Itineraries — Havana West

Havana and Western Cuba revolve around two complementary geographic and thematic hubs: the capital at the centre, dense and urban; the Viñales Valley 180 km west, rural and tobacco-driven. Between the two, 2h30 of road through the provinces of Artemisa and Pinar del Río — a journey that progressively unveils rural Cuba, ox carts, bohíos (corrugated huts painted in Caribbean colours) and the first silhouettes of the mogotes.

For a short trip (3-4 days), Havana alone is more than enough. Three days cover Habana Vieja (the five colonial squares, the cathedral, La Bodeguita del Medio, the Capitolio, the Museo de la Revolución), part of Vedado (Hotel Nacional, Plaza de la Revolución, Colón cemetery, Fábrica de Arte Cubano) and the Malecón at sunset. Stay in a casa particular in Habana Vieja or Vedado to experience Cuba from the inside — generous home-cooked breakfast, conversations with hosts, valuable tips.

With a week (6-7 days), the ideal itinerary combines 4 nights in Havana and 2-3 nights in Viñales. Transfer by Viazul bus (€12, 3h30) or private car (€80-120 for 4 people). In Viñales, two days are enough: one for the valley on horseback or on foot with a tobacco finca visit, another for the caves (Cueva del Indio, Gran Caverna), Mirador de los Jazmines at sunrise and the Mural de la Prehistoria.

With 10 days or more, the western arc expands further. Add Playas del Este for a beach day 30 min from Havana, Soroa for its orchids and waterfall (1h30 west of the capital), Cayo Levisa for a confidential beach interlude (3h north), or Pinar del Río provincial capital (1h from Viñales) for its colonial architecture and cigar factories.