Step into a world where time slows down and every corner tells a story
Cuba is a land of paradoxes — old American cars roll past faded colonial buildings, while music drifts from every doorway. Once isolated, now increasingly visited, Cuba offers an immersive journey into resilience, culture, and raw beauty.
🏙️ Cities and Regions Worth Exploring
1. Havana (La Habana)
The beating heart of Cuba.
- Old Havana (Habana Vieja) – A UNESCO World Heritage site full of cobblestone streets, baroque buildings, and vibrant life.
- Malecón – The famous seaside promenade where locals gather at sunset.
- Revolution Square – The iconic backdrop for Cuba’s political history.
2. Viñales Valley
Just a few hours west of Havana, Viñales offers lush tobacco farms, dramatic limestone hills, and a peaceful rural setting.
- Go horseback riding through plantations.
- Visit local cigar-makers.
- Explore caves like Cueva del Indio.
3. Trinidad
A colorful colonial town frozen in time.
- Cobblestone streets, pastel houses, and live salsa music.
- Nearby Playa Ancón offers one of Cuba’s best beaches.
4. Santiago de Cuba
Cuba’s second city and the cradle of Afro-Cuban culture.
- Known for its music, rum, and fiery Carnaval in July.
- Visit Castillo del Morro and the tomb of José Martí.
5. Cienfuegos & Santa Clara
- Cienfuegos – The “Pearl of the South” with French colonial charm.
- Santa Clara – Where Che Guevara’s remains lie; steeped in revolutionary symbolism.
🏝️ Nature and Beaches
- Varadero – The most famous resort area with white sand and all-inclusives.
- Cayo Coco & Cayo Guillermo – Isolated island paradises with pristine waters.
- Baracoa – Remote and lush, with unique cuisine and hiking opportunities.
🎶 Music, Dance, and Culture
- Salsa, son, rumba, and reggaetón pulse through Cuban veins.
- Visit the Casa de la Música in most major towns.
- Cuba’s culture is a fusion of African, Spanish, and Caribbean influences — felt in everything from rhythm to religion (like Santería).
🏳️🌈 LGBT Travel in Cuba
Cuba has made notable progress in LGBT rights, with legal protections and a growing queer scene in Havana. Mejunje in Santa Clara is a legendary inclusive cultural center. While social attitudes can vary in rural areas, the overall environment has become more accepting, especially among younger Cubans.
🍽️ Food and Drink
- Ropa vieja (shredded beef), moros y cristianos (rice and beans), and fresh seafood.
- Rum is a cultural staple — visit Havana Club Museum or local distilleries.
- Don’t skip the mojito or Cuba Libre — best enjoyed in a breezy courtyard.
✈️ Travel Tips
- Currency: CUP (Cuban peso); some tourist areas still use MLC (currency for foreign transactions).
- Internet is limited; buy a local ETECSA internet card.
- Bring cash — credit cards often don’t work, especially U.S.-issued ones.
- Respect local rules on photography and interaction with officials.
🧳 Why Visit Cuba?
Because nowhere else feels quite like it. Cuba’s charm lies in its contradictions — old and new, joy and struggle, beauty and decay. Whether you’re drawn by music, history, beaches, or the simple human spirit, Cuba delivers a travel experience like no other.
