3 compelling reasons to ditch everyday life and join us on an exploration of Cuba
We know it—so far, we’ve made a name for ourselves as the safari people, the ones skidding around in jeeps through mud and sand, trekking in the Himalayas, and freezing our butts off in the Arctic Circle while waiting for the Northern Lights. In short: the kind of people with adrenaline running through our veins.
Can you even picture us in the Caribbean?
And yet, here we are: we’ve decided to choose Cuba as one of our destinations too. Because this island is not just about the sea, beaches, and working on your tan with a daiquiri in hand.
If that were all we wanted, we could pick any number of other places overrun by resorts, like Zanzibar, Bora Bora, Phuket, and the rest. And if that were the case, you’d be fully entitled to stop speaking to us forever.
No, no—Cuba is so much more than that. And because we like you, we want to take you there properly on an incredible 13-day group trip.
“But why should I come with you to visit Cuba of all places?”
Because yes.
But if you’re the demanding type and need reasons more convincing than that (really?), here they are.
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Because Cuba has UNESCO World Heritage Sites in abundance
Cuba is an island where time seems to have stood still, yet history keeps dancing to the rhythm of son and salsa.
Let’s start with Havana: not just a capital city, but a vibrant riot of color, a mix of Spanish colonial architecture, art deco, and revolución. Then there are the vintage cars speeding through the streets in true 1950s style—the kind that make you stop and think: “Wait, is this for real?”
The coolest part of the city is without a doubt La Habana Vieja (Old Havana), the oldest area, founded more than 500 years ago under the name San Cristóbal.
It’s stunningly beautiful—so much so that UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Site, together with all the fortifications the Spanish built in the area to defend it from pirates and corsairs. These days, though, it’s besieged by tourists eager to visit the historic buildings of the Cuban capital—and not even the cannons can stop them!
And then there’s Trinidad, like a living postcard from the colonial era.
UNESCO couldn’t resist this one either, and this little town has also been declared a World Heritage Site. And it absolutely deserves it.
Pastel-colored houses, cobbled streets, and Plaza Mayor, which is absolutely spectacular. And just 15 kilometers away lies the Valle de los Ingenios, once home to numerous sugar cane plantations and today—guess what?—another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The view over the valley from Manaca Iznaga Tower is incredible, and we always make time to enjoy it on our tours.
Because Cuban nature is something special
Varadero needs no introduction: it’s one of the most famous beaches on the entire island, with 20 kilometers of fine white sand.
Unfortunately, it’s so famous that mass tourism has gone all in, bringing with it a huge number of luxury hotels—which, honestly, isn’t really our thing. That’s why, when we visit the Varadero area, we prefer to stay in Casas Particulares, so we can experience its more authentic side.
And then there are the Cayos, those small, secluded gems that look like they’ve come straight out of a dream.
One of our favorites is Cayo Blanco, an uninhabited islet off the coast of Varadero and a little slice of paradise, especially for diving. There’s also an amazing coral reef nearby!
But Cuba’s natural beauty doesn’t stop at beaches, despite what many tour operators would have you believe with their not-so-great all-resort holidays where you barely brush against local culture.
No—Cuba has so much more to offer, like Viñales National Park, a breathtaking landscape with majestic mountains, lush green valleys, and the Mural de la Prehistoria, which is truly impressive.
Or Topes de Collantes Natural Park, a place unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
The most interesting thing about this area is the variety of landscapes you’ll find there: hills and valleys, mountain trails perfect for trekking, buildings that reflect local culture, and even coffee plantations.
And what about Salto del Caburní?
A waterfall over 60 meters high that emerges between the rocks and plunges into a pool where you can swim. As for us, of course—we dive right in!
Because you can stay in a Casa Particular
And here we come back to the Casas Particulares we mentioned earlier.
But what exactly are they?
Casas Particulares are the complete opposite of the cold, boring five-star hotels typical of mass tourism. They are homes owned by Cuban families who open their doors to visitors, almost like a B&B, offering a bed for the night, a hot meal, and above all, immersion in local traditions and a generous dose of family warmth.
The advantages of staying in Casas Particulares?
Here they all are:
- you spend less than you would at big hotels, which is never a bad thing;
- you get to enjoy typical local dishes, not the same old standard hotel meals you find in Cuba just like in any other tourist destination. And the food is delicious;
- Cubans are incredibly hospitable. Staying in a Casa Particular, you’ll feel like one of them from day one—and when it’s time to leave, you’ll feel genuinely emotional about saying goodbye;
- you get to experience authentic Cuban culture up close—the real kind, the one we love.
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In conclusion
Are these reasons enough to finally convince you to visit Cuba once and for all?
Yes?
Well, we’ve got plenty more where those came from: check out the full itinerary for our Cuba tour here, take a moment, and as soon as you’re ready, book your spot on the next departure.
Come on—the plane is already starting its engines!
