Cuba in 10 days
 

Hola!

We are a group of 6 people, traveling to Cuba at the end of October. One of us had already been to Cuba and he suggested that we should split our journey as follows;

4 nights in Habana, 1 night in Cienfuegos, 2 nights in Trinidad, 2 nights in St. Clara

What do you think about this arrangement? We're planning to hire two cars with personal drivers or a big van with a driver. We basically like to sqeeze in as much as we can without getting exhausted. We're interested in partying, hitting the beaches and also getting to know authentic Cuba (we left out Varadero!) while interacting with the locals. Unfortunately, none of us can speak Spanish so we're relying heavily on our private guide for that.

We'd also like to rent a boat for deep sea fishing while in Habana or Trinidad and possibly take a catamaran cruise from playa Ancon beach Cayo Blanco island? is it feasible?

Your ideas&suggestions will be highly appreciated.

Gracias,

Don't miss out on the Viñales Valley!

I agree that Vinales is stunning and one of my favorite places, however, you are doing a lot in a short period of time.

I don't understand why you are spending a night in Cienfuegos. Just do a drive by/walking tour in Cienfuegos and continue on to Trinidad. It's just a short drive from Cienfuegos. I don't know your budget, but in Trinidad I stay at the Iberostar grand, and it is just that--grand, and perfectly located.

Do you realize how long it will take you to drive from Havana to Trinidad and back? You essentially lose two days. You need to factor that in. It's about a five and a half hour drive. Drivers need to get out to have a sandwich, so pretty much your day is gone.

I've been to Trinidad so many times, that I probably am not a good person to ask. I find the west of Cuba (Vinales) far more enchanting and less touristy, but if you have never been to Trinidad it is great fun, particularly if you want to dance until the wee hours in the square (thus needed to stay in the town proper and not one of the horrid resorts nearby on the beaches)

Bottom line, if you like Mojitos and music, you will love Cuba. Just don't expect western service until you are at the five star hotels. Roll with the punches and you'll be fine. Enjoy.

"Boston Harbor," Your response was informative, and I particularly like and appreciate your last comment: "Roll with the punches, and you'll be fine." That's what I try to use with myself when I'm doing my domestic as well as international travel. And it's what I told my six students when they accompanied me to European capitals many "moons" ago! My advice saved them as well as me!

Hi Muratti - just found this in my hunt for info about trips to Cuba.

How was your trip?

Any thoughts or tips you'd care to pass on? We are thinking about doing a tour [being Brits it's quite cheap] but would also consider travelling independently. What do you think about the pros and cons of each in Cuba?

And how did you organise transport around the island?