Are you looking for the best things to do in Cuba or the Caribbean? Then, you have come to the right place. The Republic of Cuba is a beautiful island with a captivating history, heavenly beaches, lush valleys, colorful cities, and beautiful parks. Its vibrant culture, hospitable people, and colonial charm add to its beauty. Hence, this country welcomes millions of visitors every year.
This beautiful nation comprises the Isla de la Juventud and other smaller islands. It is spread across 44,713 square miles and has over 11 million inhabitants. Furthermore, Cuba is known for its diverse music scenario. It has influenced many music genres and dance forms, including Mambo, Rumba, Cha-cha-cha, Son, danzon, and Afro-Cuban.
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- Step Back In Time At Havana
- Have A Nice Beach Day At Playa Varadero
- Take A Hike To Vinales Valley
- Explore The Colonial Town Of Cienfuegos
- Indulge In Watersports At Playa Jibacoa
- Tour Tayrona National Park
- Go For A Vacation To Guardalavaca
- Make Sand Castles At Playa Pilar
- Find Things To Do Baracoa
- Learn A Thing Or Two About Santiago De Cuba
- Visit The Beaches Of Cayo Santa Maria
- See What The Fuss Is All About Cuban Art Factory
Step Back In Time At Havana
- Address: La Havana, Cuba; Google Map
- Top Destinations: Castle of the Three Kings of Morro, La Bodeguita Del Medio, Museo de la Revolucion
- Things To Do: Sightseeing, historical tours, cultural tours
You might have heard about Havana from Camila Cabello’s hit song Havana. It is Cuba’s capital and largest city at 281.18 sq. miles. This town is known for its diverse culture, centuries-long history, beautiful architecture, and gigantic monuments. If you explore Old Havana downtown, you will feel like stepping back in time. Its unique Baroque and neoclassical architecture make it stand out from the rest.
Havana has many art museums, historical landmarks, and cultural centers. First is the Castle of the Three Kings of Morro, a 16th-century fortress designed to guard the city’s entrance. Next is the Grand Theater of Havana, home to the Cuban National Ballet. Other attractions are Plaza de la Catedral, Fusterlandia, Playas del Este, etc.
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Have A Nice Beach Day At Playa Varadero
- Address: Varadero, Cuba; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 24 Hours
- Things To Do: Swimming, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling
If you prefer outdoor activities, Playa Varadero is your destination. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Varadero, known for its fine sand and crystal-clear waters. While many might consider it a single beach, Playa Varadero has six beaches, with Varadero being among the largest. It is also known as Playa Azul or Blue Beach.
This gorgeous destination is perfect for enjoying a beach day. You can get your tan on while relaxing ashore or indulge in watersports. It offers swimming, snorkeling, and diving options. Moreover, visitors will find diverse marine life in its azure waters. Thousands of exotic-colored fish, crustaceans, and mollusks of all sizes and shapes exist.
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Take A Hike To Vinales Valley
- Address: J74F+3QF, Viñales, Cuba; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 24 Hours
- Things To Do: Hiking, Sightseeing, Bird watching
Did you know Cuba has nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites? Vinales Valley is one such protection site in the Sierra de los Organos near the country’s western end. It is a beautiful green landscape surrounded by lush forests and steep limestone hills. It also has many underground caves where cigar production occurs.
Vinales Valley is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and sightseeing. The routes are easy to follow, and you can go solo hiking. Likewise, cycling routes are good and not overly crowded. Many visitors also try rock climbing in certain areas of the valley. Birdwatchers can come here to watch the Cuban national bird, the Cuban trogon.
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Explore The Colonial Town Of Cienfuegos
- Address: Bahia de Cienfuegos, Cuba; Google Map
- Top Destinations: Jose Marti Park, Jagua Castle, Laguna Guanaroca
- Things To Do: Cultural tours, sightseeing, shopping
Next, we have the colonial town-turned-trading center of Cienfuegos. It was initially home to French immigrants before Spain made it its territory. Furthermore, this city has fertile land and produces sugar cane, tobacco, mango, and coffee. It was prominent for sugar production in the 19th century.
Cienfuegos is still a trading center of Cuba and produces sugar, tobacco, rice, henequen, fruit, and livestock. It is also known for its nineteenth-century architectural buildings, waterfalls, and beaches. Some of its famous attractions are El Nicho Waterfalls, Jose Marti Park, Tomas Terry Theater, and Botanical Garden Cienfuegos.
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Indulge In Watersports At Playa Jibacoa
- Address: Cuba; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 24 Hours
- Things To Do: Diving, Snorkeling, Swimming
We are nearing halfway on our list of the best things to do in Cuba and the Caribbean, and it’s time for Playa Jibacoa. It is a hidden Cuban attraction located on the island’s North coast. This small village offers seclusion and a peaceful retreat from your busy city life. Visitors can explore the beach and enjoy a lovely day at the seashore. They will also find many resorts and hotels in the area.
Playa Jibacoa is known as a diving spot. The shallow water and proximity of the coral reefs make it easy for even a beginner diver to explore underwater. Resorts often offer catamaran rides, luxury boat cruises, and other non-motorized watersports. Some also offer jeep safari excursions to nearby regions.
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Tour Tayrona National Park
- Address: Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
If you want to travel further from Cuba, visit Tayrona National Park in Santa Marta. It is a natural paradise in the Caribbean, covering 12,000 hectares of land. It houses rich flora and fauna, boasting hundreds of terrestrial, aerial, and marine species. Some renowned plants are Los Aromos, Mango Tree, El Trupillo, Cardon de Higo Naranjo, and Soursop Tree.
Likewise, visitors will encounter Papa Mosca Real, Pavon Azul, Sephia, Jaguar, Anteaters, Night Monkey, and squirrels. In the 3,000 marine hectares, they will find over 50 species of coral reefs. Although this park is a year-round destination, the ideal time to visit is December and February. Visiting during the dry and off-season is also best to avoid crowds.
Look At These Handpicked Activities:
- Private transportation from the hotel close to Tayrona Park to Santa Marta
- Tour Crystal Beach Tayrona Park
- Tayrona Park Private Day Tour to Cabo San Juan, Hike and Beach
Go For A Vacation To Guardalavaca
- Address: Cuba; Google Map
- Top Destinations: Playa Bani, Playa Esmeralda, Museo El Chorro de Maita
- Things To Do: Sightseeing, Swimming, Snorkeling
Are you looking forward to white sandy beaches in Cuba? If so, you must visit Guardalavaca in the Holguin Province. It houses many beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters. For instance, Playa Bani is known for its fine white sand and beautiful landscape. Playa Esmeralda is another white-sand beach with emerald-hued waters, bars, lounge chairs, and boat rentals.
Funnily, Guardalavaca means to guard the cow in Spanish. It received its name when pirates heavily targeted it. Although the Cuban government has tried to change the town’s name, it has not been successful. There are more interesting stories about the city, which you can learn while exploring it.
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Make Sand Castles At Playa Pilar
- Address: Cayo Guillermo, Cuba; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 24 Hours
- Things To Do: Swimming, Snorkeling, Diving
There is no shortage of beaches in Cuba. Playa Pilar is a spectacular beach at the northwestern end of Cayo Guillermo. It is easily accessible by rented car, taxi, or hop-on/hop-off bus service. This beach is famous for its pristine white sand and shallow waters, which make it perfect for many watersports, such as swimming, diving, and snorkeling.
Visitors will also find boat and water sports equipment near the beach. They can rent a pedal boat, banana boat, Kayak, Catamaran, and snorkeling gear. Moreover, several resorts are in the area, including the all-inclusive Iberostar Origin Playa Pilar and Cayo Guillermo Resort Kempinski. You can book a room in any of them.
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Find Things To Do Baracoa
- Address: Cuba; Google Map
- Top Destinations: El Yunque, City Hall of Baracoa, Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption
- Things To Do: Learn about Chocolate making, Hiking, and Food Tours
You must include a trip to Baracoa in your Cuba Itinerary. This Cuban municipality houses many hidden attractions. It is also known for its impressive mountainside surroundings, beautiful natural bay, vibrant culture, and delicious local food. Also, did you know explorer Christopher Columbus landed his first voyage in this village?
The first thing to do in Baracoa is learn how to make chocolate. It is the country’s biggest chocolate manufacturing area and offers many local cacao tours. If you are outdoorsy, you must hike to El Yunque. Other hottest tourist spots are Playa Maguana, Museo Arqueológico, and Playa Blanca.
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- Boracay: Introduction to Scuba Diving Experience
- Boracay: Dualtron E-Scooter Ride
- Bogotá: Capital Street Art
Learn A Thing Or Two About Santiago De Cuba
- Address: Cuba; Google Map
- Top Destinations: Castillo del Morro, Cespedes Park, Santa Ifigenia Cemetery
- Things To Do: Museum visits, cultural tours, historical tours
After Havana, Santiago de Cuba is the second-largest city in the country. It lies 870 km southeast of Havana and is among the nine UNESCO Heritage Sites. Moreover, this town is known for its revolutionary history and colonial architecture. You can admire the neoclassical architecture of Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción.
This town’s rich culture, religion, and Caribbean vibe make it stand out. It also experiences heavy African influence, reflected in the music, dance, and rhythm. In addition to historic landmarks and cultural centers, Santiago de Cuba has many beautiful beaches, such as Playa Daiquiri, Playa de Caleton Blanco, Playa Sevilla, and Playa Siboney.
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Visit The Beaches Of Cayo Santa Maria
- Address: Cuba; Google Map
- Top Destinatios: Playa Las Gaviotas, Cayo Las Brujas, Cayo Ensenachos
- Things To Do: Sightseeing, swimming, exploring beaches
Have you heard of a tiny island called Cayo Santa Maria in Cuba? It houses many white-sand beaches, adults-only hotels, and all-inclusive resorts. This island is located in the Villa Clara province in the Bahia de Buena Vista. It is only 30 km west of famous beach destinations: Caya Coco and Cayo Guillermo.
Cayo Santa Maria offers seaside bliss on its finest beaches. Megano Beach is a popular beach with a long, straight coast. Likewise, Playa Las Gaviotas is a secret beach in Tenerife in the north of the island. It is less crowded and surrounded by beautiful trees and vegetation. Visitors can indulge in watersports to their heart’s content in these destinations.
Look At Cayo Santa Maria Activities:
- Sal: SID Airport Private Transfer to/from Santa Maria Hotels
- From Cusco: Moray and Salt Mines Quad Bike Tour
- Cusco: Bean to Bar Chocolate Workshop
See What The Fuss Is All About Cuban Art Factory
- Address: 4HGR+X2X, Calle 26, La Habana, Cuba; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 8 PM – 2 AM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Lastly, we have the historic Cuban Art Factory, Fabrica de Arte Cubano. It is not like your usual art gallery; it offers a surreal experience for art lovers and everyone. But how is it different? Firstly, this top-rated factory is only open during the night. It is usually jam-packed with visitors by 11 PM.
Cuban Art Factory hosts music and dance performances every night. You can dress casually and vibe to good Afro-Cuban music. Furthermore, the factory houses many rooms, offering something new at every corner. These rooms are connected by hallways, where you will find the rarest and finest Cuban art pieces. Also, this place serves new rum-based creations that are unavailable elsewhere.
Our recommended best things to do in Cuba primarily cover the major attractions and touristy activities. Once you explore the country, you will find more hidden gems and non-touristy activities. This is a moderately priced tourist destination, so you can do things based on your budget. Still, if you are budget-conscious, expect to pay around $30 to $50 daily.
Cuba is primarily safe for tourists. However, there have been instances of petty thefts and armed robberies before. Hence, we advise you to practice caution and avoid shady areas. Visitors must also pre-research about this country’s culture, dos and don’ts, and etiquette to avoid misunderstandings. And that’s it; now you are all set for a memorable expedition.
