonial fortresses, sunken ships, mountain trails, to the best traditional music.

To admire a beautiful sunset, visit the Morro fortress and take part in one of the city's traditions: the cannon shot at the very moment the sun goes down.

Santiago also has one of the most important religious sites in Cuba, the church of the Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre in El Cobre, which is one of the most important saints in Cuba and a recommendation for your day.

Santiago De Cuba - Guardalavaca

Day 11: Find Paradise in Guardalavaca

With the day to spend at your own pace and leisure, why not choose something a little more active as you head towards the crystal clear waters of Guardalavaca.

This area has recently morphed into Cuba's most prized kite boarding spot thanks to its stiff north-coast winds. Or maybe now’s the time you learn to surf and catch some way with lessons at a local surf school.

If you are more of a fan of unwinding, then pull up a sunbed and recline as you bask beneath the warm Caribbean sun. No matter the decision, be comforted by the fact that there's enough time to do everything.

Guardalavaca

Day 12: Bathe in Serenity on the Cuban Coast

Guardalavaca is located in the east of the north coast of the province Holguin, where nature lovers will enjoy the sunset. 

The contrast between the progressive dominance of the green of the vegetation on the blue of the sea of the small beach fringes, protected by a coral reef as if it were a quiet guardian giving peace to the waters, illuminates.

Stroll along white-sand beaches and crystal clear ocean stretched out along the coast or dive into coral reef teeming with aquatic creatures and coral every shade of the rainbow. Go snorkeling or scuba diving and discover the tremendous diversity of tropical fish and crustaceans on the Atlantic reef.

Guardalavaca - Havana

Day 13: Journey Back to Cuba's Capital

Today you will head back to the capital.

Enjoy the last sunset in Havana and let us guide you through its joy of life, its charm, and its warmth.

We recommend that you visit the fortress "La Cabaña" in the evening, where you can see the cannon shooting ceremony. This ceremony dates back to the 18th century and the shot announced to the population that the gates of the city walls would be closed.

Or follow the tracks of Ernest Hemingway in Havana and visit the Ambos Mundos Hotel, Finca Vigía, Cojímar Village, Floridita, and Bodeguita del Medio Bars. 

Havana

Day 14: Cruise Down Havana's Streets

Use your final day to learn more about the city of Havana and its culture. Why not explore the enigmatic streets of Havana by a classic vintage car. 

Visit some of the most important museums, such as the Museum of Fine Arts. Get closer to the eclectic architecture of the city and visit the best exponents such as La Casa de la Amistad, the Bacardí building, etc.

Dance to the sound of our old and young musicians in Casa de la Música and get to know the history of a city that will soon celebrate its 500th birthday.

Havana

Day 15: Say Farewell to Cuba!

All good things must come to an end but we hope you have enjoyed your time exploring the very best that Cuba has to offer. The rich history, natural beauty, and the people make the country what it is.

At an arranged time you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your international flight back home. 

We hope you have had a memorable trip and wish you pleasant onward travels!