Cuba 5 Day Itinerary

Cuba 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Havana (La Habana)

  • Morning: Arrive in José Martí International Airport, Havana. After passing through customs, get your transportation arranged (taxi, Viazul bus or rent a classic car). Head to your accommodation in the vibrant neighborhood of Old Havana (Habana Vieja).

  • Afternoon: Visit Plaza de la Revolución, admire the stunning architecture of the Capitol Building and explore the historic district. Don’t miss the iconic Malecón seawall.

  • Evening: Savor Cuban cuisine in a paladar (private restaurant), followed by a live music performance at La Zorra y el Cuervo or Fabrica de Arte Cubano.

Things to know: Cuba uses CUC (Cuban Convertible Peso) for tourists, and the official currency is CUP (Cuban Peso). Wifi can be accessed at hotspots in public places such as parks, hotels, and some restaurants.

Day 2: Havana - Viñales

  • Morning: Depart for Viñales, a beautiful town in the western province of Pinar del Río (approximately 3 hours by road). Once there, explore the charming village and its colorful houses.

  • Afternoon: Embark on a horseback riding tour through tobacco fields, learn about local life, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Viñales Valley.

  • Evening: Visit a local farm (finca) to see the process of tobacco cultivation and rolling cigars. Savor traditional Cuban food at a paladar.

Day 3: Viñales - Cienfuegos

  • Morning: Depart for Cienfuegos, also known as the Pearl of the South (approximately 2 hours by road). Visit Pueblo Viejo and learn about its history and architecture.

  • Afternoon: Explore the waterfront promenade, Punta Gorda, and enjoy a walk in Parque José Martí. Take a stroll along the Malecon de Cienfuegos.

  • Evening: Savor seafood at a local restaurant, followed by a performance at Teatro Terry or Casa de la Música.

Day 4: Cienfuegos - Trinidad

  • Morning: Depart for Trinidad (approximately 2 hours by road), a well-preserved colonial town declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Plaza Mayor and its vibrant streets.

  • Afternoon: Visit Museo Romántico, Casa de la Música, or Museo Nacional de Arte Colonial for a deeper understanding of Trinidad’s history. Relax at Playa Ancón, one of Cuba’s best beaches.

  • Evening: Enjoy a live performance of traditional Cuban music and dance at Casa de la Música or Casa de la Trova. Savor local delicacies such as ropa vieja and arroz con pollo.

Day 5: Trinidad - Santa Clara - Havana

  • Morning: Depart for Santa Clara (approximately 2 hours by road), home to Che Guevara’s Mausoleum and the Armored Train Park, a museum dedicated to the Battle of Santa Clara.

  • Afternoon: Head back to Havana (approximately 4 hours by road). Spend your final evening exploring any missed sites or revisiting favorite spots before preparing for your departure the next day.

Visa Requirements: Tourist cards, also known as tourist visas, are required for most nationalities entering Cuba. Ensure that you have one prior to traveling.

Transportation: Taxis, Viazul buses, and rental cars are available for transportation in Cuba. Keep in mind that public transport can be unreliable, and car rentals often require a local driver’s license, which is difficult for tourists to obtain.

Enjoy your trip to Cuba!