Havana to Cienfuegos

Ports

• Havana
  

  The capital of the island nation and the most populated at over 2.1 million residents, Havana is the 4th most populous area in the Caribbean region. The walled capital was founded by Span in the 16th century. The sinking of an American warship in 1898 signaled the beginning of the Spanish-American war. “Old Havana” became a UNESCO World Heritage site in the 80’s. Havana experienced exponential growth in the 1930’s when the city became a major tourist destination until 1959 when Fidel Castro came into power following the revolution. Visitors to Havana enjoy colorful displays of culture, architecture, music, and the arts.

• At Sea
  

• Maria La Gorda
  

  Maria la Gorda, part of the Western Cuban province of Pinar del Rio is a scuba diver’s dream and another yachting port where bigger ships cannot follow. The port is full of lush natural landscapes, native birds and animals, and the sea life is simply spectacular. The shimmering, aqua colored waters welcome experienced and beginner divers and snorkelers. Authentic Cuban Mojitos and fresh seafood are served by locals right on the beach. Experiencing this Island’s sunset should definitely be at the top of your “to do” list.

• Isla de Juventud
  

  Known as the “Isle of Youth” and the “Isle of Treasure”, is the second largest island off Cuba. Very popular with divers and “treasure hunters”, this island is known for its beauty and pirate stories and history.  It’s home to Punta Frances Marine National Park which is great for diving the beautiful coral; it’s idyllic and unspoiled. You’ll also enjoy beautiful black-sand beaches with crystal clear aqua water.

• Cayo Largo
  

  An intimate resort island in Cuba also known as Cayo Largo del Sur (“Long Cay”). Being the largest of 300 island in the Canarreos Archipelago, the cay runs close to 25 kilometers (16 miles) long and 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) wide. With a zero-permanent population, the island beaches of Playo Sirena and Playo Paraiso are kept in pristine beauty and offers the finest undeveloped beaches in the world ready for enjoyment. With only a kilometer separating the two coasts, one can experience the walk between them during low tide. Be adventurous in deep sea fishing, discover the paths by jeep or trot horseback among the coast. The possibilities are limitless here is Cayo Largo.

• Trinidad
  

  Trinidad is a town in the jurisdiction of Sancti Spiritus, central Cuba in a preserved Spanish colonial settlement founded in 1514. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1988, Trinidad is the holder of Cuba’s oldest and most captivating ‘outdoor museum’. Charming cobblestone streets bustling with country folk, wild donkeys and pleasant musicians captures perfectly everything Trinidad is known for. Tucked away you’ll find Trinidad’s natural lures of some of the best beaches in Cuba. Playa Ancon is a retreat all on its own with luscious hiking trails and scenic waterfalls, a place you don’t want to miss.

• Cienfuegos
  

  La Perla del Sur, or “Pearl of the South, this southern city was first populated by indigenous peoples and later settled by French immigrants in the 1800’s. The port, very large by the standards of the times, was instrumental in multi-national trade, especially between South America and Jamaica. Sugar was a major export of the city. The city’s Urban Historic Center is a UNESCO World-Heritage Site, serving as an example of urban planning accomplished during the 19th century by the Spanish. Other attractions include Castillo de Nuestra Senora (a castle/fort), historic cathedrals, botanical gardens, a cigar factory, and the University of Cienfuegos.