As I mentioned in my other blog posts “Get Lost In The Magic Of Old Havana: A Guide To Exploring The City’s Vibrant Culture” and “Cuba Travel Tips for Americans: What You Need to Know Before You Go” I got back from an incredible 12-day trip to Cuba! For the first 8 days, I traveled with a group exploring Western Cuba, and then I spent the remaining 4 days solo in Havana.
Introduction
Visiting Cuba has been a dream of mine for years, and even though it was challenging at times as a non-Spanish speaking, a solo female traveler from the United States, I still had an amazing time! That’s why I decided to create Cuban travel tips, especially for American travelers. Cuba is an incredible country full of history, culture, and stunning landscapes, yet it remains relatively unexplored by Americans due to decades of strained relations between the US and Cuba. With so many misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding travel to Cuba, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what to expect. So, let’s dive in and explore the magic of Western Cuba together!
Western Cuba with Cuban Adventures
I researched online and decided to take an 8-day Original tour with Cuban Adventures. It is an award-winning tour company specializing in small group tours, offering authentic cultural experiences of Cuba. Their dedication to exclusively focusing on Cuba ensures that they are truly specialized in providing unique and immersive experiences in this remarkable country. In addition to their expertly crafted tours, Cuban Adventures also provides a range of travel services, including accommodation, tour guides, and travel insurance, ensuring that travelers are fully catered to during your stay. You can expect an unforgettable journey through the rich culture and history of Cuba, guided by a team of passionate and knowledgeable experts.
I strongly endorse Cuban Adventures for your Cuba journey. Their communication, from WhatsApp messages to emails, was outstanding. They promptly addressed my inquiries while also offering extra insights about the country, its culture, practical details, and what to anticipate. Rest assured, a team of enthusiastic and well-informed professionals will be with you every step of the way. Visit their website to explore Cuba tours, day tours, and customized tours. Use the promo code Nomad50 to receive a 5% discount on your booking.
Tour Overview
This tour is a captivating journey that takes you through the stunning and culturally rich region of Western Cuba. The tour begins in the bustling city of Havana, where you’ll explore its fascinating history, iconic landmarks, and vibrant atmosphere. As you venture westward, you’ll uncover the breathtaking landscapes, picturesque tobacco fields, and charming colonial towns that make Western Cuba truly unique.
Throughout the 8-day adventure, you’ll visit a variety of fascinating destinations, such as the lush Viñales Valley, the beautiful beaches of Bay of Pigs, and the historic city of Cienfuegos. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a range of exciting activities, including hiking, horseback riding, and snorkeling, as well as sampling delicious Cuban cuisine at local paladares and guesthouses.
I believe this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and relaxation, providing an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking to explore the lesser-known side of this enchanting Caribbean island. With a knowledgeable tour guide, comfortable accommodations, and a carefully crafted itinerary, you’re sure to have the adventure of a lifetime in Western Cuba.
Day 1: Arrival in Havana
I boarded American Airlines’ 10:30 am flight from Miami to Havana, arriving at Havana airport around noon. After passing through the passport and visa checkpoints, I collected my luggage and met with the tour representative, who was holding a sign featuring the company logo near the arrival gate. She escorted me to her office and offered me some water while we waited for the driver. This service was conveniently included in my package. Upon reaching the guesthouse, I discovered a Welcome Note from the tour leader detailing the group meeting times.
A few days prior, I received an email with my tour confirmation, which included a link to a collection of maps featuring up-to-date information on Cuba and suggestions for every city I would visit during the tour. It’s essential to download this information and offline maps before arriving, as the internet can be slow and costly. I chose to explore the vicinity of my Havana guesthouse situated in Old Havana. As a non-Spanish speaker, I carried a business card from my guesthouse to show people my accommodation’s location in case I needed assistance finding my way back.
That same day, at around 6 pm, our tour guide Rayner welcomed us and arranged a formal group meeting at our casa. This provided an opportunity for me to meet the other tour group members. He proposed that we all dine together, so we ended up at a nearby authentic Cuban restaurant with a lovely terrace and live music.
Day 2 Havana to Viñales
After enjoying a delicious breakfast at our guesthouse, we have a guided walking tour of the historic center of Havana (approx. 2 hours). We discover the rich history and culture of this fascinating city, visited iconic landmarks such as Plaza de la Catedral, Catedral de San Cristobal, Morro Castle, and Lesser Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.
On our way from Havana to Viñales, which is about a 4-hour drive, we stopped for lunch. Viñales is surrounded by picturesque limestone pincushion hills called mogotes. The valley was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. There were plenty of outdoor activities on offer, such as exploring caves, hiking in the valley, biking, horse riding, or simply enjoying the views of the valley and tobacco fields. Once we settled into our guest house, I opted to wander around and investigate the city, dedicating some time to the local market and savoring a delightful dinner at Cubar.
Day 3 Viñales
Viñales is one of the more agriculturally productive areas, so there was always an abundance of local seasonal fruits and vegetables on offer, such as enormous avocados and mangoes, pineapples, papaya, guava, and several varieties of sweet potatoes. Grateful to our host, we had the opportunity to savor delectable tropical fruits and juices during breakfast.
On the third day, our entire group chose to embark on a tour of a tobacco farm. We contributed $10 per person to the local guide and spent half a day visiting a quaint family-owned farm. Our guide provided us with insights into the local lifestyle, the farm, and the process of growing tobacco. We were even treated to a demonstration by the farmer on rolling and smoking a cigar. Following our brief hike, we paused at a cozy hut to enjoy some rum and coconut.
Day 4 Cienfuegos via Bay of Pigs
Day 4 was the longest travel day of the tour, drove 8 hours from Viñales to Cienfuegos. We traveled back past Havana and along the central plain of Cuba, where there were lots of citrus plantations. We passed through the densely vegetated Peninsula de Zapata swamplands and then along the beautiful Bay of Pigs. This is where the landing of the counter-revolutionary exile militia occurred in 1961. The ensuing battle with the Cuban Revolutionary forces resulted in the first defeat of a U.S backed takeover in Latin America. Our guide explained in more detail the dramatic events and we watched some related documentaries. We stopped for a swim at a beautiful spot on the bay that was ideal for snorkeling. There was a small hut selling snacks & drinks, plus snorkeling masks were available at a small cost.
We made it to Cienfuegos late afternoon. Founded by the French, Cienfuegos’ appeal lies partly in the European flavor of its colonial hub, with a wide Parisian-style boulevard and elegant colonnades. Founded in 1819, the colonial town was initially settled by immigrants of French origin and became a trading hub for sugar cane, tobacco, and coffee. In 2005, the historic city center was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Upon checking in with my host family, I had a brief window in the afternoon to stroll through the city and absorb its ambiance. Our tour guide, Rayner, suggested that we dine together at Casa Prado Paladar. The rooftop terrace was lovely, the live music added to the enjoyment, and the food was scrumptious.
Day 5-6 Trinidad
For me, Trinidad was a standout favorite destination during my visit to Cuba. No other colonial city in Cuba is so well preserved, and the local residents were extremely friendly and festive. Trinidad is steeped in religiosity, including Santeria, which is one of several Afro-Cuban religions. The beautiful colonial city is home to numerous churches and many stunning colonial buildings. Not far inland lies the Valley of Sugar Mills, an area with rich fertile soil where the Trinidad colonists gained most of their wealth.
A 10-minute drive in the opposite direction could take you to a beautiful calm Caribbean beach called Playa Ancón. Some other optional activities in Trinidad included snorkeling and scuba diving, but we decided to hike a popular trek to a waterfall where you can swim in the fresh clear water spring. Parque el Cubano is located just 15 minutes from the city of Trinidad, in the Guamuhaya Massif, on the banks of the Guaurabo River.
However, the thing I loved most about Trinidad was its nightlife. There were no less than 10 live music venues, all within a short walking distance. Many of these venues had lovely outdoor settings, in courtyards and within the walls of old colonial ruins.
Day 7 Havana via Santa Clara
We returned to Havana via the town of Santa Clara, a key city in the Cuban Revolution. Upon entering Santa Clara, I saw a huge statue of Ernesto Ché Guevara, commemorating his death and that of the revolutionaries who died alongside him in Bolivia. There was also a museum dedicated to his amazing life. After our short visit to Santa Clara, we continue to drive to Havana for the final night of the tour.
Our final guest house was situated on Malecon, boasting a stunning sunset view. After bidding farewell to our driver and guide Rayner, I chose to wander around and walked to Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta, Paseo del Prado, and eventually to Parque Central. I concluded the day by indulging in dinner and the finest daiquiri at El Floridita, Hemingway’s preferred bar in Havana.
Day 8 Last day in Havana
On the last day of our tour, I delved deeper into the city using a hop-on-hop-off bus (Havana Bus Tour). Additionally, I shopped for souvenirs at Almacenes San José Artisans’ Market before making my way to the airport for departure. Please note that going back to the airport is not included in this tour; a taxi from Old Havana or Malecon to the airport typically costs $25-30. My host called for a taxi and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride, as I had the chance to travel in one of those classic 1950s cars.
Conclusion
Overall, I think the tour of Western Cuba was an unforgettable experience that provided a unique insight into the country’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Throughout the journey, we had the opportunity to interact with friendly locals, indulge in authentic Cuban cuisine, and visit remarkable sites such as tobacco farms, colonial towns, and pristine beaches.
The well-organized itinerary allowed for a perfect balance of guided tours and personal exploration, ensuring that we could make the most of our time in each location. Our knowledgeable guide, Rayner, greatly enhanced the experience by sharing fascinating information about local life, customs, and traditions.
In conclusion, traveling to Western Cuba is a highly recommended adventure for anyone seeking to explore the captivating beauty, history, and charm of this enchanting Caribbean island. The memories and experiences gained during this tour will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression and inspire a deep appreciation for Cuba’s unique culture and heritage.