Unforgettable Journeys in Cuba

Closed off to the world after its 1959 revolution, Cuba has taken a long time to come back onto the world stage. These days though, with its Latin and Caribbean influences to the fore, it’s a thrilling place to explore on foot. Take a step into the island’s faded past and experience the vibrant present on a Cuba walking tour. We asked Megan from our Product Team about the highlights and how best to immerse yourself in the real Cuba – here’s what she said:

Cuba is challenging and enthralling. Often only partially understood, it’s much more than the sum of is stereotypes. The country may be frayed at the edges but it is also rich and thriving if you immerse yourself among its intoxicating natural beauty and convivial soundtrack. Although the country is changing quickly It is not the easiest place to navigate on your own though – in fact it’s the sort of place where access to expert knowledge and local insight make all the difference. And that’s where we come in. Within our Cuba walking holiday, opportunities to stay in private homestays (casas particulares) offer an uncensored view of everyday Cuban life and our local guide can lead you to celebrated sights and quiet corners for a complete experience.

Havana’s high spirit is infectious. On a guided city stroll through old Havana you’ll discover bustling plazas, monuments, tucked-away bookshops and crowded bars where the sound of salsa and rumba spill out onto the streets. Faded colonial-era architecture gives the place a sense of decaying grandeur and the processions of classic 50s Cadillacs through the crumbling streets hint at another time.

Walks through the Vinales Valley explore the unusual landscape full of craggy mogotes (limestone monoliths) and the finest tobacco plantations where you’ll encounter ambling oxen ploughing the fields and cigar-chewing guajiros (country folk). Elsewhere, nature-filled hikes in the Escambray Mountains, explore jungle-carpeted slopes hiding clear natural pools and waterfalls. Look out for blossoming wild banana trees and clusters of magnolia blooms, which compete with the fragrant flowers of Butterfly Jasmine and the rich earthy scent of coffee plants. Wild orchids are worth seeking out, and, as well as woodpeckers or bee hummingbirds, you might be lucky enough to spot a flash of feathers belonging to the endemic Cuban tody or colourful tocororo.

Cuban cuisine is a fusion of Latin and Caribbean influences. Guests should look out for fresh diced mango, fried sweet plantains, mojo-marinated chicken and smooth black beans. Sugar cane juice is popular, and rum-infused cocktails, from the classic mojito to Hemingway’s favourite daiquiri are essential drinks to try, ideally overlooking Havana’s soulful Malecon on a balmy evening!

On a tour filled with highlights, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trinidad stands out for me – luscious green mountains encircle the perfectly preserved mid-19th century sugar town described as Cuba’s oldest outdoor museum, with pastel-hued houses and cobbled streets, arts and crafts markets and an exciting live music scene.