Cuba 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Havana

Morning:

  • Start your day with a traditional Cuban breakfast at a local paladar (private restaurant). Try the “Moros y Cristianos” (black beans and rice) and “Tostones” (fried green plantains).
  • Visit the historic Old Havana (Habana Vieja), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander around Plaza de Armas, Plaza Vieja, and Plaza San Francisco de Asis. Don’t forget to take pictures of the colorful buildings!
  • Explore the Museum of the Revolution (Museo de la Revolución) to learn about Cuba’s history.

Afternoon:

  • Head to Fusterlandia, a vibrant neighborhood adorned with mosaics by artist Jose Fusté.
  • Visit the iconic Capitolio and take a panoramic view of Havana from its top.
  • Experience the vintage cars in action by taking a classic car tour around the city.

Evening:

  • Enjoy a live music performance at one of Havana’s nightclubs like La Tropical, Salon 1932, or La Zorra y el Cuervo.
  • Dine at a paladar in the evening. El Cocinero and O’Reilly 304 are popular choices.

Things to Know:

  • Cuban currency is the Cuban peso (CUP) for locals and Convertible peso (CUC) for tourists. Exchange your money before you arrive.
  • Internet access is limited in Cuba, but you can buy cards at ETECSA centers to access wifi hotspots.
  • Tips are expected in Cuba, so budget around 10% of the total bill.

Day 2: Day Trip to Viñales

Morning:

  • Take an early morning Viazul bus or hire a private taxi from Havana to Viñales (approx. 3 hours).
  • Visit the Mural de la Prehistoria, a large mural depicting prehistoric scenes on a cliff face.
  • Explore the Valle de Silencio (Valley of Silence) and visit Los Jazmines lookout for stunning views of the valley.

Afternoon:

  • Take a horseback riding tour through tobacco farms and learn about the traditional farming methods.
  • Visit a local tobacco farm to see how cigars are made. Don’t forget to buy some authentic Cuban cigars!
  • Explore the town of Viñales and its colorful houses.

Evening:

  • Dine at a local paladar in Viñales. La Terraza, Los Jazmines, and San Vicente are popular choices.
  • Take a stroll around the town at night and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Things to Know:

  • Remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes for this day trip.
  • If you’re not a smoker, don’t feel pressured to buy cigars. There are other souvenirs available too!

Visa Requirements:

  • Tourist visas (Tourist Card) are required for most nationalities. You can get these at the airport or your local Cuban embassy before you travel.
  • Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Cuba.

Transportation:

  • Viazul buses are a cheap and reliable way to travel between cities. Private taxis are also available but can be more expensive. Always agree on the price before you get in.