On the trail of Ernest Hemingway in Cuba: a literary-historical tour of the island

On the trail of Ernest Hemingway in Cuba: a literary-historical tour of the island

June 11, 2025

Cuba, an island full of vibrant colors, rhythmic music and rich history, was not only home, but also a muse for one of the greatest writers of the 20th century - Ernest Hemingway. For more than two decades, the American Nobel laureate drew inspiration from Cuba's landscapes, culture and people to create some of his most famous works. Our literary and historical journey in Hemingway's footsteps in Cuba is not only an opportunity to explore the places that shaped his work, but also a chance to gain a deeper understanding of the soul of this fascinating Caribbean island. From the secluded Finca Vigía, where Hemingway wrote 'The Old Man and the Sea,' to the bustling streets of Havana, each place has a story that brings us closer to the world of the great writer. Join us on a journey that combines literature, history and the unique Cuban climate, offering an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

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Finca Vigía - a shrine to Hemingway's work

Our journey begins with a visit to Finca Vigía, the place that was Ernest Hemingway's home for more than 20 years. Located on a hilltop in San Francisco de Paula, about 15 kilometers from downtown Havana, this beautiful property offers a remarkable glimpse into the writer's daily life and creative process. Finca Vigía, which means 'Watchtower Farm' in Spanish, has been transformed into a museum that preserves the authentic character of the house from when Hemingway lived there. Visitors can admire the original furnishings, including a library of some 9,000 volumes, hunting trophies and memorabilia from the writer's travels. Of particular note is the Royal typewriter, on which some of Hemingway's most famous works were written, including 'The Old Man and the Sea.' Of note is the four-story tower, which was originally intended to serve as a workplace, but eventually became a storehouse for fishing equipment - a passion that played a key role in the writer's life and work. Next to the house is a swimming pool where, according to legend, guests such as Gary Cooper and Ava Gardner bathed. Nearby you can see Hemingway's famous yacht, the Pilar, which was not only a fishing tool, but also a source of inspiration for many of the author's sea stories. Finca Vigía offers a unique opportunity to see Hemingway's world through his own eyes, making it a must-see on the itinerary of any literature and history lover visiting Cuba. There is a fee to enter the museum, but the ticket price is unaffordable compared to the value of the experience the place offers. It is advisable to plan your visit in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat and crowds of tourists.

Havana - a at the heart of Hemingway's inspiration

From Finca Vigía we move to the heart of Havana, where Hemingway spent many inspiring moments. Our first stop is the famous Ambos Mundos Hotel, where the writer lived in the 1930s. This beautiful pink building, located at 153 Obispo Street, offers an unforgettable experience for literature lovers. Especially worth a visit is Room 511, where Hemingway lived and worked. Although the room is currently closed to the public, you can admire its reconstruction in the hotel's museum. On the top floor of the hotel is a café and observation deck, offering a beautiful panorama of Old Havana - the perfect place to sip a mojito and feel the atmosphere that inspired the great writer. The next point on our tour is the legendary La Bodeguita Del Medio, a bar located on Empedrado Street. This place, which Hemingway visited regularly, is famous for the best mojitos in Cuba. The walls of the bar are covered with autographs of famous guests, and above the bottles is the famous inscription attributed to Hemingway: 'My mojito in La Bodeguita, My Daiquiri in El Floridita'. Although the bar is now mainly a tourist attraction, you can still feel the spirit of the bohemian Havana of old. It is worth remembering that the place is often crowded, but the atmosphere and the opportunity to taste authentic mojitos compensate for the inconvenience. For those who want to delve even deeper into Hemingway's world, we recommend a visit to the Hemingway Museum. This place, although less well-known than Finca Vigía, offers a fascinating insight into the writer's life and work. The museum displays an extensive collection of memorabilia, including Hemingway's original manuscripts, photographs and personal items. Although the interiors are not open to the public, you can view the exhibits through open windows and doors, which adds a unique touch to the tour. The museum grounds also include Pilar, Hemingway's boat, and the graves of his beloved dogs. It's worth reserving at least an hour for a leisurely tour of the place.

Cojimar and Marina Hemingway - the writer's maritime inspiration

The final leg of our trip is the sites associated with Hemingway's maritime passions. We start with a visit to Cojimar, a small fishing village east of Havana that was the inspiration for the novel 'The Old Man and the Sea'. Cojimar's main attraction is the Torreón Cojimar, a small Spanish fortress from the 17th century that now serves the Cuban coast guard. Next to the fort is a monument to Ernest Hemingway, created by the villagers in 1962. This place has an unusual atmosphere and allows you to feel the atmosphere that inspired the writer to create his Nobel Prize-winning work. Note the beautiful sea views and visit the local restaurant La Terraza, where Hemingway often had lunch with his friend Gregorio Fuentes, captain of his boat El Pilar. We end our trip at Marina Hemingway, formerly known as Marina Barlovento. This place, although far from the center of Havana, offers a unique perspective on the writer's maritime passions. The marina, with its numerous channels for mooring boats, is not only an important spot for boaters, but also a testament to Hemingway's love of the sea. The local Hemingway International Yacht Club is worth a visit, where you can enjoy a drink and watch the sunset over the water, just as Hemingway himself did. The marina also offers boat rentals for deep-sea fishing, an activity the writer loved. Comparing all the places visited, it's worth noting that each offers a unique perspective on Hemingway's life and work. Finca Vigía provides a glimpse into the writer's private world, Havana sites capture the atmosphere of his social life, while Cojimar and Marina Hemingway showcase his passion for the sea. In terms of accessibility, the Havana sites are the easiest to visit, while Finca Vigía and Marina Hemingway require a bit more planning. Admission prices vary, but are generally affordable, with Finca Vigía as the most expensive, but also the most comprehensive attraction. Regardless of the sites chosen, a trip in Hemingway's footsteps in Cuba is an unforgettable experience, combining literature, history and the beauty of the Caribbean island.

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