Founded more than 500 years ago, Havana
is a large city with about three million inhabitants. It possesses an impressive diversity of architecture in its unique mixture of periods from the colonial era to the modernity of the 1940's and 1950's. Here you can enjoy a varied cultural interaction, ride in classic American midcentury model cars, or walk the neighborhoods and transport yourself back in time within each neighborhood to a different era. From colonial Old Havana to the mansions and hotels of Vedado developed by La Mafia between the 1930's and 40's. You can visit several museums and places of activity and socio-cultural projection, from dance and music of many styles to varied cuisines, historic and contemporary arts, architecture, literature, spirituality, economics, and politics.
Varadero has almost 20 miles of fine white sand beach and is regarded as the best and most famous beach in Cuba. All along its peninsula are hundreds of hotels and resorts. In the nineteenth century this city reached notoriety when the wealthy families of the region began to install their mansions on the beaches. The Mafia was no stranger to this fact and in the first decades of the twentieth century they began to occupy land; today it is a reason to visit the mansion of Al Capone and other wealthy people such as the Dupont family with their Xanadu mansion. You will be able to take a tour of the home of the creator of a very famous rum in Cuba and visit his properties, as well as learn how alcohol was smuggled from Varadero to the United States during the Prohibition era. The area around Varadero possesses great natural beauty and archaeological evidence to explore, and there are many activities to enjoy apart from relaxing on the beach and taking in the vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene.
Viñales is a municipality and a beautiful town in the Pinar del Rio Province. It is located in the Viñales National Park and is considered one of the most fascinating places in Cuba. Viñales preserves its colonial architecture and traditional agricultural practices, while its environmental values add to its outstanding beauty. That's why it was declared a National Park in 1979. The town is very easy to navigate and is perfect for enjoying nature through various activities like rock climbing, horseback riding, and walking trips in the Viñales Valley. The Viñales Valley itself was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, offering unforgettable experiences.
Trinidad is a completely colonial city, one of the most authentic in Cuba, and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1988. Trinidad is as if it were a town that has stopped between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries. Its state of conservation is impressive, the best preserved in Cuba. It is the third villa founded in Cuba by the Spaniards in 1514. It is considered as the museum city of Cuba, here we will have different activities, one of the most attractive is to discover its streets, colonial architecture, and visit different spaces to enjoy art and music. Not only will we concentrate on the attractions of the village, but we will go to the outskirts towards rural areas. We will visit the Valley of Los Ingenios where there are still ruins of the early sugar industry. The Topes de Collantes Natural Park in the Sierra del Escambray with its beautiful ecology and a series of waterfalls, all considered among the most beautiful in Cuba. You can go hiking or ride on horseback until you find these spectacular cascades.
National Monument of Cuba, located within the province of Guantánamo. Baracoa is the first villa founded in Cuba by the Spaniards in 1511. This city is hidden between mountains and sea, so it has a first level importance for ecological tourism in Cuba. It offers a beautiful endemic vegetation along with its fauna. Without a doubt it is an exotic and unique place in the Cuban geography. Baracoa has it all: unique beaches, incredible rivers- the most beautiful in the country- archaeological sites, nature reserves and national parks protected by the Biosphere with endemic animals that can only be seen there in Baracoa. We will visit all these attractions, we will also give an approach to the culture of this region (music), which is unique in its kind. The food of these regions is another thing that only belongs to them, featuring abundant fresh seafood, tropical fruits, coconut, coffee, and chocolate. It is a paradisiacal site that we will discover in all its cultural and ecological variants.
Since the time of the pirates Playa Girón was the focus and meeting of great battles. Francis Drake also attacked the place without success. The Playa Girón historic museum focuses on the history of Cuba and the events that occurred during the US-Cuba conflict at the Bay of Pigs. The surrounding area of Zapata Peninsula is an extensive wetland of great ecologic diversity, particularly known for its varieties of birdlife.
Santa Clara is a vibrant city located in central Cuba. The weather in February is warm and sunny, perfect for exploring the city's many cultural offerings. You and your friends will enjoy immersing yourselves in the local culture, whether it be through visiting must-see attractions such as historic landmarks and museums, trying out the delicious traditional cuisine, or seeking out hidden gems off the beaten path. Santa Clara is a city that truly has something for everyone, making it the perfect destination for your 4-day trip.
Matanzas is a beautiful coastal city in Cuba, perfect for a 4-day trip in August with your friends. The city has a rich culture, with plenty of opportunities to explore museums and historic sites. You'll also find a variety of delicious food options, from street vendors to high-end restaurants. For must-see attractions, be sure to visit the stunning natural landmarks and beaches. And for hidden gems, explore the winding streets of the city's neighborhoods to discover unique shops and local art galleries. With so much to see and do, Matanzas is the perfect destination for your trip!
Camaguey is a charming city with a rich history and vibrant culture. You'll find plenty of must-see attractions to fill your 3 days here, from beautiful colonial architecture to fascinating museums. The warm April weather is perfect for exploring the city's many parks and plazas, or taking a stroll through the colorful streets. And with your friends by your side, you're sure to have a great time experiencing everything this unique destination has to offer.