November 17th 2024.
Cuba is a country that has captured the imagination of many, with its iconic old cars, refreshing mojitos, and lively salsa music. Yet, for a long time, this Caribbean island remained a mystery to travelers. After the revolution in 1959, tourism came to a halt, only to resume in the early 90s following the collapse of the Soviet Union. It wasn't until eight years ago, when President Obama lifted the travel ban for Americans, that a new era of tourism began in Cuba.
However, despite the easing of restrictions, Cuba still raises eyebrows among some. As I excitedly shared my plans to embark on a two-week adventure across the country, my friends couldn't help but ask, "Is Cuba safe?" to which I quickly responded, "I'm sure it'll be fine." Little did I know, my statement would turn out to be an understatement.
I was completely captivated by the beauty and charm of Cuba that I intentionally missed my flight back to London and stayed an extra week in paradise. And I'm not the only one who has fallen in love with this country, as it has recently been named by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the best 25 places to go in 2025, with its UNESCO-protected cities, vibrant classic cars, and lively locals being some of the top reasons to visit.
My journey began in Havana, the capital of Cuba, in late February 2024. I had signed up for a group trip with WeRoad, who had planned five stops on our itinerary to showcase the best of Cuba. If you're looking for a unique road trip experience, here's how you can spend three weeks in this beautiful country.
Our journey took us across the island in three weeks, starting from Havana and ending in Trinidad. Our 12-day small group adventure tour, priced at £1,049 per person, included 11 nights of accommodation with breakfast, a welcome dinner, transportation within Cuba, and various excursions and experiences such as a horse ride through the tobacco plantations in Viñales, a catamaran excursion to Cayo Iguana, and a guided vintage car tour in Havana. We also had the services of a travel coordinator to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip. To book this tour, visit the WeRoad website.
While flights were not included in the tour package, I was able to find a good deal for my return flight from London Gatwick, with a layover in Madrid, for £920. As I landed in Havana, I was immediately taken aback by the city's beauty. The renaissance-esque buildings, the bustling streets, and the lively culture were unlike anything I had ever seen before.
During our stay in Havana, we opted for homestays, which are private homes rented out by local families to tourists. For around $30 a night, we were able to experience the warm hospitality of the locals and get a taste of the authentic Cuban lifestyle. Our hosts were incredibly welcoming and helpful, offering us discounts for longer stays and even providing services such as breakfast, laundry, and assistance with organizing activities.
Havana is truly a stunning city, and it quickly became my favorite place in Cuba. The classic cars driving past the colorful buildings, as seen in postcards, were even more mesmerizing in person. We made sure to do a classic car tour to see the city in style, and we booked with Old Cars Havana for a private tour in a convertible for $80, accompanied by an informative guide.
For a taste of the local nightlife and culture, we visited Fabrica de Art Cubano, a popular spot recommended by both tourists and locals. This art gallery and music venue had multiple rooms showcasing different performances, and I was so captivated by the experience that I ended up going three times during my stay. The best part? The ticket only cost 600 pesos, which is roughly £3.
When it came to food, I must admit that Cuba is not known for its culinary delights. Due to trade embargos and tensions with the US, imports are scarce, and some of the meals we had were not the best. However, Havana is known for having the best food on the island. I particularly enjoyed the fish-based dishes, although eating lobster every day can get tiring. Just keep in mind that prices in Havana may be slightly higher compared to other towns, with meals costing around £7-9, cocktails around £4, and local beers for about £1.50.
As a lover of museums and history, I dedicated a day to exploring Havana's many museums, including the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, which houses traditional Cuban art in a beautiful Spanish colonial building, and the Museo de la Revolución, a former presidential palace that documents the country's history from indigenous times to the present day. For lunch, I highly recommend El Dandy on Plaza de Cristo, my favorite restaurant in Havana where the staff took great interest in my name, Lucia, and sat and chatted with me as I enjoyed my meal.
Cubans are known for their kind nature and hospitality, so you will never feel lost or alone in Havana. The locals are always willing to help and offer recommendations for things to do and see. And speaking of things to do, I couldn't leave Havana without getting a unique souvenir to remember my trip. So, I did what any adventurous traveler would do – I got a tattoo.
After researching the highest-rated tattoo parlors on TripAdvisor, I decided to visit La Marca, and I wasn't disappointed. As soon as I entered, I knew I was in for a treat as the walls were adorned with beautiful art in traditional Cuban style. I spent some time flipping through the artists' sketchbooks before deciding on a classic compass design, which I thought was a perfect representation of my travels. The tattoo cost me $70, which may seem like a lot, but it was half the price I would have paid in London, and I wanted to make sure I went to a reputable place. Now, whenever I look at my tattoo, I am reminded of my unforgettable trip to Cuba.
After spending a few days in Havana, we drove for three hours to Viñales, a picturesque town in the valley region of the island. This was, without a doubt, the most beautiful place I have ever been to. Surrounded by mountains and home to the famous tobacco plantations, it's no wonder that Viñales is a must-visit destination in Cuba.
We spent three days here, but I would recommend staying longer to fully take in the beauty of this small town. During our stay, we went horseback riding through the valley, visited a tobacco plantation where the farmers gave us a lesson on how to roll cigars, and even woke up at 5am to hike up a mountain for a breathtaking sunrise view.
If you're planning a trip to Viñales, make sure to go on a horseback ride through the valley and visit a tobacco plantation. And for the best food in town, head to El Dandy, which offers a stunning view of the surrounding mountains. And if you're an early riser, make sure to catch the sunrise – it's truly worth it.
Cuba may be a small island, but it has so much to offer, from its vibrant cities to its breathtaking countryside. I highly recommend visiting this beautiful country and experiencing all that it has to offer. As they say, "When in Cuba..." make sure to check off these must-do activities:
- Visit Zapata National Park to spot vultures
- Have lunch at El Dandy
- Go on a classic car tour
- Spend the night at Fabrica
- Take a Salsa class
- Have dinner at Antojos
- Enjoy a mojito at a bar along The Almendares River
Solo travelers, fear not! Cuba is an excellent destination for solo travel, as the locals are friendly, and there's always something to do and see. And for museum lovers like myself, make sure to visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and the Museo de la Revolución in Havana, and don't forget to check out the stunning setting of El Dandy for a delicious lunch.
Overall, my trip to Cuba was an unforgettable experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and enriching travel adventure. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Cuba today and create your own unforgettable memories.
When you think of Cuba, what comes to mind? For many, it's the classic cars, the refreshing mojitos, and the lively salsa music. It's a country that has long been shrouded in mystery, with its largest island in the Caribbean being a question mark for travelers. Tourism was almost non-existent after the revolution in 1959, but it slowly started to pick up again in the early 90s after the collapse of the Soviet Union. It wasn't until eight years ago, when President Obama lifted the travel ban for Americans, that a new era of tourism began on the island.
Even today, Cuba still raises eyebrows and questions. "Is it safe to visit?" my friends asked as I excitedly shared my plans to explore the country for two weeks. "I'm sure it'll be fine," I replied confidently. Little did I know, it would be an understatement. I was completely captivated by the place and ended up missing my flight back to London, choosing to stay an extra week in this paradise.
And it's not just me who fell in love with Cuba. Condé Nast Traveller recently named it one of the top 25 places to visit in 2025, citing its UNESCO-protected cities, colorful classic cars, and the quick-witted, friendly locals as reasons to add it to your travel bucket list. So, if you're planning a road trip with a twist, here's how you can make the most of three weeks in Cuba.
My journey began in Havana, the vibrant capital city. I arrived in late February 2024 and had signed up for a group trip with WeRoad, who had planned five stops on our itinerary, including villages and cities that would showcase all that Cuba has to offer. Our 12-day small group adventure tour, called Cuba 360°, was priced at £1,049 per person and included 11 nights of accommodation with breakfast, a welcome dinner, transportation within Cuba, and various excursions and experiences. We even got to ride horses through the tobacco plantations in Viñales and take a catamaran trip to Cayo Iguana. Our group also had the chance to explore Old Havana with a local guide, take a two-hour vintage car ride, and had the support of a travel coordinator throughout the trip. To book this tour, you can visit the WeRoad website. Please note that flights are not included, but you can find good deals if you don't mind a layover. My roundtrip flight from London Gatwick, with a stop in Madrid, cost me £920.
Now, let me tell you about Havana. This city is simply stunning. It's unlike anything I've seen before. The renaissance-style buildings are crumbling, the streets are bustling with activity, and the culture is vibrant and captivating. You may have seen pictures of the classic cars driving past the sun-bleached buildings, but being there in person is like stepping into a postcard. We stayed in homestays, which are private homes rented out by local families to tourists. It cost us around $30 per night, with discounts available for longer stays. Our hosts were incredibly welcoming, and it was a more affordable option compared to staying in a hotel. Some even offered breakfast and laundry services, and helped us plan activities.
During my time in Havana, I was around the same age as some of the people working in our homestays, and they were all excited for me to explore the city. If you're in Havana, I highly recommend booking a classic car tour. You can see the whole city in style with a private driver. We booked with Old Cars Havana and paid $80 for a tour in a classic convertible with an informative guide. For a taste of the local nightlife and culture, Fabrica de Arte Cubano is a must-visit. It's a popular spot recommended by both tourists and locals. This art gallery and music venue has multiple rooms with different performances. I loved it so much that I went three times during my stay. I saw a live band, a DJ set, and even caught some salsa dancers. The best part? The ticket was only 600 pesos, which is around £3.
Now, let's talk about food. Cuba isn't exactly known for its culinary delights. Due to trade embargoes and tensions with the US, imports are limited, so the meals may not be the best. However, Havana has some of the best food on the island. There are plenty of fish-based dishes to try, but be warned, you can get sick of lobster if you eat it every day. Keep in mind that everything in Havana is slightly more expensive compared to other towns. Meals can cost around £7-9, cocktails around £4, and local beers about £1.50.
As a lover of history, I couldn't miss the chance to visit some museums in Havana. I dedicated a day to exploring and visited the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, which showcases traditional Cuban art in a beautiful Spanish colonial building, and the Museo de la Revolución, a former presidential palace that documents the country's history from indigenous times to present day. For lunch, I went to El Dandy on Plaza de Cristo, which became my favorite restaurant on the island. The staff took a great interest in my name, Lucia, and sat and chatted with me while I read my books. Cubans are known for their kind nature and hospitality, so you'll always find a friendly face to help you with recommendations or advice.
I loved my time in Havana so much that I wanted a unique souvenir to remember my trip. And what better way to do that than with a tattoo? I did some research and found the highest rated tattoo parlour on TripAdvisor, which turned out to be La Marca. As soon as I walked in, I knew I was in good hands. The walls were decorated with beautiful Cuban-style art. I browsed through the artists' sketches and finally settled on a design inspired by a classic compass, as a nod to my travels. The tattoo cost me $70, which may seem like a lot, but it was half the price I would have paid in London. Plus, I wanted to make sure it was done by a reputable artist. Every time I look at my tattoo, I am reminded of my unforgettable trip.
Next, we headed to Viñales, a small town in the valley region of Cuba, known for its stunning landscapes and tobacco plantations. It's about a three-hour drive from Havana, and it's where most of the island's tobacco comes from for those famous cigars. We spent three days here, but I would recommend staying a bit longer to truly appreciate the beauty of this place. While in Viñales, we went horseback riding through the mountains, visited a tobacco plantation, and even woke up at 5am for a sunrise hike.
The tobacco plantation was a definite highlight for me. The farmers gave us a detailed tutorial on how to roll a cigar. The leaves are picked and then cured in special sheds for about two years before they are ready to be rolled. It was fascinating to learn about this process and see it first-hand.
In conclusion, Cuba is a country like no other. Its culture, people, and landscapes will capture your heart and leave you with unforgettable memories. So, if you're planning a trip, don't hesitate to visit this beautiful island. As they say, "When in Cuba..."
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