Cuba Travel Guide: Where to Go and When
- Who it suits
- Suits travellers who want a mix of city heritage in Havana and Trinidad, countryside in Viñales and a beach stay in Varadero.
- How long
- Plan on a week or more if you want to see Havana and at least one other region, since the places below are in different provinces.
- When to go
- The official portal describes a rainy season from May to October and a less rainy season from November to April.
Cuba's official tourism portal, Cuba Travel, organises the country by provincial destinations. This guide covers four that visitors often combine: Havana, Viñales in Pinar del Río, Trinidad in Sancti Spíritus, and Varadero in Matanzas.
The island's emerged land area is about 111,000 square kilometres, according to the portal, with more than six thousand kilometres of coast. Most trips therefore involve a choice of regions rather than a single base.
Places to visit in Cuba
Havana
The tourism portal lists Old Havana as a World Heritage site, recognised by UNESCO since 1982. Its Havana pages show the Malecón seafront and El Morro in their images. Havana's international airport is at Boyeros and is named José Martí.
Viñales and Pinar del Río
The portal says UNESCO named Viñales a Cultural Landscape of Humanity in 1999. It is in Pinar del Río province, which the portal links with tobacco growing. The portal's Pinar del Río pages also show the Gran Caverna de Santo Tomás.
Trinidad
The portal says Trinidad has held UNESCO World Heritage status since 1988. It presents Trinidad as a destination rich in history, culture and traditions, and shows the Manaca Iznaga tower in the Valle de los Ingenios, Topes de Collantes and Playa Ancón among its images.
Varadero
The portal gives Varadero about 21 km of beach, with an average sand width of 22 metres. It says the area has facilities for nautical activities and golf. Varadero has an international airport named Juan Gualberto Gómez.
Getting to Cuba
According to Cuba Travel, Cuba has 10 international airports and 15 domestic airports. The international list includes Havana (José Martí), Varadero (Juan Gualberto Gómez), Cayo Largo, Camagüey, Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, Santa Clara, Cienfuegos, Cayo Coco and Manzanillo.
The portal also lists four cruise terminals, in Havana, Cienfuegos, Isla de la Juventud and Santiago de Cuba, and 15 international marinas at tourist destinations.
Getting around
Cuba Travel's transport page says the bus company Viazul runs regular lines to and from all provincial capitals. Cars and minibuses can be rented through the Transtur brands Cubacar, Havanautos and REX.
For the transfer from the airport in Havana, the portal mentions an airport shuttle. Check trains and domestic flights with the operators.
When to go to Cuba
Rainy season (May to October)
The portal's Isla de la Juventud climate page describes two marked seasons, a rainy one from May to October and a less rainy one from November to April. For Havana it says the heaviest rain falls in September and October.
Less rainy season (November to April)
The same page puts the less rainy season from November to April. The portal's Havana page describes a cooler winter, with annual average highs of 29.8 °C and lows of 20.9 °C.
Trinidad rainfall
The portal says June is the rainiest month in Trinidad and January the driest.
Cyclone season (June to November)
The portal says the cyclone season on the island runs mainly from June to November, with the North Atlantic season starting on 1 June and ending on 30 November.
What to book ahead
- Viazul buses link provincial capitals on regular lines. Check timetables and book before you fix a route that depends on them.
- Cars and minibuses are rented through Transtur brands. If you want one for the Havana to Viñales or Trinidad legs, arrange it before you arrive.
- Guided day trips often run on fixed days. Check departure dates before you fix your route.
- Check the entry steps on the official Cuba Travel regulations page, including the D'Viajeros digital form it names, well before you go.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change over time. Check the current rules on the Cuba Travel regulations page, which refers to the D'Viajeros digital traveller form and to customs, before you book, and confirm again shortly before you travel.
Official source: Cuba Travel: Visa and passport, entry requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Which airports can I fly into in Cuba?
Cuba Travel says there are 10 international airports. They include Havana (José Martí) and Varadero (Juan Gualberto Gómez).
Is Old Havana a UNESCO World Heritage site?
Yes. The official tourism portal gives UNESCO World Heritage status to Old Havana, from 1982.
When is the rainy season in Cuba?
The portal describes a rainy season from May to October and a less rainy season from November to April. It gives June to November as the main cyclone season.
Do I need a visa for Cuba?
It depends on your nationality and the rules change. Check the official Cuba Travel regulations page before you book, and confirm again before you travel.
Is there a bus between Cuban cities?
Cuba Travel says Viazul runs regular lines to and from all provincial capitals.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these official pages on Oct 10, 2026.