Discover the untamed orient, a cultural melting pot with a rich history and vibrant music scene where the Sierra Maestra mountains plunge into crystal-clear Caribbean waters. More than 12 hours by car, far from the bustling resorts of Havana, Eastern Cuba offers an authentic, rugged escape rich in Afro-Cuban culture, coffee plantations, revolutionary history, and sleepy coastal towns.
If you want a tropical escape that is lush, exotic, and environmentally conscious, western Cuba should be at the top of your travel list.
Go ahead. Start dreaming.
Here’s a glimpse at what awaits you in Cuba.
Eastern Cuba is a region defined by contrast, history, and untamed beauty—where the island’s cultural roots and natural landscapes feel most alive. From Santiago de Cuba, the country’s original capital, where music, revolution, and Afro-Caribbean traditions run deep, to the protected waters of the Underwater Archaeological Park, home to sunken Spanish-American War shipwrecks, this side of the island tells stories above and below the surface.
Feel the Authentic Cuba. The Oriente feels less “polished” for tourists and more “real.” It is a land of horse-drawn carriages, mountain coffee plantations (like Birán), and a people known for being the most hospitable and spirited on the island.
Due to the massive hurricane in the fall of 2025 which wreaked incredible damage to the eastern side of the island (and the US has sent more than $2 million in basic supplies), currently trips to this area have been suspended. Typically this itinerary hosts a mix of resorts & private home stays.
You visit Havana to see the icons; you visit the East to understand the country.
If Havana is the heartbeat of Cuba, the East—the Oriente—is its soul. It’s where the rhythm is faster, the history is deeper, and the landscape is far more dramatic.
The east is where you fully immerse in history that comes alive – from a new perspective.

Plan a trip just for you and your favorite people! Enjoy the flexibility to choose your destination, pace, and activities— with only your friends and family along for the adventure.

Start with your own group, then open the trip to a few fellow travelers. Meet new people, share the journey and make the experience more affordable for everyone.

Join a ready-to-go trip and meet new friends along the way! Enjoy a mix of planned activities, local highlights, and plenty of time to explore together.