UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Book Attractions in Advance

Skip the lines at Cuba's top attractions by booking tickets in advance through Tiqets. Get instant confirmation and mobile tickets for museums, castles, and experiences across Cuba.

🏰

Old Havana and its Fortifications

Explore colonial architecture, vibrant plazas, and restored buildings in this living museum of Spanish heritage.

Especially enchanting during sunset walks, perfect for classic car rides and live music venues.

Trinidad and the Valley de los Ingenios

Discover cobblestone streets, pastel houses, and sugar plantation ruins in this preserved colonial gem.

A blend of Caribbean color and revolutionary history that captivates architecture lovers.

🏛️

Viñales Valley

Admire dramatic limestone mogotes, tobacco fields, and traditional farms in this picturesque landscape.

Hiking and horseback tours create an immersive rural experience amid stunning natural beauty.

💎

San Pedro de la Roca Castle, Santiago de Cuba

Visit this seaside fortress with panoramic bay views and exhibits on colonial defense.

Combining military history with coastal scenery in a dramatic clifftop setting.

🏺

Urban Historic Centre of Cienfuegos

Uncover neoclassical architecture and the French-influenced Palacio de Valle.

Less crowded, offering a serene alternative with waterfront promenades and cultural shows.

📚

Archaeological Landscape of the First Coffee Plantations

Explore UNESCO-listed ruins of 19th-century coffee estates in the southeast mountains.

Fascinating for those interested in industrial history and lush rainforest surroundings.

Natural Wonders & Outdoor Adventures

🌲

Viñales Valley

Hike through tobacco plantations and mogote hills, ideal for adventure seekers with cave explorations.

Perfect for multi-day treks with scenic viewpoints and birdwatching opportunities.

🏖️

Varadero Beaches

Relax on white-sand shores with turquoise waters and water sports like snorkeling.

Family-friendly fun with fresh seafood and beachside resorts in the warm Caribbean sun.

🦌

Sierra Maestra Mountains

Explore rugged peaks and revolutionary trails via hiking paths, attracting history buffs.

Serene spot for camping and wildlife spotting with diverse tropical ecosystems.

🌳

Zapata Peninsula (Ciénaga de Zapata)

Wander mangrove forests and wetlands near the Bay of Pigs, perfect for eco-tours and birding.

This biosphere reserve offers a quick nature escape with historical diving sites.

🚣

Topes de Collantes Waterfalls

Kayak or hike to cascading falls in the Escambray Mountains, ideal for nature immersion.

Hidden gem for scenic drives and riverside picnics amid lush vegetation.

🌾

Cayo Coco and Jardines del Rey

Discover pristine cays and coral reefs with cycling and fishing routes.

Ecotourism connecting to Cuba's marine heritage and island paradise charm.

Cuba by Region

🌆 Western Cuba

  • Best For: Colonial cities, tobacco valleys, and revolutionary sites with vibrant Havana nightlife.
  • Key Destinations: Havana, Viñales, Pinar del Río, and Soroa for historic sites and rural escapes.
  • Activities: Classic car tours, cigar factory visits, salsa dancing, and horseback riding in lush valleys.
  • Best Time: Dry season (November-April) for comfortable 20-30°C weather and festivals.
  • Getting There: Fly into Havana's José Martí Airport, with private transfers available via GetTransfer for onward travel.

🏙️ Central Cuba

  • Best For: Colonial gems and mountain adventures as the cultural heart of revolutionary history.
  • Key Destinations: Trinidad, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara for landmarks and Che Guevara memorials.
  • Activities: Beach excursions, rum tastings, museum hopping, and hiking in the Escambray Mountains.
  • Best Time: Year-round, but spring (March-May) for fewer crowds and events like Carnival in Santiago.
  • Getting There: Havana is the main hub - compare flights on Aviasales for domestic connections.

🌳 Eastern Cuba

  • Best For: Rugged mountains and Afro-Caribbean influences, featuring Sierra Maestra trails.
  • Key Destinations: Santiago de Cuba, Baracoa, Bayamo for nature and revolutionary battlefields.
  • Activities: Hiking, waterfall swims, cultural music scenes, and local coffee plantation tours.
  • Best Time: Dry season (December-April) for activities, with warm 25-30°C and less rain.
  • Getting There: Rent a car for flexibility in exploring remote eastern roads and villages.

🏖️ Northern Beaches

  • Best For: Pristine sands and all-inclusive resorts with a relaxed Caribbean vibe.
  • Key Destinations: Varadero, Cayo Coco, Guardalavaca for coastal charm and diving spots.
  • Activities: Snorkeling, catamaran cruises, beach volleyball, and seaside seafood dining.
  • Best Time: Summer months (June-August) for sunbathing, with warm 28-32°C and sea breezes.
  • Getting There: Direct flights to Varadero or bus from Havana, with taxis connecting beach areas.

Sample Cuba Itineraries

🚀 7-Day Cuba Highlights

Days 1-2: Havana

Arrive in Havana, explore Old Havana's plazas, ride classic cars, visit the Malecon, and enjoy live salsa music.

Days 3-4: Viñales & Tobacco Valley

Bus to Viñales for cave hikes and tobacco farm tours, then horseback rides through mogote landscapes.

Days 5-6: Trinidad & Beaches

Travel to Trinidad for colonial walks and music, with a day trip to nearby Playa Ancón for relaxation.

Day 7: Return to Havana

Final day in Havana for rum tastings, last-minute shopping, and departure, savoring local cuisine.

🏞️ 10-Day Adventure Explorer

Days 1-2: Havana Immersion

Havana city tour covering Revolution Square, museums, cigar factories, and vibrant street art scenes.

Days 3-4: Viñales

Viñales for historic sites including cave explorations and rural farm stays with tobacco experiences.

Days 5-6: Trinidad & Cienfuegos

Trinidad for colonial architecture and beach time, then Cienfuegos for waterfront palaces and bay cruises.

Days 7-8: Escambray Mountains

Full outdoor adventure with waterfall hikes in Topes de Collantes and eco-lodges in the highlands.

Days 9-10: Varadero & Return

Beach relaxation in Varadero with snorkeling and catamaran trips before returning to Havana.

🏙️ 14-Day Complete Cuba

Days 1-3: Havana Deep Dive

Comprehensive Havana exploration including fortresses, art galleries, food tours, and revolutionary sites.

Days 4-6: Western Circuit

Viñales for valleys and caves, Pinar del Río for tobacco heritage and scenic drives.

Days 7-9: Central Adventures

Trinidad colonial tours, Cienfuegos architecture, and mountain hikes with rum distillery visits.

Days 10-12: Eastern Exploration & Beaches

Santiago de Cuba for music and history, then Guardalavaca beaches for diving and relaxation.

Days 13-14: Cayo Coco & Havana Finale

Cayo Coco for island cays and reefs, final Havana experiences with shopping before departure.

Top Activities & Experiences

🚣

Classic Car Tours

Cruise Havana's streets in restored 1950s convertibles for unique perspectives of urban life.

Available year-round with sunset tours offering nostalgic ambiance and photo ops.

🍺

Rum Tastings

Sample world-class rums at distilleries like Havana Club with guided tours of production.

Learn distillation traditions from master roneros and pair with Cuban cigars.

🍫

Cigar Rolling Workshops

Create your own Cuban cigars in Viñales farms with expert torcedores' guidance.

Learn about tobacco cultivation and traditional rolling techniques in rural settings.

🚴

Horseback Riding Tours

Explore Viñales' valleys and trails on horseback with rentals widely available.

Popular routes include tobacco fields and mogotes with guided eco-adventures.

🎨

Salsa Dancing Lessons

Discover rhythms at Havana dance schools and evening clubs with live bands.

Classes by professional dancers covering Afro-Cuban styles and social dancing.

🏰

Fortress Visits

Tour colonial strongholds like El Morro in Havana and San Pedro in Santiago.

Many sites offer cannon firings and historical reenactments for immersive experiences.

Explore More Cuba Guides