2 Weeks In Cuba Itinerary for the Independent Traveller

Sipping a mojito at sunset, watching vintage cars cruise Havana’s seaside boulevard, the Malecón, time seems to slow to a crawl.

Two weeks in Cuba could easily stretch to two months, wandering the evocative streets of the cities, and watching rural life play out in the serene countryside. Ernest Hemingway came for a visit and stayed twenty years.

The fact is though, most of us have limited travel time and Cuba is a deceptively big island. Two weeks might feel like a good amount of time to explore most of the country, but when travel between some of Cuba’s cities can take the best part of a day, having a realistic itinerary can mean the difference between a great trip, and one you need a vacation from.

With this in mind, the plan for our two week itinerary for Cuba was to seek out the country’s distinctive history and culture, spend some time outdoors in nature and on the beach, and get underwater on a scuba dive.

After plenty of research, we decided to focus our time in the island’s western half, flying in and out of vibrant Havana, and travelling by bus and collectivo (shared taxi) to rural Viñales, beachside Playa Larga, and the World Heritage cities of Cienfuegos and Trinidad.

With this Cuba itinerary, we had time in each place to explore, immerse, get active and relax as well.

Sound like your kind of travel? Here’s our guide to what we got up to and our recommendations if you’re planning on independently travelling or backpacking Cuba over 2 weeks.

We aim to keep this post updated where we can but this is Cuba and things are ever-changing. Also, fuel shortages, supply issues and power outages are a reality right now, which is having an impact on transport and tourism services.

Be sure to check ahead where you can and have contingencies in your plans. Let us know about your own trip in the comments at the end of this post!

2 Weeks in Cuba Itinerary Snapshot

Start & Finish: Havana, Cuba

Distance: appx. 1,060km (660 miles) plus tours and day trips.

How long do I need: This is a two week itinerary for Cuba, focusing on the island’s western half.

Overnight stops: 3 nights in Havana, 3 nights in Viñales, 2 nights in Playa Larga, 2 nights in Cienfuegos, 2 nights in Trinidad and 1 night back in Havana.

What’s in this post?

Preparing for a Cuba trip
Travelling to Cuba
What’s the route?
2 weeks in Cuba Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Havana
Day 2 – Havana
Day 3 – Havana
Day 4 – Viñales
Day 5 – Viñales
Day 6 – Viñales
Day 7 – Playa Larga
Day 8 – Playa Larga
Day 9 – Cienfuegos
Day 10 – Cienfuegos
Day 11 – Trinidad
Day 12 – Trinidad
Day 13 – Return to Havana
Day 14 – Depart Havana

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Preparing for a Cuba trip

For us, travelling around Cuba felt a little bit like our younger backpacking days, when internet cafes were just emerging, our only insights into a place came via other travellers and a brick-sized Lonely Planet guide, and we carried a wad of travellers cheques.

Things aren’t quite as old school as that in Cuba (and internet access is apparently getting better and better), but there are still various things you need to be aware of, and be ready for, before you visit.

We’ve pulled together information on some of the practicals like visas, money, internet, getting around and accommodation in this Planning a trip to Cuba post.

Travelling to Cuba

Havana is the start and finish point for our Cuba trip and you can fly to Havana direct from various cities in Europe, the US, South America, the Caribbean and Mexico.

It’s important to check in with your home government’s travel advisory body and your nearest Cuban embassy or consulate for specific information on the requirements and documents you’ll need to travel to Cuba.

This can vary depending on your nationality, your purpose for travel to Cuba, as well as where you’ll be travelling to Cuba from (and where you’re headed after you leave).

Also, things change often, so please do research this thoroughly, and well in advance of when you plan to go.

What’s the route?

If you spend 2 weeks in Cuba following this itinerary for independent travel on the island, you’ll start with a couple of days in Havana, exploring the highlights of this vibrant city.

From Havana, you’ll make your way by bus to the spectacular karst country of Viñales, where colourful colonial houses line the streets and tobacco is still farmed in traditional ways. After a couple of days getting out and about in this World Heritage valley, you’ll travel by collectivo (shared taxi) to the low-key coastal town of Playa Larga on the infamous Bay of Pigs for time on the beach, in the sea and in the surrounding nature.

From Playa Larga, you’ll head east by collectivo and bus to the World Heritage cities of Cienfuegos and Trinidad, taking a couple of days to explore each of these beautiful colonial towns and their historic and natural attractions.

Finally, you’ll make your way back to Havana by bus, with time to enjoy one more afternoon and evening in the city before you farewell Cuba.

2 Weeks in Cuba Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Havana

Highlights: City street wander | Sunset on the Malecón
Overnight: Havana

Welcome to Havana! Today is set aside for arriving in Havana and getting settled into your accommodation.

Havana’s José Martí International Airport is around 20km (12 miles) south-west of the city centre. You can arrange a taxi when you arrive at the airport, or book a transfer in advance here.

Cuba’s 500-year-old capital is a crumbling, eclectic, photogenic and incredibly evocative city.

While the old town of Habana Vieja is the city’s tourist heartland, the colourful streets of Vedado and Habana Centro are buzzing at all hours as locals go about their business and socialise on their front steps.

We arrived in the early afternoon and, once we’d dropped our bags at our charming casa particulare (a private home that rents rooms), we set out to explore by foot.

Havana is a city to be walked. If you have time on your first day, we recommend doing the same and getting a feel for the city with a wander through the streets of Habana Centro and Habana Viejo.

As the sun drops, make your way to the Malecón, the city’s 8km (5 mile) seaside boulevard on the north side of town.

The seafront strip comes alive in the late afternoon and early evening as locals gather and vintage cars cruise the stretch. Grab a mojito in one of the bars along the street and soak up the atmosphere. This was the moment for us that it really sunk in we were in Cuba!

Where to stay in Havana

The city of Havana covers a large area but most visitors will stay in and around the vibrant centre, in the neighbourhoods of Habana Viejo (Old Havana), Habana Centro and Vedado.  

If you want to be based close to the major sites and in the heart of the action, look to Habana Viejo. Vedado is a little further out, but it’s a lovely, tranquil area full of beautiful historic houses. Between the two is Habana Centro which, while a little frayed-around the-edges, is a good spot for budget stays.

You’ll find a huge range of accommodation options in Havana, from cheap and cheerful casas particulares (rooms or areas in privately owned homes) through to high-end hotels and resorts.

Our stay in Havana, Casa Mirador La Colina, was a wonderful little oasis with a rooftop terrace in the suburb of Vedado, opposite the grand buildings of Havana University. While it was an easy taxi ride to Habana Vieja, we also enjoyed the 45-minute walk via Habana Centro.

Travel tip: Book your onward bus travel today.

During your time in Havana, preferably on your first day if possible, book your forward bus ticket to Viñales.

Buses can fill up quickly in Cuba, and buying tickets can be a less-than-straightforward process, so it’s important to get this organised at least a full day in advance.

It’s also important to be aware that Cuba is currently experiencing fuel shortages, which may impact public bus and taxi services. Be ready with a back-up plan, just in case.

There are a few bus companies in Cuba, but the main two we used are Viazul and Cubanacan/Conectando.

Viazul has a website with an online ticket purchase function, though we haven’t used it and we’ve read it can be glitchy, not all routes are available, and you can’t use the website to buy tickets once you’re in Cuba without a VPN. In theory though, you could look at buying your tickets online before you arrive in Cuba (or make sure you arrange a VPN before you arrive – actually, do that anyway).  

Once in the country, Viazul bus tickets can be bought at the Viazul bus station in each city, which is also where the buses depart from. In Havana, the bus station is near Plaza de la Revolución.

When we were in Cuba, tickets for Cubanacan/Conectando could only be bought at ticket desks in some hotels and travel agencies, and at last check this still seems to be the case. These buses do, however, pick up from certain hotels, which can be more convenient than travelling out to the Viazul bus station.

Alternatively, you can travel between cities by shared taxis called ‘collectivos’, which can usually be arranged through your casa particulare or hotel. This can be a more expensive option than the bus but it’s convenient, and especially awesome if you end up with a vintage car for the journey, as we did on a couple of occasions.

For more information about transport and travel in Cuba, check out our Planning a trip to Cuba post.

Day 2 – Havana

Highlights: Guided walking tour of Habana Vieja | Colonial plazas and streets | Taquechel Pharmacy | Havana museums
Overnight: Havana

On Day 2, immerse yourself in Havana’s cultural highlights. The city is full of diverse period architecture, historic forts, vintage cars and a range of museums. Many museums are in beautifully-restored colonial mansions worth a visit for their architecture alone.

For a guided introduction to the city and to get beyond the façade of historic Habana Vieja, we recommend joining a guided walking tour. There are a couple of free walking tours in Havana, including this 3 hour tour of the city’s colonial highlights.

Afterwards, discover more of this area with a wander through the colourful streets, popping into the small galleries and peeking into the courtyards of shops along the way. 

Be sure to visit the city’s beautiful squares – Plaza Vieja, Plaza de la Catedral and Plaza de San Francisco de Asis, where you can visit the historic San Francisco de Asis convent.

Check out the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (also known as the Museo de Arte Universal) for a foray into Cuban art, and pop into Taquechel Pharmacy Museum to see its beautiful colonial woodwork interior.

If you want to know more about Cuba’s political story and the revolution of 1959, head to the Museo De La Revolución, located in the old Presidential Palace in Habana Vieja.

We also recommend a visit to the Museo Napoleónico in Vedado, a beautiful Florentine Renaissance-style mansion now housing an excellent Napoleonic collection.

There are also a range of themed tours that will help you delve further into the street food, music and dance, culture and history of this vibrant city.

Don’t worry if you don’t get to see everything you want to in your first couple of days in Havana, you’ll have a bit more time in this ambient city at the end of this Cuba 2 week itinerary.

For more ideas on what to do while you’re in Havana, we’ve captured ten of our favourite Havana highlights in this post.

Day 3 – Havana

Highlights: Plaza de la Revolución | Necrópolis Cristóbal Colón | Cristo de Habana statue | Sunset over Havana skyline | Fortaleza San Carlos de la Cabaña
Overnight: Havana

On the morning of Day 3, head out to explore some of the sites outside of Havana’s city centre.

One way to do this is aboard the hop-on-hop-off bus. There are mixed reviews about the bus as a tour in and of itself, but we found it a useful way to see some of the city’s more residential areas and to get to sites such as the Plaza de la Revolución and the Necrópolis Cristóbal Colón.

The Necropolis is the city’s sprawling, marble mausoleum-filled cemetery. It was a surprise highlight for us, and worth at least an hour of exploring. You can pick up a guidebook and map at the entrance to the necropolis and go your own way. Or join this free guided tour.

If you stay on the bus, the full loop takes around two hours. If a hop-on hop-off bus isn’t your thing, you could taxi to the Plaza and the Necropolis instead.

In the afternoon, make your way to the public ferry terminal a couple of blocks south of the Basilica San Francisco de Asis in Habana Vieja.

Take the ferry to Casablanca across the bay and walk up to the iconic marble Cristo de Habana statue with its panoramic views. Time your visit right and enjoy the views over Havana as the sun sets behind the city.

From there, you could head to the sprawling walled fortress of Fortaleza San Carlos de la Cabaña, the largest fortress in the Americas and part of Havana’s vast, World Heritage-listed fort system. There’s plenty to explore within the sturdy walls of the fort, which was built in the 18th century to protect this prize city from pirates, buccaneers and covetous imperial nations like Great Britain. It’s open late and there are some restaurants, bars and several museums within the walls.

Hang around for the 9pm Cañonazo, a nightly ceremony in which soldiers re-enact the historical firing of the cannon that once announced the closing of the city gates.  

You can also see more of the sites around Casablanca with a guide before heading into the fortress on this late afternoon free guided Casablanca Neighbourhood tour.

Day 4 – Viñales

Highlights: Viñales town wander
Overnight: Viñales

On the morning of Day 4 of your Cuba travel itinerary, board your booked bus from Havana to picturesque Viñales. It’s a journey of around three to four hours to the south-west.

Charming Viñales is without doubt one of the best places to visit in Cuba. Life moves more slowly in this small rural town, and you can too. But there’s also plenty to do in the beautiful surrounding countryside. Three days gives you the chance to do both.

On your first afternoon, get to know this colourful town with a wander. Pop into the shops and stop for a spot of people watching in the main square as locals go about their day. Swing by the small handicrafts market off the main street, and drop by the small, lovingly-tended botanical garden at end of the road.

This is also a good time to swing by the local tourist offices in town and check out or book activities and excursions for the coming days.

Where to stay in Viñales

While the Valle de Viñales is more than 130 square kilometres (50 square miles), the town of Viñales feels more like a friendly village. It’s centred around the long main street, whereabouts you’ll find most of the restaurants, bars and services.

We stayed at Casa Campo Gladys Suarez, a fifteen minute walk from the centre, with a rooftop terrace overlooking the town and the valley’s mogotes, and sensational breakfasts and dinners prepared by the wonderfully hospitable Gladys.

Day 5 – Viñales

Highlights: Guided horseback (or walking ) tour to Valle del Silencio | Coffee and tobacco farms
Overnight: Viñales

For our second day in Viñales, we set off into the countryside on a guided horseriding tour to the evocatively-named Valle del Silencio. We organised this through the casa particulare we stayed at, and we absolutely recommend this experience while you’re here. If you’d prefer to book ahead, check out this Viñales horse riding tour.

On our tour, we visited a small cave, a coffee farm and, of course, a tobacco plantation, where we learned the art of producing and rolling a classic Cuban cigar.

The Viñales Valley is also a wonderful place for hikes into the countryside, so an alternative to horse riding (or as well as horse riding) is a guided hike like this one to the Cave of Silence.

Wrap up your day with a home-made mojito at sunset on the porch or rooftop of your casa.

Travel tip: If the skies are clear, be sure to pop outside at night while you’re in Viñales. With little light pollution, the stargazing here is amazing.

Day 6 – Viñales

Highlights: Cave tour | Bike ride through Viñales National Park | Mural de la Prehistoria | Los Jazmines lookout
Overnight: Viñales

Kick off your third day in Viñales with a cave tour. The Viñales valley is scattered with mogotes, limestone outcrops that are riddled with caves.

We took a taxi out to Gran Caverna de Santo Tomás, just 15 minutes from town, where we donned head torches for a 90-minute tour of Cuba’s largest cave system. We organised our tour through the local Infotur office in the centre of town.

Travel tip: You’ll find Infotur tourist information offices in all of Cuba’s main towns. These offices provide free information on the destination and things to do, including tours and activities that you can book.

If you’ve still got energy this afternoon, consider a hike through Viñales National Park, or hire a bike and explore the valley by pedal power.

We hired a bike in town and cycled out to the region’s quirky Mural de la Prehistoria. Rather than try and describe this unusual, 120 metre-long cliffside painting, we say go see it for yourself. There’s an entry fee although it can be seen well enough from the road.

It’s a lovely ride to the mural, with fantastical mogotes rising from the landscape and tobacco drying houses making for a very photogenic scene.

From the mural, we biked our way up to the lookout at Hotel Horizontes Los Jazmines. It’s a solid ride uphill; if you’re after something less strenuous, take a taxi or the hop-on-hop-off bus but don’t leave town without checking out the spectacular valley vistas from this viewpoint.

We biked around independently but you can go with a guide on this Viñales Valley bike tour.

If you’d rather spare your legs altogether, there’s a hop-on hop off bus which is apparently a great way to get to a number of the sites around Viñales, including the Los Jazmines lookout and the Mural del la Prehistoria, as well as other attractions such as the Cueva del Indio, where you can take a short boat tour through the caves, the Canopy zipline park, and a couple of tobacco farms. The bus departs from Parque de Viñales on the main street at various times throughout the day (check the bus signs at the square).

Day 7 – Playa Larga

Highlights: Afternoon on the beach | Freshly caught seafood dinner
Overnight: Playa Larga

You could easily spend more days enjoying the country life in Viñales, but it’s time for a change of scenery. Next up on our 2 weeks in Cuba itinerary is some beach time at Playa Larga on the south coast.

As Playa Larga is off the main city-to-city routes, we found the easiest way to get there is by collectivo (shared taxi). We organised our collectivo through our casa particulare in Viñales. It’s a journey of around five hours door-to-door, and you’ll likely have a car swap en route (we did), as the first collectivo will be doing the Viñales to Cienfuegos run and will meet up with a taxi from Playa Larga on the way.

Playa Larga is a charming beachside fishing village on the shores of the infamous Bay of Pigs. Further south, the village of Playa Girón is the site of the Bay of Pigs invasion of 1961, a failed attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro.

This afternoon, after checking in, explore the town, take a walk along the shore, maybe chill out on the beach. Watch the sun set and then enjoy a delicious home-cooked feast of fresh lobster at your casa. The seafood meals we had in Playa Larga were epic.

Where to stay in Playa Larga

Playa Larga is a very small town with a couple of restaurants and bars. Many locals have converted their homes into warm and welcoming casas particulares with outdoor terraces.

Some, like our accommodation Casa Mesa, are literally on the beachfront. Our two-day stay here rates as one of our favourite Cuba highlights.

Find out more about staying in Cuba’s casas particulares in our Planning a trip to Cuba post.

What about the beaches in Varadero?

If you haven’t already heard of it, you will very likely come across Varadero in your Cuba trip planning. Varadero, on the island’s north side, is home to the country’s most famous stretches of pearly white sand and crystal clear water.

Varadero is very popular with tourists seeking a tropical island holiday and a no-fuss, all-inclusive beach resort break.

By all accounts though, while Varadero is a beautiful beach escape, it’s a world away from the real Cuba. 

Which is why we decided not to include it in our itinerary. Cuba’s south also has some gorgeous beaches and Playa Larga, which is not at all upmarket, is off the beaten track, low-key and very local. We also include beach time in this itinerary at pretty Playa Ancon in Trinidad and Rancho Luna beach in Cienfuegos.

If you’re keen to include a stay in Varadero during your Cuba trip, you might consider adding a couple of days at the end of this itinerary. Or check out this day trip to Varadero from Havana. Alternatively, you could skip Playa Larga and do a couple of days in Varadero instead on the way back to Havana. 

Day 8 – Playa Larga

Highlights: Diving or snorkelling in Bay of Pigs | Nature tour or activity in the afternoon
Overnight: Playa Larga

Today we’re exploring the highlights in and around Playa Larga.

This is the gateway to Cienaga de Zapata National Park, a vast wetlands area of mangroves, seagrass beds and reefs, and a UN Biosphere Reserve. There’s plenty to see and do, from walking and birding tours to diving and snorkelling.

We opted to spend the morning scuba diving in the glassy waters of the Bay of Pigs.

If you have your own snorkelling gear, you can head straight off the beach, but organised scuba and snorkelling trips, including gear, can also be arranged through your accommodation, which is what we did. If you’re after specific dive sites, it’s best to make your own arrangements direct with your selected dive company.

Alternatively, or this afternoon, you might consider some of the other sites and activities around Playa Larga, a few of which we’ve outlined below.

• Guided tours of the Zapata Wetlands or the Bermeja Forest Reserve in the National Park can be arranged at the National Park office in Playa Larga.
• To the south of Playa Larga, you’ll find the Cueva de los Peces, a deep cenote that can be snorkelled and dived.
• Further south still, near Playa Girón, is the Sendero Enigma de Las Rocas, where you can join a guided nature hike to spot endemic wildlife and flora (tours here may also include a swim stop at Cueva de los Peces).  
• For the Cuban take on the Bay of Pigs invasion, head to Museo Girón in Playa Girón (if you don’t speak or read Spanish, have Google Translate handy as the interps at the museum are in español).
• To the north of Playa Larga, there’s a crocodile breeding centre, Criadero de Cocodrilos, established to protect the Cuban and American species which were nearly wiped out in Cuba. We didn’t go here and we’ve read mixed reviews so we suggest doing your research before you go.

We really enjoyed Playa Larga and we’d love to go back and explore this fascinating area further. For us though, our short time here proved a very welcome rest stop ahead of our next destination, Cienfuegos.

Day 9 – Cienfuegos

Highlights: Parque José Martí | Paseo del Prado | Museo de las Artes Palacio Ferrer | Teatro Terry | Malecón wander | Rooftop drink at Palacio de Valle
Overnight: Cienfuegos

Founded by French migrants in 1819, the World Heritage city of Cienfuegos is around 90-minutes from Playa Larga and an easy collectivo ride.

We organised a shared taxi through our casa particulare and – unexpectedly – made the journey in a beautifully restored vintage Chevrolet Bel Air. Definitely the coolest taxi we’ve ever been in.

Historic Cienfuegos is centred around the lovely Parque José Martí. Spend today strolling the streets around the park and the wide, column-lined Paseo del Prado, snapping the French-inspired neoclassical architecture, and admiring the historic buildings that line the square.

Keep an eye out for the triumphal arch, the Arco de Triunfo (also called the Arco de los Obreros, or the Worker’s Arch), and the Palacio del Gobierno.

Head into the Museo de las Artes Palacio Ferrer to see its beautiful interiors and take in the views from the rooftop. Also on the square is Teatro Terry, worth a visit for its elegant marble and timber decor.

For a guided insight into the culture and history of this World Heritage city, check out this free 2.5 hour walking tour.

This afternoon, wander the Malecón seaside promenade around the bay to Punta Gorda, a neighbourhood of beautiful, eclectic old mansions. Pop into the Spanish-Moorish-style Palacio de Valle for a drink at the rooftop bar overlooking the bay, before heading back into town for dinner.

Where to stay in Cienfuegos

After Viñales and Playa Larga, Cienfuegos will feel like the bigger town it is. As we have just two nights here, we recommend staying within walking distance of the historic centre.

For a unique casa experience, and if you can get a booking, we recommend a stay at Casa El Patio Andalú, a highly rated casa particulare around 15 minutes’ walk from Parque José Martí. The hosts are artists and perform Cuban music and flamenco in their garden, where they also serve up delicious meals.

Travel tip: Book your forward bus travel to Trinidad today.

If you’re planning on travelling from Cienfuegos to Trinidad by bus the day after tomorrow, then at some point today (and if you haven’t already sorted it out), arrange your onward bus travel as you need to buy your ticket at least a day in advance.

You can either head to the Viazul bus station in Cienfuegos or find a Cubanacan desk to buy Conectando bus tickets. Your accommodation provider should be able to tell you where you can find a Cubanacan desk; they’re usually in the hotels where the Conectando bus picks up from.   

Alternatively, as it’s only a 90 minute trip, consider joining another shared taxi for this journey.

Day 10 – Cienfuegos

Highlights: Laguna Guanaroca | Castillo de Jaguan | Rancho Luna | Sunset drink at Hotel la Union
Overnight: Cienfuegos

On your second day in Cienfuegos, explore some of the highlights surrounding the city. Hire a taxi for the day (easily organised through your accommodation) and plan an itinerary to suit your interests.

We visited three sites over the course of the day, starting at the mangrove-lined Laguna Guanaroca. There, we enjoyed a short walk to the lagoon where we boarded a row-boat for a trip out to see the site’s famous pink flamingoes.

Next, we ferried over to Castillo de Jaguan, a beautifully restored fortress built in the 18th century to protect the coast from marauding pirates.

Our last stop was Rancho Luna, a pretty beach resort, for a late lunch and some time on the sand.

While we found it easy to sort out our experiences as we went, and did it all in a day, you can book guided tours in advance for both Guanaroca Lagoon and Castillo de Jaguan (this is a longer trip that also includes a cruise around the Cienfuegos bay).

An alternative experience for today, and one we’re sad we didn’t have time to squeeze in, is a day trip to the waterfalls of El Nicho, in the jungles of the Escambray Mountains. Check out that cool guided trip here.

However you roll today, wind up your day back in Cienfuegos with a drink at the rooftop Bar Terrazas at Hotel la Union. It serves up impressive views over the city and the bay.

Day 11 – Trinidad

Highlights: Plaza Mayor | Iglesia Parroquial de la Santisima Trinidad | Museo de Arquitectura Colonial | Bell tower of Iglesia y Convento de San Francísco de Asís
Overnight: Trinidad

The penultimate destination of our 2 weeks in Cuba itinerary is Trinidad, another World Heritage site and the second oldest city on the island.

Trinidad is only 90 minutes from Cienfuegos. If you’re taking the bus from Cienfuegos, you’ll need to have organised your bus ticket to Trinidad at least a day before you travel. Alternatively, you could organise a collectivo ride through your accommodation.

Spend your first day in Trinidad wandering the cobblestone streets of the city. More than five centuries of history weave their story through the town’s brightly painted homes, colonial mansions and towers.

In the heart of this historic city is Plaza Mayor, framed by beautifully restored colonial buildings and churches. Head into the impressive Iglesia Parroquial de la Santisima Trinidad, and also swing by the Museo de Arquitectura Colonial for an insight into what these wonderful old colonial buildings looked like inside in their heyday.

Climb the bell tower of the Iglesia y Convento de San Francísco de Asís for beautiful views over the town. Inside the former convent, you’ll also find the Museo Nacional de la Lucha Contra Bandidos, a curious military museum.

If you’d like to learn more about historic Trinidad in the company of a guide, book your spot on this free guided walking tour.

Plaza Mayor and the surrounding streets are usually buzzing with people throughout the day and evening. Walk a couple of blocks away from the main square though, and you’ll find yourself in Trinidad’s quiet backstreets; just you, a handful of locals, maybe a horse.

Travel tip: Book your bus back to Havana today.

As buses departing Trinidad fill up quickly for all destinations, we recommend sorting out your bus back to Havana the day you arrive in town.

Ask your accommodation where you can find the nearest Cubanacan desk for Conectando buses, head to the Viazul bus station to buy tickets, or visit the local Infotur office for information.

Where to stay in Trinidad

Lovely Trinidad is a small town centred on the historic area around Plaza Mayor. Even on the outskirts of town, you’ll only be a 20 minute walk from the main square.

Our casa particulare here was a lastminute switch from our first choice after a guest fell ill and couldn’t check out. Hostal La Esperanza is a charming little green house with a terrace, just five minutes’ walk from Plaza Mayor.

Day 12 – Trinidad

Highlights: Tour of Valle de los Ingenios | Afternoon at Playa Ancon
Overnight: Trinidad

On your second day in Trinidad, arrange a tour to see some of the sights in the World Heritage Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugar Mills), a stunning landscape scattered with the ruins of sugar mills, the source of Trinidad’s once-great wealth.

On our day trip, we toured the historic ruins at San Isidro de los Destiladeros, and climbed the soaring watchtower at Manaca Iznaga before stopping for lunch there.

Having a guide for some or all of your visit to the Valle de los Ingenios is recommended. The history of the sugar mill industry and the stories of the people who owned them and the many thousands of slaves who worked in them form an important and complex weave in the fabric of Cuba.

While we arranged our own transport to the Valle de los Ingenios, and guides at the sites, there are organised guided tours from Trinidad that you can join, as well as guided horse riding tours through the valley.

We’ve also heard about a tourist train that runs trips through the valley but this wasn’t rolling when we visited, and we’re finding it difficult to confirm whether it’s running at present. Check with a tourist office in Trinidad if you’re interested in doing this.

In the afternoon, make your way by taxi to Playa Ancon for a couple of hours relaxing on the beach. This is said to be one of the loveliest stretches of sand on Cuba’s south coast. There are some bars and restaurants at the beach, and you can rent umbrellas and sun lounges.

Travel tip: There’s lots to do around Trinidad so if you have more time, we suggest adding an extra day or two to your Cuba travel itinerary and spending longer here.

You can hit the white sands of Playa Ancon and enjoy more time chilling on the beach, just 15 minutes from town.

Or you could join a guided hiking tour in Topes de Collantes, a nature reserve in the Escambray mountains.

While we didn’t get to do it ourselves, we also heard great things about the challenging 7km (4.4 mile) round-trip hike to Salto del Caburni, a 60-metre high waterfall with a natural pool to cool off in.

Day 13 – Return to Havana

Highlights: Hit up those sites or activities you didn’t get to on your first days here!
Overnight: Havana

The last night of our two weeks in Cuba is spent back where we started, in Havana.

As the bus journey from Trinidad to Havana can take anywhere from 5 to 7 hours, aim to be on the earliest bus you can out of Trinidad so that you arrive in Havana in the afternoon.

Once you’ve dropped your bags at your accommodation, head out for a final afternoon and evening of sightseeing. Head to that museum you didn’t get to last time, or sample Havana’s famous local tipple on a tour of the Museo del Ron Havana Club.

If you’re a classic car apprecianado, you could take the opportunity to do a vintage car cruise along the Malecón at sunset, or enjoy a final mojito overlooking the promenade at Havana’s famous Hotel Nacional.

Day 14 – Depart Havana

Sadly, we farewell Cuba today.

Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport. The car journey will take around half an hour or more, depending on traffic. Book your transfer back to the airport here.

If your flight leaves later today, make the most of your final hours in Havana and tick off any last sites or attractions you’ve been wanting to see.

Otherwise, wrap up your trip back in Habana Vieja with a daiquiri at Hemingway’s favourite haunt, Floridita, and reflect on an amazing two weeks in Cuba.

Then start planning your return to explore the island’s east!

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If you have any questions or comments about our 2 weeks in Cuba itinerary, drop us a message below. For more tips on travelling to Cuba, check out some of our other posts, including our Planning a Trip to Cuba guide.