(Newswire.net — June 10, 2019) — From hiking in Pinar Del Río to soaking in the beaches of the paradisiacal cays: everything things to do in Cuba.
Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean and it is a great vacation spot, wherever you look. With a warm climate, postcard beaches, mysterious mangroves, coral reefs and a rich history like few others, this destination will fill your senses. Enjoy a few days of Cuban rhythm, music everywhere, dance, old cars, rum, sugar cane and the most open and friendly people you could find. Go ahead and live the most authentic Cuba and take note of the things you should do on one of our favorite Caribbean islands.
1. Rest on the beach
One of the greatest pleasures of a vacation in Cuba is to enjoy its paradisiacal beaches and, as we are, few are more spectacular than those found in the cays. Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo are the perfect places to lie in the sun, to enjoy water sports and to explore a landscape of beaches defended by coral reefs, abundant forest vegetation, and rich biodiversity. Although the tourism of the bracelet and the all-inclusive are not your thing, you cannot miss this corner of Cuba with so much charm.
2. Climb the tower of Manaca Iznaga
In the south of Cuba, in the Valle de Los Ingenios, you will find a landscape forged by the cultivation of sugar cane since the 18th century. Of all the plantations that once populated the area, the Manaca Iznaga hacienda stands out, in which the owner’s house, a spectacular tower and some of the barracks where the slaves who worked the land lived. In addition to exploring the colonial past, you can not leave without climbing to the top of the 45-meter tower that, one day, was the tallest structure in Cuba. At your feet, you will find the tower that crowned it and with which the beginning and end of the working day was announced. If you do not feel like walking or getting too complicated to get there, take the steam train that runs through the Valley of the Sugar Mills and gets off at the Manaca Iznaga stop.
3. Do scuba diving
Cuba is an incredible place to do scuba diving (or snorkeling). Its seabed is spectacular and is populated by so many species of fish that you will enjoy as never before. If you do not know where to start, where to go or how to do it, the best places to dive in Cuba are Maria La Gorda (in Pinar del Rio, west of Cuba and with 18th century shipwrecks), Cayo Levisa (one hour away Havana, ideal to see black coral), Cayo Largo (south of the island and very protected from currents, so it is ideal for novice divers), Playa Girón (in Bahía de los Cochinos) and Faro Luna (in Cienfuegos, to the south, with transparent waters). Prepare the cylinders, the fins and do a dive.
4. Dance and listen to music in Matanzas
Far from Varadero and from the tourist streets of beautiful Havana, the province of Matanzas allows tasting much of Cuban authenticity. Get carried away by the decadent charm of the city of Matanzas (the capital) and discover both its neoclassical charm and the rhythm that pervades everything. If you like Caribbean rhythms, here you will enjoy as a child since you will be in the place where the danzón and the rumba were born. Stroll and savor each beat, each echo of a bembé in the neighborhood of Marina and every street performance of rumba in the Plaza de la Vigía in the afternoon. If you do not fall asleep to their charms, come to the spectacular city of Colón, which has one of the most beautiful and green squares in Cuba.
5. Riding a horse in a sugar plantation near Trinidad
Life in Trinidad is still strongly linked to the countryside and its routines. Perhaps that is why horses are present in the day to day life of this colonial city. Get on one of these mounts to explore the valley, the trails in the shade of the mango trees or the El Pilón waterfall. Take your swimsuit and a towel so you can take a dip in the natural pool below the waterfall. You will be as good as new!
6. Mix with the locals
Forget about beaches, nature, music, and rum. The best thing about Cuba is its people. The Cubans are a people that keep the rhythm in their blood and the smile on their face. Close, friendly, charming and so hospitable that you will feel at home, enjoy the legendary Cuban grace. Join a chess match on the street, an impromptu rumba class, a concert born out of nowhere or some mojitos at the best of the companies. Do not hesitate it for a second.
7. Taste the most delicious Cuban rum
Cuba is famous throughout the world for many reasons but one of the most important is its excellent production of rum. This liquor can be taken alone or mixed in one of the most popular cocktails. Here the mojitos taste better, the cuba libre is an unforgettable drink and the Collins ron a whole experience. How to drink on an empty stomach is not good, before tasting anything, make sure you satisfy your appetite with a good plate of old clothes or a picadillo to the criolla. We are already getting hungry …