Cuba is a destination unlike any other in Latin America, where extraordinary cultural traditions, music, art, cuisine, architecture, and history come together with a fascinating period of change. From the faded grandeur of Old Havana and the rhythms of its streets to the tobacco fields of Viñales and the colonial beauty of Trinidad, Cuba rewards travelers who take the time to look beyond the surface.
Exeter Latin America’s Cuba journeys are completely private and tailored around your interests, with a strong emphasis on meaningful cultural exchanges. Meet Cuban artists in their studios, explore Havana’s architectural heritage with specialists, visit tobacco farmers in Viñales, share a meal with local entrepreneurs, discover the country’s music and dance traditions, or speak with Cubans from different professions and generations about everyday life on the island. We work with trusted private-sector guides, boutique accommodations, and privately owned restaurants to create an experience that is both deeply personal and fully supportive of Cuba’s emerging private sector.
All of our Cuba journeys are private and completely tailored to your specific interests and needs, while always featuring the most upscale experience possible and designed to Support the Cuban People. This customization extends even to your accommodations. We have the connections and firsthand knowledge to offer you a carefully selected array of privately-owned serviced apartments, B&Bs and villas across the island.
Havana & Viñales
Experience the distinctive character of Havana and the lush landscapes of Viñales, combining Cuba’s history, culture, art, cuisine, and local traditions. Explore the atmospheric streets of Old Havana, discover the city’s revolutionary and artistic heritage, and experience Cuban food and music before venturing into the tobacco-growing countryside of Viñales.
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Highlights
- Explore the four historic squares of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a specialist architecture guide and opportunities to interact with local residents
- Discover Havana’s vibrant contemporary arts scene at Fábrica de Arte Cubano, combining visual art, music, dance, and cinema in a unique cultural setting
- Experience Havana through its history, from panoramic views at El Morro and the Malecón to Revolution Square and the city’s revolutionary heritage
- Venture into the tobacco-growing landscapes of Viñales, visiting plantations and drying houses and learning how Cuba’s famous cigars are traditionally produced
Weekend in Havana
Experience the vibrant character of Havana through its colonial heritage, iconic architecture, classic cars, culinary traditions, and contemporary arts scene. Explore the historic streets of Old Havana, discover the city from a classic 1950s American car, and experience Cuban food, art, rum, cigars, and nightlife during an immersive long weekend in the capital.
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Highlights
- Explore the four historic squares of Old Havana with a specialist architecture guide, discovering the city’s colonial heritage and everyday life
- Discover Havana from behind the wheel of a classic 1950s American car, taking in El Morro, the Malecón, Revolution Square, and other iconic landmarks
- Experience Cuba’s culinary and cultural traditions through local food markets, privately owned paladares, and a guided tasting of premium Cuban rum and cigars
- Immerse yourself in Havana’s contemporary arts scene through visits to independent galleries and artist studios, followed by an evening at Fábrica de Arte Cubano
Havana
Best Time to Visit: November–April
Cuba’s captivating capital is a city of grand colonial architecture, colorful plazas, vibrant music, contemporary art, and a fascinating history. Explore the UNESCO-listed streets of Old Havana, follow Hemingway’s footsteps, discover the city’s architectural heritage, meet local artists and entrepreneurs, or experience Cuban music and dance through private cultural encounters.
Viñales
Best Time to Visit: November–April
Surrounded by dramatic limestone mogotes and lush countryside, Viñales is the heart of Cuba’s tobacco-growing region. Meet local farmers, visit tobacco plantations and traditional drying houses, learn how cigars are produced, explore the countryside on foot or horseback, and share a home-cooked meal with a local family on their finca.
Trinidad & Cienfuegos
Best Time to Visit: November–April
Travel south to discover two of Cuba’s most beautiful colonial cities. Cienfuegos, known as the “Pearl of the South,” combines elegant architecture with a relaxed waterfront setting, while Trinidad’s cobbled streets, colorful houses, and Spanish colonial architecture transport you into another era. Beyond the cities, explore the region’s sugar history, rural communities, and the natural landscapes of the Escambray Mountains.
When is the best time to visit Cuba?
Cuba can be visited year-round, although November through April generally offers the most comfortable conditions, with drier weather and pleasant temperatures. December through March is particularly popular, while the summer months can be hotter and more humid.
How many days should I spend in Cuba?
We recommend at least 6–8 days for a meaningful first visit. A shorter journey can focus on Havana, while a longer itinerary allows you to add Viñales, Trinidad, Cienfuegos, or other parts of the island. Exeter Latin America’s Cuba journeys are completely customizable around your interests and available time.
How far in advance should I plan my Cuba trip?
We recommend planning several months in advance, particularly for travelers visiting during the busiest periods. Early planning allows us to secure the best boutique accommodations, private guides, cultural experiences, and other limited-availability services.
Can U.S. citizens legally travel to Cuba?
Yes, but U.S. citizens and permanent residents must travel under one of the authorized categories for Cuba travel rather than for traditional tourism. Exeter Latin America’s Cuba journeys are designed around the applicable requirements for authorized travel.
Is Cuba suitable for luxury travel?
Yes, although luxury in Cuba is different from traditional five-star resort destinations. Exeter Latin America focuses on the best available boutique accommodations, privately owned casas, villas, and other carefully selected properties, combined with private guides, drivers, personalized cultural experiences, and exceptional local access.
How do I get around Cuba?
Private vehicles with experienced local drivers are the most comfortable and flexible way to travel between destinations on a private journey. Depending on the itinerary, domestic flights and other local transportation can also be incorporated.
How safe is Cuba?
Cuba is considered a safe destination for our private journeys. Exeter Latin America works with trusted local partners, guides, drivers, and carefully selected accommodations that we know and trust. Our local team provides support throughout the journey and helps travelers navigate the destination comfortably.
Can I visit Cuba beyond Havana?
Absolutely. Havana is an essential starting point, but Cuba offers much more. Journeys can extend to the tobacco fields and dramatic landscapes of Viñales, the colonial cities of Cienfuegos and Trinidad, the Escambray Mountains, and other regions depending on your interests and available time.
Can I experience Cuba's music, art and culture privately?
Yes. Cultural experiences are at the heart of Exeter Latin America’s Cuba journeys. Depending on your interests, we can arrange private salsa lessons, visits to artists’ studios, conversations with musicians and dancers, explorations of Havana’s street-art scene, performances, and meetings with people working. across Cuba’s creative community.
Can I visit a Cuban tobacco farm?
Yes. Viñales is the heart of Cuba’s tobacco-growing region, and private journeys can include visits to working tobacco farms where you can meet farmers, learn about traditional cultivation, see the tobacco drying process, and learn how Cuban cigars are rolled.
Can I experience Cuban food beyond tourist restaurants?
Absolutely. Exeter Latin America places a strong emphasis on Cuba’s emerging private culinary scene. Depending on your interests, you can visit local markets and urban farms, meet chefs and entrepreneurs, take part in cooking experiences, and dine at privately owned paladares selected by our local team.
Is Cuba family-friendly?
Yes, although the best itinerary depends on the ages and interests of your family. Cuba can be particularly rewarding for families interested in history, music, art, food, nature, and cultural exchange. Private guides and flexible scheduling allow experiences to be adapted to different ages and interests.