5 Reasons You Should Go To Cuba Right Now

There were always a thousand reasons to visit the largest, least commercialised and most exciting island of the Caribbean. But, with the number of changes the opening of US-Cuban relations is already bringing, now is the perfect time to experience a changing nation first-hand. Not for Starbucks addicts.

1. A Unique History

Though it might be easy to downplay Cuba to ‘the cradle of 20th century revolution’ and one of the world’s last remaining bastions of communism, a lot more stuff has happened to it over the odd thousands of years it’s been around. Think Christopher Colombus, Spanish slave-colony, pirates, independence, US-controlled mafia-land, revolution and socialism.

Visit the Che Guevara Museum in Santa Clara or head to Havana’s Plaza de la Revolucion, the hub of political rallies and base of the Cuban government. The square is also home to Havana’s highest structure, the marble monument to national hero Jose Marti which at 138.5m also contains a museum and a lookout with fantastic city panoramas.

2. There’s Dancin’

Music is everywhere in Cuba. From the Son, the Cha Cha Cha, Rumba, Merengue, Bachata and Salsa, nothing beats the island’s infectious mix of Latin and African elements. In July, the round-the-calendar cultural events cumulate to the annual Carnival and ‘Fiesta del Fuego’ in Santiago, with parades, fireworks and – you guessed it – dancing.

La Tropicana is Cuba’s oldest and most famous cabaret club.  The open-air performance is surrounded by lush gardens and has been popularly dubbed the ‘Paradise under the Stars,’ a stunning spectacle of well over 200 musicians, singers and dancers. It’s stage has seen the likes of Nat King Cole, Josephine Baker and Libertad Lamarque. Not your average Friday night.

3. Rum… And Hemingway

It’s got to be said. All the best rum in the world comes from Cuba, and that’s a fact. Visit the home of Bacardi for a Mojito, a Canchanchara or a Cuba Libre and discover why El Floridita became Ernest Hemingway’s favourite bar. The canonical writer lived on the island for nearly twenty years, between Havana and his estate La Finca Vigia, which has been conserved virtually untouched and you can still visit in San Francisco de Paula. Drink rum and feel cultured.

4. Go Back in Time

As a result of Cuba’s political isolation and economic difficulties, a wander around the city’s capital might seem like a stroll back to the mid-20th century. The UNESCO-listed historic centre along with Santiago and Trinidad are home to some colourful and elegant examples of old colonial architecture. You don’t need to take a tour to see all the vintage American Chevys, Buicks and Plymouths rumbling on since the 1950s, but it’s definitely worth booking a classic car trip to see the lay of a land from a set of wheels that belongs in a black and white feature film.

Also thanks to the island’s unique situation, the tourism industry hasn’t yet had time to form, resulting in a much more personal and authentic travel experience. One of the most popular lodging choices are the Casas Particulares, private rooms, apartments and houses owned and rented out by locals. These are a fantastic and affordable way to develop genuine relationships with some bona fide Cubans and get a real feel for the culture.

5. Spectacular Scenery

Did you know there were flamingos in Cuba? Learn something new everyday, huh? Get out of the city and explore the surprising wildlife, the clear, shallow waters and superfine white-sand beaches of Cayo Coco, an island north of the mainland, and it’s neighbour Cayo Guillermo. Snorkelling and diving opportunities are unparalleled on Isla de la Juventud, otherwise known as Punta del Este, one of the country’s biggest marine hotspots.

Head inland to discover the dramatically mountainous National Parks, such as the Alejandro de Humboldt near Baracoa. You might not have known either that besides its tropical landscape and comfortable climate, Cuba is also a great bird-watching hub and home to the tiniest bird on the planet, the bee hummingbird, and the Cuban hutia, the largest-living of its species and arguably one of the cutest wild rodents alive. Check out those whiskers!

Images courtesy of Eduardo Manchon, Sean Mack, Anagoria, Christopher Michel and Emily Russell

By Sarah Morland