San Carlos de la Cabaña

·        Drive across the Caribbean’s communist city in an open-top car

·        Walk on the site of anti-capitalist rallies in the Plaza de la Revolucion

·        Hear about Cuba’s version of the neighbourhood watch at the Museo 28 Septiembre

·        View the official portrayal of the fight against Fulgencio Batista in the Museo de la Revolucion

·        Visit Che’s old office at the Museo de Comandancia del Che

The history of Cuba during the second half of the twentieth century is one which is marked on the global political consciousness. The anomaly of a staunchly Communist country, with a revolution which had a distinctly Cuban flavour, in the Western Hemisphere attracted the world’s attention. Join your expert guide on a private tour around Havana in an open-top car to see the city’s most evocative sights.

Arriving at the Plaza de la Revolucion, your guide will walk you around Cuba’s political hub pointing out the large images of revolutionaries on different ministries. The venue for mass rallies supporting the ruling Communist Party, the former Plaza Civica holds a special place for the Castros. There will also be a chance to walk around the 139m high Memorial José Marti which overlooks the Plaza. 

Driving along the Avienda Carlos III to the Museo 28 Septiembre, you will see the official portrayal of the Comites de la Defensa de la Revolución. One of the odder features of Cuban life, this museum promotes this system where citizens report on their neighbours to the state as a cornerstone of Cuba. From there it is only a short drive to the Museo de la Revolucion. There is a great deal here to attract the curious history aficionados, both in Cuba’s story over the last half-century and how it is presented. Particular highlights of the museum include the actual Granma (which ferried revolutionaries from Mexico to Cuba), bullet-marks from a failed attempt to kill Batista and life-size waxworks of the Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos.

Passing under the Canal de Entrada, you will find yourself within the Spanish colonial bastion of San Carlos de la Cabaña. It was where Che set up his offices after taking Havana, and where he dealt with Batista’s captured officers. Going around the site, you will be able to see these offices in person as well as some personal items of Che in the museum dedicated to the Commandante.