One Week in Cuba: The Ultimate Caribbean Adventure. Cuba, with its retro vibe, rich culture, and beachy weather, is an experience unlike any other. A week on this incredible Caribbean nation provides just the right combination of history, leisure, and cultural immersion. Take a gander at your ultimate 7-day itinerary to get the most out of your Cuba experience.
Day 1: Arrive in Havana – Step into the Past
Arrive in Havana, Cuba’s capital city, and stay in a casa particular (a home stay).
Explore walking tour of Old Havana (Habana Vieja) – a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and live street music.
Explore Plaza Vieja, El Capitolio, and the Museum of the Revolution to immerse yourself in Cuba’s rich political and cultural heritage.
Close out the day with a sunset cocktail at Hotel Nacional and take in malecon views from high above.
Day 2: Dive into Havana’s Soul
Take a ride through town in a retro 1950s American car – a quintessential Cuban experience.
Visit Fusterlandia, a wacky and colorful mosaic community designed by artist José Fuster.
Discover Callejón de Hamel, famous for Afro-Cuban culture, street art, and Santería customs.
Watch a live music performance at Buena Vista Social Club or Fabrica de Arte Cubano, a hip art & nightlife venue.
Day 3: Day Trip to Viñales – Nature & Tobacco Farms
Take a day-long excursion to Viñales Valley, known for its limestone mogotes and beautiful tobacco plantations.
Stop by a tobacco plantation and observe how Cuba’s world-famous cigars are hand-made.
Ride horseback or hike along the picturesque countryside.
Back to Havana for dinner at a local paladar (household restaurant).
Read also: Ultimate Travel Guide to Zimbabwe: What to See and Do
Day 4: Off to Cienfuegos – The Pearl of the South
Drive to Cienfuegos, a seaport city famous for its French building style and oceanfront atmosphere.
Stroll down the Paseo del Prado and around Parque José Martí, which houses the lovely Teatro Tomás Terry.
Relax in a peaceful evening at the Bay of Cienfuegos, the ideal way to unwind after driving.
Day 5: Visit Trinidad – A Colonial Treasure
Drive to Trinidad, a picturesque colonial town caught in time.
Visit Plaza Mayor, Trinidad’s old town center, complete with pastel-hued buildings and cobblestone streets.
Discover the Museo Romántico and Palacio Cantero to gain a deeper understanding of Cuba’s colonial past.
Dance under the stars at Casa de la Música, an open-air music club.
Day 6: Beach Day in Playa Ancón
Only 20 minutes from Trinidad, Playa Ancón is Cuba’s top beach.
Get your day swimming, sunbathing, or snorkeling in the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea.
Head back to Trinidad in the evening for dinner at Sol Ananda or Restaurante San José.
Day 7: Return to Havana and Departure
Return to Havana (driving time approx. 4 hours).
Do some last-minute shopping at the Almacenes San José Artisans’ Market.
Take one last stroll along the Malecón, Havana’s iconic seaside promenade.
Fly out from Havana’s José Martí International Airport with memories to last a lifetime.
Final Travel Tips
Currency: Spend with Cuban Pesos (CUP), but exchange Euros or USD.
Internet: Wi-Fi is scarce; purchase ETECSA cards to use public hotspots.
Language: Spanish is widely spoken; pick up a few basic phrases for convenience.
Travel Insurance: Required for entry into Cuba.
This 7-day tour provides an even mix of history, culture, and beach time—making your Cuban experience both unforgettable and rewarding.
One Week in Cuba: The Ultimate Caribbean Adventure
Pingback: Top 10 Islands to Visit in the Philippines - Travelogy