It’s almost hard to narrow the finest things to do in Cuba down to a manageable list of 5, but we at Time Out are nothing if not ambitious. Even though it’s just 90 miles from the United States, Cuba is still relatively untouched by foreign people, who choose to focus on the island’s antique vehicles, rural lifestyle, and stunning natural beauty instead.
Cuba is one of the world’s most unique travel destinations because of its rebellious independence, making visiting the country seems like a parallel present. Cuba is home to world-class cuisine, stunning architecture, pristine beaches, and a unique culture that has refused to give in to global commercialism. What follows are the highlights of our work that are crucial.
Experience Exciting Adventures In Trinidad
The city of Trinidad in Sancti Spiritus is one of the most beautiful in the world because of its many well-preserved colonial buildings and palaces. Instead of sitting around doing nothing in Trinidad, you may engage in wacky, entertaining activities. Have you ever attempted to go shopping when the only mode of transportation into the city center is a donkey or horse-drawn carriage?
What a fantastic development that is! Caribbean beaches, such as Casilda Bay, provide fantastic snorkeling and diving excursions. At the same time, the chance to bathe in the icy waters of Salto de Caburn natural springs is another exciting option. The white, powdery sands of Cuba’s beaches are ideal for lounging and sipping Mojitos after a long day of wild activity.
Take A Stroll Around The Cobblestone Alleys Of Old Havana
As the beating heart of Cuba’s capital, this UNESCO-recognized neighborhood is undeniably one of the most genuine and down-to-earth locales in the Americas. Rows of crumbling baroque homes and Andalusian-style arcades line the streets, creating a visually arresting backdrop.
The buildings’ aging (and polluted) exterior conceal tequila cantinas and soukous rumba bars. Historic cathedrals and neoclassical palaces decorate the city’s squares, which range in size and location from the iconic Plaza de Armas to the Plaza de la Catedral. And then there are the fortifications, which are dominated by three Fortaleza that rise above the urban canals, complete with bulwarks and gun holes from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Go Scuba Diving At The Queen’s Gardens
Jardines de la Reina, or “Gardens of the Queen,” is a 93-mile length of the Cuban coast and is widely considered one of the world’s greatest places to go scuba diving .Since the Cuban government has declared the region, a marine reserve, poaching and overfishing have been prohibited. This has resulted in miles upon miles of pristine coral and teeming aquatic life. In reality, each year, there can be little more than a few hundred dives here.
Eagle Rays, Giant Barracuda, French Angels, large Hogfish, and many more marine species are common due to the abundance of marine life. There are huge jaws with triangular, razor-sharp teeth waiting for you in the waters around Cuba since 100 of the world’s 500 shark species call the Caribbean island home. To get to the greatest diving area, you’ll need to join a liveaboard (a boat that takes divers out to sea), and luckily there are lots of these boats catering to visitors.
Participate At Bayamo’s Fiesta De La Cubanía
If you’re longing for an authentic Cuban celebration, make haste to the historic village of Bayamo in eastern Cuba.Every week, the Fiesta de la Cubana explodes between the town’s sun-kissed streets and beautiful historical and colonial facades (the town was founded before Havana in 1513!).Visitors may see Cuban dancers, listen to Caribbean music performed on shaky honkytonks, sample spicy island foods, and start conversations with southern mountain people. Be wary about getting into a game of chess with a local in Bayamo since the city is renowned for its skilled players.
Explore The Valle De Viales Trails
The rural areas of Cuba were off-limits to visitors for a long time, but that has changed and allowed them to see a different side of the nation. You may now enjoy more than just a “beach vacation” since the same island is home to both mist-covered mountains and expansive valleys.
The Viales National Park includes the valley of the same name. Most visitors view the tobacco farms and landscape, but only some use the area’s excellent hiking opportunities. The region is full of “mogotes” (steep-sided hills formed like towers) and secret caverns to explore, but there are just a few hiking paths here that you may combine and vary in length to suit your fitness needs. Due to the lack of cover in the open countryside, it is essential to come prepared with plenty of drink, sunscreen, and a hat.
We imagine wonderful tropical weather, white sand beaches, turquoise oceans, secluded coves, mouthwatering Mediterranean food, and lively nightlife with native music filling the air when we picture the Caribbean islands.Given that Cuba is the biggest island in the Caribbean, these features are amplified there. Although there are many islands in the Caribbean, Cuba is unlike any of them. This island paradise is special in a variety of ways. While the average tourist will have much to do, we aim to showcase the best of what Cuba offers.
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