Discover Cuba, the vibrant Caribbean island where colonial architecture meets revolutionary history and pristine beaches. Experience colorful Havana's classic cars, salsa rhythms, and world-class cigars in this unique destination frozen in time.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Vinales Valley
Highlights: UNESCO-listed mogote karst formations · Tobacco farm visits and cigar rolling demonstrations · Cueva del Indio boat cave tour · Horseback riding through the valley · Los Jazmines panoramic viewpoint
Trinidad
Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage colonial old town · Playa Ancon beach (15 min from town) · Valle de los Ingenios sugar estate ruins · Casa de la Musica salsa evenings on the steps · Cobblestone streets and pastel colonial buildings
Cienfuegos
Highlights: French-colonial Punta Gorda architecture (UNESCO) · Palacio de Valle Moorish fantasy building · Teatro Tomas Terry opera house interior · Jardin Botanico de Cienfuegos · Waterfront Malecon drive
Playas del Este
Highlights: Playa Santa Maria del Mar (1.5km of white sand) · Playa Guanabo (local favorite with peso restaurants) · Casual watersports and snorkeling · Fresh seafood lunch on the beach
Matanzas and Cuevas de Bellamar
Highlights: Cuevas de Bellamar — largest accessible cave system in Cuba (guided tours) · Matanzas city bridges and colonial Teatro Sauto · Hershey electric railway (if operational) · Authentic local peso restaurants in Matanzas city
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organized day tours from Havana to Viñales or Varadero from $40-80/person including transport, guide, and some entrance fees
- Private
- Private car with driver from $60-120 one-way depending on destination — negotiate with casa particular hosts for reliable drivers
- Public
- Viazul tourist buses serve all major destinations (Viñales $12, Trinidad $25, Varadero $10). Book online in advance at viazul.com
- Rental
- Car rental from $50-80/day for exploring multiple destinations in one trip — book months ahead as availability is limited
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early — the earlier you leave Havana the more you get from day trips; aim to depart by 7-8AM
Book Viazul buses online at least 24 hours ahead — popular routes sell out, especially December-March
Trinidad and Cienfuegos are better combined as an overnight trip than rushed day trips from Havana
Ask your casa particular host to arrange a trusted private driver for better flexibility than organized tours