Cuba-3-day-itinerary

¡Bienvenidos a Cuba! 🇨🇺 3-Day Itinerary

This itinerary provides a taste of Cuban culture and history while exploring its vibrant cities and beautiful beaches. Remember, travel in Cuba is best enjoyed with an open mind and a willingness to embrace the unexpected.

Things to Know:

  • Visa: US citizens require a tourist card (visa) to enter Cuba. This can be obtained through airlines or travel agencies specializing in Cuban travel.
  • Currency: The Cuban Peso (CUP) is the local currency, but tourists typically use the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC). Exchange rates fluctuate, so check current rates before traveling.
  • Internet Access: Internet access is limited and expensive in Cuba. Consider purchasing a Wi-Fi card from ETECSA (Cuban telecommunications company) for access at designated hotspots.

Transportation:

  • Taxis are readily available but negotiate fares beforehand.
  • “Collectivos” (shared taxis) offer affordable transportation along fixed routes.
  • Buses connect major cities and towns, providing an economical option for longer journeys.

Day 1: Havana - History & Culture

  • Morning: Explore Old Havana (Habana Vieja), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant plazas. Visit the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral of Havana, and the Castillo de la Real Fuerza.
  • Afternoon: Stroll along the Malecon, Havana’s iconic seawall promenade, and enjoy views of the ocean and vintage cars cruising by.
  • Evening: Savor a traditional Cuban dinner at a “paladar” (private restaurant) followed by live music and dancing at a local club like La Zorra y El Cuervo.

Day 2: Viñales - Tobacco & Nature

  • Morning: Take a bus or shared taxi to Viñales Valley, a breathtaking landscape dotted with mogotes (limestone hills) and tobacco plantations.
  • Afternoon: Visit a tobacco farm and learn about the process of growing and rolling cigars. Hike or bike through the valley’s scenic trails, enjoying panoramic views.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Viñales town, savoring fresh seafood and traditional Cuban dishes.

Day 3: Beach Relaxation & Departure

  • Morning: Head to Playa Santa Maria del Mar, a picturesque beach near Havana, for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at a beachfront restaurant before returning to Havana.
  • Evening: Depart from José Martí International Airport (HAV).

Additional Activities & Tips:

  • Music Lovers: Attend a concert or performance at the Buena Vista Social Club, a legendary Cuban music venue.
  • Art Enthusiasts: Visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes for a glimpse into Cuba’s rich artistic heritage.
  • Rum Connoisseurs: Take a tour of a rum distillery like Havana Club and sample different varieties.

Pro Tip: Engage with locals! Cubans are known for their warmth and hospitality. Learn a few Spanish phrases to enhance your interactions.

Enjoy your unforgettable Cuban adventure! 🇨🇺🌴🎶