Complete 12-Day Itinerary
If there’s a journey that gets under your skin, makes you dance to the rhythm of salsa, and gifts you unforgettable sunsets on white sandy beaches, it’s Cuba. I had the fortune of exploring the island on a group tour—an experience I highly recommend to anyone wanting to immerse themselves in Cuban culture, with its colonial cities, crystal-clear waters, and nights filled with music and mojitos. In this article, I’ll share everything: when to go, how to get around, and what to see for an unforgettable trip.
When to Go to Cuba
Cuba has a tropical climate, making it a year-round destination. However, the best time to visit is between November and April, when the weather is dry and temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). I chose to visit in winter, the perfect time to escape the European cold and enjoy the Caribbean sun. Avoid the hurricane season, which lasts from June to November, to steer clear of heavy rains.
How to Get to and Travel Around Cuba
The best way to get to Cuba is by flying into Havana or Varadero. I landed at Havana’s airport, which is the perfect starting point for a road trip around the island.
For internal transportation, you can take buses operated by Viazul, but for an authentic experience, I recommend renting a car or using colectivo taxis—shared taxis that allow you to travel affordably while meeting locals and other travelers.
12-Day Itinerary: Discovering Cuba
Day 1-2: Havana – History & Mojitos
Havana immediately captivates you with its decaying charm and unique energy. Walking through the streets of Habana Vieja is like stepping back in time, surrounded by colonial buildings, vintage cars, and live music.
Must-see spots:
Plaza de la Catedral, Sunset at the Malecón, A mojito at La Bodeguita del Medio, Night out at Fábrica de Arte Cubano
Day 3-4: Viñales & the Tobacco Valley
A few hours from Havana, Viñales is a natural paradise, known for its limestone hills and tobacco plantations. Here, I visited a finca (farm) to learn about Cuban cigar production and took a horseback riding tour through the lush valley.
Top experiences:
🐎 Trekking in Valle de Viñales
🍂 Visiting a tobacco plantation
🚣 Boat ride in Cueva del Indio
Day 5-6: Cienfuegos & the Magic of Trinidad
Nicknamed the "Pearl of the South," Cienfuegos has unique French colonial architecture. After a brief visit, I headed to Trinidad, arguably the most charming city in Cuba, with its cobblestone streets and colorful houses.
Best things to do in Trinidad:
🌅 Sunset walk in Plaza Mayor
🎶 Night out at Casa de la Música
💦 El Nicho Waterfall excursion
Day 7-8: Playa Ancón & Santa Clara
After days of exploring, some relaxation at Playa Ancón was much needed—turquoise waters, white sand, and beachside cocktails. Later, I visited Santa Clara, the city known as a symbol of the Cuban Revolution and the final resting place of Che Guevara.
Must-visit stops:
🌴 Playa Ancón
🛑 Che Guevara Mausoleum
🏛️ Santa Clara’s historic center
Day 9-10: Cayo Santa Maria – Caribbean Paradise
If you’re looking for a postcard-perfect beach, Cayo Santa Maria is the place to go. This island offers pristine beaches, ideal for disconnecting from the world and soaking in pure relaxation.
Recommended activities:
🤿 Snorkeling on the coral reef
🍹 Enjoying cocktails on the beach
🌅 Watching an incredible sunset
Day 11-12: Back to Havana
Before heading home, I spent my last day in Havana, shopping for local crafts and soaking in one last night of Cuban music.
Practical Tips for Traveling to Cuba
📶 Internet: Wi-Fi is limited. Buy a local SIM card or use ETECSA Wi-Fi cards for public hotspots.
💰 Money: Bring cash (euros or dollars) to exchange into CUP (Cuban pesos) upon arrival.
🗣 Language: Spanish is the official language. Learning a few phrases will help you connect with locals.
🚨 Safety: Cuba is very safe, but watch out for jineteros—scammers trying to sell you everything.
Why Travel to Cuba in a Group?
Traveling in a group was the perfect choice for me. Not only did I meet amazing people to share incredible experiences with, but I also enjoyed the island stress-free, thanks to the tour's organization.
The magic of a trip like this lies in sharing experiences—from dinners of ropa vieja to impromptu salsa dancing in the streets, every moment becomes an unforgettable memory.
If you dream of an authentic and unforgettable adventure, Cuba is the perfect destination for you. Pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and let yourself be swept away by the charm of this unique island!
