Cuba: 8 trips to take before it's too late

Will the end of the USA's travel restrictions on Cuba change the Caribbean country forever? We think so. Here's how to see a slice of original Cuba – before it's too late

1. Best for families

Cuba Libre, Families Worldwide (11 days) 

Travelling with kids in tow? They'll love the myriad activities and adventures on Cuba Libre – Families Worldwide's kid-friendly trip. You'll whizz through the tree tops on zip wires, explore the jungle with expert guides, and take to two wheels on a Viñales National Park cycling jaunt. A Havana tour in an American classic car will provide an interactive history lesson, explaining Cuba's tumultuous past, and there's some beach time for some much-needed R&R, too.

Santiago De Cuba (Shutterstock)

4. Best active adventure

Cycle Cuba! Explore (15 days)

See Cuban life up-close, meet local people and burn off those rum cocktails on a Cycle Cuba! Trip with Explore. You'll pedal through colonial towns, stay (and eat) in homestays, and have a guided tour of Havana, too. There's plenty of opportunity to go off-road: save your energy for a thigh-burning jaunt through the Sierra Escambray Mountains, and the rolling tobacco plantations of Viñales.

Peaceful view of the Vinales valley (Shutterstock)

7. Best for history and heritage

Revolutionary Trails in Cuba, Explore (15 days)

If you're keen to learn about Cuba's colourful past, Explore's Revolutionary Trails in Cuba is for you: accompanied by an expert guide, you'll explore the infamous Bay of Pigs, learn about Fidel Castro in his secret base in the Sierra Maestra mountains, and search for Che Guevara's haunts in Havana. There's also plenty of opportunity to soak up Cuba's natural beauty, too, with hiking in Topes de Collantes National Park, and climbing its highest peak, Pico Turquino.

8. Best for road trips

Self Drive Eastern Cuba, Journey Latin America (14 days)

Explore at your own pace on Journey Latin America's Self Drive Eastern Cuba trip – you'll have your own hire car and your own itinerary to tweak as you please. Hotels are booked in advance, so you'll always have somewhere comfy to rest your head, leaving you free to focus on sightseeing, hiking, hanging out at the beach – whatever tickles your fancy.