In addition to touring in vintage cars, sipping Cuba Libres and salsa dancing, taking a hike in Cuba is a priceless way to experience this culturally rich country. Getting out in the wilderness will allow you to see the full ecological biodiversity of this breathtaking venue.
Be prepared—not only with hiking boots and bug spray but with knowledge of the country’s rules and restrictions. Most hiking routes require a guide, but that is part of the fun. Seeing the countryside with a native Cuban will also enhance your knowledge of the region and its dramatic history.
If you are interested in hiking in Cuba, here are five possibilities with degrees of difficulty ranging from advanced to very easy.
1. El Yunque
El Yunque is a flat top mountain with an altitude of 575 meters. It is located in the southeast part of Cuba outside the city of Baracoa, in the Guantanamo province.
Access is only allowed with a guide. It is a thick and tropical rain forest, so be prepared for heat and humidity! You will need closed toe shoes and other gear appropriate for jungle conditions.
This hike is considered challenging and should be attempted only by hikers in excellent shape. You may have to cross a river by cayuca or on foot. It takes over 2 hours to reach the summit and then another 2 hours on the return trip.
It is a rite of passage to not only climb this mountain but to slip in the mud on the way down. Luckily, there are some natural pools along the way where you can cool off and wash off the mud!
2. Vinales
Viñales is under two hours from Havana. You can take the scenic route there via a vintage touring car in order to really experience the countryside like a Cuban!
It is a picturesque little town with a population of fewer than 30,000 people. Boasting beautiful colonial architecture, the town is surrounded by rolling hills where tobacco is harvested.
The rolling hills do turn into mountains along some trails. Although you do not need a guide like in other areas, it is recommended to go with a guided tour to see everything, including the bandit trails which were used by the country’s revolutionaries back in the day. Some tours offer rock climbing as well.
Viñales Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; its National Park has some of Cuba’s best trails for hiking. It is surrounded by the Carsic mountains, or “mogotes”, which consist of isolated steep-sided hills with a rounded, tower-like shape, surrounded by flat plains. They offer the perfect vantage point to observe the tobacco plantations and even many local caves.
This area is appropriate for beginner hikers although it can get very hot so dress appropriately and bring lots of water.
3. El Nicho
The waterfalls of El Nicho have become a must-see for visitors. Located in the province of Cienfuegos. they take about three hours to get to by car from Havana.
Suitable for beginners, the hike takes you through a series of waterfalls and pools where the water cascades through the landscape. The water is cooler than you would expect, which is actually very refreshing after the long walk!
Because they are so popular amongst tourists and locals alike, the trails can get pretty crowded. The roads leading up to the park and the hike itself also get very muddy in the rainy season. However, when you reach the lookout spot at the top and see the Sierra del Escambray, it’s all worthwhile.
There is also a tropical little restaurant at the entrance of the trail.
4. Gran Parque Nacional Sierra Maestra
For the most experienced hikers, Pico Turquino in Gran Parque Nacional Sierra Maestra is Cuba’s highest summit. It is a super tough climb with a very steep path. Most people take two days to hike this trail, finishing with a descent to the coast at Las Cuevas for a total 22km.
A guided tour will include sleeping in mountain shelters along the way.
Another cool and demanding hike in the Gran Parque Nacional Sierra Maestra is the route used by the Castro brothers when they were fighting against Batista. Their hideout, the Comandancia de la Plata, is still there.
You can hike the difficult 4km route beginning at Alto del Naranjo, following the revolutionary road. The rebels were never discovered by the government while they hid out here, due to the remote location. The hike’s reward is seeing the remaining camp, which looks much like it did when it was in use between 1958 and 1959.
5. Old Town Havana
If you would prefer a leisurely stroll to a rigorous hike, why not just take a walk through Havana’s majestic old town?
Like the jungle, the city can get very hot as well, so a floppy hat, comfortable shoes and a bottle of water are musts.
Start at the Plaza de Armas or the Plaza de la Catedral, where you can also explore La Catedral de la Virgen María de la Concepción Inmaculada de La Habana. Near the church is a popular bar called La Bodeguita del Medio, a favorite of Ernest Hemingway’s. Try a daiquiri if you are feeling parched.
Also, take a walk along the Malecon, the sidewalk that follows the seawall around the city. This is a lively area at night, but at any time of day, it is a great place to view all of the fishing boats, the fortress across the water and the giant statue of Christ.
Hiking in Cuba: An Ideal Way to Experience the Island
Whether you are strolling along a deserted beach or exploring the cobblestone streets of one of the villages, hiking in Cuba gives you the opportunity to experience this magical country with all your senses. Sample the local food from a street vendor. Smell the sea air and the lush vegetation.
If, after your vigorous hike, you are a little too tired to walk home, why not be chauffeured in style in the back seat of one of Cuba’s famous vintage cars?
For more tips on getting the most out of your trip to Cuba, check out our blog.