Highlights of Cuba

Caught between modernity and the past - Havana is madness. Modern buildings stand between ruins - concrete blocks from the Cold War era also clearly characterize the streetscape. But the architecture of the Capitol and the Gran Teatro more than make up for any other building sin. But we're not here for the architecture - it's all about rhythm and culture! And there is a lot of that in Havana: dancing is everywhere and you can get Mojito (before 4pm) or Cuba Libre (after 4pm) everywhere. If you close your eyes and imagine a bar in Havana like in a movie, you come as close as possible to reality. On the streets in front of the bars drive ancient cars - tourist attraction and 1a photo motif in equal measure. For a few pesos you can take one of the old-timers for a nice spin.

The drive from Havana to Vinales takes about 3 hours. The question: "are we there yet" can be saved. We will be there when it gets really green. Vinales is the green lung of Cuba with a picturesque landscape, here even the inexperienced cell phone photographer manages to take super nice panoramas. The landscape is dotted with small cute villages and surrounded by the Mogotes (huge steep limestone rocks). Some of the rocks are even painted on a large scale. In such a landscape a waterfall may not be missing of course.

Las Terrazas is an eco-project built on artificial terraces. The terraces, on which the gardens and small houses are located, are around a lake. The whole thing just looks super beautiful and is also ecological! We will hike to the viewpoint and drink coffee 😊Other than that, the place just invites you to relax!

The locals notice it immediately: there are not as many tourists here as elsewhere. The open warm Cuban way is here still completely without ulterior motives. Who can dive comes in Playa Giron fully at his expense. There are several cenote dives! But also everyone else will have a lot of fun in Playa Giron. The beach is wonderful and well protected by a somewhat oversized breakwater. The hotel on site offers a movie-like scenery. Abandoned and dilapidated bungalows between palm trees make the place seem completely surreal.

Cienfuegos was founded by the French. It is surrounded by dense vegetation. The anti-revolutionary guards landed in the area in 1961, with little success as it turns out shortly after. An interesting small museum reminds of the history. Otherwise, Cienfuegos is simply a very appealing little coastal town.

Trinidad is THE colonial city in Cuba. For many Cuban travelers it is the most beautiful city in the country and an absolute highlight. No other colonial city in Cuba is so well preserved and at the same time so lively. Besides the beautiful sight by daylight, Trinidad is also the secret capital by night! Among other things, you can party in a real cave or just move from bar to bar. Either way, it never gets boring! In the surrounding area you can go on extensive horseback riding tours and visit one or the other cigar factory. Of course, the cigars freshly rolled on site are also sold right away.

Cienfuegos is also closely associated with the Cuban Revolution. Right at the entrance of the city there is a huge statue of Ernesto Ché Guevara. Under the statue is a museum about the breathtaking life of Che Guevara. Who was here may also officially wear a T-shirt of him without having to be a hipster 😉 Not far away is also a Mauselum with an eternal flame to commemorate the dead of the revolution.

In Varadero we treat ourselves to a nice hotel (relatively cheap in Cuba) and enjoy the beautiful beaches and the great drinks. Who does not arrive after this stop relaxed and completely relaxed back home, he is no longer to help!