15 Ways to Experience Cuba's Unique Vibe

[miltonferrara]

There is something about the music, the cars, the colors, and the weather, that is so… well… cool. It's not important if you are going to stay one day, one month, or for what purpose you are there, there are a handful of classic Cuban activities you will need to participate in before you head home. I listed some of these excellent activities below. But remember, no list is ever complete—the best part of visiting any country is finding your favorite activity or location that you could never have anticipated or planned for! 

1. Check out the cars

Walking or driving around Cuba looks like a scene right out of the history books. The entire country seems as if it got left behind in time, if for no other reason than the old-style American cars. While it makes Cuba look very classy, this is rooted in some natural explanations. 

Quite frankly, purchasing foreign automobiles or parts is forbidden, so time moves on, but the cars stay the same. It adds a lot of ambiance and style, so it’s not necessarily a bad thing. 

2. Listen to live music

 All over Cuba, the streets, the bars, and the restaurants are bursting with music, typically salsa and jazz. Full of life, story and emotion, there is so much to take in and appreciate the music scene in Cuba. If you just ‘run’ and don't stop and listen, you’ll regret it in the end. 

Music holds in its very essence, the power to take you to a place. The music in Cuba seems to keep you there. With just a few notes played in the right way, you are immersed in the culture and the community. You may even fall in love with the Cuban culture and you may want to stay forever! 

3. Learn how to salsa

Once the music and the attitude have inspired you, it’s time for you to step up and learn some new steps. If you’re doing Cuba right, you are salsa dancing through the night (mojito in hand, I would imagine). There are places where you can book yourself salsa dancing lessons, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, you could jump right in with the locals and learn from them. The style in which you learn is up to you—but it really should be high on your priority list. 

4. Go to a baseball game

Baseball is the national sport and the beloved pastime of Cuba—there is so much love for this sport in this country. Going to see a game is a trip in and of itself, and you will remember the energy, the excitement and the momentum forever! 

But don’t go looking for the next up and coming to Major League Baseball player, because you won’t find one. It is illegal for the United States to recruit baseball players from Cuba. So, you will have to enjoy them for their talent right where they are. But the one thing I can say for sure is that you don’t want to miss the chance to see a game.  

5. Go to the beach

I mean really, how could you not? The beaches in Cuba are divine, and they are at least half of the appeal of the country as it is. Whether you like to spend the whole day basking in the sun or prefer a leisurely walk in the sand watching the waves, it doesn’t matter. 

You will fall in love with the beautiful sight of that so blue ocean and white sand. It is paradise right before your eyes. The only problem with Cuban beaches is that once you are there, you may never want to leave. 

6. Eat raw sugar cane

It’s the best in the world! Grab yourself a stick of sugar cane and chew on it to release the raw sugar. This is the flavor that runs our world! That is, if you have a sweet tooth as I do! You can even get fresh sugar cane juiced and drink the perfectly sweet juice that comes out. Better than sugar water, you’ll keep going back for more and more.

7. See a tobacco field

Cuban cigars are coveted for some reasons—they are the best of the best, and when it comes to the best of the best with cigars—you have to start with tobacco. Down in the Vinales Valley, you can see the fields and get a sense of what the tobacco looks like, right from the source. 

8. Take a motorcycle tour

With Che no less! No, not the iconic revolutionary leader, but his youngest son. Ernesto Guevara will take you across Cuba on Harley Davidsons—surely an incredible and one of a kind tour. If you like to ride your bike, this is a tour you don’t want to miss. On the flipside, as cool as it sounds, it is not recommended for anyone who isn’t already comfortable writing a motorcycle. Seems like a given, but worth a mention, just in case! 

9. Try snorkeling

Just by looking at the pristine oceans that surround the island of Cuba, you know there must be some pretty incredible life happening under the water. And sure, enough there is, and you can see it. Off the shores of Cuba are great places to snorkel and see the incredible marine life active and alive all around you. Get up close and personal with the beauty of the island and experience a breathtaking view of it all. 

10. Ride in a taxi

If you are into the cars of Cuba, take the opportunity to ride in one! The taxis of the city are no exception to the cool car rule. You can ride around in style and get to your desired destination. It’s a win-win all the way. 

11. Swim in a cenote

When the weather is warm, you can cool down in a cenote— a sinkhole caused by collapsed limestone that exposes underground water. It’s a beautiful natural phenomenon and Cuba is one of the few places in the world where you can experience it! What an excellent way to cool off and experience one of the great wonders of this land. I can’t recommend this enough. 

12. Watch the crab crossing

If you are visiting the Bay of Pigs, you may come across a giant group of crabs crossing the road. There are often so many that they create a massive roadblock. If you’re not in a hurry, this can be an awesome experience and absolute must-do photo opportunity! 

13. Chase a waterfall

 

Stand in awe of the beauty of the Vegas Grande waterfall around Toped de Collantes. You could even dip a toe in and go for a swim! The incredible beauty of this waterfall is something you certainly don’t want to miss. It is majestic and memorable. 

14. Ride a bull

If you go on a tour of the Vinales tobacco fields, you will have the opportunity to choose your trip to be either by bull, carriage or horseback. You have a premium decision to make. And let’s be honest, you should probably choose the bull. 

15. Smoke a Cuban cigar

 Now, I understand that this isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but it seems nearly impossible to talk about Cuba and not address one of their most famous products. Cuban cigars are coveted for their superior tobacco and flavor, and because of the trade laws, they are not easy to get outside of the country. 

This trip may well be one of your few chances ever to smoke a true Cuban cigar. Cigar aficionados all over the world hold these products in the highest regard, so I suggest you seize the opportunity if you have the interest in partaking. And if you do—enjoy!