Tourist Experience of Travelling Cuba
– Guest post by Tim Peters
I recently visited Cuba for the very time on a 2 week trip from the UK and this was an experience unlike any other and I have traveled to over forty countries. My trip report is below.
Havana
A city just trapped in time, Havana captured my imagination like no other.
Its backdrop of incredible colors and colonial-era reconstruction will make you see a faded glamour in every corner.
Walk El Malecon, the beautiful walkway bordering the Caribbean; I love to visit Old Havana as well as the Cathedral de San Cristóbal.
Do you want to dance all night? Head to Havana and you will live the time of your life.
I love Old Havana, a varied selection of delights in a special part of Havana.
I spent a lot of time enjoying the nightlife every evening because for me it was a chance to really capture the passion of the local people, in the music and dance.
Cubans are a passionate people and very friendly I found.
Old Havana features plenty of buildings from many different periods from art nouveau to old Spanish Colonial.
In addition to this, I love the restaurants and bars that I find here as well as the interesting museums.
This is a must for any tour through Cuba and I also love its stunning architecture while taking a buggy or horse ride.
If you visit Havana, do not forget to drop by Old Square.
This square is more than 500 years old and a world heritage site, though it has been restored to its pristine glory.
If you want to admire Cuban arts, you will have to visit this square which is full of patios.
Trinidad
Trinidad is home to wonderful places such as Plaza Mayor.
You cannot miss this scenic little spot.
This place is very well kept as well as friendly.
Plaza Mayor is perfect for both mingling with the locals and taking photos.
The surrounding colonial architecture is simply outstanding and the tended gardens are second to none.
Trinidad also offers horseback riding tours, which are a great way to explore the surrounding area at a slow and relaxed pace.
There are many guides who offer to take you around the area and the tours if you book them directly are quite affordable and their knowledge of the local flora and fauna can be quite insightful.
I also tried one of the hiking tours and provided you have a reasonable level of mobility, it’s another great way to spend some time and to see Trinidad in Cuba.
In the hotter months though, do make sure to carry with you plenty of bottled water! I learned the hard way.
Ancon Beach is another wonderful place and one which I visited twice.
The whole place seems to be a mix of different beaches, a nice place to relax and Ancon beach is not crowded.
Though the beach is sometimes hot, hiring a bike is always also possible if you wish to cycle along the coastal area.
The Romance Museum is another place you cannot miss.
This historic and beautiful museum exhibits pieces that are very well preserved, and as with most tour guides I came across in Cuba, they seem to be very passionate, friendly, and knowledgeable in the way they give their tours.
Vinales
Vinales is another interesting city that you should visit and which I recommend strongly.
Do not forget to visit the Valle de Vinales (Vinales Valley) by going riding on horseback.
It is a unique experience to visit a tobacco plantation to see how Cuban cigars are made.
The Jardin Botanico (Botanic Gardens) is another place you should visit if time permits.
Do not forget also to visit the Cuevas de Santo Tomas (Saint Thomas Caves) which are a stunning sight.
Your tour guide will provide you with a lamp and a helmet.
Though I had to take a taxi from Vinales to get to the caves it is worth the effort and cost.
Polo Montanez Cultural Center is another attraction for the to-do list.
This place provides cheap drinks and a nice ambiance with a mixture of locals and tourists.
Vadero
Vadero’s powdery sands will seduce you right away.
Al Capone is said to have visited this place which retains its historical glamour.
If you love Cuban history, the mansions turned museums will amaze you.
I really love its keys, caves, and virgin forests, as I am nature’s lover.
Saturno Cave is yet another stunning cave and certainly worth a visit whilst in Cuba.
You will see many places that are 20 meters deep in the cave so you will need a life jacket if you do not know how to swim (the guides usually have these available).
If you are in the middle of a hot day, these caves are a godsend as the water is quite cold!
Josone Park is yet another beautiful place featuring a quiet, clean, serene scene that will make you appreciate a quite diverse side to Cuba from Havana.
If you love a drink, Casa del Ron (House of Rum) is a must and it’s a place I love.
Cienfuegos
Cienfuegos has a number of amazing places such as El Nicho waterfalls, and I adore it.
The place features natural pools you can go swimming and the tour will last around an hour.
If you are visiting on a hot day, El Nicho waterfalls are a great place to refresh and cool down.
This is a great place if you want to see crystal clear waters and special plants.
The Delfinario is another place I love to visit because I got to swim with dolphins.
You might want to visit Cuba too!
