The Ultimate Cuba Itinerary – for 5, 7, & 10 Day Trips

Planning a trip to Cuba can feel overwhelming, but having the right Cuba itinerary will make all the difference. With so many vibrant cities, colonial towns, and postcard-perfect beaches, deciding how to spend your time is key to experiencing the island to its fullest. Whether you have a week or longer, you can design an itinerary that balances history, culture, and relaxation.

From the colorful streets of Havana to the rolling tobacco fields of Viñales, Cuba offers something for every traveler. Add in the colonial charm of Trinidad, the lively nightlife of Santiago de Cuba, and the turquoise waters of Varadero or Cayo Coco, and you’ll quickly realize why this island is such a unique destination.

This guide will walk you through different Cuba itineraries, including options for 5, 7, and 10 days on the island. No matter how much time you have, you’ll find suggestions for where to go, what to do, and how to make the most of your adventure. By the end, you’ll have the perfect plan in hand for exploring one of the Caribbean’s most fascinating countries.

Planning Your Cuba Itinerary 101

We have a lot of different Cuba itineraries to share with you! But before diving into all of the various itinerary options, let's talk about where you should visit for your first time in Cuba, and how long you should spend exploring the country. 

Where to Visit in Cuba for Your First Time

When we first planned our two-week trip to Cuba, we thought we'd be doing the whole island. Well, we were so wrong! Unless you plan on spending a good chunk of time in Cuba, you're going to have to narrow your list down. 

If it's your first time in Cuba though, we'd recommend sticking towards the eastern half of the island. This is where you'll be able to see the top tourist highlights, and see the most infrastructure for tourism in general.

Havana is an obvious highlight, and we'd recommend Viñales as a next priority on the list. Trinidad is beautiful and was one of our favorites, with Cienfuegos being a unique addition to a Cuba itinerary. Varadero was not our favorite, but is certainly a popular option for travelers to add to their list, and makes sense on a longer Cuba itinerary.

 How Many Days is Enough in Cuba?

Cuba is not only much bigger than you may have imagined, but things move more slowly, and more time is needed.

Don't worry though - no matter how much time you plan on going, we've got you covered! We recommend around 10 days for exploring some of the top places to visit in Cuba, but you can certainly have a great trip, even if it's just a 3-5 day getaway.

We've had a ton of people reach out for itinerary advice, and now that we've visited, we can tell you which places to prioritize with a limited-on-time visit.

Cuba Itinerary Options

Now that you have information about where you should go and how long you should stay, let's check out some sample itineraries for your Cuba trip!

Keep in mind you can easily swap out days and activities depending on your interests, and while these are a guideline, you can certainly check out our full guides for each destination to further customize what your trip will look like.

5-Day Cuba Itinerary

If you're planning on visiting Cuba for 5 days, then you'll have enough time to visit 2-3 destination (depending on how long you'd like to spend in each). We'd recommend spending a few days in Havana, and then going for a couple of days to another destination (our recommendation is Viñales).

2-3 days in Havana allows you enough time to really explore the city, and you can always use that third day to take a day trip to either Cienfuegos or Trinidad.

Viñales is our top recommendation for spending a few days. It's full of lush greenery, fun activities, and delicious food. It has a beautiful beach you can go to on a day trip, and it is also the heart and soul of the tobacco industry Cuba is so famous for.

Day 1: Arrive in Havana

Get ready to enjoy the capital of Cuba! If you arrive in the morning you can spend the entire day exploring the historic center, browsing the shops, and soaking up the Cuban culture.

Enjoy live music in a cafe, watch the sunset at the Malecon, and head to Fabrica del Arte for a fun night out.

Day 2: Viñales Valley

Take the first bus out or hop in a colectivo to head over to Viñales. Upon arrival you can get your Airbnb to call you a driver to take you on a tour of the valley. You'll be exploring caves, zip lining, and learning how to roll a cigar just like the local farmers.

Have a nice dinner in town, browse the shops, and head to bed early for a fun day in the sun tomorrow.

Day 3: Viñales + Day Trip to Cayo Jutias

One of the best things to do in Viñales is to take a day trip to Cayo Jutias, one of the nicest beaches outside the city. Colectivos typically leave around 8 am and come back around 5-6 pm.

After enjoying your day at the beach, shower and then head to Finca Agroecologica El Paraiso, a farm-to-table restaurant that is all-you-can-eat and has fantastic sunset views.

Finish off the night going to El Bily - a local nightclub that has live music, dancers, and a whole lot of rhythm.

Day 4: Exploring Havana/ Day Trip from Havana

After a fun getaway to Viñales you can head back to Havana! If you arrived in Havana late the first day, we suggest starting your day off with a free walking tour, and spending the day enjoying all the city has to offer.

If you had the chance to see a lot of Havana already, you can also opt for a day trip to either Cienfuegos or Trinidad in a classic car. You'll be back in the late afternoon, and then will be able to enjoy a nice night out enjoying the bars and restaurants in the city.

*Keep in mind to be able to do a day trip you'd have to get a colectivo back to Havana really early.

Day 5: Havana

It's your final day in Havana, so make sure to make the most of it! Now's the chance to use the rest of your Cuban pesos and pick up any souvenirs or gifts you'd like to bring home. Have a nice meal, and then head to the airport to finish off your perfect little getaway.

7-Day Cuba Itinerary #1

With 7 days in Cuba you'll certainly be able to include a 3rd, maybe even a 4th destination to your Cuba itinerary! Here's where you'll have to make a choice though- you can either add Trinidad and Cienfuegos as day trips from Havana, or you can do both cities more extensively, with a stop in El Nicho, and take out Viñales from your Cuba itinerary.

This is because Viñales is to the west and the other cities are south east, and to do both areas you'd have to do another day for Havana in between. If you have a car, you can try to squeeze it all in, but if you don't then you're better off choosing one of the two following Cuba 7-day itineraries.

Day 1: Arriving in Havana

Ready to enjoy the capital of Cuba? If you land in the morning you can spend the full day exploring the historic center, browsing the shops, and simply soaking up the Cuban culture.

Enjoy live music in a restaurant, watch the sunset along the Malecon, and head to Fabrica del Arte for an awesome night out.

Day 2: Havana + Cienfuegos

Enjoy a slow morning in Havana - you can either get a colectivo in the morning, or you can get the Viazul bus to Cienfuegos that leaves at 3:00 pm and gets there at 8:20 pm. If you take the bus or leave later, you can enjoy a free walking tour, or simply roam at your own pace in Havana before you go.

After a long  ride you'll be ready to shower and eat. Enjoy a relaxing evening by the water, have a nice dinner, and head to bed early so you can take advantage of a full day in Cienfuegos tomorrow.

Day 3: Cienfuegos

Start your morning off with a free walking tour of Cienfuegos, or simply walk around and tick off the top sites of the city. You can also enjoy the beaches, snorkel at the Bay of Pigs, or visit the flamingo reserve. 

We recommend renting a scooter so you can explore all of the best things to do in Cienfuegos at your own pace.

Day 4: Cienfuegos + El Nicho + Trinidad

For today you'll hire a driver to take you to Trinidad, but with a stop at El Nicho Waterfall! This way, you'll be able to leave at the time you please, and have a more fun and scenic route to your next stop - Trinidad, a vibrant, colonial city nearby.

Once you arrive in Trinidad you can check in, have a shower, and enjoy an evening strolling the charming streets, browsing the shops, and having a nice dinner - we recommend grabbing a drink for sunset at la Nueva Era Palador.

Day 5: Trinidad

Today you'll explore all that Trinidad has to offer. Rent a scooter and enjoy the nearby sites like Valle de los Ingenios and Playa Ancon during the day, and enjoying the evening back in the center.

Day 6: Back to Havana

After a fun few days in Trinidad and Cienfuegos, it's time to head back to Havana! You can either take the Viazul bus at 6:00 am, or you can hire a colectivo if you'd like to leave a bit later or have a shorter ride.

If you arrived in Havana late the first day, we suggest joining a free walking tour in the afternoon if you haven't already. If you already had a city tour, then you can explore some of the other great things to do in and around Havana.

Enjoy your last night at one of the great restaurants in the old town, and if you're looking to really go out with a bang, then have a night out at either Fabrica del Arte or the Grand Theater.

Day 7: Final Day in Havana

It's your final day in Havana, so make sure to make the most of it! Now is your chance to use the rest of your Cuban pesos and pick up any gifts or souvenirs to take home with you. Have a nice meal, and then head to the airport to finish off your perfect week-long getaway.

7-Day Cuba Itinerary #2

Our second 7-day Cuba itinerary focuses on enjoying Viñales, and doing day trips to Trinidad and Cienfuegos. This fits in more destinations, but cuts out El Nicho and enjoying Trinidad and Cienfuegos by night.

Day 1: Arriving in Havana

Ready to enjoy Cuba's capital? If you arrive early you can spend the full day exploring the historic center, browsing the shops, and just soaking up the Cuban culture.

Enjoy live music in a restaurant, watch the sun set next to the Malecon, and head to Fabrica del Arte for an epic night out.

Day 2: Day Trip to Cienfuegos

Hop in a classic car and take a day trip over to the city of Cienfuegos! You'll start early and take a trip to explore the city's top sites.

You'll be back at 7:00 pm, just in time to freshen up and go out for dinner. Make it an early night though, because tomorrow will be a similar itinerary in a different city!

Day 3: Day Trip to Trinidad

Yesterday you got to enjoy Cienfuegos by classic car. Today you'll get to do the same just in the beautiful colonial city of Trinidad. You'll get back in the evening, so will also get to enjoy an easy night in Havana, or a wild night out if you prefer. 

Day 4: Viñales Valley

Take the first bus out or hop in a colectivo to make your way over to Viñales. Once you get there you can get your Airbnb to call you a driver to take you on a tour of the beautiful valley. You'll be exploring caves, going zip lining, and learning how to roll a cigar just as the local farmers do.

Have a nice dinner in town, browse the shops, and head to bed early for a fun day in the sun tomorrow.

Day 5: Viñales + Day Trip to Cayo Jutias

One of the top things to do in Viñales is to go on a day trip to Cayo Jutias, one of the most idyllic beaches outside the valley. Colectivos typically head there around 8 am and come back to Viñales around 5-6 pm.

After having a nice day at the beach, shower and then head over to Finca Agroecologica El Paraiso, a restaurant that is farm-to-table and all-you-can-eat with fantastic sunset views.

Finish off your night with El Bily - a local nightclub that has live music, dancers, and a whole lot of fun.

Day 6: Back to Havana

After a fun few days exploring Viñales, it's time to head back to the city of Havana! You can either take the Viazul bus or you can join a colectivo if you'd like to leave a bit earlier or to simply a shorter ride back.

Enjoy your last evening sipping cocktails at one of the rooftops, or head over to the old town to enjoy your final dinner. If you're looking to really go out with a bang, head to Fabrica del Arte or the Grand Theater for a wild night out.

Day 7: Final Day in Havana

It's your last day in Cuba, so make sure to make the most of it! Now is your chance to use your leftover Cuban pesos and pick up any gifts or souvenirs to take home with you. Have a nice meal, and then head to the airport to finish off your perfect week-long Cuban getaway.

10-Day Cuba Itinerary #1

With 10 days you'll really get to see a lot of the top places to visit in Cuba! Our 10-day Cuba itinerary options are similar to our 7 day options, but include an addition of Varadero, particularly one for the beach-lovers out there. It's the perfect add-on to the end of the trip, so you can just relax a bit after all of the adventure and sightseeing.

Alternatively, you can combine the two itineraries we have for the 7-day Cuba itinerary, being able to enjoy Cienfuegos and Trinidad more completely, with El Nicho incorporated. We'd recommend doing the cities of Trinidad and Cienfuegos first, and then finishing off in Viñales or Varadero, which are a bit more relaxing.

Unless you have a car, Viñales is only easily reachable from Havana, so you'll have to spend the night there and then take the bus or a colectivo to Viñales from there the following morning.

Day 1: Arriving in Havana

Just like the rest of our Cuba itinerary options, your first day in Havana should be settling in and simply soaking up the Cuban culture.

Day 2: Havana - Trinidad

You can either have a slow morning in Havana and take the Viazul bus to Trinidad at 3 pm, or you can leave earlier by joining a colectivo. 

If you take a colectivo you'll be able to enjoy your afternoon and evening in Trinidad roaming the cobblsteone streets, sipping cocktails, and browsing the shops. If you opt for the bus you'll arrive around 10 pm. We'd recommend grabbing a quick bite and heading to bed so you can fully enjoy your time in Trinidad tomorrow.

Day 3: Trinidad

Rent a scooter and go discover all of Trinidad! Relax at Playa Ancon, explore Valley de Ingenios, or enjoy the the nature in Topes de Collantes. Head back and shower for dinner, and maybe go out and learn some salsa at night!

Day 4: Trinidad - El Nicho - Cienfuegos 

Today you'll want to hire a colectivo in the morning to take you to Cienfuegos. While you can get a bus straight there, hiring a driver allows you to take the scenic route and stop at El Nicho, one of the most beautiful waterfall destinations in Cuba.

You'll arrive in Cienfuegos in the afternoon, giving you enough time to check in, shower, and enjoy the sunset along the water and a delicious dinner.

Day 5: Cienfuegos

Today you're going to explore all that Cienfuegos has to offer! Get your walking shoes on and join a free walking tour in the morning, and head over to one of the incredible nearby nature reserves or beaches in the afternoon.

Day 6: Cienfuegos - Havana

Make sure to get up early, because your bus back to Havana will be at 7:45 am (unless you hire a taxi or join a colectivo leaving a bit later). You'll be back in time to enjoy the afternoon in Havana - but don't go too crazy, because tomorrow you're off to another little getaway!

Day 7: Viñales

Take the first bus out or hop in a colectivo to make your way over to Viñales. Once you arrive you can get your Airbnb to call you a driver to take you on a tour of the gorgeous valley. Get ready to explore caves, go zip lining, and learn how to roll a cigar just as the local farmers do.

Freshen up and get ready for a nice dinner in town. Browse the shops, stroll around town, and head to bed early for a fun day in the sun early tomorrow.

Day 8: Viñales + Day Trip to Cayo Jutias

One of our favorite things to do in Viñales is to go to Cayo Jutias on a day trip, one of the most incredible beaches outside the valley. Colectivos usually make trips there around 8 am, heading back to Viñales around 5-6 pm.

After a fun day at the beach, you can shower and then head over to Finca Agroecologica El Paraiso, an incredible restaurant that is farm-to-table and all-you-can-eat known for its fantastic sunset views.

Finish off your night at El Bily - a local nightclub which has live music, dancers, and is a ton of fun.

Day 9: Back to Havana

After a lot of unique destinations, it's time to head back to Havana! You can either take the Viazul bus back, or you can hire a colectivo (which we'd recommend doing).

Enjoy your final evening in Havana with a cocktail at one of its amazing rooftops, and enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants in the old town. If you're looking to really go out with a bang, have a night out at either Fabrica del Arte or the Grand Theater - particularly great if it's the weekend!

If you're looking for something more low-key you can also head over the fort and see the cannon show they have.

Day 10: Final Day in Havana

It's your last day of your 10-day Cuba itinerary, so make sure to make the most of it! Now is your chance to use the rest of your Cuban pesos and pick up any gifts or souvenirs to bring back home. Have a nice meal, and then head to the airport to finish off your perfect 10-day Cuban getaway.

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10-Day Cuba Itinerary #2

This is our final Cuba itinerary! While the other 10-day Cuba itinerary featured a longer stay in Cienfuegos and Trinidad, this Cuba itinerary is for those that want to squeeze it all in, seeing all of the highlights packed in one trip.

Day 1: Arriving in Havana

Ready to enjoy Cuba's captivating capital? If you arrive in the morning you can spend a full day exploring its historic center, browsing local shops, and simply soaking up Cuba's vibrant culture.

Enjoy a restaurant with live music, watch the sunset on the Malecon, and head to Fabrica del Arte for a really fun night out.

Day 2: Day Trip to Cienfuegos

Hire a classic car and take a day trip that goes to Cienfuegos! Get ready to start early to take a trip down exploring the top highlights of the city before heading back to Havana in the evening.

You'll get back around 7 pm, just in time to freshen up and have dinner. Make it an early night, because tomorrow you'll have a similar itinerary in a different city!

Day 3: Day Trip to Trinidad

Yesterday you got to enjoy Cienfuegos by classic car, and today you're going to do the same in the charming colonial city of Trinidad. You'll get back to Havana in the evening, so will also get to enjoy an easy night in Havana, or a wild night out if you wish!

Day 4: Viñales

The next stop on our Cuba 10-day itinerary is our favorite Cuban destination - Viñales. Upon arrival you can ask you Airbnb to call you a driver and take you on a tour of the beautiful valley, where you'll explore caves, go zip lining, and learn how to roll a cigar just like the local farmers do.

Finish off the night with a nice dinner in the center of town, browse the shops, and head to bed early for a stop at one of the best beaches in the area.

Day 5: Viñales + Day Trip to Cayo Jutias

One of the top things to do in Viñales is to go to Cayo Jutias on a day trip, one of the most beautiful beaches outside of the valley. Colectivos usually head there around 8 am, returning to Viñales around 5-6 pm.

After having a nice beach day, shower and then head over to Finca Agroecologica El Paraiso, a restaurant which is farm-to-table and all-you-can-eat with stunning sunset views.

Finish off with a night out at El Bily, a local nightclub which has live music, dancers, and a whole lot of good vibes.

Day 6: Viñales - Havana

After a a couple of fun days in Viñales, it's time to head back to the capital! You can either take the Viazul bus or you can join a colectivo if you'd like to leave at a different time.

Enjoy your evening in Havana, but don't go too crazy! You'll be getting up early tomorrow to head to a beach getaway in Varadero.

Day 7: Varadero

Varadero is one of the most popular beach destinations in Cuba, and while it wasn't our personal favorite, we do understand its allure for those wanting to relax and have a bit more of a typical tourist trip to Cuba.

You can either take the Viazul bus at 8:10 am to get to Varadero at 11:15 am, or if you prefer to have more time in Havana you can opt for the 4:25 bus that gets in at 7:15 pm. Alternatively, you can get a colectivo which will get you there in 2 hours rather than 3, and you'll have more options for times to go.

Take your first day to simply browse the markets, relax at the beach, and watch an incredible sunset with a cocktail in hand.

Day 8: Varadero

Today is your day to explore all of the top things to do in Varadero, or simply to relax on the beach to finish off your trip.

We'd recommend renting a scooter to explore places like Saturn's cave and other hidden gems in the area, or to take the hop-on-hop-off bus that stops all over the peninsula so you can see more than just the one beach outside your hotel.

Finish off the night with a delicious seafood dinner, go souvenir shopping, and enjoy this final stop of your 10-day Cuba itinerary!

Day 9: Back to Havana

After a lot of exploration around the country, it's time to head back to Havana! You can either take the Viazul bus from Varadero at 8:50 am to get into Havana at 11:40 am, or the 5:30 pm bus to get you back to Havana at 7:20 pm. Alternatively, you can hire a colectivo if you'd like to leave at a different time or to have a shorter ride.

Enjoy your final evening with a cocktail at one of Havana's rooftops, and enjoy one of the charming restaurants in the old town. If you're looking to really go out with a bang, you can have a wild night out at either Fabrica del Arte or the Grand Theater of Havana.

Day 10: Final Day in Havana

It's your last and final day in Cuba, so let's make the most of it! Now is your chance to use your leftover Cuban pesos to pick up any gifts or souvenirs you'll want to take home with you. Have a nice meal, and head to the airport to finish off your perfect 10-day Cuba trip.

Creating the Best Cuba Itinerary: Tips for Planning & What's Next

Now that you have some sample Cuba itineraries, we're going to help you with some tips to plan your trip efficiently and cost-effectively.

Tips for Planning Your Cuba Itinerary

What's Next?

Now that you have a lot of sample Cuba itineraries to choose from, you'll probably want to learn more about visiting! Here are some of our other Cuba travel guides we recommend for getting acquainted with this unique island country:

 How to Get to Cuba: Everything You Need to Know
 Is Cuba Worth Visiting? Honest Pros & Cons for Visiting

 Can American Travel to Cuba? A Full Explanation of How You Can Visit if You're from the US

 How to Get to Havana: Your Complete Guide for Traveling to Cuba's Capital

 10 Best Places to Visit in Cuba for an Unforgettable Trip

 Is There Wifi in Cuba in 2024? The Ultimate Guide for Internet in Cuba

 Being a Digital Nomad in Cuba: Your Guide to Remote Work & Living

 Ultimate Havana Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Eat, & Explore

 What to Eat in Cuba: A Guide to Local Flavors

 The Top Restaurants in Havana: Complete Food Guide for Cuba's Capital

 How to Get Around Cuba: A Complete Transportation Guide

 Scooters in Cuba: Everything You Need to Know Before Renting

 Cuba Travel Tips: Essential Things to Know Before Visiting the Island

 Understanding Money in Cuba for Travelers: A Deep Dive Into What You Need to Know

...and more coming each week!

We hope that our Cube itinerary guide has helped you plan your trip, no matter how long your trip is! Still have questions or concerns? Feel free to drop them in the comments below!

Want to learn more about what traveling around Cuba is like? We have a ton of other Cuba Travel Guides for you, as well as new ones coming every week! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so that you can stay up to date with our most recent content, and to get special discounts on our shop.

Have an idea of what you want your trip to look like but still need help planning everything? Well, we're here to help! We offer travel planning packages that include customized itineraries and programs for each traveler. Simply email us today to learn more!

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