Seven Incredible Road Trip Routes in Cuba

Experiencing life in Cuba from the driver's seat is the ultimate way to gain a local perspective.

Despite the often poor condition of Cuba’s roads and limited signage, the journey ahead will reveal the island's countless treasures.

Whether it's a quick day trip from Havana to the stunning Viñales or a comprehensive two-week exploration, here are seven top scenic drives across Cuba.

1. Journey through Western Cuba

Ultimate Road Trip for Authentic Cuba Havana–Viñales; 185km (115 miles)

If you're in Havana for a week or less, this trip to Viñales is essential to experience the heart of Cuba amidst various day-trip options.

Within three hours of the Capitolio Nacional, you’ll find serene natural springs, delicious local cuisine, and renowned tobacco farms waiting to be explored.

Start your journey in the morning by heading west on the A4 and enjoy your first coffee at the eco-village of Las Terrazas. Continue a few kilometers to appreciate the tranquil lake at El Palmar while engaging with locals.

Resume your drive for 18km (11 miles) to reach the Soroa waterfall, then loop north before rejoining the A4.

As the soil turns red and thatched, triangle-roofed houses line the roadside, take a right at the exit in Ovas and prepare to be awed by Viñales Valley. Make a stop at Mirador del Valle for breathtaking photos of the magnificent mogote rock formations.

Travel Tip: Dedicate a few days to leisurely drive through Viñales, allowing time for hiking, cycling, and exploring its caves.

2. Coastal and beach road trip

Ultimate road trip for sandy shores Havana–Varadero; 145km (90 miles)

Havana’s beloved beaches stretch along the coastline of Habana del Este and northwestern Matanzas Province, with Varadero boasting a breathtaking 20km-long (12-mile) expanse of powdery white sand, perfect for a few days of relaxation.

Located just 20km east of downtown Havana, the Playas del Este – which include Bacuranao, Tarará, Boca Ciega, Mégano, and Santa María – provide an entire day of sunbathing and leisure.

Proceed along the Via Blanca highway to discover quieter coves at Canasí and the aptly named Puerto Escondido (Hidden Port), known for some of the finest snorkeling near Havana.

As you traverse the flatlands of Llanura Habana-Matanzas, you'll find lush greenery before arriving at the bay in Matanzas and ultimately the Varadero peninsula. Be sure to stop for a view from the Puente de Bacunayagua, Cuba’s longest and highest bridge.

3. Coastal journey along the Villa Clara causeway

Top road trip for stunning coastal views Santa Clara–Cayo Santa María; 116 km (72 miles)

This scenic drive links the historical sites of Villa Clara Province with the breathtaking coastal vistas of the northern keys, featuring a charming colonial town founded in 1515 and a 48km (30-mile) causeway.

Begin at Che Guevara’s mausoleum in Santa Clara, pausing at the expansive square adorned with a bronze statue of El Guerrillero. Then head north to the quaint fishing hub of Caibarién, where a giant crab sculpture greets you at the town’s entrance.

Continue north and park near the central square of Remedios to soak in the serene beauty, providing a striking contrast to the opulent all-inclusive resorts located 60km (37 miles) ahead in the keys.

Cayo Las Brujas, Cayo Ensenachos, and Cayo Santa María boast some of Cuba’s most breathtaking beaches, located less than an hour from the mainland via a scenic causeway.

4. Circuito Sur

Ideal road trip for coastal vistas and colonial towns Cienfuegos–Sancti Spíritus; 153km (95 miles)

This journey along the Circuito Sur highway from Cienfuegos to Sancti Spíritus offers stunning views of the southern coastline on one side and the lush vegetation of the Sierra del Escambray mountains on the other. Along the way, explore tranquil beach coves, green hills, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Valle de Los Ingenios.

Leaving Cienfuegos’s city center, take the Circunvalación onto the Circuito Sur and head southeast. The two-lane road conditions promote a relaxed drive, so be cautious of potholes, bicycles, mopeds, and pedestrians on the road.

After Playa El Inglés, stop at the pebbly Playa Yaguanabo, which offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Continue driving for another 25km (16 miles) to reach the historic town of Trinidad, frozen in time.

Spend your time here wandering its cobblestone streets and exploring its 19th-century mansions during the day, then enjoy salsa dancing under the stars at night.

Once back on the road, head towards the beach area at Peninsula Ancón before reaching Sancti Spíritus, one of Cuba’s earliest colonial settlements (established in 1514). On your way, visit Valle de Los Ingenios to see the remnants of numerous 19th-century sugar mills and the quarters for enslaved people.

5. An adventurous drive awaits

Best road trip for wildlife enthusiasts Havana–Playa Girón; 215km (134 miles)

This scenic drive meanders through the heart of the stunning Ciénaga de Zapata, the Caribbean's largest wetland area. Starting in Havana, take the Autopista Nacional (A1) for about an hour and a half, then turn right at Entronque de Jagüey Grande.

Stop at the visitors' center in Boca de Guamá to stretch your legs. Kids will love the crocodile farm, the hummingbird feeding project, or a boat ride to Laguna del Tesoro. As you continue south, discover a cenote, snorkeling spots, birdwatching trails, and charming seaside villages offering some of the best seafood in Cuba.

Planning tip: The towns of Playa Larga and Playa Girón are excellent bases for exploring the region or diving at incredible nearby sites. For accommodations, consider staying at casas particulares (private homestays).

6. Discovering eastern Cuba

Best road trip for varied landscapes Santiago de Cuba–Baracoa; 226km (140 miles)

Cuba's easternmost region showcases stunning vistas of rugged mountains, winding roads, and breathtaking coastlines. La Farola, which cuts through Guantánamo’s part of the Sierra Maestra for 40km (25 miles), is one of Cuba's iconic driving experiences—though it demands courage. Prepare for tight curves and steep ascents.

Starting from Santiago de Cuba, head north on the Autopista Nacional (A1) for about 12km (7 miles), then take the first right for the Carretera Central heading towards Guantánamo city.

After a brief look at the Cuban side of Guantánamo, with its small shopping area and dusty Parque Martí, continue southeast along the southern coast. You’ll find a semi-desert landscape dotted with cacti, rocky oceanfront terraces, and occasional riverside oases.

About 16km (10 miles) past Imías, make a left onto the winding La Farola road. This scenic route offers lush forests and challenging curves as you approach Baracoa, the first Spanish settlement on Cuba, established in 1505 and isolated until the 1960s when La Farola was completed.

With its rich traditions, stunning views, and unique wildlife, a trip to Baracoa feels almost like entering another country.

7. The complete west-to-east journey

Ultimate road trip for a grand tour of Cuba Havana–Baracoa; 1094km (680 miles)

This epic journey traverses nearly the entire island, beginning in the bustling streets of Havana and concluding at Baracoa, Cuba’s easternmost point. Make sure to take your time to stop in provincial capitals to experience the local culture in these charming cities.

You’ll travel through the flatlands of Occidente (western Cuba, reaching Villa Clara) and into the mountainous regions of Oriente (eastern Cuba starting from Camagüey). Key stops along the way include the French-influenced Cienfuegos, historic Trinidad, vibrant Santa Clara, the labyrinthine Camagüey, and scenic Bayamo.

As you continue, you’ll enter the warm, humid areas of Santiago and Guantánamo, featuring the mountainous Sierra Maestra and sites linked to the famed guerrilla fighters of the 1950s.

Tip for planning: In each location, take time to engage with the locals; even just asking for directions is crucial, as road signs are often scarce. The more you interact with Cubans, the more you'll uncover the unique nooks and hidden natural gems that define Cuba's essence.

Driving tips for Cuba

Cuba’s roads are often in poor condition, riddled with potholes and lacking adequate signage. Expect to travel slowly on any journey. It might be wise to explore Cuba with a guide-driver, allowing you to take in the stunning scenery without the stress of navigating the roads.

When renting a vehicle, be sure to reserve in advance; it's also advisable to hire a “guardian,” or parqueador, to watch over your car at night. Due to the lack of street lighting, including in major cities, it’s best to avoid driving after dark.

In Cuba, classic American cars are everywhere and function as taxis, available only with drivers included. They typically provide services within city limits, but some drivers also offer intercity trips, including day excursions from Havana.