Things to do in Havana
Part of the joy of visiting Cuba is to wander Havana and observe city life, island-style. Of course, this means trying the local food. Rice dishes such as arroz con pollo are popular, as well as frijoles, ropa vieja and pasteles. Havana is full of bars and eateries where you can meet the locals, listen to Cuban music, and enjoy Cuban food. Bars are an especially exciting place to visit in the evenings; Cuba is known for its many cocktails, such as the Piña Colada, Mojito, and the classic rum and coke.
Sightseeing in Cuban Nature
While many tourists make a beeline for Havana, it is important to not neglect the natural beauty Cuba has to offer. By taking a boat to Cayo Largo del Sur, you can relax on its white sand beaches as well as observe the small island’s sea turtle conservation efforts. If you’re looking for a tropical Caribbean paradise, this tiny island just off the coast of Cuba’s mainland is exactly that. For those staying on the mainland, there is the Viñales Valley which offers hiking, rock climbing and spelunking, as well as many plantations you can stroll by.
There is also the Topes de Collantes nature reserve, which offers natural pools, rivers, caves, waterfalls and rainforests. The hills here are full of the fragrant mariposa lily, Cuba’s national flower, as well as many species of orchid. Bananas, plantains, jasmine flowers and coffee beans all grow freely here. You may also find birds such as the tocororo, cartacuba and hummingbird making their home in the rainforest.
Rich History of Cuba
Like much of the New World, Cuba has a lot of history. Remnants of pre-Columbus Cuba exist in the Sierra del Cristal mountains, where several villages still practise indigenous tribal traditions. However, much of the heritage sites on Cuba are from the colonial period and beyond, such as the Castillo De Los Tres Reyes Del Morro sea fortress, built in the 16th century, and the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, a fort located in Havana’s harbour. There are many museums to commemorate Cuban history too, such as a museum inside the La Cabaña fort, or the Museum of the Revolution, a former presidential palace which is now home to exhibits detailing the Cuban Revolution, the life of Fidel Castro, and the War of Independence.