WHEN IN CUBA...
Wonderfully authentic, beautiful, vibrant, inspirational and unforgettable.
Being unsure of what to expect from travelling in Cuba, it turned out to be surprisingly easier than we had expected. We never felt unsafe, petty theft is rare and despite taking a little longer than usual due to worn down roads and not to mention the occasional “taxi?! Free boyfriend included” (which honestly made us laugh more than anything), our entire trip was pretty smooth.
We spent our first three nights at the Greenhouse casa in Old Havana, which has a beautiful rooftop terrace overlooking the city and very welcoming hosts. We loved it so much we stayed another couple of nights on our way back. Havana is a photographer’s dream. It is authentically beautiful, vibrant and chaotic with salsa music echoing down streets after dusk serenading each passerby in a slow seduction. Cubans no doubt were born with undeniable rhythm and confidence. As a self-confessed dancer with two left feet (or maybe right?!) unsurprisingly my first stop was a Cuban salsa class.
Strolling down the colourful streets, every corner is a picturesque photo opportunity with street art painted across the walls. The Malecón is Havana’s go to place where fishermen, musicians and sunset gazers congregate as dusk falls and the yellowish beams of the sun illuminate the dilapidated buildings across the shore.
Our next stop was Viñales for two nights, known for its agriculture and tobacco which is grown using traditional methods. We opted for a horse riding tour through the Viñales Valley, unfortunately we were unable to see any of the tobacco plantations due to the season (we travelled in July) however our very helpful guide explained and showed us the process of making Cuban cigars.
We then took a collective taxi to Cienfuegos described by some guide books as being the Paris of Cuba. Our time there was limited and it felt like our two night stay was far too long for the city, partly due to the stormy weather. By the end we couldn’t wait to get to Trinidad! On the other hand our two night stay in charming Trinidad felt too short, we loved it! If you get a chance, go to Disco Ayala and Playa Ancón =)
Our final stop was an island paradise, Cayo Coco north of mainland Cuba. Before hotel resorts popped up, this idyllic tropical getaway used to be a mosquito-infested island (bring lots of repellent!!) home to Cuba’s charcoal industry. Now with its pristine white beaches, clear turquoise water and natural wildlife including pink flamingos along the causeway, it was an absolute must-do!! We originally opted for a casa (the only casa on the island) for $25 a night however due to a food poisoning episode and a toilet that wouldn’t flush we changed our minds and stayed three nights in the Melia Jardins del Reyes all-inclusive resort. Incredibly beautiful and based on Playa Flamenco, it slightly blew our budget so it was handy when we received a 30% discount for booking on the day.
I would mention that even though staying in a 5* resort had its comforts, it didn’t feel like Cuba. Frankly, it felt like we could have been on any beach anywhere. After the three days I was itching to get back on the road. The best part of staying in a casa was having a family take care of you, it felt like home for a couple of days.
I left Cuba feeling it was an incredible place, rich in culture and spirit and somewhere there’s much more to explore. I don’t normally go back to the same place twice but for Cuba I may just make an exception!
Cuban Adventure
He’s aiming high…
When in Cuba...
Cayo Coco
The second highest rooftop in Cienfuegos! We stayed at the Bella Perla Marina which like most casas can be booked by telephone or email but if you need some added security then Airbnb have a great selection. (Psssst... clickhere to redeem a travel voucher worth $33 for your first stay!).
Havana
When in Cuba...
Riding through Viñales
Trinidad
Learning all about the tabacco process… did you know that Viñales is the only place in Cuba that manufactures bio cigars without nicotine? Around 90% is sold to the government by farmers and 10% is kept for personal use.
Travel in Cuba
Sunset Cayo Coco
Old Havana
Taking a stroll down Cuba Road…To avoid getting lost in Cuba, I would highly recommend downloading maps.me on your phone. It was a life saver!
Trinidad
Sunset on the Malecón ♥
The view from our roof top terrace in Trinidad =)I LOVED Trinidad! It’s vibrant and lively night scene was great for getting some practice in with those Salsa steps!
Playa Flamenco
Rooftop Havana
Havana
Riding through the valleys of Viñales. The El Olivo restaurantwas a little gem. Their vegetarian lasagna with home made goats cheese mmmmm….
Rancha Luna
Arriving at our salsa class in style =D