back- one week
SIf you have a week to travel it is very important planning time. Cuba is not a small island in the Caribbean as many people might think when arranging a trip to this country. From eastern to west end of the island there are around 1200 kilometers and road conditions or railways sometimes do not allow a fast and easy trip. That is why I do not suggest visiting too many places in a week but enjoying few sites without hurry, so that you can better discover Cuba. Then less is more!
The routes I propose may be done by public transports and many times you may choose the means of transportation you like. The enterprise Viazul (bus) is very punctual, what lets you be on time at the arrival place. However, this journey might become a little boring since you do not get a close impression of how Cubans travel, in contrast to a train trip that allows a closer approach to the reality of people; on the other hand, trains often are late or trips are cancelled. National trains are more trustworthy than local ones but none of them is a warranty of always arriving on time. I do recommend several options to travel; but choosing is up to you to. All the travel suggestions you also can follow by your rented car - an other - rather expensive but also comfortable way travelling through Cuba..
Most travel proposals begin and end in Havana; however they may as well be done from Varadero, Matanzas (located 90 km to the east of the Capital). If you are in Guardalavaca, Holguín, I suggest you travel by eastern Cuba or to Havana where you will discover the capital of the country, an incomparable city.
Routes from Havana
Mi suggestions for a trip from/to Holguín/Guardalavaca
En Occidente - Travelling in Cuba's west
Route: La Habana - Viñales - Pinar del Río - Soroa - La Habana
Description: The west of Cuba is impressive because of its beautiful rural landscapes. The best tobacco of Cuba and the world is cultivated in Pinar del Río. A unique countryside is found in Viñales. Small mountains of this valley are calcium formations called "mogotes". This sort of mountains is only found in Viñales and in a China valley. A beautiful contrast to green vegetation makes land look as if painted red. In Soroa, orchid lovers are at the best place of Cuba to contemplate this kind of plants. Besides, one can enjoy a bath in a waterfall or a walk through the woods. During a stay in Pinar del Río one may discover daily life of this small city. This excursion is recommended for people who love beautiful countryside and for Cuban tobacco fans.
Day: 1
Trip/place: Havana - Viñales (in the morning)
Means of transportation: Viazul (timetable)
Comments/suggestions: For the first day I advice a walk to hotel Jazmines. From here you will have an excellent panoramic of Valle de Viñales what will let you have a better location. In next days you will find more information on page Viñales.
Day: 2-3
Trip/place: Viñales
Comments/suggestions: See page on Viñales
Day: 4
Trip/place: Viñales - Pinar del Rio
Means of transportation: Viazul (timetable)
Comments/suggestions: See page on Pinar del Rio
Day: 5
Trip/place: Pinar del Rio
Comments/suggestions: See page on Pinar del Rio
Day: 6
Trip/place: Pinar del Rio - Candelaria - Soroa
Means of transportation: Local train from Pinar del Río to Candelaria station and from here you go riding to Soroa since there is not any official transport for this way.
Comments/suggestions: See page on Soroa
Day: 7
Trip/place: Soroa - Candelaria - Havana
Means of transportation: Take a ride from Soroa to Candelaria and from here a train, collective taxi or a truck to Havana.
Possible changes: My proposal of a train journey from Pinar del Río to Candelaria might be a little tedious while a trip in a collective taxi is faster but less adventurous. From Candelaria you may take any transport to Soroa. Who does not want to risk may take a CUC-taxi in Pinar del Río for this way or simply not go to Soroa; instead you could travel directly from Pinar to Havana.
Isla de la Juventud and Viñales - beach and rural landscape
Route: La Habana - Nueva Gerona - La Habana - Viñales - La Habana
Description: With CUBANA DE AVIACIÓN you may go in 25 minutes from Havana to Isla de la Juventud. There are many interesting places to visit in Isla de la Juventud even though this is not a highly tourist region. An individual traveler finds little known museums such as El Presidio Modelo, a famous prison because of its most outstanding prisoner, Fidel Castro Ruz. Another exciting adventure is visiting the crocodile hatchery where you may be face to face with these dangerous animals. Then one can relax in a near beach. For instance, the beach of the lake called El Caolín is a site where one may have a bath with medicinal mire. Those interested in submarine activities should know that the south of the island is among the most famous and beautiful sites of the world to practice diving. Using mask and snorkel one may have a good impression of this natural submarine park. Timetable allows traveling easily in a day from Nueva Gerona to Viñales, where a unique country landscape awaits for you. Hikes through tobacco plantations and chatting with farmers will even fascinate people who have never smoked or thought of cigar smoking.
Day: 1
Trip/place: Havana - Nueva Gerona (Isla de la Juventud)
Means of transportation: Cubana de Aviación or by ship
Comments/suggestions: QThose who do not like flying with CUBANA to Isla de la Juventud may get there by bus/ship (combined trip), even though this way the journey is much longer. Further update information on how to arrive there, is found on page Nueva Gerona. When flying with Cubana I suggest buying tickets two weeks before, if possible. The easier step is buying tickets on web site of Cubana. There are about two daily flights but the first one in the morning is more advisable since the afternoon/night flight is sometimes cancelled or frequently late.
Day: 2-3
Trip/place: Nueva Gerona
Comments/suggestions: See page on Nueva Gerona
Day: 4
Trip/place: Nueva Gerona - Havana - Viñales
Means of transportation: Nueva Gerona-Havana by CUBANA (or ship) and Havana-Viñales by Viazul (timetable)
Comments/suggestions: People who take first flight in Gerona might get in Havana (luckily and quickly getting a taxi at the airport to the bus station) the first Viazul bus to Viñales. If travelling on ship it is better too taking the first vessel so that you may continue trip to Viñales that same day and then take a second bus in Havana.
Day: 5-6
Trip/place: Viñales
Comments/suggestions: See page on Viñales
Day: 7
Trip/place: Viñales - Havana
Means of transportation: Viazul (timetable)
Posibles cambios: A plane trip has usually no complication; but a ship travel might result in longer delays - so maybe you can't travel from Nueva Gerona to Viñales in one day.
This journey may be done from or to Varadero.
Viñales and Trinidad - two nice tourist destinations
Route: Havana - Viñales - Trinidad - Havana
Description: I suggest this journey for those who want to enjoy at these two tourist destinations in the east and west of Havana. Firstly, you visit Valle de Viñales to see growing tobacco plantations and meet cultivators of this valuable plant. Then you pay a visit to La Perla Colonial, Trinidad; around this beautiful city you find sugar cane fields. People interested in sugar cane crops will inevitably witness the history of slavery. To finish this excursion I recommend bathing in a lake at the mountain, in the Caribbean Sea or in both places…
Day: 1
Trip/place: Havana - Viñales (in the morning)
Means of transportation: Viazul (timetable)
Comments/suggestions: I suggest walking the first day to Hotel Jazmines; from here one has a fantastic view of the whole valley and then it will be easier locating. About possible activities you will find information in coming days on page Viñales.
Day: 2-3
Trip/place: Viñales
Comments/suggestions: See page on Viñales
Day: 4
Trip/place: Viñales - Trinidad
Means of transportation: Viazul (timetable) or taxi
Comments/suggestions: One can easily travel in a day from Viñales to Trinidad with Viazul. Take in Viñales the first bus to Havana and then a second one to Trinidad. Usually taxi agencies in Viñales and Trinidad offer straight trips between both cities at prices similar to Viazul. One has just to wait till the taxi is full with four passengers. I do recommend getting informed on this trip option at the taxi or tourism agencies, since it is a way to save enough time. While in Trinidad I suggest going for a short walk through the city, and then enjoying a local cocktail called Canchánchara, which is prepared with rum, lemon and honey. Delicious!
Day: 5-6
Trip/place: Trinidad
Comentario/piropuestas: See page on Trinidad
Day: 7
Trip/place: Trinidad - Havana
Means of transportation: Viazul (timetable)
Comments/suggestions: There are two daily Viazul buses; so one might choose between arriving to Havana at noon or in the afternoon.
Possible changes: with current Viazul timetable the journey from Viñales to Trinidad can be completed in just one day by switching transports in Havana. Early in the morning one has to take the first bus in Viñales and then take the second one in Havana to Trinidad. Usually local taxi companies or Viazul in Viñales offer a direct service Viñales-Trinidad without switching in Havana; and all this at the same price of the journey Viñales-Havana-Trinidad. That´s why one has to take this chance since it is a much faster trip.
This travel could also be easily done from or to Varadero. In such a case one should take in Varadero the first bus to Havana and from here a second one to Viñales. When returning from Trinidad there is always a straight trip Trinidad-Varadero.
Route: Havana - Santa Clara - Caibarién - Havana
Description: A visit to Santa Clara is not only appropriate for Cuban history lovers; for instance, a visit to Ché Guevara´s mausoleum is a must for fans of Cuban Revolution. However, this city has much more to offer such as: a tour to "El Mercado Grande", the beautiful plazas and the pedestrian street; besides one can enjoy the cultural life. Heading north the road takes you to the small town of Caibarién; from here you can reach the beaches of near keys. Culture lovers should visit Remedios, a small city of colonial architecture that somewhat resembles Trinidad.
Day: 1
Trip/place: Havana - Santa Clara
Means of transportation: Train or Viazul
Comments/suggestions: There are at least two daily trains between Havana and Santa Clara. I recommend taking the one departing in the morning or at noon so that you can better enjoy the landscape.
Day: 2
Trip/place: Santa Clara
Comments/suggestions: Visit the city. See page on Santa Clara
Day: 3
Trip/place: Santa Clara - Caibarién
Means of transportation: Train, collective taxi or CUC-taxi.
Comments/suggestions: The journey from Santa Clara to Caibarién is a little adventurous since wagons of this local train are very old; furthermore one passes through villages and towns with no access to a road. The trip takes two to three hours. I recommend asking during the first day at what hour of third day the train will be departing to Caibarién. On the third day you have to buy tickets one or two hours before train leaves. Sometimes fare may be paid in CUC. If the train fails or you don´t want to undergo this adventure, there is always another option of easily traveling in a collective taxi or CUC-taxi.
Day: 4-6
Trip/place: Caibarién
Comments/suggestions: See page on Caibarién
Day: 7
Trip/place: Caibarién - Santa Clara - Havana
Means of transportation: Train, collective taxi (or CUC-taxi to Santa Clara and from here train or Viazul to Havana).
Comments/suggestions: Probably the train departs very early in the morning from Caibarién to Santa Clara. Those who prefer having a good breakfast, while leaving a little later, may take a collective taxi in the park of Caibarién. Once in Santa Clara they may choose from travelling by train or bus. There are several train departures every day. Tickets should be bought in CUC an hour before the train leaves. There are also several Viazul trips from Santa Clara to Havana everyday.
Possible changes: Buying a train ticket often requires a bit of courage. Routes Havana-Santa Clara and vice versa may usually be easily done by train. The route Santa Clara-Caibarién could be a little more troublesome. Tickets are bought an hour before departure, in a special booth located in front of Santa Clara train station. People who dislike trains or do not want to take any risk may travel from Havana to Santa Clara with VIAZUL and from Santa Clara to Caibarién in collective taxi and even more comfortable but more expensive in a CUC-taxi. This trip may too be easily done to or from Varadero. One can take the train Havana-Santa Clara in Matanzas; furthermore there is a direct bus from Varadero to Santa Clara.
Travelling in the center of Cuba
Trip/place: Havana - Camagüey - Morón - Havana
Description: Camagüey is the largest city in the center of Cuba. The old downtown invites you to discover its plazas and colonial buildings. Besides, there are many bars and restaurants offering mojitos or Creole foods. On the way to Playa la Boca, near Santa Lucía, you will pass through the cattle region of Cuba where the true Cuban cowboys are found. The journey to Morón in a local train is very singular. The small city of Morón is the gate for a visit to unforgettable beaches in the near keys. I suggest this trip, of course, for persons who want to deeply know Cuba and also enjoy the beautiful beaches of the big island.
Day: 1
Trip/place: Havana - Camagüey
Means of transportation: Train or Viazul
Comments/suggestions: If you take the train, departure in Havana is normally in the afternoon, what means you will get very late to Camagüey, between 12:00 midnight and 3:00 am. This can be avoided by taking a Viazul bus in Havana in the morning.
Day: 2-4
Trip/place: Camagüey
Comments/suggestions: See page on Camagüey
Day: 5
Trip/place: Camagüey - Morón
Means of transportation: Local train or Viazul to Ciego de Ávila and a collective taxi or CUC-taxi to Morón
Comments/suggestions: The local train journey from Camagüey to Morón is by the way a short adventure and a good possibility of chatting with Cubans in a pleasant atmosphere since everybody lives something in common: the trip. Firstly, we have to fight for tickets that must be bought in a booth where local train tickets are sold, an hour or two before train departure. Despite the fact that they usually sell enough tickets you will have to work hard to get yours and if lucky you will pay in Cuban pesos, what makes it much cheaper. Thanks to a direct train Camagüey-Morón there is no need of switching trains so the travel takes around five hours. Who do not want to deal with this adventurous local train should take a Viazul bus to Ciego de Ávila and then a collective taxi or CUC-taxi to Morón.
Day: 6
Route: Morón
Comments/suggestions: See page on Morón
Day: 7
Route: Morón - Ciego de Ávila/Santa Clara - Havana
Means of transportation: Train, collective taxi or CUC-taxi to Ciego de Ávila and from here by Viazul to Havana.
Comments/suggestions: There are several options of train travel from Morón to Havana and the easiest one is a motor wagon directly from Morón to Havana. It is also possible travelling first to Ciego de Ávila where a national train to Havana will be boarded. There is also a beautiful route via north from Morón to Santa Clara. On this way there are only local trains that take around seven hours to get to Santa Clara. If you decide going this route you may depart from Morón a day before and sleep one night for a rest in Santa Clara, and then continue journey to Havana. Persons who want to do a faster trip should take a collective taxi or CUC-taxi to Ciego de Ávila and from here Viazul to Havana.
Possible changes: Who is more interested in visiting beaches might stay shorter in Camagüey while longer in Morón. This route may be conveniently done from Varadero by taking the train in Matanzas. Furthermore, there is a Viazul bus Varadero-Santa Clara-Ciego de Ávila.
Trinidad and "el Ché"
Trip/place: Havana - Trinidad - Santa Clara - Havana
Description: Declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, Trinidad somewhat resembles Old Havana. This small city really impresses because of its colonial architecture that has completely been restored lately. There is a lot to be discovered and enjoyed around it. Few minutes walking from downtown you will find beautiful beaches, mountains, green valleys and some historic sites like sugar refineries, accurate reminders of slavery in the sugar cane plantations during the colonial period. A stay in Trinidad may be well combined with a visit to Santa Clara city; the latter being famous for the mausoleum and monument after Ché Guevara. Apart from these interesting places there is also the Centro Ciudad Universitaria, very beautiful and with a great cultural status. I would also recommend visiting one of its two theatres.
Day: 1
Trip/place: Havana - Trinidad
Means of transportation: Viazul (timetable)
Comments/suggestions: After arrival I suggest a walk by the city with no specific direction in mind; it will be interesting and worthy. Later on it is good to taste a local drink called Canchánchara, which is prepared with rum, lemon juice and honey; very delicious when well made.
Day: 2-4
Trip/place: Trinidad
Comments/suggestions: See page on Trinidad
Day: 5
Trip/place: Trinidad - Santa Clara
Means of transportation: Viazul (timetable)
Comments/suggestions: See page on Santa Clara
Day: 6
Trip/place: Santa Clara
Comments/suggestions: See page on Santa Clara
Day: 7
Trip/place: Santa Clara - Havana
Means of transportation: Train or Viazul
Comments/suggestions: There are several daily trains between Santa Clara and Havana. Fare should be paid in CUC an hour before train departure. Viazul also offers many everyday trips from Santa Clara to Havana.
Possible changes: This journey may be comfortably done from or to Varadero. Viazul has a bus going directly Varadero-Trinidad and then there is a straight connection Santa Clara-Varadero. It is an easy trip since you only travel by Viazul.
Trip/place: Havana - Santiago de Cuba - Baracoa - Havana
Description: Santiago de Cuba is considered to be the second capital of Cuba after Havana, first capital of the island. Sometimes Havana is referred to as the political capital while Santiago as the cultural one. However, when talking about traditional music Santiago undoubtedly is the capital of the country. Santiago is also alleged as the most Caribbean city what may be confirmed by any person who has lived the Santiago carnivals. After enjoying life in a big and beautiful city the route will take the visitor to the northeast, to a completely different place: Baracoa. Personally I think the landscape of this region is the most beautiful of all Cuba. Baracoa was the first village founded by Spaniards in Cuba around 1511. After the triumph of Revolution the first road, La Farola, was built to connect Baracoa by land to the rest of the country. La Farola is very special since it is surrounded by magnificent landscapes and second because this way might be quite dangerous when driving carelessly or with a vehicle in bad mechanical conditions.
Day: 1
Trip/place: Havana - Santiago de Cuba
Means of transportation: Train, Viazul or Cubana
Comments/suggestions: There is at least a daily train departure between Havana and Santiago de Cuba. So far Viazul timetables are more trustworthy than the train´s, though I think the train trip is much funnier. Another option to make this long way is by plane. Cubana has two daily flights between the two cities. Flying may reduce a 15 hour trip to only 2 hours.
Day: 2-3
Trip/place: Santiago de Cuba
Comments/suggestions: See page on Santiago de Cuba
Day: 4
Trip/place: Santiago de Cuba - Baracoa
Means of transportation: Viazul (timetable)
Comments/suggestions: People who get dizzy during bus travel should better sit in front seats of the bus, since this road has many bends. You can enjoy a more beautiful view when seating to the right of the bus (looking from inside to front of bus).
Day: 5-6
Trip/place: Baracoa
Comments/suggestions: See page on Baracoa
Day: 7
Route: Baracoa - Havana
Means of transportation: Cubana / Aerocarribean / Aerogaviota or Viazul / train from Guantánámo or Santiago de Cuba to Havana
Comments/suggestions: The trip from Baracoa to Havana is by road or combined with railways but either ways are too long since one has to go from the east end to the west of Cuba. That is why I suggest travelling by plane, so reducing a road journey of more than 20 hours to just 2 hours by plane. If you want to return by plane from Baracoa it is better buying tickets long before you go on this trip, because there are only three weekly flights from Baracoa to Havana. The fare is about 120 CUC. If you prefer to travel by street you have to choose Viazul from Baracoa to Santiago to Cuba and then by the connecting bus Havana. Viazul cost about 70 CUC, you will be travelling at least 20 hours.Please, buy your ticket from Santiago to Habana in advance. Train lovers may travel with Viazul from Baracoa to Guantánamo and take here (every other day) a train to Havana at a cost of only 40 CUC. Anyway you could choose to stay one night in Guantánamo city where there is little tourism but there are some interesting places such as the zoológico de piedras (stone zoo).
Possible changes: This trip may be done as well from or to Varadero. For travelling to Santiago de Cuba one takes the train in Matanzas or a Viazul bus directly Varadero-Santiago. From Baracoa one may flight to Havana and later get a Viazul bus to Varadero, or one travels with Viazul to Santiago de Cuba and from here a Viazul bus straight to Varadero. It is not possible travelling straight from Baracoa to Varadero.
Travelling in Cuba's east - out/to Guardalavaca
Trip/place: Holguín/Guardalavaca - Santiago de Cuba - Baracoa - Holguín/Guardalavaca
Description: Santiago de Cuba is considered to be the second capital of Cuba after Havana, first capital of the island. Sometimes Havana is referred to as the political capital while Santiago as the cultural one. However, when talking about traditional music Santiago undoubtedly is the capital of the country. Santiago is also alleged as the most Caribbean city, what may be confirmed by any person who has lived the Santiago carnivals. After enjoying life in a big and beautiful city the route will take visitor to the northeast, to a completely different place: Baracoa. Personally I think landscape of this region is the most beautiful of all Cuba. Baracoa was the first village founded by Spaniards in Cuba around 1511. After the triumph of the Revolution the first road, La Farola, was built to connect Baracoa by land to the rest of the country. La Farola is very special since it is surrounded by magnificent landscapes and because this way might be quite dangerous when driving carelessly or with a vehicle in bad mechanical conditions.
Day: 1
Trip/place: Holguín - Santiago de Cuba
Means of transportation: Viazul (timetable)
Comments/suggestions: There are many trips between Holguín and Santiago de Cuba.
Day: 2-3
Trip/place: Santiago de Cuba
Comments/suggestions: See page on Santiago de Cuba
Day: 5
Trip/place: Santiago de Cuba - Baracoa
Means of transportation: Viazul (timetable)
Comments/suggestions: People who get dizzy during bus travel should better sit in front seats of the bus, since this road has many bends. You can enjoy a more beautiful view when seating to the right of the bus (looking from inside to front of bus).
Day: 5-6
Route: Baracoa
Comments/suggestions: See page on Baracoa
Day: 7
Route: Baracoa - Holguín
Means of transportation: Truck / Taxi or Viazul
Comments/suggestions: A straight route would be the north coast going from Baracoa via Moa and then to Holguín. This countryside is very impressive but when passing through Moa it is better to close your eyes due to the fact that this is an industrial zone. Taxis are very expensive from Baracoa to Holguín and you have to pay about 100 to 120 CUC in a public or private taxi to make this way. If you like an adventure, catch a truck or a collectiv taxi from Baracoa to Moa. Then to Mayarí and afterwards to Holguín. Slow, cheap but an adventure and very cuban...
You want to travel with air condition? Catch Viazul to Santiago de Cuba and from there another Viazul bus to Holguín. No so expensive like a taxi for your own.
Possible changes: This journey may also be done from or to Guardalavaca; in this case one takes a tourism bus from Guardalavaca to Holguín. Chauffeurs usually let you get on the bus for 5 to 10 CUC per-capita. Sometimes it is possible traveling in a hotel-worker bus. A CUC-taxi is of course the most comfortable option but at a price of about 50 CUC.