16 days in Cuba Itinerary

Cuba's capital and major commercial center, Havana manages to be very old and very modern at the same time.

Havana is known for historic sites, nightlife, museums, beaches, and classes. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: get to know the fascinating history of Malecón of Havana, take in the local highlights with Walking tours, steep yourself in history at Finca Vigía, and see the interesting displays at Wifredo Lam Center.

For reviews, where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Havana trip planner.

If you are flying in from Mexico, the closest major airports are José Martí International Airport, Juan Gualberto Gomez International Airport and Vilo Acuña International Airport. In December, daytime highs in Havana are 32°C, while nighttime lows are 20°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 15th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Vinales.

Offering a taste of authentic rural life, Vinales remains a small agricultural town, dominated by surrounding low mountain ranges.

Start off your visit on the 16th (Mon): admire the verdant scenery at Valle de Vinales, then laugh and play at Palenque de los Cimarrones, then Head underground at Cuevas de Santo Tomas, and finally don't miss a visit to Mural de la Prehistoria.

For other places to visit, ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, refer to the Vinales online trip maker .

You can drive from Havana to Vinales in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. December in Vinales sees daily highs of 32°C and lows of 22°C at night. On the 17th (Tue), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Cayo Largo.

The stress of modern life feels a million miles away when you holiday on Cayo Largo, a small and unspoiled resort island off the coast of Cuba.

Start off your visit on the 18th (Wed): tour the pleasant surroundings at Sirena Beach and then stroll through Playa Paraiso. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: step off the mainland to explore Cayo Rico and then identify plant and animal life at Sea Turtle Hatchery.

To find where to stay, traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Cayo Largo trip builder .

Do a combination of bus and flight from Vinales to Cayo Largo in 8.5 hours. In December, daytime highs in Cayo Largo are 32°C, while nighttime lows are 24°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 19th (Thu) early enough to travel to Cienfuegos.

The city of Cienfuegos sits in a scenic natural bay, attracting visitors from across the country and further afield since its establishment in the early 19th century.

Your day-by-day itinerary now includes El Nicho Waterfalls. Change things up with these side-trips from Cienfuegos: Santa Clara (Monumento a la Toma del Tren Blindado, Che Guevara Mausoleum, & more). And it doesn't end there: don't miss a visit to Parque Jose Marti, take in the pleasant sights at Malecon de Cienfuegos, take a stroll through Punta Gorda, and admire the landmark architecture of Palacio de Valle.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Cienfuegos trip itinerary maker app .

You can do a combination of flight and train from Cayo Largo to Cienfuegos in 3 hours. December in Cienfuegos sees daily highs of 34°C and lows of 22°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sun) early enough to go by car to Trinidad.

Built on sugar and seemingly preserved in molasses, the town of Trinidad attracts visitors with its well-aged 19th century architecture and rustic charm, showcasing the sounds, scents, and sights of days gone by.

Trinidad is known for beaches, historic sites, nightlife, museums, and nature. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: stroll through Ancon Beach, make a trip to Trinidad de Cuba, admire the sheer force of Parque el Cubano, and steep yourself in history at Valle de los Ingenios.

To find photos, where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Trinidad trip itinerary planning website .

Traveling by car from Cienfuegos to Trinidad takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a shuttle. In December, daytime highs in Trinidad are 34°C, while nighttime lows are 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Wed) to allow time to drive to Havana.

On the 26th (Thu), steep yourself in history at El Morro, then admire the masterpieces at Museu Nacional de Belas Artes de Cuba, then make a trip to El Capitolio, and finally take a stroll through Christopher Columbus Cemetery (Cemetario de Colon). On the 27th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: steep yourself in history at Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana, don't miss a visit to Paseo del Prado, then don't miss a visit to Plaza de San Francisco, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Havana Cathedral.

To find ratings, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Havana road trip planning website .

Traveling by car from Trinidad to Havana takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 28th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel back home.