It isn’t only Cuba’s capital that is captivating, away from Havana our readers enjoyed ballet in Santiago de Cuba, a road trip to María la Gorda, beer and beaches in Baracoa and some insiders’ secrets in Viñales

Winning tip: Contemporary ballet in Cuba



Move over salsa! Contemporary ballet thrives in Cuba. If you have enjoyed the spectacular performances of Havana Rakatan or the extraordinary Ballet Revolución, you will already know this. While in Cuba, do you want to see where and how these fabulous dancers started out and enjoy a show? If so, in major towns and cities, you should look for the local ballet school and ask about its next performance.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest A scene from Havana Rakatan by Congas Productions. Photograph: Tristram Kenton

In Santiago de Cuba, go to Teatro Martí, Felix Peña (AKA Santo Tomás) 313. In Holguin, go to Codanza, Parque Calixto Garcia (the main square).

Cachirulo

Hike and dive in El Nicho

Facebook Twitter Pinterest One of the lower falls of El Nicho. Photograph: Alamy

El Nicho is a series of spectacular natural pools and beautiful waterfalls on the Rio Hanabanilla, which can be reached on a two-hour car ride from Cienfuegos. An easily accessible hiking trail takes you to a series of natural pools where it is lovely to have a swim, although the water is very cold. The pools on the down side of the road are less crowded, but the main ones are easier to access. The lush nature around it makes it the perfect place to escape the heat of the city. Make sure to carry a towel and a swimsuit!

Claudia Tavani

The scenery and secrets of Valle de Viñales

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Girl cycle touring in Vinales region of Cuba Photograph: David Myers/Alamy

The limestone karsts of Valle de Viñales offer lush, dramatic scenery just hours by bus south-west from Havana. Tiny Viñales town has many tourists, but you can quickly be alone among the crags, green slopes and wheeling black vultures. Take off down the country paths on foot and you’ll probably meet a local keen to show you his community and guide you to mountain vistas and hidden caves. Negotiate a fair fee – tourists’ pesos are important to Cubans living traditional lifestyles. Wash off the red dust then feast at Finca Agroecologica El Paraiso – 1km out of town, on a hilltop – at sunset, for unbeatable views and a vast, delicious meal. Taste the house “healing” cocktail – easily the best we had in Cuba! Later, join the salsa party in the main square.

Rebeccamfheald

View from Cerro La Vigía, Trinidad

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Trinidad street market. Photograph: Alamy

The town of Trinidad on Cuba’s south coast has fantastic examples of colonial architecture and it’s relaxed pace is very different to that of Havana. The town is on a considerable slope, but if you keep heading uphill to the top of Cerro La Vigía, there’s a radio tower that has views of the surrounding countryside – former sugar plantations and national parklands. For the best views though, go into the station and if you’re lucky, the security guard will offer you an unofficial tour including taking you to the roof. Well worth the little hike up.

David Johnston

Road trip to María la Gorda

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Guantanamo province on the road from Baracoa to Moa old American car from the 50s on mountainous dirt road in Cuba. Photograph: Mireille Vautier/Alamy

On the island’s western tip, Maria la Gorda (fat Maria) is an excellent place for snorkelling and scuba diving. It is half a day’s drive away from Havana, but take your time! The road trip will be worth it, as it takes you through the scenic Pinar del Río and lonesome villages where it truly feels like time has stood still. Watch out for the armies of red crabs guarding the road.

Ioana Sima

Baracoa – the south eastern tip of Cuba

One doesn’t normally go to Cuba for the food, but Baracoa can be the exception. Stay in a casa particular (easy to find on arrival, doubles from £16, try and choose a colonial house with a courtyard, or one with a balcony). They will probably offer an evening meal cooked in coco salsa (coconut sauce). Ours cost £5. Delicious.

Also, try cucurucho (a mixture of coconut, guava and honey wrapped in a banana leaf, and chocolate drinks). Baracoa is tricky to get to. We hired a car, while other people we met had taken a taxi. There is also a daily bus from Santiago. It’s a beautiful, charming place with national parks nearby. For evening salsa and rumba concerts and dancing, visit the Casa de la Trova or Casa de la Cultura.

cafc7

Horse-riding, and cigars, in Viñales

Three-and-a-half hours drive from Havana, Viñales provides a stunning rural setting for horse-riding, cigar factories and salsa at night. You can watch a cigar be made from scratch and then smoke it if you wish (top tip, dip the end in honey!).

Stay in a casas particular (of course!) to get a cheap seafood dinner and fresh fruit breakfast, and exchange your Cuban Convertible Peso (CUCs) for Cuban Pesos (CUPs) to buy pizzas, peach juice and ice-cream from the locals for a fraction of the price. At night, walk to the small town square, buy some “ron” and dance with the locals!

MrJohnClay

The jewel of the Oriente

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Farm worker grating cocoa, Baracoa. Photograph: Alamy

The unusually grey sands of Baracoa’s beach witnessed the first landing in Cuba of Christopher Columbus in 1492, and the central cathedral houses a cross that the Spaniards reputedly staked into the ground at the port’s entrance. Nearby, there is a statue dedicated to Hatuey, widely known as the first (indigenous) Cuban rebel, who it is said proclaimed upon his imminent execution that “if heaven is where the Christians go, I would rather go to hell” Beyond the historical sites, Baracoa has much to offer, including a vibrant music scene. Go to the lively Casa de la Trova to meet locals who will teach you some salsa steps in return for a can of the local’s finest beer – Bucanero! A highlight is a trip to the Yumuri river delta (offered by Cubatur for £14). Winding through the misty jungle of mango and coconut trees, the tour stops at a local chocolate plantation, where you sample chocolate from each stage of production.

Hannah Furness

On the way to Cayo Saetía island

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Beach on Cayo Saetía. Photograph: Holger Leue/Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images

Lap up the hospitality in a family casa. We stayed at Casa Don Vicente in Mayari. It’s a working town so nightlife only thrives at weekends, but for around £15 a night it’s a convenient stop off on the way to Cayo Saetía island. Meals and drinks are extra but the food here is excellent as Raul and Karina hope to open a restaurant one day. A typical breakfast includes fresh fruit, juice, eggs and coffee. In the evenings there is usually a choice of chicken or fish and the old rope beef stew. Budget around £7-£8pp a day for meals.

sisyrus

Live like a local

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Snorkelling at the Bay of Pigs. Photograph: Alamy

We did a home stay for two nights and it was brilliant. We ate authentic Cuban food and experienced the amazing nightlife and cobbled streets of Trinidad. We ate from street markets, danced the night away and learned how to barter like a local. The Bay of Pigs is a must, it is stunning and the water is crystal clear perfect for snorkelling and diving. There is so much beauty and culture in this country and the people are so friendly, you will seriously miss out if you just stay on the stunning beaches. PS. The green pancakes are lovely

jess9887