{"id":15795,"date":"2018-08-30T14:51:35","date_gmt":"2018-08-30T13:51:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/?p=15795"},"modified":"2019-04-11T13:03:00","modified_gmt":"2019-04-11T12:03:00","slug":"cuba-vs-jamaica","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/cuba-vs-jamaica\/","title":{"rendered":"Cuba vs Jamaica: Which is Your Ideal Caribbean Destination?"},"content":{"rendered":"

In this face-off, Cuba<\/a> vs. Jamaica<\/a>, we explore two\u00a0fascinating Caribbean countries. In one corner is a destination famous for iconic cigars, pristine sandy beaches, vintage cars, Spanish colonial architecture, and a restless history. In the other corner, a destination renowned for British colonial architecture as well as beautiful mountainous regions, reefy shorelines, rainforests, diving and snorkelling, and a distinct culture. Both Cuba and Jamaica are ideal for a rum-fueled escape by the sea, but each country offers a very different vacation experience. Discover which destination is right for you!<\/p>\n

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A Caribbean escape by the sea is the perfect way to unwind | \u00a9 Sahar Aman<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Travel to: <\/em>The Caribbean <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/th>\nCuba\u00a0<\/strong><\/th>\nJamaica<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Capital city<\/td>\nHavana <\/span><\/td>\nKingston<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Must-see spot<\/td>\nBay of Pigs<\/td>\nCool Blue Hole<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Must-try dish <\/span><\/td>\nRopa Vieja<\/td>\nAckee and Saltfish<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Famous museum<\/td>\n\n

Museum of the Revolution<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Bob Marley Museum<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Why you need to visit Cuba<\/strong><\/h2>\n

It’s easy to see why\u00a0Ernest Hemingway had a torrid affair with Cuba, the moment he stepped foot in the place, he fell in love.\u00a0From the dichotomy of past and future, a unique and magical world has emerged, one that has mesmerised visitors who have come to its shores for decades. Cuba may feel like it is from a different era, but the enchantment of this island is how it lulls your senses into exhilaration. Whether it is the fragrant scent of cigars lingering in the air or the wind rushing through your hair as you drive around historical cities in a car from the 1950s, to feeling invigorated by salsa music or a landscape that steals your breath away, Cuba will take you on a journey.<\/p>\n

When to visit Cuba<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The best time to visit Cuba is towards the end of the year. Imagine Christmas in Old Havana? From December onwards until about April, you’ll get lovely weather. You may need to pack some layers for January and February though. The rainy season kicks off in May and goes well into June\/July. Avoid travelling to Cuba in August, September, and October as hurricanes are highly possible, especially close to beach\u00a0resorts.<\/p>\n

Things to see in Cuba<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Havana<\/strong><\/h3>\n

As far as capital cities go, Havana is easily one of the brightest and most vibrant. The retro-chic vibes here are offset by a city imbued in artistic culture, the remnants of a revolution and a bohemian element that comes from the city’s eclectic selection of bars and cafes. Hang out at the Malec\u00f3n and meet locals who like to party here late into the night on the weekend, walk among Vedado’s crumbling mansions, stroll through Old Havana with a newly-bought cigar, or lose yourself dancing salsa\u2014something that seems to energise\u00a0the entire city.<\/p>\n

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Havana is one of the most exciting cities in the world | \u00a9 Sahar Aman<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Trinidad<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In 1988, Trinidad was declared a\u00a0World Heritage Site by UNESCO and Lonely Planet calls the city “Cuba’s oldest and most enchanting outdoor museum.” This old\u00a0Spanish colonial settlement is so picturesque, and colourful rows of buildings pop against cobblestone streets. During the day you’ll see (and hear) donkeys, wander past the locals relaxing in the afternoon sun, and as night falls, experience the streets come to life with live\u00a0music. Don’t miss out on the sugary white sands of\u00a0Playa Anc\u00f3n, nearby hiking, and waterfalls.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vi\u00f1ales<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Although you’ll find live salsa in the main square and plenty of drinks laced with rum, that’s not the point of\u00a0Vi\u00f1ales. In a landscape filled with tobacco fields where you can hike, go horse-riding, and cycle, embrace a slower pace of life that’s just as vivid. The streets will be abuzz with visitors strolling past dollhouse-like\u00a0casas\u00a0where others will be perched watching the world go by\u00a0them. Don’t leave without stopping at a tobacco field and buying some handmade cigars.<\/p>\n

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Watch the world go by you in Vi\u00f1ales | \u00a9 Sahar Aman<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cienfuegos<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Cienfuegos is a maritime city known as the Pearl of the South and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded by the French, it possesses a very different atmosphere to the rest of Cuba. Like the city, life here has an interesting mesh of influences: French sophistication, Caribbean spirit, and Spanish traditions.<\/p>\n

Varadero<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Varadero is the perfect day trip from Havana. It’s a top-rated beach resort that can get very busy, but the white sands\u00a0make up for the crowds. The beach is just one reason to visit, also check out the Bellmar Caves, and visit Parque Josone where you can see\u00a0botanical gardens, lakes, wildlife, and bridges.<\/p>\n

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Soft waves lap at the beach of Varadero | \u00a9 Sahar Aman<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Santiago de Cuba<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Santiago de Cuba may be known for its colonial history, but it is also culturally rich. Salsa and many other Cuban music genres were born in the city,\u00a0Don Facundo Bacard\u00ed opened his first rum factory here, and it was from here that Fidel Castro led a revolution. Head to the centre of the town, Parque Cespedes, or explore the Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca, a 17th-century\u00a0fortress that overlooks the bay.<\/p>\n

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See Also: <\/em>This is What Happened on My First Group Tour in Cuba<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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What to do in Cuba<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are so many things to experience in Cuba and even half a lifetime wasn’t enough for Hemingway. Here are a few ideas to get you started on your adventure.<\/p>\n