Cuba & Costa Rica – a perfect holiday combination

A Cuba holiday can only get better if you extend it by visiting another country, especially one as beautiful as Costa Rica. Spend a few days in nearby Costa Rica to discover its protected rainforests, volcanoes, and coastlines. Read on to learn more about what to do and see on a combined holiday to Cuba and Costa Rica.

Why Cuba and Costa Rica Holidays Are a Must

Is there a better way to get to know Central America than to visit two of its most popular countries in one go? Cuba and Costa Rica have very similar climates and the flight between the two is only 2 hours and 20 minutes. The best time to visit both is during the dry season between December and April when the average temperatures are about 27 degrees Celsius.

These countries will provide access to some of the most interesting UNESCO heritage sites and pristine natural surroundings. One day you can ride in an old pink Cadillac through Havana, and the next — climb the picturesque Arenal Volcano.

Beaches and watersports

Playa Los Cedros in Costa Rica

Surf in Montezuma and scuba dive in Varadero – this is what you should do to get a true feel of the Caribbean. Costa Rica is one of the world’s leading surfing destinations, with some of the best surfing spots in Montezuma, namely Playa Grande, Los Cedros, and Reyes. Playa Grande is only a 30-40 minute walk north of Montezuma town. Surf rental shops can also be found in Montezuma. Apart from surfboards, these shops offer inflatables and snorkelling equipment for hire.

Pristine beaches are something Cuba and Costa Rica have in common. Snorkelling and diving are popular in the coral gardens and lovely rock formations that are just offshore from Varadero in Cuba. Scuba divers love the Coral Negro or Neptuno Wreck with great photography options.

Historical sites

The Plaza de San Francisco in Old Havana

It is no wonder Old Havana was declared a UNESCO world heritage site — it has an array of significant sites such as Havana Cathedral, the Grand Theatre, and the old fortifications. Cuba’s historical journey doesn’t end with Havana, though. There are whole towns in Cuba that are considered to be the best-preserved colonial settlements in the Caribbean. Stroll through Cienfuegos, founded in 1819 by the French, Camaguey with its labyrinth of streets, or Trinidad, which has existed for more than five centuries.

Even though Costa Rica is popular for its breathtaking natural landscapes, it also houses interesting historical sites. Consider visiting the National Theatre in San Jose, the 16^th-century Ujarras Ruins in Cartago, or the largest pre-Columbian city believed to be inhabited since 1000 BC — Guayabo National Monument in Cartago.

Music venues

Music is deeply rooted in the cultural life of Central America’s nations. Salsa and rumba are not just music genres, but a part of the Cuban tradition. Live performances at bars and restaurants are easy to find both in Cuba and Costa Rica. Tourists can dance the night away in Casa de la Musica in Havana or Trinidad, in Casa de la Trova in Baracoa and Calle 69 in Varadero. Watch how Latin-music masters move to the Cuban rhythm and try out the steps for yourself.

Live music in Costa Rica can be enjoyed in Mundoloco in San Pedro or the Roadhouse 169 in Uvita de Osa (a small venue with Costa Rican Craft Brews).

Hiking in national parks

La Fortuna waterfall trail in Arenal Volcano National Park

When we think about Costa Rica, its natural beauty is probably the first thing that pops into mind. Given that 28% of its territory is protected, it’s easy to understand why it offers such diversity in natural places to visit. One of the most popular is the Arenal Volcano National Park, with lush forests and stunning volcanic landscapes. There are hiking trails that lead to La Fortuna Waterfall. Another natural treasure, Manuel Antonio National Park, has beautiful beaches and lush rainforests and is home to monkeys and sloths.

When it comes to Cuba, two of the most popular natural areas are the Zapata National park which includes the Bay of Pigs, and Vinales National Park, with its striking limestone mountains.

Food in Cuba and Costa Rica

The Cuban and Costa Rican cuisines are largely based on Spanish culinary tradition and influenced by African dishes. Rice and beans are served together or as a side to almost every meal in Cuba. You can also try the Cubano or Cuban sandwich and Medianoche (translates as midnight) to fuel up for a day of exploration.

One of the most popular Costa Rican snacks are the Patacones. These are sliced fried green plantains, the type of banana used for cooking. Try not to miss Tamal de Maicen, the famous jelly cake with a custard-like consistency.

Artisanal Shopping

Almacenes San Jose Market in Havana

Keep in mind that Cubans and Costa Ricans are skilled at manipulating almost any material that makes their artisan markets genuine tourist attractions. In the Costa Rican town of Boruca, you can find the country’s most famous wooden masks, while Almacenes San Jose Market in Havana offers a wide range of Cuban crafts.

Nature and wildlife

Bee Hummingbird

Cuba has the most extensive areas of untouched rainforest, unspoiled reefs, and pristine wetlands in the Caribbean. It is also home to many endemic species, including the Cuban Solenodon and the Bee Hummingbird. Large populations of migratory birds such as ducks and sapsuckers flock to Cuba annually. Bird-watching is also popular in the wetlands, which host warblers and flamingos.

Costa Rica is one of the most bio-diverse places on the planet, with more than 850 bird species. Humpback whales spend winters in its warm waters while five of the world’s seven turtle species use its shores to nest.

Just imagine what it would be like to combine the two!

Final Thoughts

Cuba and Costa Rica have so much in common when it comes to natural wonders and culture. A multi-city trip split between the two will show you around the best scuba-diving and surfing spots in Latin America. Hiking trails, stunning waterfalls, and bird-watching opportunities await visitors to the two countries. When in doubt, feel free to contact our travel experts who can arrange your dream holiday in Cuba and Costa Rica.