Cuba Like a Local
Despite our best efforts in finding unique places, far away from the mainstream crowd, there are no better contributions than those that come from a local. Here are some tips from a native Cuban who deeply loves her country and knows some secret spots around the island.
For beaches and hiking…
- If you are up to merge with the locals, choose a beach like Santa Maria del Mar, part of Playas del Este, instead of Varadero, which is definitely gorgeous but extremely touristy.
- Other great suggestions are Puerto Escondido and Jibacoa , both good for camping. You can reach the Bacunayagua campground by hiking along the river from the Puente de Bacunayagua — the tallest in Cuba. It is an incredible experience that should be followed by a swim in the pristine waters, preferably at sunset.
For nature lovers…
Pinal del Rio province can be also easily reached from Havana. Visit Los Mogotes, La Bahia de Viñales, El Orquideario de Soroa and Las Terrazas. These places are good for hiking, climbing and in general being in touch with the unspoilt nature of the area. Sleep at La Moka, a gorgeous hotel nestled in the virgin forest, where trees interlay with the architecture.
Go rural and local…
A visit to Santiago de Cuba, located close to the largest mountain range Sierra Maestra, will allow you to see how Cubans live in the rural areas. Here, some of the campesinos still inhabit houses built with palm trees and used by the aboriginals before the Spaniards’ colonization. The rum Santiago de Cuba, considered by locals much better than the popular Havana Club, is produced in this area.
[Written by Stefania Gioia | Tiplr Ambassador| Italy]
