Cycle Cuba: West

Havana, Cuba's vibrant capital, is a city where the past and present coalesce to create an unforgettable travel experience. Walking through Old Havana (La Habana Vieja), a UNESCO World Heritage site, feels like stepping back in time. The cobblestone streets are lined with pastel-colored colonial buildings, baroque churches, and iconic plazas, such as Plaza de la Catedral and Plaza Vieja, each with its own unique charm and history. As you stroll, the rhythm of Cuban music spills from every corner, inviting visitors to dance or simply soak in the atmosphere of this captivating city.

The famous Malecón, a broad esplanade stretching along the coast for nearly 8 kilometers, is the beating heart of Havana. Here, locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy stunning sunsets, street performances, and the lively buzz of daily Cuban life. The Malecón provides a front-row seat to Havana's eclectic architecture, from the grand neoclassical buildings of Centro Habana to the sleek, mid-century modernist designs of Vedado. For a unique perspective, take a ride in one of the city’s classic American cars, a nod to Cuba's 1950s era when Havana was a glamorous playground for the rich and famous.

Havana is not just a visual feast but a cultural and historical one as well. Visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes to explore Cuba's rich artistic heritage or the Museo de la Revolución, housed in the former Presidential Palace, to understand the country’s revolutionary history. For a taste of Havana’s nightlife, there’s no better place than La Bodeguita del Medio or El Floridita, Hemingway’s favorite haunts. Sipping on a mojito or daiquiri in these iconic spots, you can almost feel the spirit of the legendary writer himself.

A fun fact about Havana: the city is home to the Tropicana, one of the world's most famous cabarets, which opened in 1939 and continues to dazzle visitors with its vibrant shows and stunning costumes. Havana's blend of history, culture, music, and warmth offers a distinctive allure that promises to enchant any traveler seeking an authentic Cuban experience. Whether it's exploring its historic streets, engaging with its artistic soul, or dancing to the sounds of salsa, Havana captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression.

Nestled in the lush landscapes of western Cuba, Viñales offers an enchanting escape into a world where time seems to slow down amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Renowned for its striking limestone formations, known as mogotes, the Viñales Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The valley's dramatic scenery provides an ideal backdrop for hiking, horseback riding, and exploring underground caves like the Cueva del Indio, where visitors can enjoy a boat ride through the cavern.

The town of Viñales itself is a charming snapshot of rural Cuban life, where traditional farming practices and vibrant local culture thrive. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local tobacco culture with a visit to a traditional cigar farm, where the intricate process of cigar-making is demonstrated by skilled artisans.

In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, Viñales is a hub for adventure and relaxation. The surrounding landscape is dotted with opportunities for eco-tourism, including guided tours through lush tobacco fields and coffee plantations. For a more laid-back experience, the town's cozy guesthouses, or "casas particulares," offer an authentic taste of Cuban hospitality and home-cooked meals.

A fun fact about Viñales: The valley is home to one of the largest murals in the world, the "Mural de la Prehistoria," which vividly depicts scenes from prehistoric times and can be seen on the side of a mogote. To make the most of your visit, consider traveling between December and April when the weather is pleasantly cool and dry, perfect for exploring this stunning region.

Havana, Cuba's vibrant capital, is a city where the past and present coalesce to create an unforgettable travel experience. Walking through Old Havana (La Habana Vieja), a UNESCO World Heritage site, feels like stepping back in time. The cobblestone streets are lined with pastel-colored colonial buildings, baroque churches, and iconic plazas, such as Plaza de la Catedral and Plaza Vieja, each with its own unique charm and history. As you stroll, the rhythm of Cuban music spills from every corner, inviting visitors to dance or simply soak in the atmosphere of this captivating city.

The famous Malecón, a broad esplanade stretching along the coast for nearly 8 kilometers, is the beating heart of Havana. Here, locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy stunning sunsets, street performances, and the lively buzz of daily Cuban life. The Malecón provides a front-row seat to Havana's eclectic architecture, from the grand neoclassical buildings of Centro Habana to the sleek, mid-century modernist designs of Vedado. For a unique perspective, take a ride in one of the city’s classic American cars, a nod to Cuba's 1950s era when Havana was a glamorous playground for the rich and famous.

Havana is not just a visual feast but a cultural and historical one as well. Visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes to explore Cuba's rich artistic heritage or the Museo de la Revolución, housed in the former Presidential Palace, to understand the country’s revolutionary history. For a taste of Havana’s nightlife, there’s no better place than La Bodeguita del Medio or El Floridita, Hemingway’s favorite haunts. Sipping on a mojito or daiquiri in these iconic spots, you can almost feel the spirit of the legendary writer himself.

A fun fact about Havana: the city is home to the Tropicana, one of the world's most famous cabarets, which opened in 1939 and continues to dazzle visitors with its vibrant shows and stunning costumes. Havana's blend of history, culture, music, and warmth offers a distinctive allure that promises to enchant any traveler seeking an authentic Cuban experience. Whether it's exploring its historic streets, engaging with its artistic soul, or dancing to the sounds of salsa, Havana captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression.

Havana, Cuba's vibrant capital, is a city where the past and present coalesce to create an unforgettable travel experience. Walking through Old Havana (La Habana Vieja), a UNESCO World Heritage site, feels like stepping back in time. The cobblestone streets are lined with pastel-colored colonial buildings, baroque churches, and iconic plazas, such as Plaza de la Catedral and Plaza Vieja, each with its own unique charm and history. As you stroll, the rhythm of Cuban music spills from every corner, inviting visitors to dance or simply soak in the atmosphere of this captivating city.

The famous Malecón, a broad esplanade stretching along the coast for nearly 8 kilometers, is the beating heart of Havana. Here, locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy stunning sunsets, street performances, and the lively buzz of daily Cuban life. The Malecón provides a front-row seat to Havana's eclectic architecture, from the grand neoclassical buildings of Centro Habana to the sleek, mid-century modernist designs of Vedado. For a unique perspective, take a ride in one of the city’s classic American cars, a nod to Cuba's 1950s era when Havana was a glamorous playground for the rich and famous.

Havana is not just a visual feast but a cultural and historical one as well. Visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes to explore Cuba's rich artistic heritage or the Museo de la Revolución, housed in the former Presidential Palace, to understand the country’s revolutionary history. For a taste of Havana’s nightlife, there’s no better place than La Bodeguita del Medio or El Floridita, Hemingway’s favorite haunts. Sipping on a mojito or daiquiri in these iconic spots, you can almost feel the spirit of the legendary writer himself.

A fun fact about Havana: the city is home to the Tropicana, one of the world's most famous cabarets, which opened in 1939 and continues to dazzle visitors with its vibrant shows and stunning costumes. Havana's blend of history, culture, music, and warmth offers a distinctive allure that promises to enchant any traveler seeking an authentic Cuban experience. Whether it's exploring its historic streets, engaging with its artistic soul, or dancing to the sounds of salsa, Havana captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression.