Whether you fancy discovering the charms of Havana on a city walk or embracing the great outdoors on a hiking trail, Cuba offers stunning human-powered opportunities to connect with the astonishing beauty of the island. From hidden waterfalls to dramatic mountains and lush rural valleys, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking scenery, friendly locals and plenty of memorable moments along the way!
To inspire you, we are celebrating #NationalWalkingDay with a roundup of iconic walking spots chosen by our Cuban guides, so if you are ready to walk on the wild side, just read on…!
Guide: Jocsan
Favourite Walking spot: Vegas Grandes
Location: Topes de Collante National Park in the Escambray Mountains (Central Cuba, 45 minutes from Trinidad)
Hiking on the Vegas Grandes trail is my favourite one. It’s a 2km hike through trees and bushes, and if you get lucky you might have a close encounter with Cuba’s national bird, El Tocororo. The highlight of this hike is right at the end, when you are faced with an almost 75-meter-high waterfall. Even though the water might feel too cold for a local, nothing looks more inviting!
Visit Topes de Collante in our Central Cuba Trek, 8-day sustainable tour.
Guide: Carlos
Favourite Walking spot: Valle del Silencio
Location: Viñales Valley National Park and Unesco World Heritage Site
This is my favourite trek since it looks like an unreal landscape taken out of a fairytale story. I love walking among its mogotes (hummocks) because it gives me an immense sense of freedom. Nature worked at its best here.
Experience Cuba’s Jurassic landscapes and the stunning Tobacco fields of Viñales in our 8-day Western Cuba Trek sustainable tour.
Guide: Amanda
Favourite Walking spot: Las Terrazas
Location: Las Terrazas Unesco Biosphere Reserve, Sierra del Rosario
Cuba has such a rich culture and history. There are several breathtaking places to visit on the biggest Island of the Caribbean, but Las Terrazas Biosphere Reserve offers the opportunity to be in contact with the natural environment and enjoy at the same time one of the most astonishing tropical vegetation. There’s nothing like hiking through this experimental self-sufficient community, created at the beginning of the Cuban Revolution.
Discover Las Terrazas with our Cuban Active Adventure 8-day tour
Guide: Dayami
Favourite Walking spot: Havana’s City tour
Location: Unesco World Heritage Site Old Havana
My favourite walk is within the UNESCO area in Havana. It takes you back to colonial times, when this city was the centre of the Americas. You walk on the cobble stones brought by the Spaniards hundreds of years ago and the architecture tells you our history in a perfect chronological order. Plus, it’s easy to find resting spots amongst local coffee shops or even a refreshing cocktail!
Want to experience Havana in a sustainable, authentic way? View our Hip Havana 7-day tour
Guide: Anibal
Favourite Walking spot: Comandancia de la Plata
Location: Sierra Maestra
For me, it’ll have to be trekking through Comandancia de la Plata. With morning dew under our shoes, you’ll hike over large and challenging rocks that once stopped the cavalry’s pursuit. Walk the revolutionary path of Cuba’s history among colorful birds and trees; under skies deep blue and purple and turquoise mountains bathed by the Caribbean breeze – pure bliss!
Tempted to explore Sierra Maestra’s lush landscapes? View our Cuba Completa tour!
Guide: Arley
Favourite Walking spot: Jaimanitas
Location: Suburb in Havana
One of the places I like the most is a small town located to the West of Havana called Jaimanitas. Many People walk there every day to visit an artist who has made from this neighbourhood his gallery (known as Fusterland). However, Jaimanitas is so much more than Fusterland. I suggest going for a walk and immersing yourself in local life. I love visiting the main square of the town (which is always vibrantly busy), and getting an ice cream there while watching people pass by. From time to time, you can find kids swimming and playing care-free, while fishermen come back with their daily catch. It is a magical place that reminds us that happiness doesn’t need to be found in abundance and richness, sometimes happiness just lies in the beauty of ordinary, local life.
Feeling curious about less touristy parts of Havana? Have a look at our Experience Havana sustainable tour or contact us for a bespoke, tailor-made trip!
Take a walk on the wild side
Looking for sustainable Cuba walking tours? Look no further! Our expert team has over 20 years of experience organising active tours and activities in Cuba – the Cuban way! Contact us today for an epic Cuban adventure to remember.
