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Cuba tours, trips & holidays

This charming Carribbean island was built to entice the senses. It’s infectious, it’s magnetic, it’s exactly as you imagined, yet completely full of surprises. There’s nothing more quintessentially Cuban than perching on a bar stool sipping a moorishly-good rum cocktail while the pulsing sounds of salsa fill the streets and the fragrant Cuban cigars fill the air. A Cuba tour will sweep you off your feet and leave you longing to book that second trip.

Cuba seemingly has it all. Vibrant cities, paradise beaches, coastlines teeming with marine life, sunkissed landscapes and an incredible selection of museums detailing Cuba’s fascinating history. With no place in the world quite like it, a holiday to Cuba is sure to be one to remember.

Top 12 places to visit in Cuba

When travelling Cuba it seems that every city, town, street is more interesting than the last. Cuba is bursting with culture, beautiful architecture and otherworldly landscapes to explore. But where to start? Here’s our pick of some of the best places to go in Cuba.

1. Havana

If there is one place you go in Cuba, make it Havana. The city captures the authentic essence of Cuba like no other and is often rated as one of the best places to go in Cuba. From the crumbling, colonial buildings to the winding, multihued side streets buzzing with street performers and musicians. Havana is one of the most vibrant places in the world.

Discover the unique history by visiting Castillo el Morro and the Cathedral in Havana. Wander through the traditional Almacenes San Jose market to pick up literally anything, and dawdle along the Malecon, the sea on one side and the colourful buildings on the other. And there is no better place to try one of the most iconic things to do in Cuba. Hire a classic car and cruise Havana like a movie star. 

Read our guide to the 10 things to look out for and do in Havana. 

2. Viñales

Viñales, where the tobacco is grown for the famous Cuban cigar, is an essential stop on a cultural tour of Cuba. Hike through the tobacco fields, gazing up at the towering green mountains above. Hire a boat to drift through the hidden cave system, explore one of Cuba’s best national parks and take some downtime away from the buzzing cities to enjoy the rural Cuban life.

3. Cienfuegos

The harbourside town of Cienfuegos is like no other. Established by the French and nicknamed ‘the pearl of the south’, Cienfuegos is often seen as the most beautiful town in Cuba. Centred around the stunning bay of Bahia de Jagua, the city is bursting with culture, galleries and a certain air of sophistication. This is one of those special places where you don’t really need to do anything, just walk around and enjoy.

4. Trinidad

The entire city of Trinidad is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protected and preserved so well that it is a key destination on any tourist map of Cuba. Trinidad has a charming old centre complete with crumbling buildings and cobbled-stoned, winding streets, and has a myriad of things to do. Visit the Plaza Mayor, soak up some culture at the galleries or have a well-rested day at the beach. Trinidad has it all.

Trinidad, Cuba, Central America

5. Santiago de Cuba

Packed with colonial architecture and rich in history, Santiago de Cuba is a stunning city.  Perched high on a region of sloping hills, the town affords spectacular views of the bay. Explore the stunning central plaza and the city’s incredible nightlife. And if you’re looking for a viewpoint, head out to San Pedro de la Roca – a 17th-century fortress – to watch a romantic sunset over the bay.

6. Santa Clara

If you’re interested in the history of Cuba, Santa Clara is the place to go. This was the location of the battle of the Cuban Revolution and has a great museum to explore. Aside from the historical significance of the city, it is a lovely place to visit. There is a great theatre, some fantastic places to eat and a charming historic quarter.

If you want to try something different, why not try this 8-mile biking tour that visits Santa Clara 

7. Camaguey

The city of Camaguey is another of Cuba’s cities given the UNESCO World Heritage status. The ‘city of squares’ is full of stunning colonial architecture and streets lined with rainbow houses. Camaguey comprises almost entirely of colonial plazas and cobbled pavements. Ranches, sugar plantations and beautiful beach resorts surround the area and just outside the town, in Playa Santa Lucia, you’ll find one of the best places in Cuba for scuba diving!

View this fabulous deal from G Adventures. 6 days in Cuba – on sale now

8. Baracoa

Baracoa is a little off the Cuban beaten path but we urge you, it’s well worth a visit. Cuba’s oldest city is equipped with stunning beaches, beautiful architecture and some of Cuba’s best hiking landscapes. People visit Baracoa to explore its well-preserved colonial architecture with the cathedral being one of the town’s hotspots. Baracoa is also a great base for hiking the rainforest-clad mountain, El Yunque.

This 15-day tour includes time in Baracoa and the opportunity to visit social enterprises in the area.

9. Cayo Santa Maria

If you consider yourself a bit of a water baby then Cayo Santa Maria is the place to go. A tiny island just off north Cuba’s coast is one of the best places to enjoy some watersports. Although, it’s not only suited for kite surfers and scuba divers, if you just want to soak up some sun, Cayo Santa Maria is home to some of Cuba’s best beaches. Think long, white stretches of sand, beautiful clear seas and a great selection of bars, shops and restaurants.

Salsa and Snorkel with G Adventures on this 16-day tour. 

10. Varadero

Another must-see place for sun-worshippers, Varadero is one of the biggest tourist hotspots in Cuba. Located along a 20km stretch of white coast, Varadero is lined with the countries best hotels, restaurants and bars. Now if you’re looking to get a taste of authentic Cuban culture, Varadero is probably not your best option. However, if you’ve been on the road for a while, it’s a great pit stop for a few days of stress-free beach life.

11. Playa Jibacoa

If you’re looking for the perfect Cuban beach but don’t want the heavy crowds which usually come with it, our choice would be Playa Jibacoa. It’s incredibly beautiful and compared to many other of Cuba’s best beaches, it’s relatively secluded and nearly completely free of tourists. Best of all, it’s only an hour away from Havana, so can easily be done as a day trip.

12. Maria la Gorda

This tiny town, Maria la Gorda may not be one you’ve heard of but it is definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for the best place for scuba diving in Cuba. Almost all of the visitors reaching this town are here for diving. The marine life is rich, abundant and there are regular trips, numerous times throughout the day for divers to explore the marina. If scuba diving isn’t your thing there are also lots of snorkelling-specific trips too.

Why Tucan Travel

Taking a holiday doesn’t need to put a strain on the wallet. Group tours with Tucan Travel are a great way to explore the incredible country of Cuba, even if you need to stick to a budget. Our recommended  tours in Cuba were built to offer the perfect balance between good value for money and authentic, unforgettable experiences. We value our strong relationships with our transport and accommodation suppliers and our local guides. 

Where possible, our affiliates use local, family guesthouses and homestays to make your trip as authentic as possible, it also ensures the money spent on tours gets pumped back into the local community. 

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