tour operators who go to cuba

Get a taste of the real Cuba on a legal tour for Americans.

Legal Cuba Travel

We've the latest information you need as an American citizen on Cuba travel licenses, Cuba tourist visas, flights to Cuba, and advice to plan your Cuba trip, safely and legally.

Our Cuba Tours

Our Cuba tours are compliant with U.S. Government regulations. We offer 9, 11 & 15 day options, with groups limited to 12 travellers.      

Flights to Cuba

Choose your own flights to Cuba! All of our Cuba tours start and end in Havana. This gives you the freedom to choose the route to Cuba that is most convenient and economical for you

The Cuba Tourist Visa (or Tourist Card) is a document you need to enter Cuba. Read about what it is and how to obtain it!

" Our trip with Cuban Adventures exceeded all of our expectations. We normally do not travel on group tours but we are so glad we did. We learned so much from the guide about the history and the culture and the local hot spots to go to for food, drink and dancing. Thank you for making our trip to Cuba Amazing! We will definitely be back."

Top Cuba Tour Operators for Americans

Sir Francis Canker Photography/Getty Images

For the first time since the 1950s, Americans are allowed to travel legally to Cuba , but it's still not a simple process if you want to book a flight and hotel in Havana or Varadero, for both bureaucratic and supply related reasons. That's why Americans still book tours through companies that have won special approval from the U.S. State Department to run cultural-exchange trips to Cuba .

Going on a group tour means you're guaranteed not to run afoul of the still-sticky rules governing Cuba travel , which require that your trip focuses on cultural exchanges, not tourism (in other words, you should be meeting Cuban people and learning about their culture, not lying on the beach all day). Each of these companies has crafted tours full of cultural experiences that you'd be unlikely to arrange all on your own. Plus, you'll be traveling with companies that have had years of experience operating in Cuba and with guides who are intimately familiar with this fascinating country and its people.

Note that all Cuba tours are fully escorted, include all lodging and meals, and have a mandatory overnight in Miami for pre-trip trip orientation.

Insight Cuba

Insight Cuba is based in New Rochelle, N.Y., and has been bringing Americans to Cuba since 2000. Their tour schedule is especially diverse, with programs focused on music, baseball, and the Havana Marathon as well as tours that get visitors outside Havana to explore the still mostly undiscovered countryside. Their 4-day Weekend in Havana tour is a rare opportunity for a quick Cuban getaway.

Cuba Explorer

Canadians have been traveling to Cuba legally for decades— an experience that benefits this British Columbia based agency that also is licensed to bring U.S. citizens to Cuba. Programs include basic introductory tours, an Arts and Culture Tour to Havana, Trinidad and Cienfuegos, and a trip to the annual Havana International Jazz Festival.

Classic Journeys

Classic Journeys operates tours all over the world and has added Cuba to its offerings. Programs include a seven-night walking tour, a family-oriented program designed with children and teens in mind, and a Havana weekend tour that includes stops at Ernest Hemingway's house, salsa lessons, and a stay in Old Havana.

Friendly Planet Tours

In addition to the typical Havana and Cuba introductory tours, Friendly Planet offers an itinerary that includes a stop in Varadero, the beach destination most visited by non-U.S. travelers.

International Expeditions

This ecotourism company specializing in nature travel offers two Cuba tours: one focused on Havana and the city of Trinidad and a longer journey that includes visits to the wetlands of the Zapata Peninsula, a boat trip through limestone caves off the coast of Vinales, and a stop at a farm that raises tobacco for Cuba's famous cigars.

YMT Vacations

YMT Vacations is an international travel company that offers a single 8-night Cuba itinerary that includes stops in Old Havana, the historic towns of Santa Clara and Remedios, a tobacco farm, and the usual cultural, musical and artistic performances and visits required under the "support for the Cuban people" travel rules.

Central Holidays

Another legal Cuba travel pioneer, Central Holidays offers a 7-night "Havana: Then and Now" tour and a 9-day program that takes in Havana and the less-traveled historic cities of Camaguey, Trinidad, and Cienfuegos. 

In Touch Travel Services

In Touch offers four Cuba tours with some interesting twists, including programs focusing on the island's Spanish colonial history, Afro Cuban culture and music, and a rare chance to visit the east coast towns of Guantanamo and Baracoa.

Cuba is for seniors, too! ElderTrek's comprehensive, 13-day tour of Cuba takes in Havana, the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, the history of the Cuban revolution in Santa Clara, Afro Cuban music, and more.

Collette Tours

New England based Collette Tours, one of the nation's biggest tour companies, runs a Rediscover Cuba tour several times a year; the itinerary includes visits to Havana and Trinidad, a steam train ride to a sugar plantation, a choral concert, and more.

Cubas Capital City of Havana

Cuba Guide: Planning Your Trip

Licensed Cuba Travel Providers

48 Hours in Havana: The Ultimate Itinerary

Top Travel Destinations and Attractions in Cuba

The 5 Best Day Trips from Havana

How to Travel to Cuba If You Are an American

Gay and Lesbian Friendly Destinations in the Caribbean

A Guide to Public Transport in Cuba

One Perfect Week in Cuba

The Top 17 Things to Do in Cuba

Cuba Travel Restrictions and Warnings: What You Need to Know

What Americans Traveling to Cuba Need to Know

The 27 Best Things To Do in Miami

The Best Women-Only Adventure Travel Companies

Best Tour Companies for Singles

Recent Posts

• Fishing in Cuba March 26, 2024
• When is the Best Time to travel to Cuba? March 20, 2024
• Havana with Children February 29, 2024

Captivating Cuba an independent boutique specialist tour operator, with more than 25 years’ experience providing high-quality tailormade travel to Cuba and beyond.

ADDRESS Suite F35 Business & Technology Centre Bessemer Drive Stevenage Hertfordshire SG1 2DX United Kingdom

Tailored and flexible journeys

We create completely tailored, flexible special journeys through Cuba and beyond, and are totally focused on providing unique experiences and cuba travel advice. We have personally tried and tested our hand-picked recommendations and have drawn on our experience to create truly unique travel options.

Colonial Cities

Beach & Coastal

Countryside & Rural

Off the Beaten Track

Our handcrafted escorted tours.

With numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites , historic towns and cities, spectacular landscapes and the world’s most unique capital city of Havana , a fantastic way to make the most from so many experiences is through a group escorted tour. Led by an experienced and professional English-speaking guide, who will not only show you the most important sights but will also immerse you into the fascinating life of Cubans, the political and social environment and what life is really like in Cuba.

The Essential Cuba Tour

The Best of Cuba Tour

The Ultimate Cuba Tour

The Essence of Cuba Tour

Tailormade Holidays

Whatever your reason for travel, from diving, sailing or adventure, to immersing yourself in a totally different culture, Cuba is the ultimate destination. The island’s wonderfully varied landscapes and huge range of choices allow us to hand-craft fantastic personalised journeys .

Luxury Travel

Family Holidays

Rest & Relaxation

Active & Adventurous

Special Occasions

Short Breaks

Group Holidays

Your Own Tailored Adventure

From our blog.

Fishing in Cuba

If you are looking for a little online guidance before getting in touch with one of our Cuba experts, we’ve put together some tips on the best times to travel to Cuba according to weather and holiday prices.

When is the Best Time to travel to Cuba?

Havana with Children

Whether you are looking for resort hotels with family concierge services, or authentic local experiences to engage your little ones with local life and showing them something new, we can help with everything. Plus, you’ll have our team on hand

Already know what you want or need inspiration?

We’d be happy to answer all of your questions. Give us a call to start planning your tailormade holiday. Call us on +44 (0) 1438 419 111 or click below to send us a message.

You don't have permission to register

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

The #1 Active Travel Company In Cuba

Immersive cultural tours including sea kayaking, hiking, walking, cycling & more - Since 2015

Can Americans Still Travel to Cuba?

Yes, U.S. travelers can still go to Cuba legally and we provide you with the necessary visa at no extra charge!

Find Your Adventure

Cuba unbound - signature tour.

Our Signature Cuba tour will leave you nothing but stunned.  Exploring the Island by kayak and foot, you'll find yourself immersed into Cuban culture and wildlife!

Cuba Walking Tour

Join us to uncover Cuba’s sublime eccentricities on this exciting eight day tour through the best of Cuba’s national parks, nature reserves, and world heritage sites.

Western Cuba Cycling Tour

Guaranteed departures for 4 or more people! Please inquire today to begin the booking process.

Cuba Multisport Tour

Guaranteed departures for 4 or more people! Please inquire today to begin the booking process. Cuba's Best Multi-Sport Tour

As featured in:

• 800-450-2822
• Travel Agents

Search form

• Your Booking
• insightCuba
• Classic Cuba
• Weekend in Havana
• Private Departures
• Custom-Made Tours
• Support for the Cuban People Travel
• Boutique Residences
• When to Go?
• Cuba Destinations
• Entry Requirements
• Travel Insurance
• Cuba Travel History
• Official Documents
• What to Bring
• Things to Know
• Health and Safety
• Regulations
• Electronics
• Havana Marathon

Personalized Tours

You are here.

If traveling with a small-group of other like-minded travelers isn’t for you, then select from one of our award-winning Small Group tours from 4 to 10 days in length, choose your departure date, let us know who you want to travel with, and we’ll take care of the rest, including your flights.

This is the best option if you want to travel on your own with your spouse, a travel companion, your small family, or a group of friends.

How It Works

Want to create your own travel experience in Cuba? Or do you have your own professional association or affinity group that wants to travel to Cuba? Together, we’ll curate your own unique trip including accommodations, flights, activities, itinerary, restaurants, and just about anything else. And you’ll have the confidence knowing that you’ll be working with a team of experts who have been sending Americans to Cuba for more than 20 years.

Tour Comparison Chart

* Comparitive to number of nights and type of accommodations

Subscribe to our Newsletter

101 Greenwood Ave, Suite 500 Jenkintown, PA 19046

• 914-380-8303
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

© Copyright 2000-2024 insightCuba. All Rights Reserved.

 Photos courtesy of Robin Thom.

* Advertised prices are per person, based on double occupancy; single occupancy rooms may be available for an additional charge. Advertised prices are the best available based on the least expensive travel dates, departure city, and other options, and do not include optional excursions or other optional items. Your total price will vary based upon options you select during the booking process. Prices and availability subject to change.

† The Carefree Booking policy is not travel insurance. With our Carefree Booking policy, if you book one of our scheduled departures and decide later not to travel for any reason, you can transfer all payments you've made excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets, towards another available departure date or package, with no change fees or penalties. Alternately, you can choose to receive a future travel credit for all payments made, excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets; or you can choose to receive a refund for that same amount, minus the deposit, per person future travel credit. You may use these credits anytime, however they must be used or transferred within 5 years of your bookings, and some restrictions apply. Travel protection premiums may be credited to your new tour provided: no claim is filed; (no vendor penalties such as Air, sea or rail etc have been incurred); and your new trip departs within 1 year of the cancellation of your original tour. Valid for bookings made on or after August 2, 2022. Changes or cancellations requested after final payment due date are subject to our regular change and cancellation fees & policies. For more information and some additional restrictions, see our terms & conditions .

†† $199 deposit available on select packages. Valid for new bookings only. Changes to your package, departure date, or flights may require an increased deposit. See additional terms & conditions .

Sign in with your email and password

Cubans love americans – explore our friendly island, cuba travel is legal for americans. come visit vibrant, safe cuba..

Havana tours just $ 1299

People-to-People travel is back: economical and effortless

We make legal Cuba travel easy for visitors from the United States so you can enjoy wall-to-wall fun.

National Geographic and TripAdvisor award Cuba best travel destination for 2024.

An exotic new world awaits you . In addition to the magic permeating our tropical island, you’ll be staying in the only country in the hemisphere deemed ecologically sustainable.

Discover Cuba with like-minded explorers on our popular Cuba tours. Or, ask us to assist with a private tour for family and friends.

Paradise is just a hop away . Our Cuba tour packages include awesome experiences, top-reviewed accommodations, and deluxe dining – at prices geared to regular Americans.

Cuba Explorer travel advantages and benefits

• $ 29 dollar tour deposit secures guaranteed departures dates
• Free Cuban Tourist Visas delivered to all tour guests
• Certificates of Legal Cuba Travel for US citizens and residents
• Flexible and generous terms and conditions for peace of mind
• No penalties for changing dates, itineraries, or early cancellations
• Family and group discounts for public and private tours
• We urge you to shop and compare our Cuba tours and travel services

Only the best Cuba adventures for our American guests

Private custom cuba travel.

Tell us the Cuba trip of your dreams. We’ll make it happen. Ideal for family and friends deserving something special. Free, fast, no-obligation itineraries designed by you together with Cuban experts in Havana.

Study abroad options in Cuba

Cuba provides the most engaging and rewarding study abroad possibilities in Latin America. Cuba Explorer has helped thousands of students delve into Cuba’s rich cultural roots and unique social fabric. We’re eager to assist teachers and students with experiential learning tours.

Weekend in Havana

Four magical days and three sensual nights in the Cuban capital known as the “Paris of the Americas.” A special getaway to relish music, dance, art and culture at an unbeatable price …

Havana extravaganza

Incredible offer A fabulous week of fun, frolic, and friendship. Culture, music, dance, nature and the beach. You’ll get to know Cuba together with locals eager to engage in …

Old Havana and the sea

Stay on the white sand beaches of magical Varadero, famed for its warm crystal clear waters. Experience Havana’s authentic culture, food, people, and rousing nightlife …

Wild Cuba adventure

Hike, bike and sail across awesome Cuba on this adventure romp with nature lovers. Much music, dance and time to mingle with locals. Experience an exotic tropical paradise …

Western Cuba culture

Visit UNESCO world heritage sites in Havana, Trinidad and Cienfuegos on this social and natural history expedition. Learn all about Cuban culture, and enjoy music, dance, arts …

Fast online Cuba visitor visas

Official Cuba visitor visas for US travelers delivered to your home. Note This service is for independent Cuba travelers. All Cuba Explorer packages include a free Cuban visa.

Weekend in Havana review

Very interesting. I did a lot of research so it was close to what I expected. Enjoyed the food, coffee, and general sightseeing. No problems with this trip.

Jason Harding Macomb, Michigan

I love the people. They were gracious, kind, and beautiful. I loved talking with the professor and learning about the history of the music. Our guide Geldrys ... read more

Deborah Parker Powell Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Eston Schwartz in Cuba review

People were so friendly and giving. We were walking on the street in Havana and people would come up to talk to us and never ask for anything ... read more

Eston Schwartz Columbia, Missouri

Beautiful place with lots of interesting venues, and people who are friendly and welcoming. I loved that we ventured out of the city center to see places we ... read more

Susan Moguel West Palm Beach, Florida

Moh Rahimi in Cuba review

We really enjoyed our trip to Cuba. people are very nice respectful and friendly, Cuba is very safe, even safer than the US. We walk late at night ... read more

Mohammad Rahimi Brentwood, Tennessee

Wild Cuba adventure review

Very interesting. I now have a better understanding of their history and culture, and can contrast the parts that are better than the US, and parts where the ... read more

Alan Hickox Aberdeen, Maryland

Western Cuba culture review

Without exception, everyone we met in Cuba, both on tour and our own, were warm, welcoming, engaging, and fun to be with: in a word, delightful. My wife ... read more

William West Ventura, California

We loved this trip. Everyone was friendly, the food everywhere we went was excellent, and the accommodations were terrific. Most special: the food, the people, our tour guide ... read more

Beth Neiderman Ventnor, New Jersey

It was a wonderful experience! The people were friendly and the food was delicious! I saw many interesting sites. I would recommend anyone to take this tour.

Karma Stark Mantua, New Jersey

Paul Kellett in Cuba review

The Cuban people are very helpful kind and sincere. Great prices on food and drinks – both were awesome. The experience was very laid back – no rushing from A ... read more

Paul Kellett Gadsden, Alabama

Cuba's hidden gems review

The trip was wonderful. The people were so friendly. I loved the antique cars. I would have liked more night spots!

Johnny Moore Birmingham, Alabama

Havana extravaganza review

Cuba is a wonderful place to visit but still needs investment to develop its tourist base. People are very nice, polite and helpful. People who work in the ... read more

Agata Woldan-Lopez Woodside, New York

Cuba discovery review

The people were so friendly and helpful. I loved all of the gardens and architecture.

Paula Rosenbaum Pontiac, Illinois

The people are so friendly, hard-working, interesting, and welcoming. Cuba is a mix of old and new, a beautiful place and so much history! Liked learning about the ... read more

Cynthia Rung Il, Illinois

People are friendly. Our designated stops were rich in history. Our tour guide Norberto was very knowledgeable and personable. Tour met my expectations.

Linda Kisberg-Katz Frisco, Texas

Cuba is fascinating, intriguing, alluring, spectacular, beautiful, mysterious and complicated all wrapped up together. The people of Cuba were so warm and welcoming. The architecture and American cars ... read more

John Mason Frisco, Colorado

Old Havana and the sea review

The Cuban people are hard-working and kind. It is a country with a very rich history. I loved our tour guide Otto Sanchez. He was excellent and able ... read more

Ruth Anne McGinley Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

I had a very positive reaction to the people despite their many limitations. We enjoy the intimate relationship with our guide and driver. The interaction was beyond my ... read more

Marcia Hajduk Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Cuba is an exciting country with a rich and colorful history. I really enjoyed learning about the intricate culture and history. The Cuban people are friendly, helpful and ... read more

Kirsten Jensen Vienna, Virginia

Rene Houghland in Cuba review

I can't get Cuba out of my mind. Gretel was the perfect hostess and guide. We learned more than I ever imagined. Can't wait to go back! I ... read more

Rene Houghland Nashville, Tennessee

Wonderful, warm people! I'll remember our walking tour of Old Havana and our guide Rachel forever.

David Prensky Yardley, Pennsylvania

Sharon Macias in Havana review

I was very impressed with the people, the culture, and the spirit of the people. I can see how they struggle for things we take for granted, wi-fi, ... read more

Sharon Macias Palm Desert, California

I was very surprised by the level of satisfaction the Cuban people have for the government and their situation which was contrary to what I supposed. Everyone was ... read more

Danielle Breaud New Orleans, Louisiana

Rachel Mullen in Cuba review

We loved every minute of our time in Cuba. Rachel, our tour guide, was absolutely perfect. She answered all of my pestering questions and was spot-on with ... read more

Daniel Mullen Nashville, Tennessee

Dream. Explore. Discover. Cuba with Angela Rose review

I loved Cuba, its people, and its culture. A gorgeous island with friendly people and great food! I enjoyed speaking with a Cuban real estate agent, and the ... read more

Angela Rose Atlanta, Georgia

Cuba is beautiful and its people are friendly and helpful. It’s nice to be someplace that hasn’t been overrun by commercial tourism (yet). I learned so ... read more

Stella Gevarguize Yonkers, New York

I was worried before travel that Cuba amenities would be sub-par. Instead, the hotel, restaurants, pool, and so on were all of an excellent standard. I loved Cuba! ... read more

June McCarthy Roswell, Georgia

Manuel Rivero in Cuba review

Cuba is a beautiful country. Its natural beauty is varied and often breathtaking. The music, art, and architecture are as beautiful and diverse as its natural gifts. We ... read more

Jennifer Vasile Forest Hills, New York

Growing up in America and the story of the Cuban Missile Crisis and Fidel Castro and flying over Cuba to Grand Cayman Island, I remember looking out the ... read more

Pete Mannion New York, New York

Visiting Cuba was everything I hoped for and more. The people are warm, the country is splendid, and the culture full of vibrancy and pulsating energy. Our tour ... read more

Kimberlee Sherbrooke Baltimore, Maryland

I love Cuba and was so happy to return for a second trip. I took my sixteen-year-old grandson, and he had a wonderful time as well. The people ... read more

Marjorie Forman New York, New York

My wife detailed our impressions here: https://beckygiovagnoni.wordpress.com/2019/08/13/heres-to-ten-years/Our guide Atila was the best. We had no problems whatsoever.

Christopher Giovagnoni Colorado Springs, Colorado

I plan to return. I enjoyed the tour thoroughly. The Cuban people are ultra-friendly. Every scheduled activity was exciting. Our guide Atila was nice and knowledgeable.

Roy Fox Memphis, Tennessee

Jet Royal Group in Cuba review

Not my first visit to Cuba as I was the group leader. Every time the people and culture are AWESOME! We received ongoing professional service from our tour ... read more

Dolores Roxan Collins Upper Marlboro, Maryland

I loved it so much! No complications. Agenda perfect.

Jeffrey Allen Smith Sammamish, Washington

Christal Badour in Cuba review

We loved our trip to Cuba! Everything was very well-organized, our guide and driver were fantastic. All of the people we met were extremely friendly and we loved ... read more

Christal Badour Hirsch Lexington, Kentucky

Cuba is beautiful. The locals are warm and welcoming. So much history and so many traditions were shared with us during this trip. The tour was packed with ... read more

Ana Theresa Barr Chula Vista, California

Marvin Murry in Cuba review

The people are very intimate with their music. It seems everywhere we went we saw singers, dancers, musicians or all three. We loved the diversity of the people ... read more

Marvin Murry Dallas, Texas

Illinois Legislators & Friends review

It was a very nice trip, lots to do, learned a lot about the culture and the people. The cooking and mojito lessons were tops. The city tour ... read more

Rita Mayfield Waukegan, Illinois

Lets Go to Cuba review

Caring, imaginative, loving people and nation. Definitely struggling, but strongly bonded as a community. Enjoyed the Muraleandro community project visit, suggested by our guide, Laura. She helped us ... read more

Alejandra Beatty Arvada, Colorado

I was surprised at the resilience and resourcefulness of the Cuban people, who have been cut off from purchasing from the U.S. and its allies. The people ... read more

Sandra Buckhoy Broadview, Illinois

This was one of the most memorable cultural and educational exchanges I've experienced during my adult life. Our travel to Cuba was an unforgettable educational experience. We had ... read more

Paul Williams Chicago, Illinois

I found the experience quite enlightening. I enjoyed learning about Cuban culture and people. I have a greater appreciation and respect for Cuba as a result of our ... read more

Great people, great history and wonderful learning experience. Loved each of the scheduled activities, and our very knowledgeable tour guides, as well as the visit with Professor Núñ... read more

Ruth McCoy Missouri City, Texas

Havana, Cuba was amazing. The people were all so friendly, the food was amazing, and I really enjoyed the music and dancing. Mojitos, mojitos, mojitos – I love them, ... read more

Katherine Phillips New York, New York

Matadial Manjushree in Havana review

Cuba was a phenomenal visit. Out tour guide was excellent and very knowledgeable about Cuba and the world. Pavel truly made our trip very enjoyable. I wish I ... read more

Manjushree Matadial West Orange, New Jersey

We enjoyed getting to know the Cuban people and the culture. We were sad that so many beautiful buildings are crumbling and in disrepair. We loved our trip ... read more

Cheryl Cagle Marietta, Georgia

After four days in Havana, I found the city to be beautiful and historically significant. All the Cubans with whom I came in contact were kind and generous. ... read more

Lauren Fischel Fairfield, Connecticut

Very nice people. Our Cuban tour guide Claudia was excellent, friendly and professional. The tour was without problems.

John Alderman, Iii Charleston, West Virginia

Cubans are resilient, beautiful, friendly. Loved the variety; getting to see and meet some locals, the different restaurants for the flavors of Cuba; the comfortable hotel; and ... read more

Bandele Adeyemi-Znidarcic Mamaroneck, New York

The Cubania experience

Cuba travel experts.

ABTA protected, we have 20+ years organising tours in Cuba. Experts in OFAC compliant tours for US travellers Travel to Cuba with peace of mind when you book one of our OFAC compliant tours

Sustainable Experiences

We champion responsible travel which protects Cuba’s rich biodiversity and sustains local community

24 Hours Support

English/Spanish speaking team available 24hrs during your holiday

Excellent Customer Service

Rating 5* on Google, we are here to help you prepare an epic holiday

• Duration 15 days
• Activity level Moderate

Cubania Classic Cycle

A two week cycling holiday discovering the culture, natural beauty and Revolutionary history of Western and Central Cuba.

Private group departures available from…

• Duration 5 Days
• Activity level Leisurely

Cuba Insight

Discover Cuba’s historic and vibrant capital, Havana and the dramatic natural beauty of Western Cuba.

• Duration 8 days

Cuban Active Adventure

Cuba from a different perspective – cycling,  snorkelling, trekking and kayaking!

Private group departures available from £1499/pp.

• Duration 4 Days

Experience Havana

Experience Havana, Cuba’s beautiful capital city that is brimming with fascinating history and vibrant culture.

• Duration 6 Days

A cycling holiday through Cuban countryside visiting the tobacco fields of Viñales Valley and a pristine Caribbean beach. OFAC compliant!

Private group from £1199 pp.

• Activity level Challenging

Western Skyline Ride

A week long cycling holiday through western Cuban countryside visiting Las Terrazas and the tobacco fields of Viñales via the spectacular Skyline Trail.

Cuba Completa

A two-week cultural holiday visiting five of the nine  UNESCO World Heritage Sites and discovering  Cuba’s revolutionary history and vibrant culture

• Duration 7 Days

Cuba’s changing – come and meet Cuba’s new entrepreneurs  and dive into their creative buzz.

Private departure dates available.

• Duration 8 Days

Salsa Cubana

A week long holiday discovering Cuba’s vibrant history and culture through the highlights of the West and Central Cuba.

• Duration 12 Days

Road Cycling Western & Central Cuba

Spectacular cycling on our new road cyclists tour of Cuba.

Private group departures available from £ 2059 pp (min. 4 pax)

• Duration 12 days

Cuba Bikepacking

12-day independent cycling holiday riding through Western Cuba’s stunning tobacco country and ending on a perfect Caribbean beach.

*Custom departure dates available from £1062 per…

Kayaking in Cuba

Get a fresh perspective and see Cuba from the water.

Private group departures available from £1835 pp ( Minimum 4 participants )

• Duration 12 DAYS

Run And Cycle In Cuba

Run in the Havana marathon and then explore the highlights of Cuba on a wonderful cycling adventure.

Take the pulse of Cuba through its progressive LGBTQI Scene.

• Duration 5 days

Havana Marathon

Come and run the marathon in Cuba’s picturesque and vibrant capital, Havana!

Private groups available from £699/pp.

• Duration 3-4 hours

Havana Cycling Tour

Organised bike tours in Cuba’s vibrant & colourful capital city.  Join Cuba’s leading cycling specialists on an exciting and insightful two-wheel exploration of…

Western Cuba Trek

An 8 day medium to high intensity trekking holiday through Western Cuba’s stunning tobacco growing region and protected national parks

Family Active Adventure

An 8-day family holiday adventure exploring the best of Cuban culture and nature.

Central Cuba Bike Ride

A gentle week long cycling trip taking in the best of Cuba’s architecture, history and natural beauty.

Cuban Discovery

A week long adventure to experience vibrant Havana, discover dramatic Viñales and explore colonial Trinidad.

Family Beach and Culture

A two-week holiday for the whole family to enjoy Cuba’s colonial history and natural beauty.

Central Cuba Trek

An easy to medium intensity trekking holiday through the stunning natural parks of the Zapata Peninsula, Topes de Collante and the…

Western & Central Cuba Trek

Two weeks of medium to high intensity trekking through the spectacular natural landscapes and cultural highlights of  Western and Central Cuba.

• Duration 15 Days

Road Cycling Cuba “Vuelta de Cuba”

Cycle the highlights of Cuba’s classic road cycling race, the Vuelta de Cuba.

Private group departures available from £2462 pp (min. 4 pax)

No tours matching this criteria!

Need help planning your Cuba holiday? Get in touch with our friendly, international team of Cuba experts. Whether you are looking to join a group tour, create your own private group adventure or go bespoke, our sustainable holidays are packed with authentic experiences, flexible to suit your needs!

Your Cuba Travel Experts

With over 20 years of experience organising holiday tours in Cuba, we are the leading cycling and active travel experts in Cuba, offering sustainable travel experiences that bring you closer to authentic, local life.

Whether you are after Cuba cycling holidays, action-packed outdoor holidays, learning all about Cuba’s rich history and cultural highlights or getting involved in the up-and-coming, cool New Cuba – we’ll steer you clear of the mainstream so you can enjoy Cuba, the Cuban way!

Join a small group, create your own private group or go bespoke, you’ll travel safely with an international team of travel professionals, with English-speaking tour guides and 24hrs support during your holiday.

What our clients say

DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT

The staff at Cubania were very efficient and very professional throughout. Excellent time keeping and very quick to respond to any queries - we would recommend them.

Fantastic knowledge of country, excellent communication, superb organisation/recommendations and brilliant guides/staff. Probably one of our best holidays and certainly the most interesting.

We booked our first bike tour to Cuba through Cubania Travel and have nothing but good to say about their service. The booking process was smooth and everything promised to us was delivered.

What a wonderful trip. Mary and I loved it. Thank you so much to you and Carla for your outstanding organisation. In short, you excelled. Moreover Jorge and Frank were an absolutely brilliant team - world-class and as good as we have ever experienced anywhere in the world.

James Strachan

Incredible knowledge and guide from Cubania

Simone O'Reilly

Good trip, and a lot more tiring than you'd think in the heat... lots to see and a very varied and different environment. Needed more snacks really at the stops is my only suggestion, but there was plenty of water. The guide and his crew were very good.

I did a guided ebike tour with Cubania travelling out of Havana to the gorgeous Cuban countryside and down to the south coast. The guide was great fun and the whole trip was organised seamlessly. Loved riding round the back roads and up a few hills with an electronic boost!

Claire Boobbyer

If you are looking to get a glimpse of the real Cuba, cycling through it with an expert guide is the way to do it. I couldn't recommend Cubania tours more.

Hannah Goodwin

I took a group of pals to Cuba and Cubania organised the whole trip. Right through from pre-planning to conclusion, it went really well and it was FUN as well as a success. Happy Travellers. Thank you everyone at Cubania, well done!

Excellent, tailored to our individual wishes. Advice provided as requested.

Andrew Heald

We loved the itinerary that Cubania put together for our trip to Cuba. Our guide and driver were so helpful. Nothing was too much trouble. We discovered so much about Cuba's history and saw a lot of beautiful places. A real mixture of city culture and stunning countryside plus a very relaxed couple of days on Cayo Levisa.

Michael Harrison

Free Destination guide

Cuba is open! Book your trip now!

Free cuba travel guide.

Subscribe to our newsletter to get useful information and up-to-date insights on the island. Get tips on:

✔ Local language ✔ Cycling & Trekking ✔ Money & Costs ✔ Transport ✔ Hotel & Facilities

Business Channel B2C B2B Guides Journalists

Downloaded Destination Guide Bike Cuba Cubania Classic Cycle Cuba Insight Experience Havana Cuban Active Adventure Western Skyline Ride Cuba Completa Hip Havana Salsa Cubana Road Cycling Western & Central Cuba Bikepacking Cuba Kayaking in Cuba Run And Cycle In Cuba Havana Marathon Queer Cuba Havana Cycling Tour Western Cuba Trek Family Active Adventure Central Cuba Bike Ride Cuban Discovery Family Beach and Culture Central Cuba Trek Western And Central Cuba Trek Road Cycling Cuba Vuelta de Cuba

Consent I am happy for Cubania Travel to contact me occasionally via email

Click here to download Haga clic aquí para descargar

View Privacy Policy

Hrmm. Looks like you're using an older browser, which means some site features may not work they way they should. For the full gadventures.com experience, we recommend upgrading to the most recent version of your browser . It's worth it! Honest!

View all tours

North America

Central america & caribbean, south america, north africa & middle east.

Few travellers make it to this icy continent, but the lucky ones who do get to explore a frozen Eden ruled by the elements and teeming with wildlife.

G Adventures Land

G adventures sailing & cruises, g adventures private travel.

Whether it’s a family retreat or a girls trip, you can surround yourself with a hand-picked crew and customize a tour that fits you all perfectly.

The Geluxe Collection

Our new line of premium active adventures is officially here. With perfectly paced itineraries, one-of-a-kind accommodations and elevated dining, this is adventure at its finest.

National Geographic Journeys

Go deeper into the cultures and habitats of the places we explore. More is included and you’ll enjoy greater hands-on exploration, interactions with local experts, and freedom to roam.

National Geographic Family Journeys

Are you an adventure-loving family in search of meaningful ways to discover the world together? These tours are specially designed for travellers seven and up and their inquisitive families.

Jane Goodall Collection

Step deeper into the animal kingdom while respecting all of its inhabitants. Our incredible collection of 20 wildlife-focused tours is endorsed by the world-renowned ethologist.

Roamies by Hostelworld

The thrill of adventure. The awesomeness of hostels. Get ‘em both on these immersive small group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travellers.

Why choose us

As the leader in small group travel for 30 years, we know how to do it right: flexible itineraries, freedom to roam, safety, peace of mind, and locally based guides.

Change the world just by having the time of your life. When you travel with us, you become a force for good by acting responsibly and creating positive impact.

Together with our non-profit partner, Planeterra, we ensure local communities touched by our tours benefit from our visits in as many ways possible.

Trees for Days

Leave your destination even greener than you found it! For every day on tour, we’ll plant a tree in your honour and ensure that our forests get to live their best lives.

Travel resources

Last minute deals.

Looking to have the time of your life in the next 90 days or so? You can save big if you’re ready to book now.

Loyalty discount

Back home from a G Adventures tour? Submit a quick trip evaluation to save 5% on your next tour with us.

Student discount

Got proof that you’re pursuing higher learning? Then we’ve got a travel voucher with your name on it.

All travel deals

New ways to save pop up all the time. Here’s where you’ll find every hot deal in one easy place.

Cuba Travel

Cuba tours beyond the beach.

The island of Cuba – with its vibrant rhythms, varied landscape, and rich heritage of literature and dance – wins over many travellers, who return again and again. Cuba's travel opportunities differ from those in other Latin American countries, and though the country has been a magnet for sun-seeking tourists for some time, it is only slowly opening up to less-traditional travel. A Cuba trip provides an opportunity to explore this uniquely beautiful and captivating land and meet its friendly and open people.

Local flower lady in Cathedral Square, Havana

Souvenir paintings at a local shop

The birth place of the Cohiba cigar

Classic transport on the streets of Punta Gorda

What our travellers are saying about Cuba tours

Recommended tours, cuba tour photos from our travellers, featured blog posts.

To learn the benefit of going outside your comfort zone, go to Cuba

Looking just a bit beyond what’s directly in front of you is what good travel is all about

Written by: Jon Sufrin , 26 Feb. 2019 04:21 p.m.

Cuba: No resorts needed

There's way more to Cuba than all-inclusives

Written by: Amanda Dunning , 27 Nov. 2017 11:20 a.m.

Meet a G Adventures homestay host: Maira Hernandez of Viñales, Cuba

Staying in private residences is a great way to get up close and personal with Cuban culture

Written by: G Adventures , 25 Sept. 2017 12:48 p.m.

How (and what) to eat in Cuba as an active traveller

Power-packed, local foods to make your ride, hike or jog easier

Written by: Sinead Mulhern , 16 Aug. 2017 11:13 a.m.

Home – CTA

Experience the real cuba.

Our tours are designed to showcase the 'real' Cuba, including its lively culture, rich history and wonderful people.

A UNIQUE CUBA TOUR EXPERIENCE

The team at Locally Sourced Cuba Tours has years of experience organising tailor-made, private and small group tours of Cuba.

SMALL GROUP AND PRIVATE TOURS

We focus on being local, personal and authentic with all the tours we run.

As seen in:

EXPLORE OUR TOURS IN CUBA

Using passionate local guides and proven itineraries where we showcase the best of Cuba!

Cuba Group Tours

Private Cuba Tours

Tailor Made Cuba Tours

Havana Day Tours

Tour Philosophy

“Locally Sourced Cuba Tours is dedicated to providing you with an authentic and unforgettable Cuba tour experience. We can help you achieve in one adventure what has taken us years – to go inside the country in a deeper, more personal way. With Locally Sourced Cuba Tours you will have unrivalled access to local people from all walks of life while you experience an island that simply has so much to offer. Our Cuba tours are focused on introducing you to the Cuba that we know and love. You will spend time getting to know the locals, immersing yourself in Cuban culture, and supporting the Cuban people through your responsible tourism efforts.”

Meet our Locally Sourced Team

Our Locally Sourced Cuba Team is a group of Cuba tour experts dedicated to making your Cuba tour experience the best it can possibly be.

Meet Some Of Our Locally Sourced Family

Our Locally Sourced Cuba Guides are at the forefront of everything we do. They are passionate about their country and showcasing the real Cuba to the world.

Osvaldo René Mojena Barbería

Locally sourced tour guide.

Sady Alarcon Cotelo

Manuel Alejandro Pomares Diaz

Weather, events and tips in Cuba by months

Whether you're planning a trip or just dreaming of sandy beaches and vibrant culture, find out the perfect time to visit and explore the countless experiences waiting for you in this captivating Caribbean destination, Cuba.

• Cuba in January
• Cuba in February
• Cuba in March
• Cuba in April
• Cuba in May
• Cuba in June
• Cuba in July
• Cuba in August
• Cuba in September
• Cuba in October
• Cuba in November
• Cuba in December

Learn More About Cuba

We use this forum to highlight some of our impressions, reflections and opinions on Cuba in the present day and its future. We write about Cuba experiences, excursions, activities and events that we feel you should know about.

THE ULTIMATE PACKING GUIDE TO CUBA

What to pack for a holiday to Cuba? Here a few of our favourite tips. From the specific items you’re going to need in Cuba to all those basics recommended for pretty much any holiday! Firstly it’s important to remember … Read More

5 Best Tips For Responsible Travel in Cuba

Responsible travel in Cuba? It’s not as hard as it may sound at first. It’s really just a matter of making a few conscious decisions. Like what about what you’re going to bring with you and how you are going … Read More

Phone and Wifi in Cuba: ALL The Facts

Phone and WIFI in Cuba all the facts we have them here! Can I stayed connected in Cuba? Yes you can! Access to phone services and wifi/internet in Cuba is readily available. There’s wifi in most major hotels, many casa particulares, … Read More

Bird Watching in Cuba: 3 Hidden Gems for Avian Enthusiasts

Bird watching in Cuba offers a gateway to explore the island’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich biodiversity.  From colorful parrots to rare endemic species, the island presents a treasure trove of avian delights. While popular spots like the Zapata … Read More

Cuba on a Budget: 10 Tips for Affordable Adventures

Planning to visit Cuba on a budget?  Immersing yourself in the vibrant and culturally rich island of Cuba doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. While it’s easy to envision Caribbean travels as expensive, Cuba offers an array … Read More

We would love to host you on your very own Cuban adventure. We focus on being local, personal and  authentic with all the tours we run.

Straight from our Instagram feed

Take a look at our Instagram page where we feature the best travel pictures and behind the scenes photos taken by the Locally Sourced Team.

Who we like and support

Below are a list of organisations Locally Sourced Cuba tours feel are doing a great job in the travel industry. Some are partners, some are memberships and some are simply companies making a difference in the sector.

Cuba Tours & Vacations

• Featured Tours
• Travel Agents

Customers rate Zicasso's travel referral service  5  on a scale of 1 to 5 based on  1540  reviews on Trustpilot

We match you with top tour companies that specialize in the trip you want,  whether it's a customized private tour or a group tour.

Magnificent, mysterious, dignified, and undefinable describes the essence of Cuba, where unexpected charm meets timeworn grandeur. From Spanish colonial facades to tropical jungle terrain, expansive tobacco plantations to the pulsing beats of rumba, Cuba carries the Caribbean with vintage cars and a lifestyle influenced by a unique history. Frozen in time and celebrated for coral reefs and white-washed beaches, the landscape and culture have inspired the imaginations of travelers and artists from around the world with remarkable depth and the beauty of an island paradise. Find inspiration for your custom trip with our sample itineraries and plan your trip alongside an expert Cuba travel specialist.

Life-Enriching Travel Designed Just for You

Trips curated by the world’s top destination experts

Concierge-level service leading up to and during your trip

Unique, exclusive experiences and insider access

Zicasso in the News

7  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $2,956

Witness fine cigars rolled before your eyes and a majestic waterfall hidden in the Escambray Mountains during your 7-day Cuba tour immersing you in the island’s heart and soul. French architecture and Cuban heroes decorate Cienfuegos. The forest canopy protects radiant hummingbirds. Classic American cars add to the soundtrack of Havana. Cuba provides endless excitement and tangible splendor gathered into your week-long adventure filled with an endlessly uplifting spirit.

8  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $3,379

Step back in time when experiencing the layers of Cuba’s unique and captivating history. Travel along a singular road surrounded by the sea on either side. Journey on a vintage steam train through the lush landscape at the heart of the country. Follow the scent of dried leaves during a private tour of a cigar factory. Classic cars cruise cobblestone avenues. Horses clop down the boulevard pulling antique buggies. The sounds of rumba and salsa emphasize the vivacious murals, embellishing the culture and the country’s past. Your customized Cuba tour brings history to life, with you at its center.

Embrace the music on this eight-day Cuba tour for an enchanting vacation that introduces you to the rhythms of rumba, the seductions of salsa, and the appealing flow of Afro-Cuban songs. Join local musicians on tours of trendy clubs and dance halls, visit historic landmarks and cultural hotspots in Cuba’s charming cities, and savor a selection of gourmet Cuban cuisine as you move from one vibrant neighborhood to the next.

If you fancy a chance to immerse yourself in Cuban culture and heritage that spans Havana to the Bay of Pigs, then this eight-day tour of Cuba’s best destinations is perfectly suited to you. Discover old-world charm in Cuba’s vibrant capital, dance to Afro-Cuban music at chic bars in Cienfuegos, appreciate the local flavors of Trinidad, and admire the untamed beauty of the Bay of Pigs during your adventure.

9  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $3,802

Cuba is like a time capsule recently opened that is trying to restore its former majesty. The contrast of crumbling colonial architecture alongside freshly renovated façades adds to the allure of the cities. The culture has inspired artists to submerge entire neighborhoods in art projects. Ernest Hemingway captured a fishing village in an award-winning novel. The effects of the Cuban Revolutionary War have shaped everyday life. The slave trade of the 18th and 19th centuries led to the mesmerizing Afro-Cuban culture. Your custom-tailored tour immerses you into the heart and soul of the changing landscape of Cuba through the eyes of the locals.

10  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $4,225

Cuba makes you want to dance into the night, experiencing the entertainment and living history inside the cities and searching for colorful flora and fauna protected in the national parks. Locals laugh as they jump into the Atlantic Ocean near the waterside avenue of the Malecón. A Tocororo twitters in the jade forest canopy. Flamingoes catch your eye against the waters of a quiet lagoon. Guitarists and bongo players fill the streets with passionate songs from sunrise to well past midnight. Your custom tailored tour shows you the exciting life of Cuba, which at times feels like worlds away and years apart.

Why Travelers Choose Us

Benefits of Using Zicasso

12  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $5,071

The rhythms of Cuba are orchestrated by the musical notes of salsa, the captivating dances of Santeria, and the wholesome birdcalls of the jungle mountains. Your custom tailored tour immerses you in the purity of the island’s emerald-clad bio-reserves to the open embrace of locals, eager to impart an understanding of their culture through a slice of their daily life. Hummingbirds dip their beaks into freshly opened flowers. Kids fly kites on the rooftops of Havana. Glassy water reflects flamingoes’ pink feathers. The mixture of history and contemporary living on colonial streets is sure to captivate you.

The colonial architecture will impress you, the music will stir you, and the people will inspire you on your custom tailored highlights of Cuba tour. The clapping sound of horse hoofs against cobblestone streets imitate the pulsing rhythms of the salsa bands performing in the restaurants across Havana. Pastel colored homes accentuate the variety of blue hues layering the Caribbean Sea. Powerful stone fortresses continue to guard the shoreline amidst the sweet aroma of sugar cane juice pressed before your eyes. Experience the lifestyle. Indulge in the culture. Enjoy the splendor of Cuba.

The trepidations of the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Bay of Pigs are tangible memories. The easing of regulations has opened up new doors between the United States and Cuba. Your tour is custom tailored to discover the people and culture of the island nation, at times contrasting the perception of the country only 90 miles off the coast of Florida. Artists paint murals capturing the spirit of Havana. Cienfuegos is filled with pearled French architecture. Colonial buildings in Trinidad harken back to a bygone era. Cuba’s streets tell many stories, each as captivating as the next.

The Cuban experience touches your soul during your 8-day tour, specially crafted for adventurers and word travelers. Find comfort during your time in Cuba as you blend an active lifestyle with the grandeur of historic sites. Spend jovial time with gregarious locals and marvel at the significance of squares which marked a revolution that became world renowned. Meander through labyrinthine streets and ride in classic American cars. Listen to engaging musicians and engage in unforgettable discoveries on your custom Cuba tour.

This custom tailored tour retraces the steps of Ernest Hemingway, giving you access to the unique, eclectic cultures of the Caribbean country brimming with rich soil and surrounded by the immaculate sea. The architecture and gregarious people of Cuba speak to a rich legacy spanning centuries. Dancing and music enrich every day. The sweet aromas of coconut and pineapple emanate from gardens and markets. Coffee trees grow lush and strong. Ernest Hemingway’s former home maintains an inspiring ambiance. Murals decorate the streets. Artwork acts as a form of urban expression. Spanish colonial influences shape contemporary life, creating the distinctive character of Cuba.

Your custom tailored “People-to-People” tour of Cuba immerses you in the true culture and lifestyle of Cuba.  Deep educational exchanges between you and the locals leave life-long memories. Throughout this itinerary, you will be introduced to community leaders, artists, writers, and farmers keen on showing you their connection to their country and the surrounding world. Smooth the crinkled texture of a dried tobacco leaf, following instructions from a seasoned veteran on how to roll a cigar. Witness how artists in Havana represent the spirit of the city in a way only locals could express. Dance with a traditional company and sing with celebrated musicians each finding ways to articulate their passion for Cuba in their own way.

Take the family beyond the façade of Cuba to experience the life of Havana and Valley de Vinales. The sound of strumming guitars moves through the streets of Old Town. The engines of classic cars roar above the sound of the waves splashing against the sea walls. Imposing fortresses inspire dreams of pirates. Hummingbirds as smalls as butterflies sip nectar from magnificent flowers. Farmers use oxen to plow the soil. Your custom tailored family friendly tour sets the family on an ineffable journey, introducing you to the people, culture, history, and mystery of Western Cuba.

  Read More

Cuba is a shining pearl refined by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Your custom tailored tour shows you the elegant past and colorful present of a country once closed off to Americans and now finding its place in the contemporary world. Farmers chew on thick hand-rolled cigars as they plow their fields. Cabaret dancers radiate the tropics, wearing iridescent hues while performing vivacious moves. Turtles hatch in white sand and crawl out to sea. Classic cars take you back to a bygone era. Experience the former grandeur of Cuba and let the contemporary culture captivate you.

Dynamic pricing from  $5,455

Experience exceptional holiday festivities with a tour of Cuba during Christmas and New Years. The pulse of salsa music complements the rhythmic sounds of crashing waves on the coastline. Antique sugar mills give way to gorgeous manors reflecting the former prominence of agricultural barons. Pig roasts signify the importance of family gatherings for holiday feasts. Firework displays create an illuminating spectacle of a friendly feud between neighborhoods. Whether exploring galleries at the Museum of Fine Arts or relishing the colors of the sky on a sunset cruise, your time in Cuba provides a perfectly tailored and culturally immersive celebration.

Whether traveling with your own small group or your extended family in comfort, explore the trails of rural Cuba. Wander through the rainforest in search of orchids and waterfalls, lounge on white sand beaches at the secluded edge of the country, witness a tobacco farmer roll a perfect cigar, with each moment accentuated by the pleasure of good company. Legends of pirates and plantation owners strike similar tones of mystique. Restaurants hum with live music spilling out onto the cobblestone streets. Your group tour is custom tailored to take you off the beaten path and soak up the splendors of Cuba with your private group.

Jewish communities have traveled far and wide for hundreds of years, settling in countries open to trade and closed off from the rest of the world. Your custom tailored tour takes you through the stunning landscape of Cuba and immerses you in the Cuban Jewish lifestyle. Light the Shabbas candles with a local family to celebrated the end of another week. Peruse the library of one of the oldest synagogues in the country. Visit the only kosher butcher on the island. Learn about the heritage of the Cuban people and experience the unforgettable sensation of the Jewish community.

Listen to the natural rhythms of Havana and the passionate pulse of jazz spilling into the streets on your custom tailored musical tour of Cuba. The rich history of the island shapes the melodic connection of people across the landscape, from the beach to the rainforest. Crashing waves and chirping tropical birds inspire instrumentals. Rural rivers and urban art spaces shape intangible expression. Colonial architecture and exposed stone fortresses cause sounds to echo throughout the streets. Listen, discover, and enjoy the powerful way music articulates emotion and the Cuban experience.

Uncover the elaborate artistry of Cuba draped in murals and glinting with captivating neighborhoods; pastel colored homes and sweeping emerald rainforest. Classic cars cruise along the cobblestone streets of Old Town Havana. Baroque churches rise above the open plaza in the labyrinthine lanes of Santa Clara. Wild palm trees shade the edges of thriving tobacco fields. The aroma of sugarcane fills the air with indulgent sweetness. Your custom tailored tour guides you on a unique perspective of the Caribbean island, connecting you to the culture, history, and people creating and preserving Cuba.

Indulge in the modern relics of city living during your custom tailored kid-friendly tour of Cuba. Stroll along the cobblestone streets of a preserved colonial town. Trek through the jungle for a panorama of a secluded waterfall. Absorb the endless majesty of historic buildings, ineffable culture, and the seductive rhythms of salsa on your customizable Cuba tour.

From the pulsating music encouraging you to speed along cobblestone streets to the refreshing salty aroma of the Caribbean Sea, your cycling tour of Cuba is unlike any adventure you have ever experienced. Colonial mansions in the cities highlight former grandeur while antique plantations in the countryside speak of similar past opulence. Images of Che Guevara harbor a spirit of revolution. Pristine beaches provide moments of tranquility. Undulating peaks divide the opposite shores. You will traverse the cities and countryside, shorelines and mountain ridges conquering the landscape as you immerse yourself in the authenticity of Cuba’s culture.

14  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $5,917

The landscape of Cuba tells stories of the island, from its indigenous peoples to the Cuban Revolution. Your custom tailored tour leads you on an outdoor adventure through the valleys and into the mountains for an immersive trekking experience. A bust of the father of Cuban independence welcomes hikers at the peak of Cuba’s tallest mountain. Colonial churches cast shadows over antique cobblestone streets. Tobacco fields thrive in the red soil near natural limestone caves. Traverse the three distinct mountain ranges of Cuba for an ineffable journey along the island’s natural and manmade history.

Take your time discovering the true Cuba and saving it in photographs for later. Historic fortresses frame the edges of Old Havana. Mountains rise above the red-tiled rooftops of the colonial town of Trinidad. Tobacco farmers puff on thick hand-rolled cigars while oxen plow the fields. Indigo water laps at white sand beaches. Plantations tell tales of barons and slaves. Classic American cars make the cities look frozen in time. Friendly locals smile and wave at the camera. Capture the country in perfect light during your custom tailored tour meant for amateur and seasoned photographers alike.

Cuba shines like a pearl in the Caribbean Sea, a tropical paradise perfect for a getaway. Your custom tailored tour takes you along secluded islands, remote peninsulas, and energetic cities, incorporating both privacy and vibrancy. Feel the ocean breeze blow against your cheeks. Watch the sunlight glint off the crystal-clear water. Move to the captivating rhythms of rumba and salsa. From a French settlement to aboriginal archaeological remains, sensational panoramas to exciting wildlife, indulge in the experience of a lifetime in the passionate warmth of Cuba.

Show More • ( 12 itineraries)

The best months to visit Cuba are from late November to April when the island experiences the dry season.

Cuba has two specific seasons with the dry season from November to April and the rainy season from May to the beginning of November. The dry season is more popular with travelers who enjoy the warm weather and idyllic beaches, but the rainy season has great opportunities for visiting the beauty of the island, culture, and scenery without the crowds.

Cuba might be famous for its tropical beauty, best visited in the dry season from November to April, but Cuba offers year-round opportunities, rain or shine. Whether you travel as a family through Havana in January or are eager to tour Camaguey in August, our guide to the best time to visit Cuba will help you find the right month for your trip.

From the colorful historic center of Havana to the vibrant music of Trinidad, the coastline shimmering with white sands, to the karsts of a quiet valley, Cuba is an exceptional place to explore. Here are a few of the best places to visit in Cuba:

• Havana: Known for its Baroque and neoclassical facades, wide main boulevard, and preserved cobblestone streets, Havana is the beating heart of Cuba, where the Old World beauty meets the contemporary culture of the island nation.
• Valle de Viñales: The promise of a serene and gorgeous valley becomes a surreal picture of floating karsts and steep limestone hills in the Valle de Viñales, where exploring by hiking and horseback riding leads to coffee plantations, caves, and more.
• Varadero: As one of Cuba’s most famous beaches, Varadero quickly embodies the marvels of powdery white sands, waving palm trees, and crystal-clear Caribbean waters that feel worlds away from the bustle of Havana.
• Trinidad: As one of the island’s nine UNESCO sites, Trinidad is an immersive cultural destination where the cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and endless music feature history from the 18th to 19th centuries juxtaposing the incredible jazz scene.

Whether you are interested in snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea or touring the tropical jungle in search of the endemic bee hummingbird, here are some of the top things to do in Cuba :

• Visit the gorgeous beaches around the island
• Learn the art of crafting Cuban cigars and local coffee
• Visit Ernest Hemingway’s home for a different island perspective
• Discover the mountain trails to find exceptional wildlife
• Sample delicious island cuisine and specialty cocktails

Travelers from the United States can visit Cuba. US travelers can fly to Cuba from certain US airports with a valid passport and visa. Speak with a local travel specialist to learn more information on what to do, where to go, and how to plan your Cuba vacation.

Cuba is famous for its tropical beaches, antique architecture, and vintage American cars. Travelers visit from all over the world to bask in the soft sands, explore the jungle interior, and enjoy the unique culture specific to the island nation. From stunning natural landscapes to delicious cuisine, celebrated cigars to mouthwatering coffee, you can experience the essential flavors and more during your Cuba trip.

From the popular shores and resorts of Varadero to the golden sands of Playa Los Cocos, Cuba is home to several alluring beaches. Here are some of our favorite beaches in Cuba:

• Playa Los Cocos
• Playa Los Flamencos
• Playa Pilar
• Cayo Santa Maria

Havana is an incredible city for sightseeing and connecting with local Cubans in an authentic way. History surrounds you in the form of preserved facades and cruising American cars, while restaurants exude mouthwatering aromas as they hide in cobblestone alleys. The following top things to do in Havana are unforgettable experiences for your tour:

• Explore Old Havana on a drive in a vintage car
• Embrace the lively ambiance with a salsa dance lesson
• Enjoy the exceptional view of the water from El Morro Castle
• Stroll along the seaside boulevard of the Malecón
• Tour an old cigar factory for new perspectives on the traditional process

Cuba is a safe country to visit.

Hospitality remains part of the culture, and the sound tourism infrastructure adds to the feeling of ease, well-being, and comfort around Cuba. As with any tourist destination, petty crime does occasionally occur. Keep your property close to your body and secure in popular public spaces.

Planning with a travel specialist can help reduce rare travel risks in Cuba with detailed planning and expert local knowledge.

Our most popular Cuba itineraries highlight the cultural and natural beauty of the island nation. From touring Old Havana to traveling off the beaten path to the eastern corner of the island, here are some exciting trips that you can personalize to your interests:

• Indulge in the highlights and experience the diversity of the island with our Best of Cuba Tour in Seven Days to find cigars and Havana, tobacco fields and revolutionary history.
• Discover essential movement with our Move to the Music of Cuba: Salsa, Rumba, and Afro-Cuban Rhythms tour, where you can sample the flavors of musical stylings and cuisine prepared by an award-winning chef.

An Immersive Cuban Tour to Havana, Vinales, Soroa & Trinidad offers an immersive introduction to the relationship between land and culture around the island, from viewing hummingbirds to learning about Santeria, finding Hemingway to seeing flamingos.

Explore more information in our frequently asked questions about planning a trip to Cuba and inspiration in our Cuba travel guide .

Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service

4.98 stars based on 88 reviews.

Reviewed By  Lauren F.

Reviewed By  Matthew C.

Reviewed By  PATRICIA B.

Reviewed By  Robert A.

Reviewed By  Kathleen B.

Reviewed By  Matthew G.

• North America Tours
• Tour Operators

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Cuba 2024/2025

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Cuba. Below you will find 10 of the best tour operators and travel agencies in Cuba offering in total 59 tours and holidays through-out Cuba. Combined they have received 226 customer reviews and an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The top tour activities offered in Cuba are: Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history, Wildlife, landscapes and nature & Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation.

• Tours in Cuba
• Cuba Travel Guide
• Best Time to Visit Cuba

10 Tour Operators in Cuba with 226 Reviews

MiCuba Travel

• Address Veembroederhof 173, Amsterdam, Holland
• Response Rate 99%
• Response Time 1 hour

• Best-in-Class Top 5% of companies
• Excellent Service Top 10% of companies
• Superior Service Top 15% of companies

Intrepid Travel

• Address 380 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Australia
• Response Rate 90%
• Response Time 3 hours

Cuban Adventures

• Address Newtown , New South Wales AUSTRALIA, Australia
• Response Time 2 hours

Exodus Travels

• Address Grange Mills, Weir Road, London, England
• Response Rate 85%

G Adventures

• Address G Adventures Ltd, 60 Bastwick Street, London, England

Travel Talk

• Address 18 Exhibition House Addison Bridge Place, London, England
• Response Rate 96%

World Expeditions

• Address 1B Osiers Road, Wandsworth, London, England
• Response Rate 82%

Adventures Abroad

• Address 2148-20800 Westminster Highway, Richmond BC, Canada
• Response Rate 50%

• Address Nelson House, 55-59 Victoria Rd, Farnborough, England

Europamundo

• Address c/ Garcia de Paredes Nº 55 1ª Planta, Madrid, Spain

Traveling to Cuba? Chat with a local travel specialist in Cuba who can help organize your trip.

Cuba Tour Reviews

• Cuba budget tours
• Eco tours in Cuba
• Cuba guided tours
• Cuba family tour packages
• Cuba luxury tours
• Cuba private tours
• Cuba self-guided tours
• Cuba small group tours
• Cuba solo trips
• Cuba tailor-made vacation packages
• Cuba tours for senior citizens
• Cuba tours for young adults
• Cuba group tours
• Cuba last minute deals
• Cuba travel deals

Upcoming Departures

• Spring 2024/2025
• Summer 2024/2025
• Winter 2024/2025
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• August 2025
• September 2025

Best price guaranteed - No booking fees

Sign-in to unlock instant trip discounts. Create wish lists and save up to USD 1,500.

Cuba Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 14 most popular cuba trips. compare tour itineraries from 80 tour companies. 46 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating., popular cuba tours.

Family Cuba Discovery

• Swim in jungle pools, hike forest trails and cruise through Havana in a 1950s American car
• Stay overnight in the forest and relax on the beach
• Explore local markets and take a salsa lessons

Highlights of Cuba

Cycle Cuba!

• Appreciate the Cuban pace of life on two wheels
• Discover the colonial delights of Havana & Trinidad
• Cycle through the beautiful regions of Pinar del Rio Province and Viñales

Best of Cuba

Ultimate Cuba

The Best of Western Cuba

• Soak up the atmosphere and vibrant culture of old Havana and Trinidad
• Take in Vinales' spectacular landscape and relax on white-sand beaches
• Visit the iconic Bay of Pigs and Che Guevara's Mausoleum

Best of Western Cuba + Beach Extension

• Soak up the vibrant culture of Havana and Trinidad, plus relax on a white-sandy beach

Cuba Libre!

• An in-depth exploration of Cuba, past and present
• Discover faded colonial splendour, lush green countryside and white-sand beaches
• Hear the sounds of salsa everywhere and immerse yourself in the country's nightlife

All Cuba , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Cuba

Small Group Cuba Tours

Highlights of Cuba by Bicycle

• Cycle through the heart of Cuba
• Visit historic capital Havana, colonial towns and historically significant sites
• An enjoyable mix of cycling on quiet, rural back-roads and seeing Cuba's key landmarks

Highlights of Cuba by Bicycle + Beach Extension

• Cycle through the heart of Cuba, plus relax on a white-sandy beach

Cuban Highlights Ride

• Enjoy gentle cycling through lush tropical scenery
• Immerse yourself in the unique history and culture of Cuba
• Discover the Unesco-listed towns of Trinidad and Cienfuegos
• Pedal alongside members of the Cuban Masters Road Cycling Club
• Cycling leaders trained to UK leadership standards

Best Cuba Tours by Duration

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best Cuba Tours by Price

Top Cuba Attractions & Experiences

Top Cuba Experiences

• Getting the inexorable urge to dance -- or at least tap your toes -- to the irresistible sounds of Cuban music, emanating from everywhere.
• Taking a nostalgic trip back to the 1950s, in effect, by ogling all the amazing classic American cars still running on Cuban streets.
• Becoming acquainted with typical Cubans through people-to-people tour groups that are both educational and fun.
• Touring Old Havana , an UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in 1519 and replete with Spanish-style architectural gems.
• Reliving the days of Ernest Hemingway’s decades in Havana by visiting his finca and his many watering holes that are still dispensing daiquiris and mojitos.
• Exploring the lively Cuban art scene, which you can find displayed in museums, galleries, and on street corners.
• Enjoying creative Cuban cuisine , thick with Spanish influences that go way beyond beans and rice (though that’s good, too).
• Spending some down time at one of Cuba’s hundreds of beaches, many of them completely unspoiled.
• Touring some of Cuba’s eight other UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Santiago’s San Pedro de la Roca Castle, a massive fortress dating from the 17th century considered the finest example of Spanish-American military architecture.
• Visiting 19th century-era coffee plantations in southeast Cuba, also declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Watching the sunset sitting outside on a warm Havana night while sipping a mojito and eating freshly caught prawns tossed in garlic and pepper.

Cuba Tours & Travel Guide

Cuba Attractions & Landmarks Guide

Long closed to most U.S. travelers, Cuba is now subject to fewer travel restrictions, and Americans are discovering what the rest of the world has known for years: the island nation 90 miles south of Florida has friendly people, a vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and 1950's-era cars that still run. No matter the politics, Cuba and its people are sure to leave a lasting impression on you. 

Visiting Cuba is like entering a time warp. Because of longtime Cuban government restrictions placed on the purchase of imported cars, many Cubans have had to ingeniously make do with American cars dating from the 1950s and early 1960s.

Replacement parts are scarce but clever mechanics have found ways to keep them running. Hence a trip to Cuba is much like watching a classic car rally, except that these classic cars are in full use as taxis and private vehicles.

The time warp continues in the aging houses and mansions you encounter on a guided Cuba tour in Old Havana , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and probably the best preserved city center in the Caribbean . Many have Spanish-style balconies, arcades, wrought-iron gates and internal courtyards. Some appear to be on life support but remain standing, much as the classic cars keep running.

Visiting Cuba Today

Cuba is experiencing a surge in interest due to the recent restoration of diplomatic relations between the US and Cuban governments. This beautiful and elusive country is now more accessible to one of its closest neighbors and American travelers are itching to visit.

There are still some travel restrictions in place for US citizens however. As relaxing as it might sound, it's still technically illegal for Americans to travel to Cuba to laze on the beach, mojito in hand. 

However, the OFAC (Office of Foreign Asset Control) does permit American travel to Cuba, provided it fits within 1 of 12 general categories. One of the most popular of these is 'educational activities' and tour operators have long led 'people to people' tours, which include activities like visiting with local musicians, farmers, and artisans. This is how the majority of American citizens have legally traveled to Cuba for the past few years.

More recently, travel regulations were further relaxed, giving tour operators even more flexibility with the types of itineraries they run in Cuba. This means virtually any tour in Cuba is legal for American travelers, but always check direct with the tour operator first.

Options for Cuba travel include primarily  guided tours in Cuba . T aking a tour is one of the best ways to have an authentic experience in this rich and diverse country. Taking a tour doesn't mean being stuck in a large group on a coach bus either. Some companies limit their groups to 10-15 like-minded travelers to provide an intimate, accessible experience.

Why Consider a Tour In Cuba?

Although traveling to Cuba independently is now possible, it’s still wise to consider a tour . Due to the increased demand, hotel rooms in popular cities like Havana and Trinidad are hard to come by. This means that unless you plan many months in advance, you might be relegated to a less than desirable hotel that isn’t centrally located. Cuba tour operators , on the other hand, purchase rooms in bulk up to a year in advance, so you are guaranteed a room in some of the country’s most famous and beautiful accommodations.

The infrastructure in Cuba, specifically the road and transportation network, are still quite basic and developing. It can be hard to get around from city to city and all of the signs are in Spanish. Speaking of language barriers, it’s a challenge to find many English speakers outside of hotels and major tourist attractions.

On a tour, you’ll hit the major tourist sites, such as El Floridita (where Hemingway himself used to drink) but you’ll also have a chance to meet local artists and business people - all who can offer unique glimpses into the current affairs of this fascinating country. Tour guides can often show you a side of Cuba that you’d otherwise miss if traveling independently.

Must See Cuban Cities

Tours in Cuba often begin in Havana , with the most direct flights from Miami and other US cities. However, it is recommended to explore beyond the famous capital city, venturing farther afield to places like Vinales Valley, Trinidad, and Santa Clara. These ‘secondary’ cities have less tourists, but offer unique cultural and natural experiences that are not to be missed. 

The small city of Vinales , and the surrounding UNESCO World Heritage Site Vinales Valley, lies a few hours to the west of Havana.  If Havana is like stepping back to the 1950’s, it can be said that visiting Vinales harkens back even further to the 19th century.

This largely agricultural area, where crops such as coffee and tobacco are still grown following centuries old traditions, is an outdoor-lover’s paradise. The lush landscape is dotted with karsts which attract climbers and hikers alike. The region is also known for its music and arts scene, much like other parts of Cuba. See best Cuba travel packages to Vinales  »

Trinidad & Topes de Collantes

The beautiful cobblestoned-street city of Trinidad lies in the southern part of the island, about a 6 hours drive on Cuba’s notoriously choppy roads. Yet another UNESCO World Heritage site, Trinidad has been beautifully preserved to its colonial charms. Artist galleries and restaurants with live music line the narrow cobblestone streets. Walking through an open door might reveal a couple of men playing dominos on a plastic table or a traditional pig roast in process.

Visit the Plaza Major to experience an open air colonial architecture museum and then check out live music next to the cathedral in the same location. Although accommodation is hard to come by, many Cuba tours make stops in Trinidad to take in its authenticity.

Trinidad also acts as a great jumping off point for Cuba adventures into Topes de Collantes , one of Cuba’s many national parks. Located about 12 miles from the city, Topes de Collantes lies in a mountainous region home to a plethora of flora and fauna, many endemic to Cuba.

Guided hikes are available around the park and are mostly mellow over well blazed trails. There are opportunities to hike with a local naturalist, who can point out local bird varieties. Other hikes end at picturesque waterfalls where a cool swim is inviting in the tropical heat. Topes de Collantes is most popular with local Cubans on vacation, although many tourists, especially Europeans, are starting to discover its charms.

Santa Clara

Santa Clara is located is close proximity to Havana, due east about 3 hours. It’s probably most famous for being the place where revolutionary fighter Che Guevara is buried, and thousands of tourists flock here to see his final resting place. This historic city is also where the final battle of the Cuban Revolution took place in 1958.

Two columns of revolutionary fighters attacked the city, one led by Che. After intense fighting, the city was captured, and hours later, General Batista, then leader of Cuba, left the country. Santa Clara is a tour highlight for history buffs and a common stopping point on the drive from Havana to Trinidad.

Music & Art in Cuba

There’s something about being in Cuba that brings out the dancer even in those who travel with two left feet. It’s no mystery: the music -- salsa, jazz, rumba, merengue, and other genres, often combined into a unique Afro-Cuban sound -- is both ubiquitous and irresistible. You’ll hear it in clubs, bars, restaurants, bodegas, or just emanating from the nearest homes.

In Havana, there is live music on many street corners, including outside most of the major hotels. If you desire something more formal and organized, the famous Cuban band The Buena Vista Social Club still performs most nights in a bar in Old Havana. While many of the original founders of the group have passed or are no longer playing, a few still remain.

Many tours include a night out to hear these legends of Cuban jazz and it’s well worth the relatively expensive cover charge. Many times, the musicians will hang around after the set and if your Spanish is decent, striking up a conversation could be one of the highlights of your trip.

Other opportunities to see live music include the rooftop bar of the Hotel Inglaterra, located near Parque Central, where a salsa or rumba ensemble plays most nights. There are also a number of dance clubs around Havana, including Casa de la Musica de Miramar, El Turquino, and Cabaret Parisien, which hosts an elaborate cabaret show, complete with flowered dancers.  

Believe it or not, some of the most authentic music in Cuba can be heard while sitting outside having dinner at a paladares, or local restaurant, in Old Havana. Small groups of musicians will approach your table and give you a private concert, of course in exchange for a few pesos.

Many famous artists, such as Wifredo Lam, have come out of Cuba, however, many are still relatively unknown due to the isolation of the country for so many years. For authentic local Cuban art, a visit to the El Taller Experimental de Grafica is a must. This artist workshop, founded in 1962 with the support of infamous revolutionary Che Guevara, is still a thriving studio today. Inside, artists of all ages delicately create traditional prints using decades old techniques. Prints are for sale and you can discuss the pieces of art direct with the artist, which is a special experience.

Other top art galleries include Galeria Victor Manuel, Galeria Habana, and Fototeca de Cuba, which houses the country’s largest collection of photographs. Although many tours will only include a stop at the Museo de Nacional, most itineraries offer ample free time to explore these artistic havens on your own.

Art is also central to Cuban life, from Havana’s excellent National Museum of Fine Arts to street corner painters and much in between.

The Hemingway Legacy

You might be surprised to learn that American author Ernest Hemingway -- a longtime resident of Havana, where he wrote "The Old Man and the Sea" and "A Moveable Feast" among other works -- is still venerated in Cuba. His finca, where he lived just outside Havana throughout the 1940s and ‘50s, is maintained as a museum,  and a popular stop on most tour itineraries .

Everything is kept the way he left it, except that a new set of cats (many of which have six toes, the progeny of Hemingway’s own fleet of stray cats), now curl up on his desk for naps.  One of the most intimate glimpses into Hemingway’s sometimes lonely existence is apparent by the writing on the bathroom wall of his home. This is where he recorded his daily weight, in pencil. At some point in history, the writing was covered up, only to be discovered by museum curators years later while conducting restoration around the home.

You can also visit many of his old haunts around Havana such as El Floridita, said to be the birthplace of the daiquiri (one of Hemingway’s favorite libations) and La Bodeguita del Medio, which serves as a virtual Hemingway memorial (though still a working bar, with plenty of atmosphere). Both places can get very crowded with tourists and there are better drinks in town. However, it can be worth the stop for any literary buffs who’d like to sit side by side with Hemingway’s statue at the bar.

Another Hemingway haunt worth a visit is La Terraza Restaurant, located in the small fishing village of Cojimar, about 20 minutes from Havana. This is the very place depicted in his novel ‘Old Man and the Sea’ and the walls are adorned with black and white photos of the author himself, including many of him dining at La Terraza. It’s no surprise that Hemingway chose this seaside gem as a top spot in Cuba.

Best Beaches in Cuba

While Americans can’t go to Cuba just for a beach vacation yet, (if that's what you're after, consider the best travel packages to Costa Rica ) other nationalities can -- and if you’re in a position to visit one of the island’s 300-some sandy beaches, you may find yourself mostly alone despite the glorious settings.

Among Cuba’s finest beaches are the white-sand Playa Ancon (on the southern, Caribbean side of the island) and 12-mile-long, white-sand Varadero Beach, the best known beach in the country. Both offer crystal clear waters for swimming or snorkeling. Be warned though that if you are looking for seclusion, you won’t find it at Playa Ancon or Playa Varadero. Both are well-trodden with tourists and feature many all inclusive resorts.

Other top beaches include Playa Los Flamencos, located within Cayo Coco off Cuba’s north shore. There are three main beaches in this idyllic location, although Los Flamencos offers the most privacy and tranquility.

Playa Pilar was the choice beach of Ernest Hemingway himself. He spent so much time here that the beach was named after his yacht, the Pilar. This bit of sand on the western tip of Cayo Guillermo is probably one of the least popular beaches in the region, for now.

Playa Los Pinos is perhaps the most deserted beach in all of Cuba. Getting here requires an off-road ride that is not accessible by public transport. But for the intrepid beach goers who make the trip, the reward is a long white sand beach where your only companions might be a band of wild horses.

Playa Esmeralda is a good spot for those wanting a bit of understated luxury. This smaller beach features two luxury hotels that are tastefully situated as not to be an eyesore on the pristine beach environment. If you’re looking to relax and recharge for a few days, in style, this might be the place for you.

Food in Cuba

Cuban food is often thought of as beans and rice, which are indeed served at many meals and can be delicious, but there’s much more to it than that. The cuisine has Spanish, French, African, Chinese, Portuguese, and Arabic influences, along with Caribbean favorites such as fried plantains, similar to but different from bananas.

Stews and many other dishes use a base of sofrito (onion, green pepper, garlic, oregano) for flavoring; more contemporary cuisine includes Spanish-style tapas. Coffee is on the strong side and Cuban sandwiches -- ham, pork, pickle, cheese, and mustard on bread -- are among the world’s best. Besides regular restaurants, a number of private homes, called paladares,  now serve as eateries offering authentic local cuisine.

This is great news for visitors as you not only get a fresh, delicious meal, but also the opportunity to catch a glimpse of local, everyday life. Tour companies have caught on and many now include at least one meal at some of the best paladares in Havana such as Doña Eutimia and Le Chansonnier. Just don’t expect a quick meal - Cubans take their time and you should to. Besides, what can beat sitting outside on a warm Havana night, sipping a mojito and eating freshly caught prawns tossed in garlic and pepper while waiting for your main dish of ropa vieja?

Vegetarians and pescatarians should have no trouble finding something to eat, although the former may need to get used to a steady diet of rice, beans, and salad for a few days. Seafood lovers, however, will found a bounty of diverse and fresh options from the surrounding waters.

Regardless of your diet or culinary preferences, you are sure to find something tasty and flavorful in Cuba as long as you are willing to be patient and explore some of the hidden gems in Havana and beyond.

Ultimately, the Cuban people themselves are the stars of any visit to the island. And the best way to meet them is by organized tour, featuring people-to-people encounters.

Travel to Cuba: Practicalities & Logistics

Capital city‎: ‎Havana (population 2.2 million)

Dialing code‎: ‎+53

Language‎: ‎Spanish

Currency‎: ‎CUC

Before you go

Visas are required for all American citizens traveling to Cuba. Most tour operators usually include this fee in the price of the trip, or have a separate visa fee that is paid once your trip is confirmed. Either way, it’s a good idea to book a Cuba trip with a tour company who will handle the visa logistics for you. UK citizens also must obtain a tourist card before traveling to Cuba.

Medical care in Cuba is quite good, with more doctors per capita than many other countries. However, you should always travel with insurance and many tour operators can recommend a plan to cover you while on your trip. Only routine vaccinations are required for Cuba, however, the CDC does recommend both Typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccinations for some travelers.

Cuba is generally very safe compared to other Central and South American countries. Police are everywhere, and especially apparent in high tourist locations. However, as when traveling in any foreign country, use common street sense and pay attention to your surroundings. This is especially true in Havana, Trinidad and other large cities. Crimes of opportunity, such as pick-pocketing, are not unheard of, but a little vigilance goes a long way, and traveling in a group can help deter any potential trouble. 

Cuba Reviews & Ratings

Trusted Customer

Fabulous trip to a very interesting destination. Our guide Ernesto and driver Wilson took us on a really well planned and varied tour of the west and central parts ...

Just returned from Cuba with our 16 and 12 year olds, we all had a fantastic time. It was the first Explore trip we have done with the children. The itinerary is v...

Great leader, excellent varied itinary.

This was our first Explore holiday and right from the start we found their customer service excellent. We had wanted to visit Cuba for a number of years and felt tha...

Watching a Cuban farmer roll a cigar for us to try. Trying many different cocktails. Driving around Havana in 1950s American cars. Snorkelling near the bay of pigs. ...

See all Cuba reviews

Related Trips & Tours

Cuba tours faq.

1. Does Travelstride have all the tour operators?

2. How does the Member Savings program save me money?

3. Can I trust the tour operator and trip reviews on Travelstride?

4. What does ‘Stride Preferred’ mean?

Cuba Tours & Holidays

Behind the hum of vintage cars, pastel hues of 16th-century buildings and wafts of cigar smoke, the real Cuba shines bright.

A country caught in a cultural time warp,   Cuba   is a bright snapshot of the mid-20th century; a true feast for the senses. Watch as Cadillacs roll down the coastal boulevards, walk through traditional tobacco plantations in Vinales and see cigar production in full swing , laze on the shores of the   Caribbean   on some of the world’s whitest sands, and feel the sultry and spicy vibes of salsa as you dance the night away in Havana. With all of this on offer in one of the world’s best climates, what’s stopping you from checking out Cuba’s kaleidoscope of colour and charisma?

Our Cuba trips

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

Cuba tour reviews

Filter by rating

Cycle Cuba: West

Beautiful Cuba

Premium Cuba

The art of Cuban casa hopping

10 things you’ll only know if you’ve travelled in Cuba

The top 7 destinations for travel in March 2024

A teen’s eye view of Intrepid family tours

Why you should say yes when your friend asks you to travel

How to avoid scams and Havana bad time in Cuba

Which style of Latin dance suits you?

I went to Cuba for the cars and cigars, but it’s the people that’ll stay with me

Cuba at a glance

Capital city.

Havana (population 2.1 million)

11.3 million

(GMT-05:00) Bogota, Lima, Quito, Rio Branco

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type B (American 3-pin)

Learn more about Cuba

Culture and customs.

With   Spanish ,   African   and Creole influences, modern Cuba is home to so many cultural components – some of which don’t feel super ‘modern’ at all!

You won’t be surprised that Cubans love music and dancing – with everything from Afro-Cuban rhythms to classic melodies filling the air in clubs, bars, restaurants and on street corners. The modern arts are also alive here, with ballet, contemporary dance and film rising in popularity – so much so, Havana is now home to internationally recognised film, literature and music festivals.

Living in a Communist country means Cubans sometimes go without the luxury items that many Westerners take for granted, with certain foods and consumer goods not available. Despite this, events like birthdays, holidays and marriages are celebrated with gusto, with special meals, music and dance featuring. This love of life is also evident in the street parties, festivals and fiestas that are celebrated throughout the year. Coffee, cigars and rum flow freely, and people dance to the sound of trumpets and guitars in city streets.

Life in the cities and life in rural areas can be quite different, but the pace of living is consistently Cuban – you’re on local time now, so go with the flow.

Experience Cuban culture on our 8 day Beautiful Cuba trip.

History and government

Ancient history.

Before the arrival of the Spanish in 1492, Cuba was home to Mesoamerican cultures, including the indigenous Guanajatabey and Taino people. The Guanajatabey were hunter-gatherers and fishers, and Taino communities also harvested yuca, cotton and tobacco. Spanish colonialist Bartolome de las Casas estimated that Taino populations in Cuba had reached 350,000 by the end of the 15th century.

By then, Christopher Columbus had landed in Cuba and claimed the land for   Spain, naming it Isla Juana. In 1511, Diego Velazquez de Cuellar founded Baracoa, the first Spanish settlement in Cuba, and three years later what’s now known as Havana was built.

20th century

In 1902, after periods under Spanish, British and United States rule and involvement in the Spanish–American war, Cuba got its independence. Despite the economy booming, leaders at this time ruled through corruption and control. This was until revolutionary Fidel Castro led a 9000-strong guerrilla army into Havana in 1959, forcing military dictator Fulgencio Batista to flee. Castro became the leader and his brother, Raul, his deputy. What followed was an attempt by the United States to overthrow Castro’s communist rule at the Bay of Pigs, and tension and trade embargoes following the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.

Standing alongside Castro as an equally prominent political figure, Che Guevara (although Argentinean) holds a very important place in Cuban history. A revolutionary, author, doctor and military leader, Guevara played a pivotal role in the guerrilla campaign leading up to the Cuban Revolution and the defence of the Bay of Pigs, as well as in diplomatic relations, up until his death in 1967. It’s impossible not to notice the reverence for Guevara when visiting Cuba, with street art, statues and museums dedicated to the man Cubans simply call ‘El Che’ found all over the country.

In April 2011 Fidel Castro was succeeded as the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba by his brother Raul Castro. Cuba’s political relationship with other countries, including its close neighbours, is ever-evolving, with the US recently beginning to ease restrictions on trade, tourism and other industries. But a snapshot of 50 years of isolation remains in the cars, architecture, and culture that is a contemporary Cuban street.

Learn about Cuba's fascinating past on our 15 day Best of Cuba adventure.

Eating and drinking

Cuba may not have culinary fame compared to some of its neighbours, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be missing out on some great food during your time here. Cuba typically doesn’t have access to a wide range of ingredients, so your dining experience may not be as varied as you’d expect from some other   nearby destinations. Regardless, there are some Central American favourites that are definitely worth trying. Try out the local cuisine on our 8 day Cuba Highlights tour.

What to eat in Cuba

These small pastries can be either sweet or savoury. Cream cheese, guava and beef are the most popular fillings and make for a cheap, tasty meal on the run. Think empanadas, Cuban style.

Cuban sandwich Otherwise known as a mixto, this sandwich is a simple snack that has made its way north into Florida and has become one of the quintessential images of Cuban food beyond its borders. Ham, pork, cheese, mustard and sometimes salami layered between bread and grilled – what’s not to like?

Ropa vieja Not only is this one of the national dishes of Cuba, but it’s also found all over the Caribbean, in Spain and even the Philippines! It may literally translate to ‘old clothes’, but that’s definitely not what it tastes like – slow-cooked pulled beef with vegetables, usually served with maduros (fried plantains), black beans and rice.

Fritura de maiz These deep-fried cheese and cornmeal fritters are popular street food snacks in Cuba. A great choice for vegetarians; throw a couple of these back and you’ll be feeling the Cuban spirit.

Moros y cristianos 

Rice and beans is not just rice and beans. Black beans and white rice are added to a base of peppers, garlic and onion and simmered with herbs, creating a flavourful addition to any meal and served up at virtually every Cuban restaurant you'll come across.

If you're feeling a little bit peckish and are on the go, seek out some tostones. These twice-fried plantain chips are very popular in a lot of Latin American countries and are an easy (and often cheap) snack.

Although flan is knon all around Central and South America as an essential dessert, Cuban flan has a slightly different spin. It's made with evaporated and sweetened condensed milk, giving it a thicker and creamier caramel custard finish than fresh milk varieties. Get ready for a seriously delicioys sugar high.

Coppelia ice cream Line up with locals to savour a sweet scoop from Coppelia ice cream parlour. This Cuban institution serves tried and true flavours like chocolate and vanilla as well as exotic favourites like mango and coconut.

What to drink in Cuba

Rum The tipple of choice in Cuba is rum, obviously. Savour some Havana Club straight up, have it mixed in a minty mojito or sip on a Cuba Libre – rum, cola and lime.

Coffee Cuban coffee is of legendary quality, so be sure to get your caffeine hit with a small but rich cup of liquid gold. Drink it like the locals do, as a cafecito or Cafe Cubano. This type of espresso-style coffee is usually sweetened with raw cane sugar and stirred in with the first drips of espresso to get the best result.

Geography and environment

This island nation sitting in the Caribbean Sea is home to a diverse range of environments: rolling hills to tobacco plantations, beaches and coral reefs to tropical rainforests. With more than 20% of the island covered with natural parks, there's incredible biodiversity, making it a great place for eco-adventures, hiking, snorkelling and diving.

Large cities like Havana evoke a time gone by. Grand buildings dating back to the 1950s exude a fading beauty, which makes for great photographs but can also make daily life quite difficult. Due to a lack of building materials, new housing and infrastructure are rare, making living conditions quite cramped for Cuban city-dwellers. Rural life offers more space and a quieter pace, but reduced access to services. Regardless of where you holiday in Cuba, the people are generally kind and hospitable in both the big cities and small towns.

Wander the magnificent landscapes, both natural and manmade, on our 8 day One Week in Cuba adventure.

Cuba may not be known for its shopping, but look closely and you’ll find lots of unique souvenirs to take home as a reminder of your holiday. Before heading home, check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to import some items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand, for example, have strict quarantine laws. The United States also has restrictions on the amount of tobacco and alcohol that can be brought back from Cuba.

What to buy

Art Cuba has a keen appreciation of the fine arts, so it’s not hard to find unique artworks by up-and-coming local artists being sold at galleries and markets. It also makes for a meaningful memento of your time away.

Cigars The cliche is unsurprisingly true – cigars are everywhere in Cuba. Be sure to buy cigars from authorised sellers, as fakes are common. Purchasing straight from the factory is usually best.

Coffee Cuban coffee is top quality, so stock up before you leave to enjoy a taste of Cuba in the comfort of your own home. Do check, however, if your country of origin allows plant-based materials to pass through quarantine.

Music With such a rich musical heritage, Cuba is a great place to pick up a hand-crafted instrument or, if travelling light, a CD or a local artist’s info to add to your playlist.

Do some serious souvenir shopping on our 9 day Premium Cuba tour.

Festivals and events

Havana international jazz festival.

Local and international artists head to Havana every January to become a part of the happening jazz scene. From the impressive Teatro Nacional de Cuba to the city streets, the sweet sounds of jazz fill the air of Havana for the duration of the festival.

Habanos Cigar Festival

In February, cigar connoisseurs gather to celebrate their love of the best cigar in the world – the Habano. With tastings, visits to plantations and factories, master classes and cigar-rolling contests on offer, this festival will intrigue curious travellers and delight cigar enthusiasts.

Santiago de Cuba Carnival

Watch this historic city come alive in July with street parades full of vibrant costumes, drums and dancing. This epic public celebrations date back to at least the 17th century and are held all around the country, but Santiago de Cuba hosts the biggest, brightest and most traditional of them all.

Similar destinations

Thinking about a trip to Cuba but still browsing other destinations? Or, maybe you've already travelled to Central America and you're looking for somewhere similar? Check out tours to neighbouring locations:

Further reading

For inspiring stories to prepare you for your holiday in Cuba, check out these books:

• Our Man in Havana   – Graham Greene
• Before Night Falls   – Reinaldo Arenas
• Broken Paradise   – Cecilia Samartin
• Take Me with You   – Carlos Frias
• Adios, Havana   – Andrew J Rodriguez
• Blessed by Thunder: Memoir of a Cuban Girlhood   – Flor Fernandez Barrios
• Conversations with Cuba   – C Peter Ripley
• Havana Fever   – Leonardo Padura
• The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love   – Oscar Hijuelos

Cuba travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

When is the best time to visit Cuba?

Cuba's subtropical climate is ideal for exploration, with most places catching the cool trade winds that blow in from the coast, providing pleasant year-round temperatures. June, July and August are usually the hottest months – the dry season runs from November to April and the wet season from May to October. Even in the rainy season, downpours are short and shouldn't impede travel plans. Tropical storms and hurricanes are more prevalent in September and October but rarely cause problems for travellers.

Do I need a visa to travel to Cuba?

Tourists of most nationalities require a 'Tourist Card' which is similar to a tourist visa. These can be obtained through travel agents in your home country, or directly from Cuban embassies and consulates. Depending on the airline you are travelling with to Cuba, you may also be able to purchase the tourist card at the airport from the airline on the day of your departure – please check with your airline for more information. 

If you are a US citizen, American permanent resident, or hold any type of American Visa and are considering travelling to Cuba, please refer to the US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs website –  travel.state.gov  – for the latest advice.  

We recommend travelling to Cuba via Canada, Europe, and South or Central America. Travellers who have been to Cuba are ineligible to participate in the ESTA Visa Wavier Program and must apply for a tourist visa to enter or transit via the United States.  

Remember to check the entry requirements for any destinations you will travel or transit through both to and from Cuba. 

The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. 

Last updated: 14/11/2023

Is tipping customary in Cuba?

As most Cubans live modest lifestyles, leaving a tip for good service is a great idea and welcomed.

There is almost always free entertainment in bars and restaurants; the musicians and singers are usually not paid by the venue, so we encourage you to tip when you have enjoyed the performance. Tour leaders, restaurant workers, hotel porters, cleaning staff and taxi drivers will appreciate a small sum – but be sure to tip in Cuban pesos as foreign currency isn’t easily exchanged in Cuba.

It’s important to carry around small denominations of currency to leave tips during your holiday, so you can tip an amount you feel comfortable with.

What is the internet access like in Cuba?

Internet access isn't widespread throughout Cuba, but availability is improving. The internet can sometimes be accessed from government departments and larger hotels, and main squares in many cities now have wi-fi accessibility. You will need to purchase an internet card from certain hotels and outlets to gain access in any location, including in public areas.

Please note that although connectivity is improving, the connection may still be slow, some websites may be censored, and the cost is typically quite high.

Can I use my mobile phone while in Cuba?

Your mobile phone may or may not work while in Cuba, depending on what type of phone you have. Before leaving your home country, ensure roaming is activated with your provider, but be aware that your phone may not get reception due to Cuba having the lowest mobile phone network penetration in Latin America.

If you intend to activate global roaming while in Cuba, be sure to check with your service provider to find out about any fees you may incur when using this option, as sometimes this can be expensive.

What are the toilets like in Cuba?

Public toilets are rare in Cuba, but western-style flushable toilets are available in hotels, bars and restaurants. Bringing your own toilet paper and hand soap or hand sanitiser is recommended as often these are not provided. Due to import restrictions, toilet seats can be considered a luxury and may be missing from some facilities.

What will it cost for a...?

Cuba's unit of currency is the peso (CUP). Here's what you can expect to pay for a:

• Can of soft drink or bottle of water = 1-2 CUP
• Cup of coffee = 1.50 CUP
• Cocktail = 2-5 CUP
• Meal in a nice restaurant = 120+ CUP
• One hour of wi-fi = 25 CUP

Can I drink the water in Cuba?

It's not advisable to drink water from the tap in Cuba. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable bottle or canteen with filtered water if you can – your group leader will provide larger and less disposable water containers for refills on private transport days when they have the resources available. It's also best to avoid ice in drinks and to peel fruit and vegetables rather than eating washed or unwashed produce.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Cuba?

Some credit cards are accepted in Cuba (Visa and Mastercard are usually more widely accepted), although some cards linked to US banking institutions won't be accepted. Debit cards (even Visa debit) generally have problems working. We recommend you bring multiple cards from different banks to be sure you have access to funds. Ensure you also have enough cash and other forms of payment, as credit card facilities may not always be available.

What is ATM access like in Cuba?

ATMs are accessible in large cities like Havana and Santiago de Cuba but are rare and almost non-existent in other parts of Cuba. Ensure you have other payment options available in case you cannot access an ATM while travelling.

What is the weather like in Cuba?

Cuba enjoys Caribbean vibes all year round, and sits below the Tropic of Cancer, so you’ll enjoy a tropical climate with north-easterly trade winds that blow year-round.

May to October is usually considered the wet season, with higher maximum temperatures each day (around 32°C) and more sunlight each day, averaging 10 hours. September and October is hurricane season in the region, and this time of year is usually hot and overcast, with a higher chance of rainfall.

November to April is usually the drier season in Cuba, with maximum temperatures sitting around 26°C, and an average of 8 hours of sunlight each day. The winter months are clearer, slightly more humid and more comfortable than summer.

What public holidays are celebrated in Cuba ?

• 1 Jan:   Liberation Day
• 2 Jan:   Victory of the Armed Forces
• 1 May:   Labour Day (International Workers' Day/May Day)
• 25–27 Jul:   National Revolutionary Festival
• 10 Oct:   Independence Day
• 25 Dec:   Christmas Day
• 31 Dec:   Year End Celebration

Other dates to look out for:

• 28 Jan:   Anniversary of Jose Marti’s birth
• 19 Apr:   Bay of Pigs Victory
• 8 Oct: Anniversary of Che Guevara’s death
• 28 Oct:   Anniversary of Camila Cienfuegos’s death
• 7 Dec:   Anniversary of Antonio Maceo’s death

Please note,   Cuba public holidays may vary.

Is Cuba safe for LGBTQIA+ travellers?

Cuba has made some significant steps in recent years to ensure LGBTQIA+ rights in the country. Homosexuality is legal and accepted in Cuba, and there are some anti-discrimination laws in place for employment, service provisions and gender identity. However, same-sex marriage recognition is still pending, and stigma still remains in some parts of society, especially in rural areas.

The Cuban National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX) works to support the LGBTQIA+ community in Cuba and hosts rallies to educate and advocate.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting   Equaldex   or   ILGA   before you travel.

If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travellers who do not wish to share a room.

Last edited: 14/11/2023

Is Cuba accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

As Cuba has not had the same infrastructure development as other countries, you may find some mobility challenges when travelling. Havana’s streets are often crowded, and sidewalks can at times be rugged or even nonexistent. This is the same with other cities and towns around the country. Also, a lot of public transportation isn’t geared toward travellers who use a wheelchair, so private travel may be the only option to get around.

If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while travelling?

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

• expert knowledge
• 37 years experience
• tailor-made itineraries
• local 24hr reps
• atol & abta protected

Cuba Holiday offers

10 Nights fr. £1249

• Flight & Transfers Inc. classic car 
• Free Havana tour & Capitolio tour
• Popular Havana & Varadero holiday 7 nights 4* Sol Varadero Beach (All-Inc)

10 Nights fr. £1699

• Flights and Transfers Inc. classic car transfer on arrival
• Lovely 5* Havana & Varadero twin-center holiday
• Free Havana city tour

10 Nights fr. £1379

• Flights & transfers included
• Unbeatable twin-centre special offer
• Free Havana tour & classic car transfer

10 Nights fr. £1299

Return flight from London

Private classic car transfer on arrival

Standard private return Transfers after that

Return flights Inc. meals & baggage

Stay in Havana, Vinales,Trinidad & Varadero

Fully escorted tour & Beach stay

10 Nights fr. £1259

• Flights Inc. meals & baggage
• Transfers in Cuba
• Free Havana City Tour

Holiday Types

Holidays to Cuba

Cuba is a magical destination with a vibrant history and culture. Its streets are filled with brightly coloured houses, roads are ruled by classic cars and walls display colourful graffiti. This Caribbean Island country stands out from its neighbours in every aspect. Havana, the capital city along with Santiago de Cuba, Camaguey and Varadero exhibits opulent history enriched with influences of colonial settlements and pirates. From Havana’s colourful streets, relaxed evenings to scintillating nightlife and cigars, everything in Cuba is larger than life.

Santiago de Cuba, the second-largest city in Cuba is hailed as the cultural capital of the country and it is from here, Fidel Castro started his revolution. The city is also the birthplace of the world-famous Bacardi Rum. The beach resort town of Varadero stands out with its white sandy beaches and crystal clear Caribbean seawater. Away for its vibrant and colourful cities, Cuba has a tropical jungle to keep tourists busy. A holiday in Cuba promises surprises as well as contradictions. Whether its outdoor ventures or nightlife, Cuba will leave no stone unturned to make your holiday unforgettable. Love Cuba is a one-stop destination to book tailor-made holiday packages to Cuba.

Why Book With Love Cuba

Cuba is the most fascinating of all the Caribbean Islands, where colonial-era heritage remains fixed to be snapshot by the tourists. Away from the cities, the palm-lined beaches and azure sea water allure those longing for the much-needed relaxation. With its rich history of revolution, cigars, salsa and beaches, the Latin American country is a paradise for travellers in quest of both adventure and tranquillity.

Love Cuba is the UK’s foremost travel company and your personal Cuba holiday specialist. We have a wonderful team that possess expert knowledge about the destination both in London and Cuba. Our customised holiday packages to Cuba make sure that you get exactly what you are looking for. Our support staff in Cuba allows us extra assurance to plan your Cuba trip extraordinary. Love Cuba is ATOL protected and also a member of ABTA. Now you can book the flight with confidence and without any hesitation, knowing that you are booking with the best in the business.

How to Book Cheap Holidays to Cuba

Love Cuba is the UK’s apex travel agency offering a wide range of tailor-made Cuba holiday packages. With us, booking a fantastic package to Cuba is hassle-free. Whether you are an individual traveller, group, couple or solo explorer, we have the best holiday deal available for you. Now booking a package to Cuba is a lot easier and all you have to do is to browse our website and look for the best-customised deal. You can also directly call us at 0207 071 3636 and talk to our expert and plan your trip to Cuba.

How Can I Book My Cuba Holidays with Deposit

Cuba is a rich blend of colourful history and spectacular nature, all intertwined. Every city in Cuba is enriched with colonial architectural heritage, making every visit worth to remember. For travellers looking for relaxation and fun, there are high chances of you stumbling upon people performing Salsa and Rumba in the by-lanes of Havana. Slightly off-track from the cities and you will find white sandy beaches laden with palm trees and beach resorts. Now you can plan a trip to Cuba without shelling all at once. Book a customised holiday package to Cuba using our customer-friendly deposit scheme.

Customise Your Cuba Holidays with Love Cuba

Love Cuba believes in making your holiday to Cuba memorable. That is why our tailor-made holiday packages to Cuba are designed considering your budget and choice. Whether it is a private, group, solo or couple travel, you can have any of your trips to Cuba customised. You can ask for any experience in Cuba and we will make it happen. Whether it is a group, family, couple or individual tour, we have the holiday package ready for you even at the last minute. You can opt for any date and number of days and we will customise the best Cuba holiday package for you.

For any last-minute change to your travel itinerary, call us and we are available 24*7. Experience Cuba’s rich culture, vibrant past and incredible nature as you travel to some of the iconic cities, places and historical spots of this Caribbean Island, with every trip specially crafted for you.

Cuba's #1 Receptive, Ground Supplier & Tour Operator Support.

Welcome to cuba.

Cuba Aventuras is the leading active multi-day ground operator, receptive and white label tour operator in Cuba.  We are legal to work with American tour operators!  If you are looking for sea kayaking, biking, hiking, cultural exchanges, photography tours, culinary travel, multisport trips and more  - we are the tour operator you should use.

All Your Needs

We own all of our equipment, have our own permits and sub-contract out very, very little of anything we do.  Our guides are all local, professionally trained, well educated and bi-lingual.  Simply put, we are Cuba's #1 source for all of your adventure needs.

In addition to all of this, we do the most adventure travel in Cuba so we have more buying power than others and can extend outbound tour operators great net rates.  Please use us once and you'll never turn back!

Why Travel to Cuba?

Cuba should be considered seriously as a destination of choice for the more discerning traveller, special interest group or incentive events.  We are uniquely qualified to create a unique travel experience through their extensive knowledge of the country and the local travel industry.

Cuba offers new and exciting travel experiences. It is served by many international scheduled and chartered airlines.  It has all the features and facilities of a tropical paradise with a charm only found on this unique island.  It boasts colonial architecture, beautiful terrain and beaches and it is considered one of the safest destinations for world travelers.

Five star resorts, spas, water sports, entertainment and nightlife make Cuban beaches the place to be. Whether it’s the beaches of Havana or Varadero, you are sure to enjoy your vacation among the romantic plazas, striking architecture and awe-inspiring sun sets. These beaches are considered some of the best in the world for couples, families or corporate events.

Entertainment

There is a pulsating night life in Cuba. From live performances under the stars, to classical music, to the Cuban National Ballet at the Gran Teatro, there is something for everyone. For groups, the entertainment possibilities are endless. Imagine a dinner event with a salsa band, dancing or even a fashion show.

Accommodations

There are hotels and there are other great places to stay. We can find the perfect accommodation for your holiday, from the historical to the trendy, on the beach or downtown, whatever suits you, we are sure to accommodate your specific needs.

Trips and Activities We Operate

Biking Trips

Walking & Hiking Trips

Kayaking Trips

Fishing Trips

Outbound tour operators & agencies, want to sell cuba tours.

Outbound Tour Operators or Travel Agencies  ( even those located in the USA because we have approved itineraries for the American traveler ) - please contact us if you would like more information to charter dates, sell into existing dates or design custom itineraries for your brand!  If you are an active tour operator who is worried about qualified operations, guiding and legal operations -- you've found Cuba's #1 source, bar none!

Hola Sun Holidays

We have fully revamped our website. Enjoy!

Check out our Safety Ring Plan

Hotel Playa Coco, Cayo Coco/Guillermo

Cayo Guillermo Resort Kempinski, Cayo Coco/Guillermo

Sanctuary White Sands, Cayo Cruz

Vila Galé Cayo Paredon, Cayo Paredon

The One Gallery Hotel, Cayo Santa Maria

Gran Muthu Almirante, Holguin

Playa Costa Verde, Holguin

Royalton Hicacos, Varadero

Meliá Internacional, Varadero

Grand Aston Cayo Paredon, Cayo Paredon

Hola Club Rancho Luna, Cienfuegos

Iberostar Bella Vista Varadero, Varadero

Paradisus Los Cayos, Cayo Santa Maria

Grand Muthu Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Coco/Guillermo

Meliá Las Americas, Varadero

Valentin Perla Blanca, Cayo Santa Maria

Featured Cuba Deals

Vacation deals, flight deals, interactive brochure, cuba optional excursions, hola safety ring.

HOTELS ONLY PROMOTIONS

Hotels Only Promotions Explore Our Diverse Range of Hotels in Cuba PLAYA PARAISO Cayo Coco All-Inclusive ★★★★ Mar[...]

Continue Reading

LAST MINUTE DEALS

LAST MINUTE SPRING DEALS SELECTUM VARADERO Varadero All-Inclusive ★★★★ Mar 31, 2024 7 NIGHTS From $ 918[...]

AIR ONLY SPRING DEALS

"Spring Fly Deals: Take Advantage of Savings on Many Flights From TORONTO to CAYO COCO Departure :[...]

SPARTACUS ART & MUSIC FESTIVAL IN CAYO SANTA MARIA, CUBA

Spartacus Art & Music Festival: Embracing the theme "Join the Spartacus Art & Music Festival, Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion!". This[...]

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES IN CUBA

Scuba In Cuba Cuba is not only the largest island in the Caribbean but it is also considered one[...]

Cuba Groups Travel

CUBA GROUPS TRAVEL! Hola Sun recognizes all the work and dedication it takes to put together a group. The groups[...]

Free Wi-Fi for all guests at Sol Melia Hotels

Enjoy a luxury vacation at any of the Sol Melia Resorts in Cuba while keeping up with social media and[...]

CUBA GROUP TRAVEL!

Book Your Group With Hola Sun Holidays And Earn!                       [...]

Latest News from Our Blog

Cuba Adventures

Cuba Adventures  Beyond the beaches, Hola Sun offers you the opportunity to discover this stunning island in multiple ways.[...]

Safety Ring Plan

Download Safety Ring Plan -  Vous pouvez télécharger ici  faites défiler vers le bas pour le français HOLA SAFETY RING PLAN[...]

DISCOVER THE NATURAL WONDERS OF CUBA-Photo Gallery

Photo Gallery of Natural Wonders of Cuba  Falls in Lake Hanabanilla, Villa Clara, Cuba.  Courtesy of Yoel De La Paz[...]

Cayo Saetia: An African Safari in Cuba

By: Farah – January 3, 2023 We recently were invited on a FAM trip by HolaSun Holidays to experience what there is[...]

Dance the Night Away in Santiago de Cuba

By: Farah – January 3, 2023 We recently were invited on a FAM trip by Hola Sun Vacations to experience what there[...]

Clients can truly relax at gorgeous Gran Muthu Almirante Beach Hotel on Cuba’s Playa Guardalavaca

By: Chris Kinasz – March 7, 2023Travelweek GUARDALAVACA — With several more weeks of winter weather no doubt waiting for[...]

Cuba’s Hidden Gem: Exploring the Beauty and Culture of Holguín

January 3, 2023By: Farah at nextdeparture.ca We recently were invited on a FAM trip by Hola Sun Vacations to experience what there[...]

Cubans happy to share music and dance with visitors

A Cuban fam trip clearly can lead to a little Dancing With the Stars Cuba-style. A recent Hola Sun fam[...]

Enjoy Golf in Cuba

Cuba’s Captivating Culture Awaits!

Visit Cayo Saetia – An African Safari in Cuba

Join the Family Fun in Cuba!

Cuba Adventures Awaits

Discover the New and Exciting Destination – Cayo Paredon

Cuba is the place to be

Hola Sun Holidays – TICO Registration # 4062527

Web Development by Radonic+ Travel & Tourism Marketing

What You Need To Be Aware Of As A Tourist Visiting Cuba

B eaches with white sand as fine as sugar, vintage American cars cruising down streets lined by colorful aging buildings, and the chance to puff on a fine cigar while watching people dance the salsa in the warm night air: It's not hard to understand the picture-postcard allure of Cuba. It's a country in the throes of rapid change as it emerges back onto the world stage after decades of stagnation following the 1959 revolution. So now is a wonderful time to pack your dancing shoes and visit the Caribbean's largest island.

However, Cuba isn't an uncomplicated tropical paradise and there are several things you need to be aware of before you visit as a tourist. Like, as an American, is it even legal for you to visit Cuba as a tourist? What's with the money situation? And can you access the internet or are you going back to the Stone Age (also known as the early 1990s)?

Can Americans Visit Cuba?

Cuba is just 103 miles from the tip of Florida making it the ideal winter getaway for sun-seeking Americans. However, the U.S. imposed restrictions on travel to Cuba in 1963 and while the level of restrictions has varied over the years, as of July 2023, Americans can't visit Cuba purely for tourism purposes.

That said, there are 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba, and the one that most Americans visiting the island use is the "support for the Cuban people" category. You'll need a passport with six months validity at the time of entry and two blank pages. You also need a Cuban Tourist Card, which you can usually get from your airline for as little as $50.

Speaking of airlines, you can fly direct to Cuba from several U.S. cities, including Miami, Tampa, New York City , and Houston. Most direct flights from the U.S. land in the Cuban capital of Havana, though there are several nonstop flights from Miami to other destinations in the country, including Santiago de Cuba and the popular beach resort of Varadero.

Cuban Currency

There's good news and, let's say, tricky news when it comes to paying for things in Cuba. The good news is that there is now one currency used by residents and visitors alike in the country: the Cuban peso (CUP). The Cuban convertible peso (CUC), which used to be the currency used by tourists, was eliminated in 2021.

The only official place you can exchange currency in Cuba is at Cadeca exchange houses. You cannot get CUP outside of Cuba, nor should you take the currency home with you. Spend or exchange anything you have left over before you go to the airport (after security, you should pay in foreign currency).

What about credit cards? U.S. credit and debit cards won't work in Cuba. Credit cards from major financial institutions like Visa and Mastercard from other countries should be accepted by certain businesses and ATMs. However, cash is king in the country and it's always a good idea to keep some with you for tips to service workers.

The Internet In Cuba

Cuba is the perfect place to go on a digital detox. We're going to be honest: Getting online isn't as easy as in the U.S. and internet speeds can be sluggish. However, if you need to connect to the internet, you can. The most common way to access the internet in Cuba is via hotspots in places like public parks and on the Malécon in Havana. (They are also perfect for people-watching, so embrace the experience!) Many hotels and some other businesses also have Wi-Fi.

To access the internet in most places you're going to need a NAUTA card, which you can purchase from ETECSA offices around Cuba. Be prepared to stand in line to buy the card and take your passport along with you. Our advice? Be patient and make the most of your offline moments to fully immerse yourself in the Cuban experience. And plan to latergram your posts on Insta.

Sleeping And Eating

When it comes to accommodation in Cuba, you'll find a range of options. From all-inclusive beach resorts to cozy casas particulares, you'll find somewhere to suit your preferences and budget. Our pick for independent travelers is a casa particular, a privately owned guesthouse which offers a fantastic opportunity to experience Cuban hospitality firsthand. Many places offer breakfast and an evening meal, so you can taste home-cooked Cuban food. It's also an excellent way to support the Cuban people (this is likely the stated purpose of your visit, after all) as the money you pay goes directly to the guesthouse owners. In contrast, the Cuban government holds at least a 51% share in all hotels in Cuba. Hotel star ratings are often on the generous side, so be discerning.

As far as food goes in Cuba, your best bet is to go to a paladar, a privately run restaurant that serves excellent versions of classic Cuban dishes like roast pork, shredded beef, and suckling pig (the cuisine is pretty meat-forward). A note on cultural sensitivity: Many products that are widely available in the U.S. might not be in Cuba and even basic products often disappear from Cuban shops at short notice. Savor what's put on your plate and enjoy the often simple but tasty food.

How To Support And Respect The Cuban People

Staying in casas particulares and eating at paladares are just two ways that you can support the Cuban people on your trip. Consider taking a salsa class run by a local, buying locally made handicrafts, and whiling away the steamy nights sipping rum and listening to musicians put on a fabulous show. By patronizing local businesses, not only are you financially supporting the Cuban people, but you're also going to have an authentic Cuban experience.

We touched on the unavailability of some food items earlier, but shortages extend to many consumer products in Cuba. Bring everything you think you'll need for your trip, including medications. You may also want to bring a roll of toilet paper (glamorous, we know), as public bathrooms often don't have it. Power cuts are common; while they might be frustrating, remember that you're only there for a short time and, for Cubans, power cuts are infuriating, so keep your complaints to yourself. This goes for everything, really; if you're not prepared for some minor inconveniences, don't visit Cuba. If you want to take a memorable trip to a country steeped in history with a vibrant culture, stunning urban architecture, and beautiful natural landscapes, it'll all be worth it.

Read this next: The World's Best Places To Put On Your Travel Bucket List

Latest News

• Product News
• Partner News
• Up For Grabs
• The Secret Agent
• Press Releases
• Partner News Promotion
• Travel Gossip on Whatsapp
• California Hub
• New York State Hub
• USA Boot Camp
• Cruise Directory
• Switzerland Destination Hub
• New South Wales Hub
• Homeworking Directory
• New to Cruise Bootcamp
• Competitions, Offers and Incentives
• Big Agent Rewards
• Travel Gossip Roadshow 2024
• View Events Calendar
• Subscribe to our Events Roundup
• Event Organisers
• Bespoke Events
• For Suppliers
• The Travel Celebration
• About Travel Gossip
• The Travel Gossip Team
• The Travel Celebration 2023
• Summer Party 2021
• Facebook Group

Select Page

Maleth to operate new direct flights to Cuba from London and Manchester

Maleth Aero has been chartered to operate a summer programme of direct flights between the UK and Cuba, as flagged by the country’s Ministry of Tourism last month.

The non-stop services, from Gatwick and Manchester, will be the only direct flights to the Caribbean island from the UK since TUI’s flights to Cuba will cease at the end of this month.

The flights are being chartered by Iron Travel, an operator with its main office in Spain, and Euro Airlines will handle the ticketing.

An inaugural flight will depart from Gatwick to Cayo Coco on 5 May carrying up to 25 members of the UK travel trade on a fam trip organised by the Cuban Tourist Office.

Passenger flights will then launch from Manchester on 10 May, operating to Holguin every Friday, and a Gatwick flight will operate to Cayo Coco every Sunday from 12 May.

Maleth, a Maltese carrier, is using an A330-200 for the weekly flights, offering both economy and business-class seating.

Iron Travel Commercial Manager William Ruano said he is hopeful UK tour operators will take seats on the flights, which are also available to book via GDSs.

Share this article

Princess expands UK sales team with two new appointments

Princess Cruises has appointed two new members of staff to it UK sales team. Yasmin McKechnie...

Third UK airport lifts 100ml liquids rule after installing new 3D scanners

Passengers at Aberdeen International Airport no longer need to remove laptops or liquids when...

Ex-Mayor tells tourists not to pay Venice day-trip tax launched today

Venice’s €5 charge for day visitors finally comes into force today. However, not everyone is happy...

Loganair axes three routes and reduces services on seven others

Loganair is to remove three routes from its network and reduce services on others. The UK’s...

France’s biggest ATC union calls off strike, but passengers still face major disruption

The largest union representing air traffic control workers in France has called off strike plans,...

View all news

Advertising

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

What is Labour’s plan for rail travel and will it make tickets cheaper?

Party wants to fully nationalise train network within five years of coming to power, in ‘biggest rail reform for a generation’

Labour has made one of its most radical proposals yet in the run-up to an election campaign: to fully nationalise the train network within five years of coming to power.

The party has pledged to guarantee the cheapest fares as part of “the biggest reform of our railways for a generation”, bringing bring all passenger rail into national ownership under the Great British Railways (GBR) body.

So, how difficult would the plan be to enact and what does it mean for passengers?

How would Labour’s plan for Great British Railways change the way the trains are run?

The headline change is nationalisation: the ambition that all passenger train operations, at least, should return to public ownership. But the wider aim is that control of trains and tracks – “wheels and steel”, as some put it – is brought back under one unified structure, at arm’s length from the government.

The actual railway infrastructure is already managed by the state-owned Network Rail, since the disastrous tenure of Railtrack in the early days of privatisation, and train operations in Scotland, Wales and a large chunk of England are in public ownership. So a fully renationalised railway (bar the rolling stock and freight) is not as big a step as it may once have sounded – and arguably the pragmatic extension of the plans drawn up by the Conservatives in 2021, to end the fragmentation and waste in the system.

How long will the changes take?

Labour said it would get the ball rolling on day one. Given the years it has taken for the Conservatives’ GBR plans to crystallise into a draft bill that has scant chance of passing before an election, supporters of the changes would be forgiven for not holding their breath for legislation. But some of the spadework has been done by the GBR transition team, and Labour will be hoping for a more stable tenancy in Downing Street to see the policy through. It is, it stresses, a long-term plan.

As far as nationalisation of the train operators goes, most of the remaining operators will have their contracts expire naturally within the next term, while the government can exercise break clauses in others, such as Avanti West Coast and Cross Country.

What would the trains look like?

Eventually, they would all be GBR-branded trains rather than the individual liveries and logos of different operators. Labour hopes that this will make things simpler for passengers, avoiding confusion over ticketing, as well as cutting costs.

Would it make train travel cheaper?

Possibly, but not for a while yet. Labour says it wants to make the railway more affordable but has definitively avoided any pledges to cut or even freeze the overall level of fares.

However, it believes that its plans will eventually save £2.2bn a year by avoiding the duplication and bureaucracy brought on by the current system, where the Department for Transport tightly controls and specifies contracts for the private firms, and reams of staff are employed in back-end roles. That could give ministers some scope to use more of the billions in annual taxpayer subsidy to bring fares down long-term.

What about this best-price guarantee?

Make that an “ambition”, according to the policy document . It’s testament to the complexity, or occasional absurdity, of UK rail fares that even after years of industry focus on improving the system, renationalising looks an easier promise than telling a passenger they’ve paid the right amount.

Things can be improved, Labour says, as contactless tap-in and tap-out payments extend through more and more of the country, opening up the possibility of a Transport for London-style system, where fares are streamlined and automatically capped or refunded.

The shadow transport secretary, Louise Haigh, pointedly chose the headquarters of Trainline in central London to launch her plans on Thursday, paying tribute to the travel app firm’s “relentless focus on passengers [and] improving their experience”. Trainline shares fell 10%, even though Labour says it has no plans to replace the private firm with a single state retailer.

But given that the app’s business depends on people paying extra to cut through the railway’s confusing fares, fragmentation and lack of a decent central ticketing site, Trainline shareholder nerves might be taken as a vote of confidence that GBR will improve the industry’s own offering.

How else might passengers benefit?

Labour says it would leave the running of the railway to the experts – but the transport secretary would set strategy and take on the role of passenger-in-chief, and the industry would not be “marking its own homework”.

The plan aims to strengthen the voice of passengers by rolling together the various bodies currently meant to be standing up for them – the watchdog Transport Focus and the little-known Rail Ombudsman, as well as a few divisions of the Office of Rail and Road.

What will happen to the private operators?

Their representatives at Rail Partners warn that it will be “messy” and the railway will lose their expertise. But the people actually running train operators, right up to the managing directors, have typically stayed in post with a different coloured badge when the owning groups moved on, and passengers at say, Southeastern or LNER may not feel life is very different. Firms once regarded as pillars of privatised rail such as Stagecoach, National Express (now Mobico) and Virgin have long exited UK rail already, pursuing business elsewhere.

• Rail industry
• Rail transport

More on this story

British railways under Tories are symbol of national decline, Labour says

Labour promises rail nationalisation within five years of coming to power

‘He made politics human’: Birkenhead mourns beloved MP Frank Field

Tributes paid to Frank Field, former Labour minister, who has died aged 81

Lisa Nandy urges support for UN relief agency for Palestinians

Nearly 1m UK pensioners living in deprivation, official figures show

Angela Rayner handling house sale controversy ‘in right way’, says Yvette Cooper

Bambos Charalambous readmitted to Labour party after investigation

Wes Streeting defends Labour plan to use private sector to cut NHS backlog

Most viewed.

Hilton lifts profit forecast on international travel demand

• Medium Text

Sign up here.

Reporting by Aishwarya Jain in Bengaluru and Doyinsola Oladipo in New York; Editing by Milla Nissi

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

Business Chevron

Meta sparks tech selloff as AI splurge spooks Wall Street

Shares of Meta Platforms sank 13% on Thursday, sparking a selloff in big technology stocks after the social media firm signaled its costly bet on AI could take years to pay off.

Watch CBS News

Top Cuban official says country open to more U.S. deportations, blames embargo for migrant exodus

By Camilo Montoya-Galvez

April 18, 2024 / 4:22 PM EDT / CBS News

Washington — Cuba's government is willing to accept more deportation flights from the U.S. of Cuban migrants, who have traveled to the southern border in record numbers over the past three years, a top Cuban official told CBS News in an exclusive interview. 

After a two-year pause, the U.S. restarted deportation flights to the island last year. Since then, the U.S. has been sending one flight with Cuban deportees to Havana each month.

But in an interview with CBS News this week, Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío said Cuban officials are willing to accommodate more than one flight per month.

"We're open to having more" deportation flights, said Fernández de Cossío, who visited Washington this week to meet with Biden administration officials for the latest round of migration talks between the two countries.

Since the 1959 Cuban Revolution, the U.S. and Cuba have had a deeply contentious relationship. The Cold War-era rivals still bitterly disagree on many issues, from Cuba's human rights record and its ties to China and Russia to the decades-long American embargo on Cuban imports and exports.

But Washington and Havana have worked together on immigration, including by signing the 1994 U.S.-Cuba Migration Accords, which officials from both nations are discussing this week. The two countries' work on immigration has intensified in recent years amid the record arrival of hundreds of thousands of Cubans to the U.S.-Mexico border.

Since the start of fiscal year 2021, the U.S. has processed more than 450,000 Cuban migrants at the southern border, according to Customs and Border Protection data. The flow of Cuban migrants to the U.S. border has slowed since last year, when the Biden administration created programs that have allowed some Cubans to fly into the U.S. legally or appear at an official border crossing.

In the interview this week, Fernández de Cossío blamed the exodus from Cuba in recent years on the U.S. embargo and other American policies, including the 1960s Cuban Adjustment Act, which created a special pathway to permanent U.S. residency for certain Cuban migrants. Only Congress can change that law.

Fernández de Cossío said the U.S. is "aiming at destroying the Cuban economy" through its sanctions. He did not concede that economic mismanagement and repressive policies by Havana have also driven Cubans to flee the island, as the U.S. government has argued.  

"You can speak about other factors, but if you have a consistent policy by the most powerful economy in the world to try to destroy the livelihood of a whole population, 11 million Cubans, it is logical to expect people, a segment of the population, to want to leave the country," he said.

In 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security assessed that "Cuba's deteriorating economic conditions and political repression continue to increasingly drive Cubans out of their country."

Fernández de Cossío also cited the lack of some legal channels for Cuban citizens to come to the U.S. for illegal crossings along the southern border by Cubans.

He urged the State Department to resume the processing of tourist and short-term visas in Havana. The Biden administration restarted immigrant visa processing in Cuba, but short-term visa seekers in Cuba still have to travel to a third country to have their cases processed. 

Fernández de Cossío said U.S. officials informed him they would resume full visa processing in Cuba in the future.

Representatives for the State Department did not respond to requests to comment on Fernández de Cossío's remarks.

Fernández de Cossío expressed some concern about additional U.S. sanctions if former President Donald Trump is elected in November. During Trump's tenure, the U.S. had a more aggressive stance towards Cuba, reversing the Obama administration's attempt to normalize relations with Havana.

"Of course we're concerned if there are additional economic measures [against] Cuba, regardless of who wins the election. The Biden administration has very faithfully applied the policies put in place by the Trump administration and added some," he said. "So we would not [be] surprised they would do it. It would be unfair, and we believe it would be immoral, but we have to acknowledge that would happen and [it] gives us room for concern."

Camilo Montoya-Galvez is the immigration reporter at CBS News. Based in Washington, he covers immigration policy and politics.

More from CBS News

Pelosi says Netanyahu "should resign"

Divided Supreme Court wrestles with dispute over Idaho abortion ban

Secret Service agent assigned to Kamala Harris exhibits "distressing behavior"

3 great reasons to open an online savings account this month

• Latin America
• Expat Living
• Art and Culture
• Science and Tech
• Classifieds
• Advertise with Us

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

How did the Costa Rica President Pay For His House?

Costa rica’s declining press freedom highlighted in us report, costa rica, uae sign economic partnership agreement, why costa rica farmers are going out of business, netflix spends $1.2m on security for costa rica filming, the difficulty of enforcing laws on feeding wild animals.

There is a certain intimacy felt when gazing into the eyes, the “windows of the soul” if you will, of a wild animal. To see a wild creature, in all its splendor, behaving naturally in its native habitat is an experience that can’t be replicated in any zoo or animal sanctuary. When it comes to wildlife tourism, people will pay big money for these experiences, and when done in a manner that doesn’t alter the animal’s natural behavior, they can provide opportunities to increase appreciation and awareness of the intrinsic value of these animals, which in turn promotes empathy for other living creatures.

However, due to a lack of information available, many tourists support unscrupulous tour operators who create unnatural experiences by feeding wild animals in order to provide their clients with an up-close and personal encounter. People’s unawareness of the dangers of feeding wild animals, and tour operators’ willingness to exploit this ignorance, happens everywhere.

While Costa Rica has earned the reputation as one of the most environmentally-conscious countries in the world, with strong environmental laws to boot, the illegal practice of feeding wild animals for profit continues in the country, often openly and without legal repercussions.

In places where wild animals are known to gather, frequently there are signs that state “Don’t Feed the Wildlife.” Often these signs are expressed through images of a hand feeding an animal, with the universal prohibition sign of a red circle and slash across the image, making the undesired action clear, but offering little else in the way of context.

This begs the question of why it is wrong to feed wild animals. If confronted with this question directly, many probably would not be able to provide a complete response. While some may say that it makes the animal more aggressive or that it is bad for its health – both of which are true – most do not realize that feeding wild animals also changes their natural behaviors, which has dire consequences for the creatures’ survival.

Since every wild animal needs to utilize its skills in foraging or hunting in order to survive, by feeding these animals, humans interrupt this natural process so that the animal can become dependent on handouts and forget how to use the skills they need to obtain their own food, which can result in death from starvation. Essentially, the action of feeding enables these creatures by encouraging them to engage in behaviors that are damaging to their own health, which is not altogether different from financially supporting a person with a substance abuse problem.

The practice of feeding wildlife in Costa Rica by tour operators is especially prevalent with the crocodiles and monkeys in the Central Pacific. The town of Tárcoles is famous for its “Crocodile Bridge” and it is not a closely-guarded secret that many of the tour operators that run the boat trips in the Tárcoles River are feeding these crocs. Being reptiles, and by nature cold-blooded, crocodiles spend much of the day lying still and sunning themselves on river banks to regulate their body temperatures.

However, seeing a crocodile lie around does not garner the same amount of excitement as seeing it spring into action when on the hunt. YouTube videos of crocodiles hunting are dramatic, and in order to replicate these exhilarating experiences many tour operators will feed the crocs at Tárcoles, with guides taking personal risks by getting extremely close to the animals in order to provide tourists with a sensational Instagram-worthy video. Not only is this practice detrimental to the animals’ survival, as previously stated, but it also habituates these predators to humans.

Even though the American Crocodile, the species found in Costa Rica, is not likely to eat a human, when an individual starts to associate humans with food, the predator will instinctively go after the source of the food, and often has difficulty distinguishing between the food that the person is feeding it and the person themself. In essence, it could literally “bite the hand that feeds it” and the results may be deadly. A former employee of one of three main tour operators in Tárcoles claimed that all of the companies have been feeding the crocodiles for years, and although it is against the law, there have been little to no fines or repercussions for these actions.

Ariel Darío Lara Araya, the Wildlife Program Coordinator for the Central Pacific Conservation Area of SINAC (Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación), the government agency in charge of overseeing wildlife protection, said that the wildlife conservation law (N° 7317, Article 116) states explicitly that it is illegal to feed wild animals in Costa Rica. However, enforcing this law is difficult because SINAC needs physical evidence to prove the law has been violated.

A system in place, SITADA (Sistema Integrado de Trámite de Denuncias Ambientales), allows environmental complaints to be made, and SINAC conducts investigations based on these complaints, but when they go to the sites of where these alleged infractions are incurring, it is difficult to find conclusive evidence, without catching the offenders redhanded.

While visual evidence, such as online photos or videos of guides feeding crocodiles, can be sent to the prosecutor’s office for due process, if deemed an infraction has taken place, the punishments usually involve negligible fines. While a more powerful deterrent may be the threat of closing down the business, SINAC does not have the authority to take this action, since the businesses that allegedly feed the animals are not categorized under “wildlife management,” as stipulated by the environmental legislation, so SINAC has little more they can do to discourage breaking environmental laws.

Not to be outdone by the crocodile tours, just north of Quepos, there are companies that offer clients an intimate experience with White-faced Capuchin Monkeys by taking them on boats into the mangroves of Isla Damas, and encouraging them to feed the monkeys right out of their own hands.

On many accounts, the monkeys crawl over the guests to get to the food. Although these primates may not present the same immediate physical danger that a crocodile may pose, the animals are equally harmed from a behavioral point of view when people feed them.

Just a few kilometers south of Damas, in Manuel Antonio National Park, one can see the most egregious display of what happens when people feed the Capuchin Monkeys. Here it is well known that the monkeys are so accustomed to being fed by the park visitors, that they now aggressively steal food, as well as backpacks, purses, or any belonging that may contain something edible. While the park states that people should not feed the animals, and have even put up signs that state this explicitly, the monkeys lie in wait near the kiosks that sell food next to the beach.

In fact, many guests find it charming and amusing to see these little thieves in action. There is no visible enforcement here of any significance, which in part is due to a lack of government resources that prevents SINAC from carrying out its responsibilities in preventing human-wildlife interactions. According to Mr. Lara, a measure enacted on February 21, 2021 prohibits visitors from bringing food into Manuel Antonio National Park, and although park officials check the bags of all guests upon entering the park, there are those that smuggle in food without detection.

In addition, the park only has about 3 to 5 rangers to administer the rules, due to a policy within MINAE (Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía – the ministry which oversees SINAC) that allocates all resources equally among the national parks in the Central Pacific Conservation Area. This means that a scarcely-visited national park, such as La Cangreja, has the same number of staff as Manuel Antonio, one of the most visited parks in the country.

There are some ways to address this problem. A better informed consumer will make more responsible decisions. Therefore, one idea is to start with better signage that doesn’t just say “Don’t Feed the Wildlife,” but explains why we shouldn’t feed them. Most tourists, both domestic and international, don’t want to see Costa Rica’s famous wild animals harmed, especially through actions of their own making. Therefore, clear and carefully-worded signs, placed strategically in plain view in the areas where feedings are most common, could help raise awareness of the threats associated with feeding animals.

While SINAC takes the feeding of wild animals seriously, it is clear that a lack of funding and inability to enforce environmental laws on the books has handcuffed the agency, preventing it from taking significant action to curb these malpractices. Through community advocacy, governments can be influenced to allocate funds and personnel in areas where feeding is more pervasive, such as in Manuel Antonio or Tárcoles. Through the implementation of an additional tax on park entrances and services, income could be generated for additional staff for SINAC to help conduct more thorough investigations of tour operators who are allegedly feeding wildlife.

Any additional income could be used to hire more park rangers that could make sure that visitors are not feeding animals in the parks. They should serve not to intimidate tourists, but rather to inform them of the proper way to interact with the wildlife. Instead of simply being told to stop, a person is most likely to change their behavior if they know the reasons why their actions are harmful. It is important to do this in a manner that does not scold, but rather educates.

Wagging a finger at someone usually results in the person digging in their heels and doubling down on their behaviors. While education is important, not to be overlooked is the way in which we educate others, if the ultimate goal is to affect change for the wellbeing of Costa Rica’s most charismatic denizens.

About the Author

Ryan Meczkowski is a Naturalist Guide and Founder of CR Naturalist Experiences, which offers night tours and educational nature excursions in Uvita de Osa. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp +506 6132 9436

Weekly Recap

Costa rica weekly recap news recap april 21, 2024: plastics, vaping and tourism.

Latest Articles

Costa rica faces water supply challenges amid severe drought, costa rican hotels shine in travel+leisure’s best 100 list, costa rican colon surges against us dollar: causes and implications, costa rican court upholds nutritional warning labels on food.