6 day trips from Havana to enjoy Cuba

Bed and Breakfast in Cuba will show you the best day trips from Havana to enjoy Cuba. The capital of the island is by far the main touristic attraction. But not so far away from its streets there are other towns that you can explore in a few hours. Keep reading to find out where to go on a short trip.

Best day trips from Havana to enjoy Cuba

Havana is the center of tourism in Cuba. It has the main international airport on the island, and that makes it the first place most travelers get to know. There are a lot of things to do in Havana, and probably you’d like to spend most of the time here, enjoying their singular culture and architecture.

But there is much more to see in this paradisiacal island than this crowded city. And the best thing is that is not necessary to go so far away from it to enjoy it. So, if you want to know the rest of Cuba and do not have enough time, a day trip is the perfect solution.

If your starting point is La Havana, here is a list of the best places you can visit from the capital city.

1. Head to the beach in Habana Riviera

When you are in Cuba you can not miss a visit to the beach. 30 minutes away from the capital is Habana Riviera, known by locals as Playas del Este. It is a 50 kilometers coastline, where there are some great beaches. Pick one of these to take a bath on the Caribbean Sea.

To reach the eastern beaches you can take a tour bus in Centro Habana or a train at Havana’s Estacion Central.

The best beach for tourists is Santa Maria del Mar. And if you are looking for a LGBT friendly beach, Boca Ciega is for you.

Playas del Este gets crowded in the summer season. But between January and April, most Cuban won’t go to the beach because they consider it is too cold. Even at the peak season, this beach does not receive as many people as Varadero does.

You do not need to worry about the food because there are a lot of paladares around to eat. Reserve some time to hang out with locals in the town of Guanabo.

2. Jibacoa

Our second recommendation for day trips from Havana Cuba is Jibacoa. This is a small town that hides some marvelous places but still is out of most tourist’s radar.

Jibacoa is another beach destination. The town itself is small but is surrounded by several beaches and some other natural beauties. Water sport’s lovers will find good diving and snorkeling spots. There are also caves and hiking routes.

This town is located in Villa Clara province, between Havana and Varadero. It takes about an hour to get there from the capital. You will need to rent a car or a private taxi.

3. Vinales Valley

A lot of tourism companies offer day trips from Havana to Vinales. This is one of the routes you should take while you are in Cuba. The valley is one of the most popular places in the island. You can take a tour or go on your own.

To arrive there you can take a Viazul bus, hire a taxi or rent a car. Don’t worry about what to see in Vinales on a day trip, because there is a lot to do. If you go with a tour company, they’ll have guides, and if you by yourself you can hire one once you have arrived.

The main attraction in Vinales is the valley itself. It has wonderful landscapes that you can see from Los Jazmines, this is the best place to take pictures of it. Also, you can go inside the valley on a hoking, a horseback riding or a biking tour.

A checklist of things to do in Vinales includes seeing the mogotes, exploring the caves and visiting a tobacco farm.

Vinales is a town to spend more than a day, but if you are short of time you can see a lot in a day.

4. Boca de Calderas

This is one of many diving spots near Havana, and to get there you just need to take a short taxi ride from the city. There are a lot of caves to explore near the shore. It doesn’t matter if the traveler is a novice or an advanced diver because there is a spot for everyone.

At Boca de Calderas it is possible to see coral reefs, tropical fishes, and swim around the wrecks of sunken ships. 

5. Terrazas and Soroa

This is another place to enjoy nature in Cuba. If you don’t feel like going to the beach, instead you can do a day trip to Sierra del Rosario. This is a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, the first in Cuba.

Here, you can enjoy Las Terrazas and its many activities: hiking, canopy, bird watching, and more. It is possible to see the Soroa waterfall, one the most beautiful in the island. And the orchid garden, with more than 700 species. It takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to arrive here from Havana.

6. Cuevas de Bellamar

Another incredible trip idea is to go to the cave systems in Matanzas province. At the Cuevas de Bellamar, there it is possible to see impressive geological formations. One of the best is Cuevas de Saturno. Inside this cave, there is a lake where visitors can take a bath. Be prepared if this is what you want to do because the water will be cold.

In the town, there is also a lot to see. If you prefer to spend more time here, book a casa particular in Matanzas. And dedicate a day to walk around the colonial core and enjoy the town.

Taking a Viazul bus from Havana to Matanzas is the best option to go there.

Varadero and Terrazas de Cojimar are also great options to take a day trip from the capital of Cuba. You don’t have to stay in the city during all your visits.

Are there any other day trips from Havana to enjoy Cuba you’d like to do? Let us know your recommendation and contact us to book your accommodation for your next trip.