Cuba, a country that even in modern times very often reminds us of days that are long behind us. The island nation in the Caribbean is known because of their history with the world famous leaders Che Guevara and Fidel Castro. In addition, the many colorful houses, the aging classic cars and the hot salsa nights are part of the unmistakable image of the country.

In Cuba there is an incredible amount to discover, a perfect travel time is hard to define depending on your interests. But if there is not enough time and you still want to discover a lot in possible during a few days, at least a week should be planned for a round trip. We were in Cuba for 10 days and found this the perfect duration to discover everything.

Tastes are different, of course. While some just want to see Havana, there are others who just want to relax on the beach in Varadero. Then there is the group that wants to experience as much as possible. We also belong to the latter group due to time constraints.

We have chosen our route in such a way that we experience as much of Cuba as possible and see a lot of things that have been on our list for a long time.

• Viñales – The green and natural Cuba
• Havana – The world famous capital of the country
• Cienfuegos – The most beautiful city center on the south coast
• Trinidad – The perfect Cuba flair
• Varadero – Just relax by the sea

The journey through Cuba can be perfectly mastered with a bus company like Viazul . With this you can travel pretty much everywhere in Cuba at a reasonable price. Prices range from $9- $18 per person, depending on the route.

After landing in Havana, you should slowly start to discover Cuba. A day trip to Viñales is the best way to do that. Here you have the opportunity to discover Cuba from a side that probably won’t exist in any other place.

Viñales is famous for its tobacco plantations and cigar production. While you discover the wonderful nature on a horse, you will learn during the tour about coffee and honey production besides the cigar production. A small excursion to other monuments and a small detour in a cave should not be missed. Nowhere else will you experience such a natural and green Cuba as in Viñales. With Sunny Vinales Tour you are in good hands to discover a completely different side of Cuba for $235 for two people.

When you think of Cuba, you also think of Havana. The colorful facades and the classic cars characterize the cityscape. In Havana, you quickly get to know the capital from two different sides. On the one hand it is loud and lively, on the other hand run down and poor.

Even if one would like to transport an almost perfect image to the outside world, Havana has a lot of catching up to do in order to shine in the charm for which it is actually known. Some corners of the city are super exciting and worth visiting, while others are less so. A round trip with a classic car should definitely be in it to experience the Havana feeling itself.

In Cienfuegos you can find everything you loved about Havana. And you won’t find exactly what you didn’t like about Havana. Cienfuegos is a place that enchants with a beautiful city center. Just by the fact that the city is located by the sea, it has a completely different flair. A short stopover in Cienfuegos is highly recommended and should be planned on every Cuban trip.

Trinidad has exactly everything to love about Cuba. Here the Cuban culture shows itself from a very special side. The cobbled streets, the many small stores and restaurants, the delicious food and the many music artists. After our Cuban trip, everyone clearly agreed that Trinidad is the clear favorite of all.

After a long journey across the country, you also have to reward yourself at the end before you go back. Simply enjoy the time out in the wonderful Varadero. This city presents again a completely different side of Cuba. It is neither green, nor really Cuban. It is much more a purely touristic place with countless hotels.

But Varadero offers probably one of the most beautiful beaches at all. Miles and miles of white beach, sparkling blue water. Varadero has little to do with the Cuban flair, which you clearly feel everywhere else in the country. But it enchants completely with a beautiful beach and invites you to simply to take time out and enjoy a few days of relaxation.

Prices are per person, except for the taxi and the accommodation, which we rent for 3 people.

Accommodation: $56 – $150 / night

Restaurant: $6 – $20 / meal

Snack: $6 – $8 / meal

Pleasure: $2 – $5 / event

Taxi: $4 – $5 / ride

Activity: $2 – $13 / event