Making a road trip to Cuba is easy. Lots of freedom with your own car and the opportunity to take the day as it comes!
According to Agooddir, Cuba is perfect for a road trip on your own. Partly because the distances between the various sights are affordable, partly due to the simple road network. In addition, you drive on the right side of the road, just like in Sweden. With that said, you should always be aware that even if there is not much traffic, you can encounter both bicycles and horse-drawn carriages on the highways. Maintenance is a bit neglected and watch out for holes in the pavement. The Cubans are not very good at signage either, but that is only part of the adventure.
The adventure begins in the historic city of Havana, Cuba. An exciting big city with 2.2 million inhabitants which, however, feels smaller and is a nice gateway to the country. The whole city is full of life, something that you will notice during a walk along the beautiful streets with remnants and atmosphere from the Spanish colonial era. The bars, restaurants and cafes are buzzing with life and atmosphere with music groups filling the streets and restaurants with dancing music. A Chevrolet from the 50’s or a horse-drawn carriage in the middle of the street crowd moves you to a time when you could expect a meeting with Ernest Hemingway on the next street corner.
After the experiences in Havana, the journey continues by car to the beautiful Viñales valley and the fantastic beaches of Playa Giron. After a few days on the beach, drive on to Cuba’s historic cities of Cienfuegos, Trinidad and Santa Clara before ending your Cuba adventure back in Havana.
Day 1: Departure Sweden and arrival Cuba
Departure from Sweden to Cuba, where you arrive the same day. You will be picked up at the airport and driven to the hotel in Havana.
Day 2: Havana, Cuba
Today you get to experience Havana during a guided bike ride around the city’s charming neighborhood. You see, among other things, the historic districts, Vedado, Miramar and bicycles along the Plaza de la Revolución. Later you pick up your rental car together with a representative from our partner here in Cuba. In this way, you pick up the car in peace and quiet and have time with any questions about your trip around the country. When the car is picked up, you drive back to your casa particular. The rest of the day is on its own.
Day 3-12: Continue by car on your own
The next part of the journey is done on your own, where you have full freedom to do exactly what you want. You check out of the hotel and embark on your Cuban adventure. There are a lot of beautiful, historic cities to visit in Cuba, including:
Santa Clara – a historic city that offers many monuments and museums, this because it was the first city to be liberated from Batista’s army and dictatorship. You can also visit the Mausoleum, a memorial to the famous revolutionary Che Guevara, who was part of Fidel Castro’s army.
Trinidad– probably one of Cuba’s most touristy cities, but clearly one that should be visited. The city is incredibly nice and can be explored on foot or in a horse-drawn carriage, so that you can experience the many beautiful buildings from the colonial era. In addition, Sockermöllornas Dal is a must when you are in Trinidad. It is a large area with about 70 sugar mills, a proof of how important sugar production is for the country’s economy.
Cienfuegos – also called the “Pearl of the South”. A newer city, known for its beautiful coastline and magnificent architecture.
Viñales– the city is located in the middle of a valley and is surrounded by perhaps the most beautiful nature you can find in Cuba. Surrounded by limestone mountains, you have the opportunity to take a walk through the valley on horseback, where you get to see the famous and lush tobacco plantations that are still managed in the old-fashioned and traditional way.
Varadero – which offers one of Cuba’s many beautiful beaches. Here you can relax, dive and snorkel or just enjoy life. On your tour of Cuba, you will often see Cubans standing by the roadside and taking lifts. If you want to offer a lift, it’s a fun way to get to know the Cubans. It is an advantage to know a little Spanish, as the locals usually do not speak English. If you only know a few simple Spanish words, it will generate smiles and recognition among Cubans.
Day 13: Delivery of car
Today you return to Havana, where the car will be returned. You have undoubtedly become a lot richer in experiences, and have really felt Cuba on the pulse. You spend the night in Havana before you drive to the airport the next morning for the return trip to Sweden.
Day 14: Departure from Cuba
Today the departure from Cuba takes place. You take the bus or taxi to the airport in Havana, from where the flight to Sweden departs.
Day 15: Arrival in Sweden
You arrive in Sweden after a pleasant stay in Cuba.
Overnight stays
Three nights at Casa Particular (private accommodation) in Havana
