Cuba

Cuba is thought to have been inhabited since the 4th century by the Guanahatabey and Taíno people and later was colonised by the Spanish in the 15th century. The island has a multiethnic culture with its history influenced by both its Latin American neighbours, Spanish rule and the African slaves who were brought over. The heady mix of food, architecture, culture and custom left behind by these numerous influences creates a wonderfully eclectic vibe that attracts adventurers from all over the world.

To get here, flights to Cuba direct from the UK fly into Jose Marti International Airport in Havana in around 10 hours. Major US cities such as New York, Miami, Atlanta, Tampa, Houston and other regional airports have direct flights too. The capital city of Cuba is Havana which is on the northwestern coast of the island, and what a capital city it is. Think colonial Spanish architecture in a rainbow of vibrant hues, juxtaposed with cobbled streets and classic cars; a bustling port city dotted with modern commercial buildings. Havana is more like three cities rolled into one! Old Havana especially, with its old stone city walls, has remained true to its architectural heritage and as such has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In fact Cuba has nine different UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the island.

Outside of the capital city, a third of the island of Cuba is covered in mountains and hills and the other two thirds is made up of lowland plains used mainly for agriculture. Cuba has a very diverse ecosystem made up of mountain rainforests, dense jungle, sprawling grasslands and small desert regions. The highest peak in Cuba is Pico Turquino which is 1,974m and gets its name from the word turquoise, a reference to the colour of the water from its lofty summit. This is the only place in Cuba where snowfall has been recorded, although that was over 100 years ago.

The best time to visit Cuba is during the dry season from November to April. May to October is the wet season where humidity can be high, and the hurricane season is a dangerous time to be trekking on the island. With average temperatures of around 27 degrees, November to April is a popular time to visit Cuba and escape the colder climbs of the USA and UK.

Cuba is perhaps not the most obvious trekking destination but holidays to Cuba offer breathtaking scenery, plenty of delicious cuisine and fascinating insights into the exciting culture of this unique socialist country. Kandoo Adventures offer an awesome Cuba trekking trip, Peaks of Cuba, which traverses the entire island, summiting Pico Turquino on the way from Santiago de Cuba to Havana, visiting the Bay of Pigs, the city of Trinidad and taking plenty of time to find hidden waterfalls, swim in stunning beaches and spend time with local Cuban people on the way. For a less challenging Cuban experience check out our Cuba Discovery trekking trip which takes in much of the island as you zip wire, kayak, horse ride and salsa your way from highlight to highlight.