Now that the US Embassy has reopened in Havana, we’re predicting a massive influx of tourists and a soon-to-be Starbucks on every street. Cuba’s museum-like charm is on the precipice of change but there are delights to be shared with the adventurous, eco-conscious traveller. So we’re urging you to go there now. The blue skies and dry days of spring are perfect for adventure! Cuba’s not just about rum and photogenic vintage cars (like the one below!). We’re talking climbing, caving, hiking, cycling and crocodile spotting in this stunning Caribbean island. Lower yourself in to adventurous Cuba with a thrilling zip wire ride in the Sierra del Rosario biosphere, just an hour’s drive from Havana. The Canopy La Terrazas is a breath-taking way to see the forest roof and fly over the lake. Carry on to captivating Valle del Vinales for its excellent cycling, hiking, trekking, caving and climbing. Get on two wheels to explore the flat empty roads that have been carved though the mogote mountains. A 25km bike ride will take you to the chilled fishing village of Puerto Esperanza while one of Cuba’s best beaches, Cayo Jutias (pictured below) lies 65km away. If you’re an experienced cyclist, take on the forgotten coast road from Havana to the forest-covered Peninsula de Guanahacibibes. Once there you’ll find some of the best diving in Cuba (below). But don’t forget to take cash as there’s nowhere to use credit cards or withdraw money. If going underground is more your thing, the mogote mountains harbour a labyrinth of caves. Hike or horse ride out to the remote La Cueva de Palmarito where you’ll also find an underground swimming hole. And if scaling the heights is your bag, the pincushion Mogote del Valle offers a myriad of exposed limescale walls and undercut caves for experienced climbers. Head to Cueva Cabeza de la Vaca to meet the locals testing their skills. The Wasp Factory area has the most ferocious climbs. Alternatively, climb into history by summiting Pico Turquino, Cuba’s highest peak, 130km west of Santiago de Cuba in the Gran Parque Nacional Sierra Maestra. It’s home to Fidel Castro and Che Guevara’s mountain headquarters of Comandancia de la Plata. The M-26-7 rebels ousted Batista from this base in 1959. For a two to three-day hike and the best views, start from Alto del Naranjo, Granma Province. For a thigh-burning, knee-breaking challenge, set off from Las Cuevas, on the southern coast. You’ll have to ascend 2,000 meters in 9.6km in around five hours and, unless you continue to Alto del Naranjo, cope with a three to four-hour descent that same day. Quick tip – climbing is unregulated in Cuba so check your insurance before you go. For a trip into the wild visit Ciénaga de Zapata, the largest swamp in the Caribbean. It’s a nature-lover’s paradise with the Cuban cocdrilo (crocodile) and the manjuarí (alligator gar) which looks like an alligator’s head on a fish’s body. The swamp is home to the world’s smallest birds, bee hummingbirds, flamingos and Cuba’s national bird, the tocororos. There’s limited public transport so join a tour or hire your own. For the most diverse plant habitat in the Caribbean, head to Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt. The rocks which lie beneath are toxic which has led to an extraordinarily high level of endemic species here – 70% of plants and 45% of reptiles. Celebrate the end of your trip with one of the world’s finest cigars, hand-rolled on the premises at a tobacco plantation back at at Finca Raul Reyes, Vinales (below). It’s going to be a last chance trip of a lifetime! *Although Zika virus is not currently reported in Cuba, travellers are advised to check the latest updates at http://www.cdc.gov/zika/
