Complex history & local stories – What we love about Cuba.
Since the Spanish tried to whiten the population in the colonial years, Cuba has been a melting pot of cultural influences. African slaves were imported to undertake the backbreaking work in the sugar fields. Then, a cheap Chinese workforce was sent in to replace them when slavery was abolished in 1866.
Fidel Castro’s revolution flung Cuba on to the world stage. This pint-sized island on the edge of the Caribbean was suddenly dealing with 2 nuclear superpowers and saw off 9 US presidents. The legacy of Fidel and Che Guevara are still very much present when you travel around Cuba today.
But today Cuba is a unique place. Years of Soviet funded political ideology created a strong- if slightly confusing – sense of national identity. Soviet, American, Spanish, Caribbean and African influences fuse together to create a fascinating, immersive place to visit.
CUBA TRAVEL TIPS
Viazul bus or car rental? How to get around Cuba.
Cuba can be an exciting and frustrating place to travel in. Here's everything you need to know about getting around Cuba to help make your trip a little smoother.
14 really useful Cuba travel tips
Cuba can be frustrating destination. But with planning, much of the frustration will disappear. Here are 14 travel tips for Cuba.
CUBA TRAVEL GUIDES
2-week Cuba itinerary – Colonialism & communism
With so much to see in Cuba how do you fit it all in? Here is our comprehensive itinerary for how to spend 2 weeks in Cuba.
3-day Havana itinerary – City of decaying grandeur
Under the crumbling buildings and decaying infrastructure, Havana hides an intriguing spirit. Here’s our 3-day Havana itinerary.
Quick Guide to Playa Larga, Cuba
Playa Larga is the gateway to the Cienaga de Zapata National Park, a varied ecosystem of wetlands, mangrove forests, coral reefs and underwater canyons. Here's what to see and do.
Quick guide to Trinidad, Cuba
Colourful buildings, colonial squares and great places to eat and drink. Here’s our pick of the best things to do in Trinidad, Cuba.
Quick Guide to Havana, Cuba
Just want the essentials? Here’s our quick guide to Havana with our favourite places to eat, the most atmospheric places for a drink as well as our top picks for the best things to see and do.
HIKING & NATURE
Viñales Valley – Cycle routes through Cuban tobacco farms
Taking a Viñales Valley tour is a great way to see the area, but even better, hire a bike and meander the many excellent paths.
How to visit Cuba’s Ciénaga de Zapata National Park
Snorkelling in the Bay of Pigs? Birdwatching? Peering over a pink swathe of flamingos? Here's all you need to know about visiting Ciénaga de Zapata National Park.
Exploring Cuba’s Topes de Collantes Nature Reserve
Hiking in Cuba can be great but frustrating with minimal signs and information. Here’s a guide to for independent hiking in the Topes de Collantes Nature Reserve.
Coffee and communism in Parque Guanayara
Parque Guanayara's natural pools and waterfalls make a great day trip from Trinidad and an insightful way to understand the lives of people working in the coffee industry.
Hiking and swimming in Parque El Cubano
Parque el Cubano is the most accessible park from Trinidad, Cuba. Here’s all you need to know to visit some beautiful pools and waterfalls.
Stunning wild swimming in the waterfalls of El Nicho
Sitting in the natural pools and under the cascading waterfalls of El Nicho is a highlight of any trip to Cuba. Here’s all you need to know.
How to hike without a guide in Viñales Valley, Cuba
Viñales Valley has the finest scenery in Cuba. But with few signs hiking is tricky. This guide will help you to complete a fantastic hike.
THOUGHT PROVOKING
Cuba today: Private dreams and public reality
Cuba today can be fascinating, yet also incredibly frustrating. Here’s our experience of a country struggling to combine capitalist prosperity with communist ideals.