Cuba

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Vinales, Cuba


How to get there from Havana (HAV)

Via Bus/Coach Viazul (3.5 hours journey) which is the national bus company for locals and tourists or traditional cuban car (2 hours journey) which you can get from any city around Cuba.

Where to stay

For an authentic experience of course chose a Casa Particular. I personally stayed at Hostal Leonel Millo: such a lovely and welcoming family. The father, Leonel, arranged every single tour for us optimising our time there (which unfortunately wasn’t long: only 3 days). But we managed to do a lot thanks to his efficiency: from the horse riding experience, visit to the tobacco farm, coffee fields, cave exploration,  day-excursion to Cayo Jutias to a personalised tour by car to authentic places by a local.

Alternatively you can explore more options for B&B and/or suite at CasaVinales. Lovely family also offering personalised taxi services and guided tours around Viñales and Pilar del Rio region. Check them out/write to them on instagram too: @vinales_gallery

WHERE TO EAT

Villa El Mojito – just off one of the side street of Vinales main road (Salvador Cisneros).

Bar De Tapas  – located in front of Vinales’s bank/ATM – special for its delicious food and friendly atmosphere.


BEST VIEW

For the most breathtaking view of the valley, head to Horizontes Los Jazmines: a luxury residence with a swimming pool overlooking the valley. However what you want here is not the residence in itself but the view from the public terrace. Here’s a video of what to expect once there. I still dream about this place.

 

TOURS

A MUST-do tour is the horse riding one around the coffee and tobacco’s plantation in Vinales Valley. Ask to visit the hacienda Omar for a genuinely unique explanation and tasting of Cuban cigars. Buy them off here for a better deal and handmade product!

I was lucky to have had such an amazing local cow-boy guide (Miguel, now a friend of mine) who gave us an extended and detailed tour of the valley. You can contact him via phone once there: Miguel (+5355025874) – However, note he speaks little English. How’s your Spanish? 🙂

and Miguel (our private tour guide) was a bit of a poser too… But he will take you EVERYWHERE and tell you all the most bizarre stories!

Miguel (+5355025874)

A DAY AT THE BEACH

As part of the Viñales experience, spend the day in the most picturesque beach off the Caribbean sea. A mere 1.5h drive. I recommend to arrange the trip with a local driver who can pick you up early in the morning. They would drop you on the beach, show you where to get some food and will pick you up where they dropped you mid-afternoon. Make sure to head back at 4pm before sunset due to the rocky and uneven route to/from.

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La Havana, Cuba

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Located in the north of Cuba, La Havana/La Habana is one of oldest and most attractive cities in the island. Loved for its colorful houses, buzzing nightlife and street music. What I personally loved the most was enjoying a good meal on its rooftop restaurants followed by a nice Cuban cigar with honey. Yes! with honey (around the filter: sooo good!).

Where to stay

Best area in my opinion is not by the coast (El Malecon) or modern side of the city (as you would be missing the magic of Cuba) but in the Old Town for a truly authentic experience. Also stay in Casas Particulares with a host family for as little as 15-30 CUC/night (per couple) – exchange rate: here

I stayed in Calle Cuba and La Havana, right at the heart of the Old Town and absolutely loved being able to get out and walk around local markets, squares and art shops at any time during the day

Eat like a local

Tamal – chicken or vegetables wrapped in bananas leaves

Also try other starters : Gambas con mejillones (prawns with mussels with garlic sauce); Arepas rellana (flat breads made with maize and filled with guacamole, grated carrot, lettuce and either chicken and or grilled vegetables). Whereas popular mains among locals are Ropa vieja a la cubana aka ‘old rags’(shredded braised beef) and Masitas de cerdo (cinnamon sautéed pork shoulder).

Party like a local

Casa da Musica – to enjoy the very BEST salsa’s bands of Cuba

Bar Roma – rooftop bar with good international vibe and unique Cuban style

Tikoa – 100% Cuban music on party street Calle 23 full of other traditional bars/clubs.

More of La Havana’s nightlife: here 

Must-Go historical bars

Floridita (home of Daiquiri’s cocktail)

and Bodeguita del Medio (Hemingway’s favourite bar and place of choice for mojito)


WANDER AROUND

There is not nothing better than just exploring and wandering around Havana’s picturesque streets. Lterally ANY street will enchant you with either its colourful buildings or palpable history. You will experience a sense of welcoming: all the doors are open reflecting cubans personalities. I have never felt safer than I was in any other place I have ever visited, at any time during the day and night.

San Jose’s Arts & Crafts Market for your souvenirs

On my very last day in La Havana, few hours before my return flight) I was told by locals of this place where to get last minute souvenirs from. Little I knew how HUGE it was. The selection they had was incredible. Never seen anything like that. Amazing and unique pieces of arts at a third of the price from Havana’s streets shops. I was gutted I only discovered it at the very end; so thought of adding this to my Travel Tip list for La Havana so you don’t miss out! – San Jose’s Market

Alternatively calle Obispo is the city’s street for souvenirs (but triple of the price…just saying!)

DAY TRIP

Playa Boca Ciega – experience crystalline waters just off Havana city in one of the most beautiful undiscovered beaches. You might hear about Veradero beach: full of resorts, over 60 hotels and hundreds restaurants. So why going there? just enjoy a pure local destination by Habaneros, off the crowded beaches. A relaxing and authentic time.