16 reasons why you should go to Cuba at least once in a lifetime

Traveling to Cuba, you will never be bored because in Cuba there are many things that you never explore full. Cuba has a vibrant life and a rich, colorful culture. You’ve probably heard of the Salsa dance, Mojito cocktails, Cuban rum alcohol, beautiful old cars, cigars … but Cuba has more. Cuba is beginning to thrive after the U.S. embargo was lifted and Cuba is also a great land to attract tourists. Let’s discover 16 reasons why you should go to Cuba at least once in a lifetime.

1. Car Culture

Cuba has colorful old houses and antique cars along the streets of Old Havana

2. Cuban cigars

Despite the U.S. trade sanctions on Cuban products, cigars is still one of the majors export items of this country. Cuba has exported 77 million cigars since the 1990s.

3. Salsa and more

Salsa originated from Cuba, the culture mixed with Spanish, European and African. Cubans love motion. Rumba, Zapateo and Bolero also originating from this land.

4. Viñales Valley

Natural tourist attractions in Cuba, including the Viñales Valley, where food crops are planted … is the tourist destination that attract many trekkers and hikers.

5. Valle de los Ingenios

Cuba is also loved by its rich history. The old tower located in the Trinidad city is an example. This was once used as a place to watch and supervise slaves in Valle de los Ingenios (sugar mill).

6. Cuban chicken rice

Arroz Con Pollo (chicken rice) is a traditional Cuban dish. Ingredients include rice, beer, meat sauce, sofrito (a mixture of vegetables and fresh herbs), chicken meat and saffron.

7. Havana Carnival

This Cuban festival has Afro-Caribbean origin (Caribbean and West African origin), which began in late July and lasts until mid-August. In this festival there is a very famous ‘La Jardinera’ dance group. Other famous Cuban festivals include Anfoa Magic, the new Latino film festival and the Carib del Caribe Festival.

8. Fried Banana

Are you looking for a traditional Cuban dish? Try the sweet fried banana dish served with black beans and white rice. This dish is easy to taste for most Cubans and tourists.

9. Buena Vista Community Club

The Buena Vista Community Club is a music performance club with a diverse team of musicians, performers and singers. Omara Portuondo, a Cuban diva of the 1940s, is the star still operating in the club.

10. Beautiful beaches

Cuba has many of the best beaches in the world such as Playa Guardalavaca (pictured), Playa Paraiso, Playa Sirena, Playa Ancon, Cayo Sabinal, Playa Ensenchachos and Playa Megano. Let’s planning for unforgettable swimming and sunbathing days.

11. Baseball

Having been introduced to Cuba since the 1960s, baseball is probably the most popular pastime in Cuba today. Regardless of where you go, for example in Old Havana (pictured), you can encounter kids of all ages playing baseball on the street. According to the International Baseball Federation, Cuba national team is currently ranked 5th worldwide.

12. Celebrity

Cuba has many accomplished artists, such as Gloria Estefan singer, Andy Garcia actor (pictured), Daisy Fuentes on the TV, Pitbull rapper, Faizon Love comedian.

13. Rum alcohol

If you are a strong drinker, you cannot miss to come to Cuba. Cuban people have a love for wine, including various Cuban rums with the famous Havana Club brand.

14. The Road and Malecón Wall

The Road and Malecón Wall is a famous and popular tourist destination for every family, especially children who come to swim and dive to avoid the summer heat.

15. Cuban Sandwich

The taste of Cuban sandwiches also makes people fascinated. Dishes are made of ham, grilled pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard and sometimes Salami — all stacked between two layers of Cuban bread.

16. Mojito

Mojito is a traditional Cuban cocktail consisting of white rum, sugar, lemon juice, carbonated water bubbling and spearmint leaves or yerba buena — a popular mint planted on the island.