Cienfuegos

Cienfuegos is referred to as the “Pearl of the South,” a moniker that is felt from the moment one steps into this well-heeled city.  A cooling breeze cuts through the air and the shaded main square is the perfect place to watch city residents gather. On a sunny day, taking a walk down the Punta Gorda peninsula, filled with orange-tiled houses set against a backdrop of turquoise blue water is a great way to reflect on the beauty of Cuba. Just when you think things couldn’t get more awe-inspiring, a palace made of tiles and turrets appears in the distance, inviting those who stumble upon it inside for a cocktail.

Trinidad

When arriving in Trinidad, visitors can’t decide where to look first. Sandwiched between the majestic purple-hued Escambray Mountains to the North and the translucent blue of the Caribbean Sea to the South, Trinidad’s location couldn’t be more stunning. The town itself is a colonial head-turner with freshly painted pastel homes, rambling cobblestoned streets and impressive plazas. Don’t let Trinidad’s soporific nature fool you, because as soon as the day is done, several excellent musical experiences kick off to keep visitors and locals dancing into the night.

Matanzas

Matanzas is home to twenty-one bridges, the center of town is found between two rivers and a bay that gently opens up into the Straits of Florida. Great works of literature were written here, earning it the title, “Athens of Cuba.” Matanzas is the kind of place often overlooked by tourists, but adored by travelers who want a more authentic look at Cuba. It’s not surprising to see old men playing dominoes in the afternoon or friends laughing over a cold beer. The allure of Matanzas continues outside of town with the promise of river trips, 300,000 year old caves and coral reefs.

Remedios

Remedios is a peaceful town, where the possibilities of the Atlantic Ocean beckon. A refuge from populous Cuban cities, Remedios is a charming town year round, unless a visit is timed during the week of Christmas for the parranda. At this time, any pre-conceived notions travelers may have of Remedios get turned upside down, as fireworks whiz by and the local people put on parades adorned with elaborate floats. Remedios becomes the ultimate party town as the citizens drink rum, form snaking conga lines and salsa until the pink morning sun rises in the sky.

Santa Clara

Santa Clara’s local hero, Che Guevara, is a representation of the youth and vitality of this university city located in the center of Cuba. The famous monument of Che brings pilgrims from all corners of the country. There are a multitude of vendors selling everything from colorful flowers to piping hot sugared doughnuts and many other treats. A visit to Santa Clara’s tobacco factory to see cigars being rolled is a great way to immerse yourself in one of Cuba’s long-standing traditions.

Playa Larga and Playa Giron

To get to Playa Larga and Playa Giron, one has to travel through the idyllic Cuban countryside.  Playa Larga seems like the end of the road, but it’s that secluded agrarian environment that makes it renowned for its wildlife. While it may be sparsely populated by humans, it has a variety of birds and animals unrivaled elsewhere in the Caribbean.  Playa Giron, also known as the Bay of Pigs, presents itself not only as a beautiful white sand beach, but also as an important chance to learn about the history between the U.S. and Cuba.