Who has never dreamed of discovering Cuba. A mythical country known to all for its history, especially during the Cold War. However, the country has changed a lot and is now opening up to the world. An island that keeps its soul and its authenticity over the years. In this article, we are going to go over some of the essentials of a visit to Cuba.
When is the best time to go to Cuba?
Let's start by asking ourselves when is the best time to discover Cuba?
If you want to take a trip to Cuba, the best time of year to go is during our winter, which is between November and April.
If you wish, you can consult this site to find out when to go to Cuba and thus choose the ideal period to discover this magnificent island.
Ile aux Pins, as it was once called, offers you heavenly destinations, white sandy beaches and a sea at 30 ° all year round, or waterfalls where it is good to cool off, as well as the must-sees. from the island:
The essentials of Cuba
Let's review the essentials of a visit to Cuba.
Havana, colonial capital
The Havana tour is the first walk, in practically all tours, that you will be offered. A real journey back in time, accompanied by a city guide, you will wander through the old streets, where painters, sculptors and engravers welcome you. You will discover the old American cars, these legendary cars that have become the symbol of Havana; now restored, they are classified as a National Monument! You will walk in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway, the famous American writer in love with the island, on which there is a steel sculpture of this Cuban sympathizer. In the evening, the whole town turns into an open-air Casa de la Musica, with so many restaurants and musical evenings. Old Spanish-era houses, decrepit but proud of their colonial past, line bustling streets with children in uniform on their way to school and queues of people waiting to collect their daily ration of bread.
The Terrazas nature reserve
Another must on the island is a visit to the La Terrazas Nature Reserve: swimming in the waterfalls, and zip line course, you will continue your journey to Vinales, to visit the Orchid Garden, take a boat trip on the underground river from the Indian Cave, or admire the tobacco fields.
Playa Larga and the Bay of Pigs
Scuba diving enthusiasts will not fail to go to Playa Larga, a small village along the Bay of Pigs, where there is a Diving Center, then go to observe thousands of migratory birds and pink flamingos at the Laguna de las Salinas. The day will end with a visit to the crocodile farm, or the former Australia sugar factory.
Trinidad, the prettiest town on the island
For a cultural trip, you will prefer a visit to Trinidad, with its multitude of museums and craftsmen's workshops. Photo enthusiasts will not fail to take pictures of the multicolored houses, the old Americans, there also renovated, and, from the top of the tower of the Palacio Cantero, the panorama of the city with the mountains in the background. You can swim in a natural pool, visit a coffee factory, see the impressive waterfalls of Salto del Caburni or go horseback riding.
Santiago de Cuba and its cultural heritage
The second largest city on the island is Santiago de Cuba. Formerly the capital of the country, it has preserved many monuments dating from the colonialist era, but it is also the cradle of Boléro, and of Trova, a musical heritage that makes Santiago de Cuba a city full of joy, especially during Carnival or Fire Festival. The historical heritage is not forgotten, since the city holds an architectural gem: the first cathedral in Cuba, built in the XNUMXth century, and embellished over the centuries, whose facade is adorned with Corinthian columns and two towers. You can also visit the first open-pit copper mine to have been exploited on American soil.
Farniente on the island of Cayo Levisa
Finally, nature lovers can take the boat and spend a few days on the island of Cayo Levisa. White sand and crystal clear waters, you will enjoy a moment of relaxation on the beach, and dive to admire the coral gardens, in an enchanting place with unspoiled nature. A Robinson Crusoe vacation you won't soon forget.
I hope that this visit to Cuba will have seduced you. If Central America is a region that appeals to you, then do not hesitate to take a look at our article on the essentials of a visit to Costa Rica.
