Cycle Cuba: East

Havana, Cuba's vibrant capital, is a city where the past and present coalesce to create an unforgettable travel experience. Walking through Old Havana (La Habana Vieja), a UNESCO World Heritage site, feels like stepping back in time. The cobblestone streets are lined with pastel-colored colonial buildings, baroque churches, and iconic plazas, such as Plaza de la Catedral and Plaza Vieja, each with its own unique charm and history. As you stroll, the rhythm of Cuban music spills from every corner, inviting visitors to dance or simply soak in the atmosphere of this captivating city.

The famous Malecón, a broad esplanade stretching along the coast for nearly 8 kilometers, is the beating heart of Havana. Here, locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy stunning sunsets, street performances, and the lively buzz of daily Cuban life. The Malecón provides a front-row seat to Havana's eclectic architecture, from the grand neoclassical buildings of Centro Habana to the sleek, mid-century modernist designs of Vedado. For a unique perspective, take a ride in one of the city’s classic American cars, a nod to Cuba's 1950s era when Havana was a glamorous playground for the rich and famous.

Havana is not just a visual feast but a cultural and historical one as well. Visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes to explore Cuba's rich artistic heritage or the Museo de la Revolución, housed in the former Presidential Palace, to understand the country’s revolutionary history. For a taste of Havana’s nightlife, there’s no better place than La Bodeguita del Medio or El Floridita, Hemingway’s favorite haunts. Sipping on a mojito or daiquiri in these iconic spots, you can almost feel the spirit of the legendary writer himself.

A fun fact about Havana: the city is home to the Tropicana, one of the world's most famous cabarets, which opened in 1939 and continues to dazzle visitors with its vibrant shows and stunning costumes. Havana's blend of history, culture, music, and warmth offers a distinctive allure that promises to enchant any traveler seeking an authentic Cuban experience. Whether it's exploring its historic streets, engaging with its artistic soul, or dancing to the sounds of salsa, Havana captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression.

Trinidad, Cuba, is a mesmerizing time capsule that transports visitors to another era with its cobblestone streets, pastel-colored colonial buildings, and horse-drawn carts. Founded in 1514 by Spanish conquistador Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar, this city, located in central Cuba, is one of the best-preserved colonial towns in the Caribbean. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, Trinidad's rich history and enchanting architecture make it an essential destination for anyone seeking an authentic Cuban experience. The city’s heart, Plaza Mayor, is flanked by neoclassical buildings, charming churches, and the stunning Palacio Brunet, which now houses the Museo Romántico, showcasing period furniture and artifacts from Trinidad’s sugar-producing heyday.

Exploring Trinidad feels like stepping back in time, especially when visiting sites like the Museo de Historia Municipal, set in the Palacio Cantero. This museum provides a fascinating overview of the city’s history, including the era of the sugar trade that brought wealth to Trinidad's elite. For a more vibrant experience, wander through the open-air market at Calle Cristo, where local artisans sell handmade lace, pottery, and guayaberas (traditional Cuban shirts). As evening falls, the rhythm of live music spills into the streets, particularly at Casa de la Musica, a popular spot where both locals and tourists gather on the stone steps to dance salsa under the stars.

Trinidad is also a gateway to some of Cuba’s natural wonders. Just a short drive away, the Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugar Mills) is a must-visit for those interested in the region's history. This vast valley, dotted with the ruins of sugar mills and slave quarters, stands as a haunting reminder of the 19th-century sugar industry that once thrived here. Visitors can climb the iconic Iznaga Tower, built in 1816, for panoramic views of the valley and a sense of the scale of Cuba's sugar boom era. For those seeking adventure, the Topes de Collantes National Park offers stunning hikes through tropical rainforests, with opportunities to swim in natural pools beneath waterfalls such as Salto del Caburní.

A fun fact about Trinidad is that the city remains largely unchanged since the 1850s due to its economic decline after the sugar industry collapsed, which ironically helped preserve its colonial charm. The cobblestone streets and historic buildings evoke a bygone era that has captivated travelers for decades. With its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Trinidad offers a compelling reason to explore the heart and soul of Cuba.

Havana, Cuba's vibrant capital, is a city where the past and present coalesce to create an unforgettable travel experience. Walking through Old Havana (La Habana Vieja), a UNESCO World Heritage site, feels like stepping back in time. The cobblestone streets are lined with pastel-colored colonial buildings, baroque churches, and iconic plazas, such as Plaza de la Catedral and Plaza Vieja, each with its own unique charm and history. As you stroll, the rhythm of Cuban music spills from every corner, inviting visitors to dance or simply soak in the atmosphere of this captivating city.

The famous Malecón, a broad esplanade stretching along the coast for nearly 8 kilometers, is the beating heart of Havana. Here, locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy stunning sunsets, street performances, and the lively buzz of daily Cuban life. The Malecón provides a front-row seat to Havana's eclectic architecture, from the grand neoclassical buildings of Centro Habana to the sleek, mid-century modernist designs of Vedado. For a unique perspective, take a ride in one of the city’s classic American cars, a nod to Cuba's 1950s era when Havana was a glamorous playground for the rich and famous.

Havana is not just a visual feast but a cultural and historical one as well. Visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes to explore Cuba's rich artistic heritage or the Museo de la Revolución, housed in the former Presidential Palace, to understand the country’s revolutionary history. For a taste of Havana’s nightlife, there’s no better place than La Bodeguita del Medio or El Floridita, Hemingway’s favorite haunts. Sipping on a mojito or daiquiri in these iconic spots, you can almost feel the spirit of the legendary writer himself.

A fun fact about Havana: the city is home to the Tropicana, one of the world's most famous cabarets, which opened in 1939 and continues to dazzle visitors with its vibrant shows and stunning costumes. Havana's blend of history, culture, music, and warmth offers a distinctive allure that promises to enchant any traveler seeking an authentic Cuban experience. Whether it's exploring its historic streets, engaging with its artistic soul, or dancing to the sounds of salsa, Havana captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression.

Havana, Cuba's vibrant capital, is a city where the past and present coalesce to create an unforgettable travel experience. Walking through Old Havana (La Habana Vieja), a UNESCO World Heritage site, feels like stepping back in time. The cobblestone streets are lined with pastel-colored colonial buildings, baroque churches, and iconic plazas, such as Plaza de la Catedral and Plaza Vieja, each with its own unique charm and history. As you stroll, the rhythm of Cuban music spills from every corner, inviting visitors to dance or simply soak in the atmosphere of this captivating city.

The famous Malecón, a broad esplanade stretching along the coast for nearly 8 kilometers, is the beating heart of Havana. Here, locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy stunning sunsets, street performances, and the lively buzz of daily Cuban life. The Malecón provides a front-row seat to Havana's eclectic architecture, from the grand neoclassical buildings of Centro Habana to the sleek, mid-century modernist designs of Vedado. For a unique perspective, take a ride in one of the city’s classic American cars, a nod to Cuba's 1950s era when Havana was a glamorous playground for the rich and famous.

Havana is not just a visual feast but a cultural and historical one as well. Visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes to explore Cuba's rich artistic heritage or the Museo de la Revolución, housed in the former Presidential Palace, to understand the country’s revolutionary history. For a taste of Havana’s nightlife, there’s no better place than La Bodeguita del Medio or El Floridita, Hemingway’s favorite haunts. Sipping on a mojito or daiquiri in these iconic spots, you can almost feel the spirit of the legendary writer himself.

A fun fact about Havana: the city is home to the Tropicana, one of the world's most famous cabarets, which opened in 1939 and continues to dazzle visitors with its vibrant shows and stunning costumes. Havana's blend of history, culture, music, and warmth offers a distinctive allure that promises to enchant any traveler seeking an authentic Cuban experience. Whether it's exploring its historic streets, engaging with its artistic soul, or dancing to the sounds of salsa, Havana captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression.