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The world has its eye on Cuba this year. The Caribbean island nation of some 11 million inhabitants has been topping news headlines and travel industry must-see lists, and for good reason. With its turquoise waters, unbelievably preserved wildlife habitats, distinctive music, rich history, lively culture, classic cars, and cigars, Cuba is stunning and unique. And with the recent political détente between the Cuban and U.S. governments, Cuba is more accessible to Americans now than it has been in decades.

There is some debate over the exact origins of salsa, but many historians agree that this popular music and dance were born in Cuba. Salsa music is a mish-mash of Latin musical rhythms centered mostly on traditional Cuban son music from the east. The high-energy music and accompanying dance gained its name in New York in the 1960s where son was fused with big band music and jazz, and Cubans and Puerto Ricans living in the big apple transformed the dance accordingly. 

Tucked between the art deco Cuban architecture masterpieces and wide, leafy avenues of Havana’s Vedado neighborhood, Los Naranjos restaurant is one spot where Cuba’s splendorous past and innovative future meet. 

The charming seaside town of Caibarién, in the Villa Clara province on Cuba’s northern coast, lies far from the island’s tourist trail, yet offers noteworthy attractions, from community art projects and deliciously fresh seafood, to one of Cuba’s most renowned festivals, and the pristine white beaches of “Los Cayos.”

For those seeking insight into authentic Cuban life, this wonderfully offbeat destination merits a visit. In Caibarien, you’ll find fragile crumbling buildings, extra-friendly locals and a way of life seemingly stuck in a bygone era.

President Obama made history in March when he became the first sitting U.S. President to travel to Cuba in nearly 90 years.

Okay, so you probably already knew that. But President Obama’s three-day trip to Cuba was just the tip of the iceberg of an exciting year of firsts for the Caribbean nation.

InsightCuba’s Sail Cuba tour offers a unique opportunity to experience a beautiful corner of this tantalizing island in true comfort and style. Over 8 days, passengers aboard the state-of-the-art sail cruiser S/C Panorama II will journey between major highlights of western Cuba, including Havana, Trinidad, Cienfuegos, Caya Largo, a national biosphere reserve, and 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites.