Cuba is an incredible place, with a seemingly endless list of places to visit and things to do, whether you’re interested in museums, quaint towns and villages, stunning landscapes, time-honored train rides, or just soaking up the island’s rich history. Here are some of the best to help you draw up your itinerary.
* Museum of the Revolution, HavanaTo understand the recent history of Cuba, you’ll need to learn about the revolution and why it happened. Of course, this museum might present a slightly one-sided account of events, but it’s an incredible look at how Cuba became a socialist country.
* Bay of PigsPerhaps best known as the site of a failed US-backed invasion designed to oust Fidel Castro from power, the Bay of Pigs is now a popular spot for scuba divers. If you prefer to stay above the water, check out the biosphere reserve on the Zapata Peninsula.
* Jardines del ReyThis 450-kilometre long archipelago stretches along the northern coast of the island through Ciego de Avila and Camaguey provinces. You can do various watersports at Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo, and bird watching, including flamingos, inland.
* Viñales ValleyA couple of hours west of Havana lies the spectacular valley of Viñales. The landscape is dominated by amazing “mogotes” – limestone karst formations which rise steeply from the valley floor. It’s an agricultural area dominated by tobacco farms, and you can learn about how the iconic Cuban cigars are made.
* Che Guevara Mausoleum, Santa ClaraThe final resting place of the world’s most famous revolutionary is this mausoleum in Santa Clara. You can take a tour of a museum dedicated to Guevara’s life, and visit the building dedicated to him and others who gave their lives for the cause.