12 Experiences Every American Should Have in CubaOur Magazine
#1 – Stay in a private home
There are a few good hotel options for upscale travelers, but staying in private home is really the way to go. Whether renting out a privately-owned villa or apartment or actually staying in a family home, this is how you experience Cuba up-close and personal. You’ll enjoy more personalized service, infinitely better food, greater flexibility and, most importantly, time to have meaningful interactions with your Cuban hosts.
#2 – Dine at a paladar
These privately-owned restaurants, first authorized in the early 1990s, offer much higher quality meals than most government-run establishments. You’ll find all the traditional staples of Cuban cuisine, but also some specializing in good-quality international or fusion cuisine. Recent reforms and increased demand from tourism have resulted in a flourishing of new paladares that can be hard to keep track of, so planning your trip with a Cuba specialist means you’ll avoid a hit-or-miss dining experience in Cuba.
#3 – Check out a food market
Foodie or not, visiting a food market is a great way to learn about any country and Cuba is no exception. In Havana, you’ll find both markets sourced from government farms as well as some boutique markets with more diverse suppliers and products. Explore both with a local expert to understand why, learn about innovative solutions to food supply issues, and get insight into Cuban food history. Your guide could even give you a shopping challenge to understand firsthand the challenges faced by everyday Cubans.
#4 – Listen (and dance) to live music
Salsa, rumba, Afro-Cuban jazz, chachachá, son and on and on….Cuban music has had an outsized influence around the world, and it’s simply impossible to visit the island and not be moved by its infectious musical styles born of the mixture of African and European musical traditions. Head out after dinner to any number of live music venues to dance with locals, visit a community dance project, or take a private salsa dancing lesson – the options are endless!
#5 – Learn about the Cuban Revolution
From Revolution Square and the Revolutionary Museum in Havana to the Che Guevara memorial in Santa Clara and pro-revolutionary billboards ubiquitous across Cuba, there are countless opportunities for history buff Americans to learn more about the event that transformed Cuba as well as its relationship with the U.S.
#6 – Get out to the countryside
Cuba’s cities are complex and fascinating, but to really understand Cuba every American should spend some time in the countryside. Aside from seeing the spectacular beauty of its rolling hills and lush vegetation, a visit to rural Cuba allows you to connect with locals at a slower pace, see and understand firsthand some of their challenges, and appreciate the tremendous ingenuity and resilience of the Cuban people. Stay overnight at a casa particular in Viñales, sip your mojito in a rocking chair on the front porch before joining your hosts for a simple, fresh homemade dinner.
#7 – Take a hike (literally)
While out in the countryside, a hike is a must and there are lots of options for all fitness levels. From the Viñales Valley to Topes de Collantes National Park outside Trinidad, from Alejandro de Humboldt National Park to the Sierra Maestra mountains, Cuba often surprises visitors with its mountains, lush valleys, and jaw-dropping vistas. And the best way to experience it is with a local expert guide who can point out all the native flora and fauna you’d otherwise miss. Feel like letting someone else do the work while you enjoy nature? No problem – hop on a horse with your guide and explore that way!
#8 – Explore the vibrant arts scene
Art is everywhere in Cuba, thanks in part to the establishment of art museums all over the island by the government following the 1959 revolution. The art scene, particularly in Havana, is thriving today and has garnered well-deserved international attention. Whether you’re a collector with a specific interest or just want to get a taste of the exciting work being done, don’t limit yourself to visiting art museums – what better way to explore Cuban contemporary art than to visit the studio or workshop of an artist?
#9 – Take a ride in a vintage automobile
Against all odds, Cubans have managed to keep the ubiquitous 1950s American cars and trucks running for nearly 60 years. No visit for an American is complete without at least going for a ride in one these vintage beauties.
#10 – Enjoy an unspoiled beach
While the continued prohibition on tourism in Cuba by U.S. citizens doesn’t allow for a classic beach vacation, that doesn’t mean you can’t make a stop at one of the island’s gorgeous, unspoiled beaches. Many of our favorites are far from Havana, so they’d be part of a longer exploration of the island, but a Cuba specialist and expert local guides know how to find great spots for a swim followed by lunch at a shack on the beach, pristine coral reefs for diving, prime fishing areas, and more.
#11 – Spend some time on the malecón
The seaside promenades (malecón in Spanish) in Havana and other coastal cities is a prime meeting place for locals, particularly at sunset and throughout the cooler evening. Why let the locals have all the fun? Pick up a bottle of aged Havana Club rum and head over to the malecón after dinner to enjoy the ocean breeze and music in the air while chatting with your guide.
#12 – Go offline
Although internet speed and access are slowly improving, it’s still frustratingly slow at times, and still largely limited to hotels. Cuba is one of the few places left in the world like this, so take the rare opportunity to just unplug! You’ll make far better use of your time just looking around, taking everything in, and connecting with all the wonderful people you’ll meet in Cuba.
Ready to start planning your custom, private Cuba journey? Send us an email or call us today (877-333-4988).