Top 15 Must-Experience Tours in Cuba

The secluded nation of Cuba has captivated adventurous travelers for decades. With the recent opening of tourism to visitors from the United States, now is an opportune moment to explore this distinct Caribbean island.

The underground culture of Cuban locals, along with the iconic classic cars that adorn the streets of Havana, entice numerous visitors seeking a travel experience unlike any other in the region.

There are also ample opportunities to appreciate the country’s natural beauty and stunning beaches.

An excellent method to immerse oneself in these various aspects of Cuba is to participate in a tour. Here are the 15 most noteworthy tours available in Cuba.

1. Havana: 2-Hour Classic American Car Tour

Due to trade restrictions, Cuba is populated by classic American cars from the 1950s, making them a prominent feature for tourists. This tour provides an excursion around Havana in one of these vehicles, highlighting the city’s best locations.

Guests will enjoy a complimentary cocktail at the Hotel Nacional, enhancing the vintage Cuban experience. This unforgettable journey through the Cuban capital includes a dedicated driver and an insightful guide.

2. Day-Trip to Varadero in a Classic Car

This additional opportunity allows you to experience Cuba’s classic cars while traveling from the capital, Havana, to the nearby beach resort town of Varadero.

Along the way, you will stop at various viewpoints to appreciate the breathtaking sights and sounds of the country, including the renowned Bacunayagua Bridge. The Varadero area is celebrated for its warm beaches and powdery white sand.

The excursion concludes at a more secluded beach for relaxation and swimming prior to returning to Havana.

3. Welcome to Havana: Private Tour with a Local

Much of Havana’s finest secrets reside with the locals; hence, the best way to genuinely understand the city is through a local’s perspective. This walking tour presents a private experience, allowing you to communicate with your guide beforehand to establish a tailor-made itinerary.

Participants will delve into the rich history of the island, as well as discover how locals navigate the current system to enhance their lives and enjoy luxuries that are otherwise restricted.

4. Havana: Cabaret Tropicana Admission Ticket

This experience immerses you in modern Cuban culture, allowing you to partake in the lively nightlife of Havana.

The two-and-a-half-hour performance features performers from around the globe in vibrantly colorful attire. Traditional and contemporary Cuban music is presented, with audience interaction encouraged.

A welcome beverage and light snacks are included; guests may also choose to enjoy a quarter bottle of Cuban rum or whiskey.

5. Yumurí Valley Jeep Safari

While Cuba may not be widely recognized for its impressive landscapes like other Caribbean islands, it boasts numerous beautiful hidden treasures worthy of exploration.

This tour will transport you to Yumurí Valley via jeep, guiding you to adventures that include both on-road and off-road experiences. You will have the opportunity to snorkel at Playa Coral Beach and explore Saturno Cave, as well as try horseback riding.

A lunch is included during the excursion, with the option for hotel pickup in Havana and transport to the jeep depot.

6. Havana: 1-Day Tour from Varadero

With the availability of affordable flights from Europe, Varadero has become a popular entry point for many travelers. Although the region’s sandy beaches and clear waters are enticing, a trip to the capital is undoubtedly worthwhile.

This tour commences with hotel pickup in Varadero and transports you to the bustling capital of Cuba—Havana. You will explore the city’s history, culture, and unique lifestyles while enjoying a light lunch and traditional beverage.

7. Havana: 2-Hour Afro-Cuban Religions Walking Tour

The profound spiritual beliefs of many residents in Havana stem from a combination of Christianity and traditional African customs. This tour offers an intriguing insight into these religions and the cultures that have emerged from them.

Accompanied by an expert local guide, you will be immersed in the heart of these communities and have the opportunity to attend a live Rumba performance, allowing you to experience the culture firsthand.

Engaging with authentic locals will provide a deeper understanding of their experiences concerning Afro-Cuban religions.

8. Havana: Off-the-Beaten-Track Tour

This tour emphasizes locations that are typically absent from guidebooks. You will visit a state-operated farm, explore a ceramics workshop, and savor an authentic Creole meal in a Cuban finca.

The meal includes two complimentary beverages. A local guide ensures a truly in-depth understanding of genuine Cuban culture while circumventing mainstream tourist paths.

This experience fosters a more intimate connection with Havana and Cuban culture overall.

9. From Varadero: Guamá Full-Day Swim and Snorkel Tour

For travelers lodging in Varadero, this tour offers a wonderful journey into the Cuban countryside.

The adventure begins with a scenic trek through the Matanzas Province countryside, including time spent at Laguna del Tesoro. At the lagoon, enjoy a motorboat ride across the lake on the way to Guamá.

You will also visit a local crocodile farm for an up-close encounter with the animals and conclude the tour with snorkeling at the beach. An open bar is available on the beach, along with lunch.

10. Havana: Community Arts Projects Tour

Cubans have developed numerous imaginative methods to address the pressing social challenges within their nation. One initiative is community art projects, which encourage local creativity.

This tour facilitates visits to three of these projects throughout the city to gain a better understanding of the unique creativity demonstrated by Cubans and how these endeavors support local residents. You will also view some striking street art and interact with remarkably artistic locals.

11. Cuba: On the Trail of Ernest Hemingway Tour

Renowned author Ernest Hemingway spent a significant portion of his life in Cuba; this tour acknowledges his contributions to local culture and beyond.

You will visit the museum dedicated to him at his former residence, Finca Vigía, and see a monument erected in his honor.

The tour also includes visits to some of the writer’s favorite bars, where you can sample local beverages. Lunch and admission to the museum are provided.

12. Havana Art by Night

This tour offers a profound exploration of all artistic expressions evident within Havana. It commences at a gallery showcasing works by emerging artists from the island, where you can examine their creations and listen to their narratives.

Following this, you will be transported—via classic car—to the Fábrica de Arte Cubano, one of the largest community creative projects in the nation.

Conclude the tour by engaging with contemporary Cuban music and performances, along with the chance to acquire your own piece of Cuban art.

13. From Havana: Trinidad and Cienfuegos Private Tour

This tour leads you to two quintessential Cuban towns for a deeper understanding of the authentic Cuban culture often overlooked by many tourists.

In Cienfuegos, you will appreciate the Spanish colonial architecture and discover the history of Cuba’s colonial past. Trinidad offers insights into local religions through its churches, alongside visits to unique museums.

The tour also includes a visit to a ceramics factory, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking views of the rural landscape in Cuba.

14. From Havana: Viñales Tour in a Classic Car

Viñales presents a captivating attraction away from the typical tourist routes, immersing you in rural Cuban culture. Here, you will have the chance to observe tobacco fields and understand the intricate process behind the renowned Cuban cigars.

One highlight in Viñales National Park involves your guide assisting you in mounting a horse for an exploration of the stunning region. Additionally, the tour includes visits to secluded caves, breathtaking viewpoints, and notable murals.

This excursion is conducted in a classic car departing from Havana, with an alternative option available from Varadero.

15. From Varadero: Sea Cruise to Cayo Blanco

The offshore island of Cayo Blanco provides a picturesque location for swimming in the Caribbean, basking in the sun, or engaging in snorkeling. This tour transports you to the island aboard a luxury catamaran.

Participants will be introduced to local marine life, with snorkeling equipment provided to explore the vibrant coral reef. Lunch is served on the island, and beverages such as cocktails, beer, or soft drinks are offered on the return journey to Varadero.