Highlights of Cuba
From the laid-back vibes of Havana and brightly coloured facades of Trinidad’s colonial dwellings to the tobacco plantations of the Viñales Valley, our small group trips to Cuba will transport you into the heart of this bold and vibrant country. Here are a few highlights of our Cuba tours.
Havana
Slow down and switch off with a wander through the timeworn backstreets of Old Havana on our best-selling Cuba Discovery Tour. Art deco houses are painted blue, pink and yellow, and brightly coloured vintage Cadillacs roll along the faded colonial streets. Meander through the narrow alleyways of this vibrant coastal town and unwind with a refreshing daiquiri in a local bar. Feel the stress fade away as you hear cheerful greetings of ‘Buenos Dias’ between neighbours and soak up the sound of live salsa music filling the streets.
Trinidad
Step back in time as you explore some of Cuba’s best-preserved colonial streets in the town of Trinidad on our Classic Cuba Discovery Tour. Founded by French settlers fleeing the slave revolt in Haiti, the town benefited from an economic boom generated by the local sugar cane trade. Subsequently, the buildings here are as ornate as they are grand. Multi-coloured facades glow brightly in the sunshine, and stately mansions surround the town’s central square. If you’re looking for a bit of relaxation, Trinidad’s six-kilometre white-sand beach, Playa Ancon, is the perfect place to take an afternoon snooze. Alternatively, swing by a local salsa dance lesson to burn off some energy, or sip an ice-cold mojito while listening to live music at Casa de la Musica.
Vinales Valley
Head into Cuba’s verdant countryside to see the more rural area of the island on our Western Cuba Discovery Tour. The steep limestone hills of the Viñales Valley rise from the fertile soils that nourish the vast banana and coffee plantations. Walk amongst the spectacular jungle-topped ‘mogotes’ jutting out of the ground and keep your eyes peeled for endemic flora and fluttering hummingbirds. A trip to the nearby island of Cayo Levisa is also a popular highlight. Relax on the white-sand beaches and swim in the turquoise-blue waters in this little slice of paradise. This picturesque region can also be explored on two wheels on our Cycle Cuba Holiday. Greet locals harvesting their crops with horse and cart and stop at a farmer’s home to savour some local Cuban coffee to fuel your ride.
Escambray Mountains (Topes de Collantes National Park)
Climb a steep switch-back road up into the mountains of the Topes de Collantes Nature Reserve and trek through dense forest to undercover the cascading torrents of Salto de Rocio Waterfall on our best-selling Cuba Discovery Tour. Take a refreshing dip in a glistening aquamarine lagoon or relax on its banks amongst verdant ferns, vibrant bromeliad flowers and elegant orchid blooms. End the day with a feast of slow-cooked pork roasted over an open fire and spend the night camping under a blanket of stars in a traditional haciendas ranch. Families can also experience the majestic wilderness of this remote and unspoilt valley on our Family Cuba Discovery Tour.
Solo Travel in Cuba
Our small group trips to Cuba are popular with families, couples, friends and solo travellers alike. Travel with like-minded people and make new friends as you discover all of the must-see sights as well as hidden local gems under the expert guidance of your Explore tour leader.
Best time to go to Cuba
Dry season winter getaway
Cuba’s dry season runs from November to April, making it a fantastic winter holiday destination. The days are usually sunny, and temperatures hover around 25 – 30˚C. If you’re heading into the mountains on our
Cuba cycling holidays or
Cuba walking trips it may get colder at higher altitudes, so pack some warmer layers too.
Avoid crowds during the rainy season
Enjoy quieter beaches and a more relaxed vibe in the streets of Havana on a trip to Cuba from July to October. This is an excellent time for adventurous families to join our
Family Cuba Discovery Holiday. You’re likely to experience bursts of heavy rain and a more humid climate at this time of year, but it’s unusual for the rain to last all day.