Visiting Cuba in 10 Days: Our Must-See Destinations
Planning a 10-day trip to Cuba? To discover the essential facets of Cuba, we share the must-see places you won't want to miss.
Planning a 10-day trip to Cuba? To discover the essential facets of Cuba, we share the must-see places you won't want to miss. From Havana to the Viñales Valley, passing through Trinidad and the beaches of Cayo Santa Maria… Discover the ideal itinerary for visiting Cuba in just 10 days.
Havana, An Essential Stop in the Capital
It's impossible to imagine a stay in Cuba without stopping in the capital. And with good reason—the city that was named one of the seven wonders of the world in 2016 has plenty to delight visitors. Indeed, Havana blends tradition, culture, and historical treasures. Your visit begins in the historic center of the old town, also known as La Habana Vieja. You can discover its five grand squares with typical architecture, as well as beautiful churches, cathedrals, and basilicas. During your stay in Havana, you can also admire one of the largest colonial fortresses on the American continent, the Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña, as well as one of the oldest colonial fortresses on the continent, the Castillo de la Real Fuerza. Finally, you can make a stop at Cuba's National Museum of Fine Arts to discover the world's most important collection of Cuban art, as well as the Museum of the Revolution located in the former palace of dictator Fulgencio Batista.
Learn more: Havana
The Viñales Valley and Its Traditional Tobacco Plantations
After a stop in Havana, head to the sublime Viñales Valley. Located at the heart of a mountain range, the Sierra de los Organos, the Viñales Valley is renowned for its famous mogotes (rounded limestone hills), numerous caves, and famous traditional tobacco plantations where the "guarijos," the region's peasants, perpetuate traditional farming techniques from sowing to harvest. Take the opportunity to visit cigar factories and taste the local production in the company of producers and locals. Nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts can also enjoy treks on foot, horseback, or by bike and explore caves such as the Cueva del Indio and the Gran Caverna de Santo Tomas, where you can find rock paintings and archaeological remains.
More information on Viñales
Trinidad, the Sleeping Beauty
Continue your journey through Cuba to the authentic city of Trinidad. This former wealthy sugar city is considered the best-preserved colonial city in Cuba and one of the most beautiful cities in the Caribbean (nothing less!). You can appreciate its cobblestone streets, colorful colonial houses, and architecture that seems to have passed through the centuries untouched by modernity. On the cultural side, you'll discover many places of worship as well as numerous museums (the Museo Romántico, Trinidad's Architecture Museum, the Guamuhaya Archaeology Museum, the Trinidad Municipal Museum, the Museum of the Struggle Against Bandits, and the Colonial Art Museum…). On the nature side, the Topes de Collantes National Park and Parque El Cubano will delight trekking and hiking enthusiasts. Not to mention the sublime waterfalls located nearby, such as the Salto del Caburni waterfall, Vegas Grande, or the cascading waterfalls of El Nicho.
Learn more about beautiful Trinidad
The Beaches of Cayo Santa Maria
To finish your stay in Cuba at a relaxed pace, how about having your feet in the water? For this, we suggest heading to the Cayo Santa Maria archipelago. A true natural paradise, the Cayo Santa Maria archipelago is a biosphere preserve where you can enjoy sublime white sand beaches to the north and forests, salt marshes, and mangroves further south. It's the perfect place to enjoy a moment of relaxation! It's also an opportunity to do some scuba diving since the seabeds and coral reefs of Cayo Santa Maria constitute the world's 2nd most important coral barrier in terms of natural wealth and dimensions. Catamaran excursions are also possible to venture out and discover the archipelago from another perspective.
Follow the guide to Cayo Santa Maria
Discover Cuba in 10 days with our Cuban Romance circuit and return with stars in your eyes.
Frequently asked questions
For a 10-day trip to Cuba, we recommend spending 3 days in Havana, 2 days in the Viñales Valley, 3 days in Trinidad and its surroundings, and 2 days of relaxation in Cayo Santa Maria. This itinerary allows you to combine culture, nature, and beach.
The main transportation options between Cuban cities are: Viazul buses (economical and reliable), shared taxis (faster), car rental (more freedom but more expensive), and domestic flights for long distances. The Havana–Viñales route takes approximately 2.5 hours by bus.
The best time to visit Cuba is the dry season, from November to April. The climate is pleasant with little rain and temperatures around 25–28°C (77–82°F). Avoid the hurricane season (June to October) and especially August and September.
French nationals must obtain a 'tarjeta del turista' (tourist card) to enter Cuba. It is available for purchase online, through airlines, or at travel agencies. Travel insurance is also mandatory to enter Cuban territory.
Cayo Santa Maria is renowned for its turquoise waters and immaculate white sand. The most beautiful beaches in the archipelago include Playa Las Dunas and Playa Las Gaviotas. The archipelago is also ideal for scuba diving thanks to its coral reefs, among the richest in the Caribbean.
