US citizens trip to Cuba

thank you! We are staying 1 week. Want some time in Havana- would you recommend Trinadad or Matanzas?

Trinidad is a world heritage site, and received lots of tourists.

Matanzas is a provincial capital with few tourists.

Which appeals to you. Both have pros and cons.

Besides Havanna- beachy/authentic- not touristy

In January the less touristy beaches will be deserted - only Canadians and Brits go to the beach in January !

Any authentic, beachy areas not too far from Havanna you'd suggest?

Why is it that the tourists always want to go to the non-touristy areas? If enough of them do that, won't it make those places become touristy?

Why is it that the tourists always want to go to the non-touristy areas? If enough of them do that, won't it make those places become touristy?

It's wanting to see Cuba untapped before it gets big box. Not sure why you felt the need to post this, since this is my thread asking for recommendations/info for my trip.

Foreign tourists may say they don't want to visit the tourist traps, but they seem to go there despite what they say. Veradero, Trinidad, Baracoa and Vinyales are their favorite destinations after Habana Vieja. So figure that one out. Fortunately, it makes all the rest of Cuba quite pleasant.

I'm actually asking for recommendations for non-touristy, beach spot not too far away from Havanna. We're there for 1 week in January when it is negative degrees F here. This is our first trip, which is why I'm asking for help/info.
It seems as someone planning a trip, I've gotten quite a few opinions on tourists going to touristy places despite saying they want the opposite. Not really helpful since we're not all toursists & have actually not fallen into that trap since haven't set foot in Cuba yet. Just doing research-but Kinda feel judged.