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8 Perfect Days in Cuba Itinerary

Thao Nguyen 
Highlights: 
Ciénaga de Zapata National Park National Park 
Scuba Diving in Havana and the Bay of Pigs 
Havana Historical Tours 
Africa & Cuba Solidarity
& all while learning directly from local professionals.

Introduction

Striking the perfect balance between outdoor nature therapy and city adventures ReRoot Travel coordinated a one-of-a-kind unique experience in Cuba.

Contrary to mainstream media, Cuba is not a country stuck in time. It’s a country disempowered by an ongoing 60+ years of US blockade. US government sanctions and embargos have kept Cuba in survival and resilience mode since the 1960s.

As an American, we don’t get the full picture of world history in our traditional classrooms. The only thing I remember was that Cuba is “bad”. As a Vietnamese-American, I only learned about Vietnam in the context of war. I knew that there was more to Vietnam than a failed war attempt by the US. Meaning, I knew I wasn’t getting the whole story of Cuba either.

Therefore, I went to see what Cuba was really like with my own eyes.
I’m the “I’ll believe it when I see it” kinda person.

Below I detail how I booked Cuba travels, my 8 perfect days in Cuba with business links and google maps links, and quick essential tips to plan your trip to Cuba.

Thao Nguyen and Casa Vieja Hostal Front Door Mural by Noe Two

How to arrange and book local Cuban activities and experiences?

The stars aligned for an epic Cuba trip in April 2023.
(1) Dr. Kiona was offering for the first time: private tours in Cuba with her company
ReRoot Travel - Check out her Cuba group itinerary here: ReRoot Travel & Dr.Kiona’s Instagram
(2) My boyfriend had some time off work
(3) Our 1 year anniversary was in April

I have been dreaming of going to Cuba since I saw Christina Mittermier’s fine art photographs on National Geographic, BBC, and Instagram. She photographed an American crocodile in Cuba's Jardines de la Reina.

If our oceans die – and they are dying – we will die with them.” - Christine Mittermeier

Day 1: Setting the Stage & History Lesson with a Cuban Historian

Casa Vieja Hostal building and front door mural by Noe Two

Yucasabi’s dining room and mural dedicated to the Taino Indigenous culture and people from Eastern side of Cuba

“Yucasabi is a restaurant owned by two owners from the island's Eastern side where the remaining Indigenous descendants live. In an attempt to reclaim their Indigenous roots, they opened this restaurant where everything is made with yucca, a root endemic to this island.”
- ReRoot Travel - www.reroottravel.com

Cuban History Lesson at Yucasabi by a Cuban historian

“Casabe is a synonym for strength and resilience.” -
Sonia Virgen Pérez, president of Cuba’s National Heritage Council

Front door entrance to Casa Vieja Hostal - Image of a male gorilla with a crown and cigar in its mouth by @Noetwo

Casa Vieja Hostal Google Maps
Casa Vieja Hostal Facebook
Casa Vieja Hostal Tripadvisor
Casa Vieja Hostal Airbnb

Day 2: Photo Tour & Caribbean Beaches

Thao Nguyen at Tech Diving Cuba in Havana, Cuba

  • Meet your dive guide & Scuba dive at Miramar Beach (Playita 16)
    A detailed guide to scuba diving in Havana & my recommendations

  • Lunch at Ancla with a local & learn about food economics in Cuba.
    *Tip: If available, order the Cubano Sandwich. (pictured below). Crispy bread, flavorful pork, and filling.

  • NAP

  • Walking Photo & City Tour: During golden hour, tour Old Havana and the Malecon with a local film photographer to learn street photography and historical facts.

Cubano Sandwich at Ancla

Day 3: Travel to Playa Larga & Dive

Casablanca Scuba Diving specialized casa particular in Playa Larga

Lobster meal at Tiki Bahia de Cochinos

Day 4: National Park & Diving Day

Gorgeous turquoise waters at the Bay of Pigs between Playa Larga and Playa Giron in Cuba

  • Breakfast at casa rental

  • Ciénaga de Zapata National Park with personal park guide. Ciénaga de Zapata (Zapata Swamp), which contains more than 900 plant species, 175 bird species, 31 reptile species, and more than 1,000 species of invertebrates. birder’s paradise: Within the park, you’ll find trogon, the national bird, and varying species of hummingbirds, owls, wrens, sparrows, woodpeckers, and hawks. My boyfriend got really lucky and saw a huge flock of flamingos. Even the park guide was surprised to see them there at that time of year (April).

  • Scuba diving in the Bay of Pigs

Day 5: Back to Havana & Rest

Road side fruit and snack stand between Havana and Playa Larga

  • Drive back to Havana

  • Visit local the food market and roadside fruit stands

  • Spend the rest of the day resting, reflecting, photo sorting, and enjoying balcony views at Casa Vieja Hostal

Casa Vieja Hostal has comfy robes for guest

Day 6: Africa - Cuba Solidarity Day

Rare photo of Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, and Victor Dreke

  • Breakfast at Casa Vieja Hostal

  • Cuban dancing lessons with a local Cuban professional dancer. Learning the 6 most famous dances in Cuba and the history of each. Examples: Rumba, Mambo, Salsa, and more.

  • Lunch at Del Frente a Havana hotspot known for great food, stylish people, and delicious artistic cocktails and mocktails. More food economics about how locals access food and how restaurants access food. Del Frente Trip Advisor, Google Maps,

  • Black Panthers in Cuba & Cuban Solidarity missions at Casa de Africa -
    “Learn from Don Alberto, a freedom fighter in the Angola Independence War who fought alongside Che Guevarra. Here we learn about the solidarity between Cuba & Africa as well as how Cuba stood in solidarity with the Black Panther movement. From Black Panthers hijacking planes to escape to Cuba and another who is still wanted for murder, hiding in refuge deep in the Bay of Cuba.” - ReRoot Travel

  • Santaria & Meet with a Babalow and learn from an Afro-Cuban priest about how he consults with the oracle to see your past, present, or future.

  • NAP TIME

  • Dinner at an open-air rooftop restaurant La Terraza during sunset for all the gorgeous views and city vibes

La Terraza Tripadvisor
La Terraza Facebook

Rooftop views at La Terraza

Day 7: Be a Tourist Day

Thao Nguyen at Plaza De Revolution

  • American classic car ride around Havana and along the Malecon for ocean views

  • Visit Plaza De Revolution vast, open plaza or square honoring national heroes with monuments memorializing Cuban revolutionary heroes like Che Guevara

  • Souvenir Shopping at local Spanish-only bookstores like Ateneo Cervantes bookstore, then to the local artisan’s market Almacenes San José Artisans' Market

  • NAP TIME

  • Fabrica De Arte an old cooking oil factory converted into Cuba’s most eclectic ‘Art Factory’.
    It’s like an art museum, nightclub, art gallery, outdoor bar all in one.
    Dine in the VIP area, and drinks, perhaps stumble upon a fashion show, visit the various art galleries, and/or dance your way to the handful of different nightclub rooms. Seek out the hidden print shop within the 3+ floors.

Fabrica De Arte Website
Fabrica De Arte Google Maps
Fabrica De Arte Facebook
Fabrica De Arte Instagram

Colorful metal keys scattered and aligned into the image of Cuba

Fabrica De Arte is named one of Time’s - ‘World Greatest Places’
”Within the cavernous warehouse’s refurbished walls, you’ll find galleries, performance-art spaces and a dance floor that’s home to the capital’s most captivating movers and shakers.” - Cady Lang

Print art for sale at Fabrica De Arte - “I was at FAC” print

Day 8: Rest Day/ Fly Home

Cuban nights enjoying the vibes and street life in Old Habana at Casa Vieja Hostal

  • Pack, nap, and organize photos and videos

  • Journal & reflect on your experience while you’re still there.

  • Photograph anything you may have previously missed

I have no idea what this is, but made for a good picture. =)

Conclusion

Cuba is a lively, ever-changing, historical beauty. The colorful colonial buildings, the long-stretched Malecon hugging the city of Havana, and the pristine underwater world makes Cuba a place you must experience.

There’s only so much you can learn from a textbook or a traditional classroom. If you want to truly learn and feel the energy of a place, you must hire a local guide. Come to Cuba with an open mind and lots of cash. (Quick tips below for planning your trip)

Deep gratitude and appreciation to ReRoot Travel team & Dr.Kiona for arranging the perfect 8-day Cuba itinerary. They were super flexible and accommodating with dates, activities, and requests.

This itinerary was the perfect balance between slow-paced travel and seemingly endless adventures. We intentionally scheduled two full rest days to savor the energy of the city and for budget purposes.

ReRoot Travel: Cuba group itinerary
ReRoot Travel: Cuba 2023 tours

2nd story views from Casa Vieja Hostal balcony

Here are some quick tips for planning your trip to Cuba:

  • Book your flights and accommodations in advance, especially if you're traveling during the peak season (December-April).

  • Get a Cuban visa before you travel. Houston (IAH) airport has this available for purchase at the boarding gate, not the check-in ticket counter where you check luggage.

  • Bring cash in US dollars or euros. Credit cards are not widely accepted in Cuba.

  • Learn some basic Spanish phrases before you go. This will help you get around & most locals appreciate your effort.

  • Be prepared for power outages and slow internet speeds. Bring a book to read and an extra power bank to keep electronics charged

Here’s my detailed packing list for Cuba