Discover a Whole New Wild World with this 7-Day Cuba Itinerary

Jordan Campbell

8 months ago

A vibrant street scene in Cuba featuring a classic red convertible driving past colorful colonial buildings; one pink building is marked "Bar Cabaña Restaurant" with red umbrellas and patio diners, while a turquoise and green building and a tall palm tree frame the right side of the image.

Get the Best of Cuba on this 7-Day Cuba Itinerary

When traveling to Cuba, there are a few things you need to know. First, there are direct flights to Havana, Cuba, from four U.S. states: Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Texas.

Second, you’re not allowed to visit for tourism purposes. However, you are allowed to visit in support of the Cuban people, among other things. So, if one of those few purposes aligns with your travel intentions (for example, if you’ve signed up for local dance or cooking classes), stick with that purpose (and only that purpose) when asked why you’re traveling there.

Third, you can’t use credit or debit cards while in Cuba. So, before your trip, be sure you have enough cash for the whole trip, plus extra in case of emergencies. It can be U.S. dollars, which you can later exchange for Cuban pesos at the airport (and sometimes hotel). But USD was accepted almost everywhere I went.

Fly to Havana. Tour for 3 days.
Transit to Las Terrazas. Tour for 1 day.
Transit to Viñales. Tour for 3 days.
Return to Havana for a flight home.

PLANNING A TRIP TO CUBA SOON?

Below is who I booked this tour with and some of the best hotels to kickstart your plans!

Travel With Wild World Tours

I had the great privilege of traveling to Cuba with Wild World Tours, whose owner plans incredibly thoughtful small group trips to destinations around the world.

Top Places to Stay in Cuba

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A Slice of Heaven in Havana

This is the biggest city in Cuba and the second-biggest in the Caribbean, so it has a healthy selection of transportation options. Here’s a quick run-down:

Getting Around Havana

By Tour: I’d encourage everyone to arrange for at least one tour with some sort of class or activity, specifically for the purpose of supporting the locals. And a good local travel company will make transportation easier in general, which is a nice bonus.
By Taxi: There are two kinds of taxis: private taxis, which don’t have air conditioning or seat belts; and the city’s yellow taxis, which tend to be much nicer, have air conditioning, and are more expensive. Be sure to haggle the price down to get a good deal.
By Bus: Most locals get around the city using the bus system—unfortunately, it’s hard for non-residents to understand. Don’t let the dirt-cheap bus fares ($0.40 per ride) tempt you, as it’s easy to get lost if you don’t know what you’re doing. So as an alternative…
By Havana Bus Tour: Hop on or hop off at popular tourist destinations or the main terminal in Parque Central. The only catch is that it’s $10 per person—but considering it’s an all-day ticket, that’s an amazing deal.
By Bicycle Rental: Havana’s pretty big, so bicycling isn’t ideal—but then, that all depends on where you want to go. For nearby attractions, it’s perfectly viable, and if you’re worried about finding your way around, sign up for a bike tour.
By Rental Car: In one word: avoid. Car rentals in Cuba are a gamble; there are a lot of scammers online, and if it’s busy season when you visit, it’s hard to secure a rental in person. Plus, they’re super expensive.

Where To Stay in Havana

VOYA Boutique Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Havana. Guests rave about the staff and amazing on-site food, particularly the breakfasts provided.

Not only that, it’s centrally located, within a ten-minute drive of both Malecón and Plaza Vieja. They’re two of the best places to check the city’s pulse and get a real feel for life in Havana.

A close-up of a bar counter at Voya Boutique Hotel featuring a selection of rum bottles including Havana Club and Ron Perla del Norte, with a bartender preparing drinks in the background. The countertop is polished stone, and shelves of liquor line the bright, modern space.

A stylish hotel bathroom with dual vessel sinks on a marble countertop, two tall wooden-framed mirrors, and modern amenities including a mounted hairdryer and makeup mirror. The space opens into a warmly lit bedroom with patterned tile flooring and contemporary furnishings.

A vibrant red vintage convertible parked in front of the pastel peach exterior of Voya Boutique Hotel, a two-story colonial-style building with arched balconies, white trim, and lush greenery lining the entrance. The setting exudes classic Cuban charm and architectural elegance.

A tropical outdoor pool area at Voya Boutique Hotel featuring bright blue cushioned loungers with rolled towels, surrounded by lush greenery and shaded by tall trees. The small rectangular pool is set against a stone wall with "VOYA" signage, creating a relaxing and private vibe.

A modern boutique hotel room with a padded tan headboard, a neatly made bed featuring mustard yellow and white bedding, and a standing lamp next to a tall mirror. French doors open to a balcony with a white balustrade and lush greenery outside. The perfect place to begin your 7-day Cuba itinerary.

PHOTO CREDITS: VOYA BOUTIQUE HOTEL VIA HOTELS.COM

Must-Sees in Havana

For my stay, I partnered with Wild World Tours who arranged salsa dance classes, cooking classes with locals, and even a mixology lesson with tropical cocktails and rum tasting. (And like I said before, having some supporting, educational activities on your 7-day Cuba itinerary is, well, required for your bring there.)

But even without all that, there are tons of things to see and do. Just like when I did a street art tour in Puerto Rico, you don’t need to book a fancy tour to see some street art or enjoy the colorful architecture in Habana Vieja.

Habana Vieja (i.e., Old Havana)	Street Art in Callejon de Hamel
Cuban Art Factory	Museo del Ron Havana Club
Malecón	Plaza de la Revolución
Castillo del Morro	Jardines de La Tropical

A group of smiling people pose for a photo inside a contemporary art space, standing and kneeling in front of a white wall covered in colorful, scattered confetti-like shapes. Many are holding drinks, suggesting a lively and social atmosphere, likely at Havana’s popular Fábrica de Arte Cubano.

A narrow Havana street lined with weathered buildings and bustling with colorful bicycle taxis, each shaded by fabric canopies. A woman walks barefoot along the sidewalk while the drivers pedal tourists through the lively and gritty urban scene.

A woman in a black dress and sunglasses smiles beside a shiny red vintage convertible in Havana, Cuba, with the iconic steel outline of Camilo Cienfuegos on the Ministry of Communications building in the background. The sunny plaza also features a classic yellow taxi and bright blue skies overhead.

A person with dark hair and a black top takes a photo of the massive white marble Cristo de La Habana statue in Havana, Cuba. The statue, depicting Christ with one hand raised and the other near his chest, stands tall against a vivid blue sky, enclosed by a low fence.

A charming cobblestone street in Old Havana with pastel-colored colonial buildings, including a vivid pink corner structure and a blue-and-yellow building with wooden shutters. A round stone fountain gently bubbles in the foreground, while locals sit on benches beneath a slender tree and bronze statues stand quietly nearby.

A vibrant lineup of vintage American convertibles in bold colors like hot pink, red, and purple, parked under tall, leafy trees in a shady area of Havana. The classic cars gleam in the sunlight, showcasing retro chrome detailing and cream leather interiors.

A striking street art scene in Havana featuring a row of colorful murals on a wall, including abstract figures, a radiant bird, and a realistic black-and-white portrait of a child. A large tree with sprawling bare branches anchors the urban courtyard, surrounded by faded cement benches and worn pavement.

PHOTO CREDIT: GLOBAL DEBAUCHERY & WILD WORLD TOURS

Returning to Nature in Las Terrazas

This is a “return to nature” in more ways than one. Las Terrazas is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and part of a reforestation project for land damaged by logging and excessive farming. At a one-hour bus ride away from Havana, getting there is a piece of cake. (Assuming the bus isn’t delayed or canceled… in which case, call a taxi.)

Personally, I didn’t stay here for a full day—I squeezed it into a day trip from the next stop, Viñales Valley. However, nature lovers will almost certainly want to stick around a bit longer.

Getting Around Las Terrazas

By Foot: You can get most anywhere just by walking and hiking. There’s lush greenery all around, so there’s plenty of shade to go around. (Just make sure you stay hydrated, folks!)
By Tour: If you want to fully experience Las Terrazas, booking a tour is an absolute must. There’s horseback riding, canopy tours, and more.

Where To Stay in Las Terrazas

The only hotel in Las Terrazas’s eco-village is Hotel Moka, and luckily, it’s a pretty decent one. While not the shiniest or fanciest hotel, it offers good service in a peaceful and beautiful environment. The hotel staff can also help you book tours in the area.

The exterior of Hotel Moka, nestled in lush forest greenery, features a white multi-level structure with tall arched columns, green railings, and red-tiled roofs. A stone staircase leads up through the vegetation toward the hotel's elevated entrance, blending architecture with nature.

The airy lobby of Hotel Moka featuring an open design with high ceilings, natural light, and a large tree growing through the center of the tiled floor. The space includes comfortable seating areas, white walls, green railings, and views of the surrounding greenery outside.

A peaceful outdoor pool area at Hotel Moka with blue lounge chairs and white umbrellas arranged around a circular swimming pool. The scene is framed by lush greenery, trees, and a building with blue-striped awnings, creating a relaxing, tropical vibe.

An open-air restaurant at Hotel Moka with wooden picnic-style tables and benches arranged beneath a high, exposed-beam ceiling with red tile roofing. Surrounded by lush greenery, the space features stone columns, a bar area at the far end, and a relaxed, rustic atmosphere.

A simple yet charming hotel room at Hotel Moka featuring twin beds pushed together with white linens, patterned bed runners, and deep red and green accent pillows. The room has colorful tiled floors, a wooden shutter window, and minimal natural lighting.

PHOTO CREDITS: HOTEL MOKA VIA HOTELS.COM

Must-Sees in Las Terrazas

While in Las Terrazas, you’ll want to partake in any activity that lets you fully enjoy nature. Whether that’s hiking, cycling, swimming, horseback riding or even zip-lining is up to you.

Soroa Orchid Garden	Baños de San Juan (natural pools)
Cafetal Buena Vista	Former home of Polo Montañez

A cluster of weathered green and blue rowboats floats gently on a calm lake in Las Terrazas, Cuba, with long wooden oars resting across the seats. In the background, tall palm trees and forested hills reflect on the still water under a soft, overcast sky.

A vibrant blue and white lake house in Las Terrazas, Cuba, perched on stilts above the water with striped awnings, a red-tiled roof, and blue window shutters. A few people enjoy the lake nearby, while lush forest surrounds the structure, creating a colorful and lively tropical escape.

A serene lakeside scene in Las Terrazas, Cuba, featuring a white building with bright blue window shutters and a red-tiled roof nestled among lush tropical greenery. The calm water reflects the house and surrounding trees, with rolling forested hills and palm trees in the background under a vibrant blue sky.

PHOTO CREDIT: PANORAMIO, CC 3.0. RG72 & COSA2244, CC 4.0

Find Some World Heritage at Viñales

Getting Around Viñales

Unlike Havana, Viñales doesn’t really have much in the way of public transportation. To get here, I’d suggest a taxi (or transport-inclusive tour). There is a bus that goes from Las Terrazas to Viñales, but it is not reliable. There’s no direct bus from Havana, either.

By Private Driver: To arrange a driver, ask the host you book your accommodations with. (More on that under “Where to Stay.”) This will be a bit pricey, but it’ll also give you the freedom to go where you want, including day trips.
By Tour: In some ways, this is basically the same as the option above since the tour company will likely work with the host of your accommodations to arrange your transportation. Still, if something goes awry or plans change (a very real possibility for a 7-day Cuba itinerary), you’ll have the tour company to fall back on and help you out.
By Foot: Viñales has a very small town that’s easy enough to get around by foot, and the rest of the valley is beautiful and great for hiking.
By Bicycle Rental: As with a private driver, you’ll need to talk with your host to arrange renting a bicycle, which can be delivered to your accommodations. Just note: if you’re going without a guide, stick to the main roads. Dirt paths are easily swept away by the Caribbean’s frequent hurricanes, so maps (including Google Maps) aren’t super reliable.

Where To Stay in Viñales

You’d be hard-pressed to find a traditional hotel around these parts. Instead, travelers park their bags at a casa particulares—i.e., a private guesthouse, kind of like an Airbnb, but with your own personal host. Make sure you find a good host who can help you out with transportation and finding your way around.

One great place to try is Casa Lala. It’s very close to town and also to the Viñales Botanical Garden. It’s beautifully appointed, with warm and welcoming hosts attentive to their guests’ needs.

A lush garden dining area at Casa Lala set under a glowing sunset sky, featuring a white wrought-iron table and chairs beneath a large orange umbrella. Surrounded by tropical plants, the cozy patio includes a decorative swing and ambient lighting for a tranquil evening atmosphere.

A compact, neatly kept bathroom at Casa Lala featuring a light blue countertop sink with a mirror and two wall-mounted lamps above it. The toilet is topped with folded white towels, and small decorative touches like a flower vase and hand soap add to the tidy, welcoming space.

An outdoor dining setup at Casa Lala featuring a rectangular table draped in a white tablecloth, surrounded by ornate white wrought-iron chairs. The table is elegantly set with white dishes, green-handled cutlery, and a spread of Cuban dishes including rice, plantain chips, salad, and flan under soft garden lighting.

A simple, budget-friendly guest room at Casa Lala featuring two double beds with plain white bedding, a small nightstand in between, and mismatched curtains covering a window. A wall-mounted fan and air conditioning unit provide ventilation in the modest, tiled space.

The bright green exterior of Casa Lala, a guesthouse with a covered front porch lined with white rocking chairs and turquoise columns. Set on a quiet street, the building has a tropical, welcoming vibe with trimmed hedges and views of the blue sky and palm trees in the distance.

PHOTO CREDITS: CASA LALA VIA HOTELS.COM

Must-Sees in Viñales

This isn’t a UNESCO World Heritage site for nothing. In Viñales Valley, you can go hiking, horseback riding, or visit one of many attractions.

There are also some really nice day trips that you can get to from Viñales, like Cayo Jutías. This island is perfect for a beach getaway, complete with starfish and snorkeling.

Horseback riding tour	Benito’s Tobacco Farm
Los Acuáticos	Cayo Jutías
Valle de Dos Hermanas	Cueva del Indio

Two black and white cows, one with large curved horns and the other smaller and hornless, stand beside a rustic wooden shelter at a farm in Viñales, Cuba. The larger cow is loosely tied to a post, and both animals have blue ear tags and markings on their hooves.

A woman with an excited expression holds a white baby goat in her arms while standing on a sunlit farm in Viñales, Cuba. Behind her, rows of green trees and a grassy field create a peaceful rural backdrop.

A peaceful rural scene at Finca San Francisco in Viñales, featuring traditional thatched-roof buildings with white wooden walls and red trim, set against a backdrop of towering limestone mogotes covered in lush greenery. A few goats roam the grassy yard as the golden light of sunset illuminates the landscape.

A rustic motorcycle with a blue crate attached to the back rests in the shade of a tree on a sunny day in Viñales, Cuba. In the background, a black cow grazes in a lush, green field bordered by dense tropical foliage and palm trees.

A breathtaking sunset over Viñales Valley, with golden light spilling across the sky and casting a warm glow on the lush green fields and dramatic mogote hills. The foreground features thriving crops and banana trees, while the town of Viñales stretches out below in the distance.

One Week in Cuba With Wild World Tours

The inspiration for this 7-day Cuba itinerary is credited to none other than Wild World Tours. Not only is Wild World’s owner Maria an awesome human, her small group tours attract other, equally awesome humans, which made—not just Cuba memorable—but my travel buddies memorable, too!

It was such a thoughtful and authentic experience, I highly encourage you to check them out. And when you do, use promo code WILDWORLD100 for $100 off an upcoming tour, which you could use to celebrate Day of the Dead with them in Oaxaca, Mexico later this year.

In addition to my 7-day Cuba itinerary, I’ve got posts on other Caribbean islands, like Puerto Rico where I enjoyed exploring the beautiful Santurce street art and sampling local cuisine in Old San Juan.

Be sure to follow me on Instagram for more travel tips and itineraries and join the #AdventurePartnersForLife!