8 Things To Do In Cuba | Cigar Rolling, Horseback Riding & Salsa Dancing
Of the islands I’ve been to, I would describe Cuba as the most traditional. I would also say that of all the Caribbean, it’s not usually the first choice for vacationers, as the borders have not consistently been open for political reasons and people have many mythical ideas about it being unsafe. As a solo female traveler, I can say that I had quite the rich, fulfilling, and safe experience in Cuba. I planned several activities over the course of a few days, so I’m sharing them here with you.
Horseback Riding
I booked a horseback riding tour of Viñales, which is like the countryside or rural area of Cuba. Keep in mind that Viñales is about two hours away from Havana so you may be gone for at least half of the day.
This was my first time riding a horse, but it was incredibly easy. The guide gave me some simple instructions, helped me onto the horse, and then led me on the tour through the valley. We stopped at a couple villas where there were beautiful views of this expansive valley to capture and we could order refreshing cocktails like mojitos from the bar. My horse, Ranchero, was eager, sweet, and knew his way around the valley without my having to guide him a whole lot.
Cigar Rolling
Cuban cigars are a hot commodity because the process by which they are made is very intensive. You can no longer legally bring them back to the US from Cuba, but a great way to experience cuban cigars is to take a rolling class. I happened to take two while in Cuba, one on a tobacco farm and one with a woman named Yadira who formerly worked at a cigar factory. If you’re crafty or enjoy doing things with your hands, this is a fun and simple activity to do while in Cuba. I don’t smoke cigars, but when I visited Cuba in 2019, I was able to bring the cigars I made home with me as a souvenir. Book the experience here.
Tour Old Havana
Old Havana is the city’s historic center that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. You’ll find beautiful architecture, markets to shop, people dancing, restaurants, and so much more that allows you to experience the rich culture of the city.
Visit Museums
As much as I love museums, this was something I did not get to do while in Cuba because many of my other activities were full-day events. If you can, you’ll want to visit Museu Nacional de Belas Artes de Cuba and Museo de la Revolucion.
Visit VIñales
Viñales is a valley about two hours away from Havana known for farming, especially tobacco, but also coffee, rum, and honey. My visit to Viñales was centered around the horseback riding tour I mentioned earlier; that specific tour also included a tour of a tobacco farm where the guide talked me through the process of harvesting and curing tobacco in order to make cigars and then he showed me how to roll and smoke cigars. Another guide described the rum-making, coffee-making and honey-making processes. You can book that experience here.
Like Havana, Viñales is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is known for maintaining authentic Cuban traditions from agricultural techniques to architecture, crafts and music. In addition to these traditions, many people also visit Viñales for the hiking sites.
Salsa Dancing
Salsa is a dance that was created in Cuba, so if you have the opportunity to learn while there, I would suggest it. It is the music and energy that defines the city, and when you do it, you’ll feel that. The unique experience I chose was salsa dancing through Old Havana, so you could imagine how extraordinary it was. I have rhythm, but I’m not the best at choreography. The instructors were so patient and helpful and allowed me to choose from several different styles. I ended up dancing salsa, Afro-Cuban, and reggaeton. Even if you’re a beginner, you can do it and you’ll have so much fun. The experience I booked is no longer available, but you can browse others here.
Hit The Beach
Playa Varadero
This was the most recommended beach and is considered by many the most beautiful beach in the world. Keep in mind that it is two hours away from Havana, so if you decide to visit, it will likely take up a full day of your trip. Having said that, I can see why it comes highly recommended with its crystal clear water and fine sand. There are also shops, bathrooms, outdoor showers, and restaurants on site to take advantage of.
Visit Malecón
Similar to the wall in Cartagena, the Malecón in Cuba is a great place to chill, catch a breeze, and people-watch. You’ll have a great view of the water and it’s also an opportune time to see the vintage cars as they pass by.
