1. Explore colonial streets in a classic American car
Cuba is car heaven. There are over 50,000 classic American cars still running throughout the island, with the oldest now reaching their 100th birthdays ! Chevrolets, Pontiacs, Buicks and Studebakers still dominate the streets of Cuba’s most beautiful colonial cities .Some are literally falling apart and held together from scrap metal and parts from Ladas, yes Ladas ! All lovingly looked after by the most creative car mechanics in the world. However, the ones you will ride in are in mint condition, with shiny chrome and gleaming paint. These convertibles are the perfect option for catching the sun and seeing the amazing sights as you weave through the bustling streets.
Dress for the occasion with your favourite linens and Panama hats and prepare for selfies. A local guide can point out so many interesting buildings and streets with stories to tell. Touring Havana is a must and driving along the seafront Malecon promenade as the sun sets is just the best experience. You can also explore historic Trinidad, revolutionary Santiago De Cuba, or the quiet lanes of rural Vinales Valley. Heading out in a classic American car is a fantastic and quintescential Cuban experience in any location.
2. Roll your own cigar at Vinales Tobacco Plantation
Less than three hours from Havana lies Vinales Valley and the scenery here is just stunning ! Dramatic, muffin shaped limestone hills, known as Mogotes, guard the lush and fertile valley, dotted with tiny farmsteads and tobacco-drying houses .This is the heartland of Cuba’s world-famous tobacco plantations and visiting one is a real highlight . Meet the farmers, with their sun-weathered faces, who lovingly tend to the tobacco crops with practices handed down through the generations. It’s all very traditional here.
Peek into the fragrant drying houses and learn how the leaves are graded ready for the factories . Some leaves are chosen for the famous Cohiba Behike that fetches over £500 per cigar in Mayfair! Enjoy a local coffee “muy Fuerte” and carefully roll your own cigar, with professional guidance of course! One tip is to dip the end in local honey and enjoy!
3. Learn to dance salsa and enjoy Cuba’s famous nightlife
The Cubans just love dancing, and rhythm is in their blood. It’s amazing to see how quickly the Cubans dance when the music starts, young and old alike. The hips start swaying and the smiles appear after literally seconds. There is no standing around by the back wall, nursing beers and waiting to pluck up courage to dance. In Cuba, the whole island literally sways to the Latin beat.
Throughout Cuba, there are dance schools whose teachers are well versed in teaching visitors the most basic of steps. Within minutes you will gain confidence and be moving like a Cuban, well nearly! A tip here , a Mojito or two helps with gaining rhythm! A short lesson at the start of your holiday will undoubtedly lead to some amazing nights with the locals, in small and friendly local bars and clubs throughout the island.
4. Climb Pico Turquino, Cuba’s highest peak
Hidden away in the southeast of Cuba, in the impressive Sierra Maestra mountains, lies Pico Turquino The mountain stands proudly 1,974metres and, for Cubans, it is almost a pilgrimage to climb this mountain. The mystique of Pico Turquino is that it stands guard over the mountains where Fidel Castro, Che Guevara and the Revolutionary heroes built their headquarters, hidden deep in the tropical forests. Known as La Plata, the camp can be explored and you can even visit Fidel Castro’s personal cabin, and see his secret escape routes . It’s a fascinating prelude to the climb, best enjoyed the day before you summit.
When you head out on trek with your local guide, you will enjoy fresh mangos and pineapple as you climb up through the forests. Rest over a coffee with local farmers, the older ones will recount tales of mystery visits from Fidel and Che! After an overnight stay in a simple mountain hut and some wholesome Cuban food, it’s an early rise to reach the summit and enjoy the stunning views over to the Caribbean Sea. A very common British fruit grows on the summit, in the cooler climate , bringing back memories of home To find out which one, get in touch to book your trek !
5. Kayak amongst flamingos at Cienfuego Bay
Combine a truly memorable Kayaking experience through clear shallow waters. Enjoy an abundance of wildlife, including the beautiful Pink Flamingos, and… an old submarine!
Even for the absolute beginners, Kayaking is incredibly easy, and one feels comfortable in minutes. Accompanied by a local guide it’s a delight to paddle effortlessly through the tranquil lagoons on a beautiful early, sunny morning. The guide has great eyes for the local wildlife and will point out pelicans, herons, and fish of various colours and sizes. It’s hard not to miss the Pink Flamingos as often there can be up to a hundred of them, standing tall and elegant, a vision of beautiful pink in the morning sunshine ! Paddle very carefully and quietly and you can get quite close to them.
So, what about the submarine, you say…Well, it’s only in Cuba that one passes the rusting relic of a Russian submarine when out on a memorable Kayaking experience!
