One Week in Captivating Havana and A Day Trip to the Yumuri Valley

Old Havana 

A UNESCO world heritage site founded during the 16th century, Old Havana is a historic neighborhood featuring some of the city's best sites. Visitors to the district can walk along the cobblestone streets while viewing colonial buildings, antique cars, and pleasant squares. Make sure to stop at Plaza San Francisco in order to see the beautiful cathedral, Basilica Menor. Tourists can climb to the top of the cathedral’s tower to see a view of Havana’s cityscape and the sprawling sea. Afterward, head to the colourful Plaza Vieja to see restored baroque architecture and many lively Cuban residents. If along the way you are looking to take a break from the heat, stop at Plaza de Armas. The Plaza is filled with royal palms and outdoor patios- the perfect place to grab a Cuban coffee. In the evening, Calle Obispo is the most animated street, filled with bars, hotels, and restaurants. 

Fusterlandia 

Fusterlandia is my favourite place in all of Havana. Named after artist Taller-Estudio Jose Fuster, Fusterlandia is a residential neighborhood filled with intricate tile work, bright colours, and interesting sculptures. Initially an impoverished area of Havana, the district of Jaimantias was transformed by Fuster after he learned of Gaudi's Park Guell in Barcelona. Fusterlandia has a distinctly Cuban feel, with artwork featuring Santeria, tropical colours, the Cuban flag, and “Viva Cuba” emblazoned throughout the neighborhood. Psychedelic artwork extends from Fuster’s home to the surrounding houses, streets, and sidewalks. Luckily, this neighborhood project is still on-going with new art installations being added every year. 

El Malecon 

Originally constructed in the 1900s as an oceanside boulevard, today the Malecon is the center of Havan’s social and economic activity for Cubans and tourists alike. This 8 km boardwalk runs along Havana’s coastline, sandwiched between a large seawall and a six-lane highway. Although there are some Cubans that use this area for fishing and selling goods, the majority of Havana’s residents use the Malecon as a social area where they can meet, chat, and even date. Recently, the Cuban government has undertaken a restoration project for parts of the Malecon that had been degraded due to saltwater and wind from the ocean. I recommend heading to the Malecon around sunset to get a spectacular view of the coast and a better understanding of the local Havana community. If you’re interested in seeing the entire Malecon, grab a taxi and drive from one end of the boardwalk to the other. 

Salsa Dancing

Known as the heart and soul of Havana, salsa dancing is a fun and entertaining activity that is perfect for tourists looking to experience Cuban culture. There are many dance schools located throughout the city that offer introductory classes for beginners. Salsabor a Cuba, Salsa Estilo Cuba, and Salsa en Clave are some of the most popular dance schools in Havana. Another great option is to ask locals where you could find someone to give you dance lessons, as wonderful dancers are plentiful throughout the city. After class, head to one of Cuba’s best salsa bars or nightclubs for some fun. Casa de la Musica is a great place to see live music and extremely talented musicians. Jardines del 1830 has the most beautiful setting, with a wonderful outdoor dance floor nestled in the courtyard of a historic mansion. For the most authentic experience, head to El Sauce, which is a dance venue located on the outskirts of Havana and known for its Cuban headliners. Of course, no musical tour of Havana is complete without seeing the renowned band Buena Vista Social Club that regularly holds shows throughout the city. 

Gran Teatro 

The official stage of the Cuban National Ballet Company, the Gran Teatro is an architectural masterpiece filled with ornate details and Galician features. Known as the oldest theatre in the Western Hemisphere, the Gran Teatro hosts a wide variety of dance performances- ranging from ballet and contemporary to salsa and flamenco. Tourists can opt to take a walking tour of the building, which was recently renovated in 2015. This attraction is a must-see and easily accessible from Havana’s central park. 

Afro-Cuban Religions Walking Tour  

During this two hour tour, guests have the opportunity to learn more about the complex history, culture, and religion of Havana’s Afro-Cuban community. This tour focuses on Santeria and other similar religions, which were heavily influenced by Central and West African spirituality. Although the tour’s main focus is on religion, our tour leader also incorporated discussions on artwork, music, and dance. The tour starts and ends at Callejon de Hamel, a street famous for its Afro-Cuban community.

On my fifth day in Cuba, I opted to take a day trip to the nearby Yumuri Valley. The valley is famous for its scenic mountain ridges, lush green landscapes, and lazy river. In fact, many locals describe this region as the most beautiful part of Cuba.  My tour of Yumuri started with a mountainside hike through winding trails. Our guide was excellent at describing the local plants and animals, as well as their traditional importance to local communities. After the hike, we made our way to the river for a boat ride and some swimming. Tour guests had the opportunity to share a rowboat or kayak down the turquoise river. After soaking up the breathtaking view, we headed to a nearby ranch for a delicious farm to table lunch. Overall, a wonderful experience that allowed me to see the beautiful countryside of Cuba.