The Ultimate 7-day Cuba Itinerary: A Local’s Guide
This post was contributed by Cassie from Cassie in Cuba!
So you’ve decided you want to go to Cuba, but you feel totally overwhelmed and have no idea where to start or how to plan your itinerary?
Well don’t panic — I got you! I’m Cassie, a British nomad who ended up marrying a Cuban cowboy after a quick trip to the island turned into something a little more. After many years learning how to navigate this quixotic island, I have now turned to blogging and travel planning to part with my wisdom and help you get to know the *real* Cuba. I also manage the online-side of our family tour company The Viñales Experience, so if you do come to Viñales and want unique, authentic experiences, get in touch!
Anyways, the below itinerary covers Havana and Viñales. A week isn’t a huge amount of time in Cuba — it’s a very slow island, meaning everything will take longer than you anticipate — so going further afield in just 7 days isn’t recommended! Stick to the itinerary below!
Enjoy it, embrace it, and you’ll leave wanting more! Here is my local’s guide to 7 unforgettable days in Cuba!
A local’s guide to the ultimate 7-day Cuba itinerary!
Ultimate 7-day Cuba Itinerary Highlights:
Havana
Viñales
Cayo Jutias
Sunrise hike to Los Acuaticos
Classic car in Havana, Cuba
Day 1: Intro to Havana
Top Things to See and Do in Havana:
City tour in a classic car
A city tour in a convertible classic car is frankly an essential when visiting Cuba. Yes, sure, it’s an overly popular attraction, but for good reason!
Succumb to your inner tourist and hop in the back of your chosen classic car. Let your hair down and cruise along the infamous Malecon at sunset. An hour is usually enough to see the main sites, get your bearings of the city, and take some cute pics.
I recommend doing this on your first day. It’s a great way to ease into the city, get your bearings, and start your week off on a high…
Dinner in a ‘paladar’
A ‘paladar’ is a private restaurant. If you’re coming from America, you will want to eat in these all week as a way to ‘support the Cuban people’ for your visa purposes.
I highly recommend Antojos in the heart of Havana Vieja. Great food, great service and great vibes! Get there early or book a table.
Fabrica del Arte
If you’ve got some energy left in you and those potent daiquiris at Antojos haven’t hit you too hard, jump in a taxi to the Vedado district’s incredible Fabrica del Arte.
An old oil factory turned exhibition gallery / bar / club / live music venue… you name it. Always an eclectic mix of new up-and-coming social artists and a fascinating glance into the trendy world of underground Havana.
Day 2: Havana Vieja
Top Things to See and Do in Havana Vieja:
Get lost in Havana’s Old Town — ‘Havana Vieja’
Whilst many prefer a guided tour of Havana’s old town, I personally recommend taking to the streets and following your feet. Havana is a wonderfully safe city to get lost in, and you never know what adventure you might find…
Along the way, aim for the four ‘corners’ of Havana Vieja — the main churches and cathedrals. Have a cafecito or a cervecita in each square and soak in the beauty (and sadness) of Havana’s unique architecture.
*INSIDER’S TIP* — Visit my two favourite rooftops: Hotel Ambos Mundos & Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski.
Support local private businesses
This is something that most blogs don’t mention but I think is incredibly important and worthwhile.
The private sector in Cuba is blossoming and it’s time to support local up-and-coming ‘emprendedores’ (entrepreneurs).
From clothing brands like Dador and Clandestina, to homemade homewares from Casa Y Limon, there’s a whole new world of responsible & local shops to uncover.
Spend the evening on the ‘Malecon’
Ah, the Malecon. Where so much magic happens that you just need to experience it for yourself.
Take a sunset walk after dinner and see the beauty unfold before your eyes. Live music, impromptu salsa, plentiful characters to meet, see how the local Cubans *really* live.
Just take a stroll up and down this window to Cuba and thank me later!
Day 3: Havana’s Beaches
You’ll likely be tired from two full days, so my recommendation is to take it slow today. Take a short taxi out to Playas del Oeste (Playa Santa Maria del Mar is a personal favourite) and soak in the caribbean sands and turquoise waters. You’ll find mostly locals here, so it’s a great spot to escape the crowds of tourists in the city centre.
Days 4-5: Viñales
By now you’ll be ready to move on. Whilst Havana is an incredible city, you’d need to spend an extensive amount of time there and be able to defend yourself in Spanish to really get to know it. So, hire a private car (worth the extra $$$, trust me on that) and head 3 hours west to the haven of Viñales.
*PRO TIP* — Stop off at Finca Tungasuk for lunch and a tour of the farm!
Arrive in Viñales late afternoon, have dinner in your casa particular, and relax on the rooftop with a mojito!
Cigar rolling in Viñales, Cuba
Top Things to See and Do in Viñales:
Horse riding tour of the tobacco fields — this will be the highlight of your time in Cuba!
Ride (healthy) horses through the luscious landscapes, roll your own cigar with the tobacco farmers, swig on locally made rum, taste fresh honey and swim in hidden caves. Finish it off with a farm-to-table lunch at a rural & traditional home, and die happy. Book here and thank me later!
Enjoy a lazy afternoon and evening
Don’t forget salsa dancing!!
Finish the night dancing salsa with the locals in Casa de la Musica in the corner of the main square. Go easy on the mojitos — they’re potent!
Day 6: Cayo Jutias
If you need another beach day, hire a private taxi (I do NOT recommend the ‘shared taxis’ for this trip!) and visit an untouched paradise — Cayo Jutias!
It’s a bumpy road but the journey will pass through small villages and give you a sense of the Cuban countryside.
If you’re not fussed by beaches, stay in Viñales and take a tour of the town in a horse & cart. Visit the attractions of Cueva del Indio, Cueva de los Cimarrones, zipline (totally worth it!) and El Cuajani region.
Day 7: Sunrise hike to Los Acuaticos
Worth the early morning (5:30am!) hike to Los Acuaticos to see the sunrise over the three valleys. It’s a medium-level hike to the furthest point of the valley and it’s still relatively unknown (though you will find some yogi’s up there!).
Return to your casa for a well-deserved breakfast, then jump in a taxi back to Havana/the airport/your next destination.
You’ll hopefully be feeling refreshed after some slow, steady days in the countryside of Cuba and no doubt raring to come back again!
Important final thoughts!!
If you’re entirely new to Cuba, here are some essentials you’ll need to know:
Cuba is a communist country. You’d be wise to do some research about the political and historical situation before you travel.
Internet connection is limited so be prepared. I wrote a blog about this and how to find connection here.
Cuba isn’t for everyone. It’s chaotic, complex and nothing makes sense. To be able to enjoy it, you need to relax & accept it for what it is without trying to find answers. Find out if you’re suited to travel in Cuba here.
Be very aware of the common scams on unsuspecting tourists. Read up about all the common scams in Cuba here to ensure you don’t fall victim!
And there you have it! Your ultimate 7-day itinerary of western Cuba written by a local! Be sure to join me on Instagram where I share the daily ongoings of our life between Cuba and the UK. And if you want more Cuba travel tips or one-to-one travel planning, check out my blog, Cassie in Cuba, and drop me a line!
XoXo Cassie In Cuba
That’s a wrap on this local’s guide to the ultimate 7-day Cuba itinerary!! Is Cuba on your bucket list??
