Cuba
Great authors and world-class musicians have been mesmerised by Cuba’s vibrant culture and evocative scenery. Historical and political intricacies may have shaped this island, but it is the Cubans’ lively spirit, proud attitude and relaxed manner which make this somewhere to visit time and time again.
Cayo Levisa
This virgin island lies just two km off the northwest coast of the mainland and forms part of the Colorados Archipelago. Cayo Levisa is uninhabited and has preserved a wild environment with pristine beaches, which stretch as far as the eye can see. The small island is best known for its scuba-diving and a diversity of marine life that would not be out of place in a David Attenborough documentary.
HIGHLIGHTS: Scuba-diving, snorkelling, swimming.
Viñales
The small and peaceful village of Viñales is complemented by the striking natural beauty of its surroundings. It’s famous for its mogotes, limestone rocks which slice sharply up out of the ground in forested clusters and are an amazing sight to behold. Nestled between these dome-shaped mountains are vast cave systems and rich tobacco fields. It is possible to watch how the locals turn their world-famous produce into cigars.
HIGHLIGHTS: Explore caves, cycling, hiking, horseriding.
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Havana
Cuba’s vibrant capital has survived hundreds of years of turmoil to hold the title of one of the oldest and grandest cities in the Americas. All the iconic images of Havana still exist: vintage American cars, fat Cohiba cigars, dark Havana Club rum and all-night salsa parties. The city’s exuberant and electric atmosphere mingles with superb colonial monuments and beautifully- preserved palaces in the old quarter.
HIGHLIGHTS: Learn salsa, museums, vintage car ride.
Cienfuegos and the
Bay of Pigs Known by locals as the ‘Pearl of the South’, Cienfuegos was founded by French colonists escaping Haiti in 1819. This small city is blessed with a tranquil bay-side setting, wide boulevards and impressive colonial architecture. West along the coast is the landing site of the infamous Bay of Pigs’ unsuccessful invasion. The small museum contains the detailed history of the revolutionaries’ efforts in defending Cuba in 1961.
HIGHLIGHTS: Swimming, boat trips.
Trinidad
Trinidad once functioned as a hub for Cuba’s slave and sugar trade but today it sits as an idyllic colonial gem on the clear Caribbean waters. It is one of the country’s most attractive towns: with red-tiled roof tops, beautifully- restored houses and cobbled streets opening onto shady plazas. Known as the museum city, Trinidad provides a fascinating insight into a turbulent history.
HIGHLIGHTS: Dance, city tours.
Sierra Maestra
The Sierra Maestra is Cuba’s largest mountain range rising to 1972 m at Pico Turquino. Covered in thick vegetation, the slopes have provided shelter to political revolutionaries over the years. Fidel Castro hid his headquarters up here in a jungle lair: guided treks can be tailored to last any number of days but the most popular routes will pass through the patchwork of shacks that form the Cuban leader’s deserted ‘Comandancia’.
HIGHLIGHTS: Jungle walks.
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