Contours Travel knows Latin America by heart. And discovering the charms of Cuba is one of the global tour company’s most popular itineraries. Cuba is an extraordinary, enigmatic country and strikingly different from its Caribbean neighbours. It is an island steeped in the history of Spanish colonialism and post-war revolution. Reminders of the Communist revolution of Fidel Castro are everywhere – from the museum paying homage to the revolutionaries in Havana, to the party slogans painted on city walls, Cuba’s unique political system is an attraction in itself.
Viva Old Havana
UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Havana is the Caribbean’s largest and most vibrant city. The crumbling facades of once grand colonial mansions line the cobblestone streets. Classic Chevies, Buicks and Cadillacs jostle for position along the Malecon. Sip Havana Club rum and listen to the sounds of salsa, mambo and samba or head to the Conde de Villanueva for a Cuban cigar as you absorb the sights and sounds of this fascinating fusion of African and Spanish cultures.
Only two hours south-west of Havana, the Viñales Valley offers a stunning landscape of rust-red earth, rolling green farmland and dramatic limestone outcrops that conceal underground caves and river systems. You can cycle throughout this unique landscape and visit local tobacco farmers to learn more about the famous Habanero Cigar.
Don’t miss a visit to perfectly preserved Trinidad, built with the wealth of the sugar boom and where little seems to have changed since its heyday in 1850. Further east, discover the charms of Cuba without the crowds in the less-visited towns of Camaguey, Holguin and Santiago de Cuba, or relax on the picturesque beaches of the Cuban cays.
Hugging Cuba’s curves and contours
Uncover the highlights of Cuba as well as some of its lesser-known gems on Contours’ Buena Vista Cuba itinerary. Starting in Havana, you will travel to the western part of the island to see fields of tobacco amid limestone outcrops.
Continue to the Pearl of the Caribbean, Cienfuegos, and then step back in time with a stay in Trinidad de Cuba. From here, you’ll notice considerably less tourists as you travel east to Camaguey, Bayamo and sultry Santiago de Cuba. Finish in the quiet fishing village of Baracoa, home to some of the island’s best cuisine!
Explore Cuba’s unique cultural and historical legacy with one of Contours’ most popular itineraries: La Bella Cuba. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Listed cities of Havana and Trinidad and the natural beauty of Las Terrazas. Visit the Museum of the Revolution and the Che Guevara Mausoleum for an in-depth understanding of Cuba’s politics and history.
For Australian travellers, Contours Travel recommends flying first to Mexico and then on to Cuba. Its Discover Mexico and Cuba itinerary is one of the most popular ways to combine these two fascinating destinations. Explore ancient ruins, modern Mexico City and the colonial splendour of Oaxaca and San Cristobal before checking out the highlights of western Cuba. This is a tailored itinerary and is fully flexible to suit your tastes, timeframe and budget.
TRAVEL FACTS
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