Best places to visit in Cuba: Off the beaten tracks

Western Cuba: Beyond the Viñales Valley

Las Terrazas & Soroa

For a perfect nature-filled escape from Havana, consider an overnight stay in the lush, mountainous landscape of the Sierra del Rosario. This area breaks up the journey to Viñales beautifully and offers a tranquil counterpoint to the city’s energy.

• Las Terrazas: This community is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a fascinating example of a sustainable eco-project. The atmosphere is tranquil and entirely nature-focused, providing a look at a successful model for sustainable tourism in Cuba.

  • Activities include ziplining over the forested canopy, swimming in the cool, natural pools of the San Juan River, and visiting the studios of local artists who reside within the community.

• Soroa: Often called the “Rainbow of Cuba,” Soroa is an excellent choice for a relaxing day trip centered on botany and light hiking.

  • Key sights are the Orquideario de Soroa, a vast and impressive orchid garden with hundreds of species, and the nearby Salto de Soroa waterfall, which offers a refreshing stop.

Península de Guanahacabibes

This remote and protected national park at Cuba’s westernmost tip is for the serious diver, wildlife enthusiast, or traveler seeking true isolation. Be aware that infrastructure is minimal, and the journey requires careful planning.

• Overview: The peninsula is a vast, sparsely populated wilderness area, offering a sense of profound solitude.

• María la Gorda: This is the main destination within the park, known almost exclusively for its underwater attractions.

  • Its primary activity is world-class diving and snorkeling. The waters here host pristine coral reefs and a remarkable abundance of marine life.
  • The area is also a key nesting site for sea turtles, a seasonal spectacle typically occurring between May and September.

• Logistics: Access is challenging. It is essential that both your transport to the peninsula and your accommodation at the small hotel are booked well in advance. Spontaneity is not recommended for this destination.

Central Cuba: The Undiscovered Heart

The Natural Side of the Bay of Pigs (Bahía de Cochinos)

While historically significant, the true treasure of this area for many travelers is its remarkable ecology. Positioned perfectly for a stop between Havana and the Cienfuegos/Trinidad area, the Bay of Pigs offers some of Cuba’s most accessible and rewarding snorkeling and diving directly from the shore.

• The small villages of Playa Larga and Playa Girón serve as the main bases for exploring the region’s natural attractions.

• Key Spots for Water Lovers:

  • Cueva de los Peces: Located between the two villages, this is a 70-meter-deep flooded cenote (a natural limestone sinkhole). Its clear, cool waters are perfect for a unique swimming and diving experience.
  • Punta Perdiz: An excellent and easily accessible location for shore snorkeling and diving. The calm, clear water and healthy reefs just a short swim from the coastline make it ideal for all skill levels.

• On Land: The area is part of the Ciénaga de Zapata National Park, a massive wetland that is a paradise for birdwatchers. It is one of the best places on the island to spot endemic species, including large flocks of flamingos and the vibrant Cuban trogon, the national bird.

Remedios

For those who wish to experience Cuba’s colonial charm without the tourist saturation of Trinidad, Remedios is the ideal alternative. This authentic and peaceful town offers a genuine glimpse into small-town Cuban life.

• The town’s main attraction is its central Plaza Martí, which is unique in Cuba for featuring two historic churches directly on its main square: the Iglesia Mayor de San Juan Bautista and the Iglesia del Buen Viaje.

• Its primary cultural highlight is Las Parrandas de Remedios, one of Cuba’s most vibrant and chaotic street festivals. If your visit coincides with Christmas week, you will witness an unforgettable spectacle of fireworks, parades, and friendly neighborhood rivalries.

• Beyond its own quiet appeal, Remedios serves as an excellent base for a day trip to the pristine beaches of the northern keys, such as Cayo Santa María.

Eastern Cuba: The Cradle of Revolution and Rhythms

Baracoa

Reaching Baracoa is a journey in itself, involving a long but scenic bus ride or a separate domestic flight. However, this geographic isolation has preserved a unique culture, dialect, and cuisine, rewarding the intrepid traveler with a completely distinct and memorable Cuban experience.

• As Cuba’s oldest city, founded in 1511, Baracoa feels a world away from the rest of the island. It is nestled between a lush mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean.

• Must-Do Activities:

  • Hike El Yunque, the iconic anvil-shaped mountain that looms over the town, for spectacular views.
  • Take a traditional boat trip up the dramatic canyon of the Yumurí River.
  • Visit a local family-run cacao or coffee plantation to learn about the region’s most important agricultural products.

• Local Flavor: The cuisine here is unique. Be sure to try local dishes prepared with coconut milk, a regional specialty. Do not leave without tasting a cucurucho, a traditional sweet treat made of coconut, fruit, and sugar, cleverly wrapped in a cone of dried palm frond.

Gibara

For travelers flying into Holguín, Gibara is a perfect off-the-path detour. This sleepy and picturesque fishing town, known as the “White Villa,” offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking tranquility and a glimpse into slow-paced, authentic Cuban coastal life.

• The atmosphere is one of faded grandeur. The town is known for its decaying but beautiful colonial architecture, quiet cobblestone streets, and a burgeoning local arts scene.

• If your travel dates align, the town comes alive for the annual Gibara International Low-Budget Film Festival (Festival de Cine Pobre), a celebrated cultural event.

• A wonderful way to see the area is to rent a bicycle and explore the surrounding countryside, which features a number of small caves and secluded beaches.

The Sierra Maestra Mountains

This is an experience for the serious hiker and history buff. This rugged mountain range is not only a place of immense natural beauty but is also steeped in revolutionary history. Please be advised that these treks are physically demanding and require a good level of fitness; they are not casual walks but serious excursions that offer a deep connection to Cuba’s past.

• Key Treks:

  • Comandancia de la Plata: This is a challenging but deeply rewarding hike to Fidel Castro’s hidden rebel headquarters. The camp has been preserved exactly as it was during the revolution, offering a tangible link to a pivotal moment in Cuban history.
  • Pico Turquino: For the most adventurous, this strenuous multi-day trek takes you to the summit of Cuba’s highest peak, offering unparalleled views and a significant sense of accomplishment.

• Requirement: All treks within the Sierra Maestra National Park require an official guide and a permit. These logistics must be arranged in advance of your arrival in the area.