trip to havana cuba 2022

Updated: Apr 18, 2022

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La Habana: Cuba's vibrant Capital

The pulsating capital of Cuba is a myth and a place of nostalgia. With a population of over two million, Havana is the undisputed economic and cultural center of Cuba. At the same time, the city is the largest metropolis in the Caribbean. Havana stands for magnificent buildings, its morbid charm and a paradoxical mixture of melancholy and joy of life.

For a long time, »La Habana« was known as the gateway to the New World. The trade in sugar, tobacco and slaves generated great prosperity. The well-preserved, imposing fortifications bear witness to the city's early importance. In hardly any other place in America is the early history of the emergence of the new continent more present. Because of this historical significance and, of course, its beauty, Havana is also known as the Rome of the Caribbean.

Restorations in Havana's old downtown

For decades, the once frequently visited city had fallen into oblivion. However, in recent years Havana is awakening somewhat from its decades-long slumber. Noble restaurants and luxury hotels are opening in formerly dilapidated palaces. The number of visitors from all over the world is continuously increasing. Nevertheless, Havana remains a place of contrasts. Nowhere else in Cuba is the contradiction between decay and construction more evident. More than almost any other place, Havana also embodies the shallow transition from a socialist planned economy to a market economy that is tentatively opening up.

Havana's architectural appearance is characterized by a mix of Spanish Colonial, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Neo-Gothic and Neoclassical styles. This wild mix reflects the city's turbulent history, which is especially evident in the UNESCO World Heritage-protected downtown.

Explore Havana’s Neighborhoods

Old havana: » la habana vieja «.

Havanas historical downtown La Habana Vieja is the world's largest continuous colonial city center. The district looks back on five centuries of eventful history and is clearly one of the main highlights of the capital.

The Center: »Centro Habana«

In the heart of Havana, the Centro Habana district is also of outstanding importance. The Center is the most vital part of the capital. Important sights include the Barrio Chino , a important walking street, the Boulevard de San Rafael and the iconic waterfront, the world-famous Malecón .

The modern Havana

Besides the district in the old center, the new center should be visited as well. Worth seeing parts of the city include the neighborhoods El Vedado and Miramar , which are located a bit west of the historic city center.

Havana like a Habanero

Nightlife in havana.

Havana offers visitors a number of interesting places to go out. From wild to dignified, everyone should find their place. In our guide on the nightlife in Havana, you will learn what the Havana has to offer at night.

The best places to stay in Havana

Newcomers usually first wonder in which part of the city it is best to accommodate. Havana presents itself as a lively metropolis, which can also be quite exhausting in some areas. While for short stays the old city center is best for most, there are other recommendable areas. Find out what areas should better be avoided and what location is the best for your individual needs.

Getting Around Havana

Besides the question of where to stay, you will also need to move around the Cuban capital. Our transportation guide explains, what options of transportation visitors have for getting around in Havana.

Sightseeing Tours

A specialty of the Cuban capital are sightseeing tours in classic American cars . Besides the vintage cars, there are also regular sightseeing busses , that serve three lines. In our guide on sightseeing tours in Havana, you will learn on prices and routes for the different means of transport.

Excursion & Day Trips

If you plan to discover the soundings of the Cuban capital, there are plenty of interesting options to choose from. Find out what to do, from a visit to Hemingway's Finca, over natural sights, to the beautiful city beaches...

Havanas Beaches: Playas del Este

The city beaches of the Cuban capital, the so-called Playas del Este are several very beautiful beaches, that are located just half an hour ride from the city center. Find out about the beaches and the possibilities of transportation and accommodation.

Where to stay in Havana

Playas del Este

Havana City Tours

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20 things you should know before traveling to Havana, Cuba

Jan 7, 2024 • 10 min read

Make the most out of your time in Havana with this guide to planning, etiquette and safety © JulieanneBirch / Getty Images

For all its tropical charms, Havana isn’t the world’s most straightforward city for travelers.

A unique economic situation, top-heavy state bureaucracy and decades of isolation from its neighbor to the north (the USA) can place obstacles in the way of even simple activities.

But while travel in the Cuban capital can pitch you the occasional curveball, it’s rarely onerous and never dull. Ensure your trip to Havana goes smoothly with our top 20 things to know before you go.

1. Bring proof of insurance

Despite Cuba's extensive state healthcare system, visitors are required to have medical insurance to enter Cuba, and you’ll need to bring a digital or printed proof of your policy. Random checks are conducted at the airport; if you arrive without insurance, you’ll be asked to buy a Cuban policy at the airport.

2. Fill in an online immigration form in advance

With Cuba being one of the world's last Communist states, there's a bit of red tape to navigate . An online form called D’Viajeros containing immigration and health information must be completed by all travelers. You can digitally fill out the form up to 72 hours before you arrive in Cuba, so make this part of your pre-check-in preparations.

3. Different rules apply for US citizens

As a result of the strained political relationship between Cuba and the US, different rules apply for Americans traveling to Cuba. To visit, you'll have to apply for a travel license in one of 12 special categories.

There's no category for vacation, but visitors can often gain entry under the rather opaque “support for the Cuban people” category. Check out our detailed guide to the rules for US travelers .

4. Double-check you have a tourist card

To enter Cuba, all visitors need to present a completed Tourist Card. This travel document is usually available through your airline and is included in the price of many plane tickets, but check with your airline to make sure.

If your airline doesn't provide you with a Tourist Card, you can purchase one through a Cuban travel agency; costs range from US$50 to US$85. Twenty African and Asian countries require a formal visa to enter Cuba, so check the rules for your home country with your local Cuban representative before booking your tickets.

5. It's better to book accommodations in advance

Booking your accommodations before you arrive will not only guarantee you have a place to stay, it will also allow you to pay in advance and travel with less cash – a welcome situation considering the complicated rules for payments in Cuba.

Book a hotel through a reputable agency – Canada-based A Nash Travel has some excellent deals. If you’d prefer to stay in a casa particular (private homestay), use Lonely Planet’s listings to connect with owners directly via email or WhatsApp, or check out the options on Airbnb .

6. Wise up on the new money situation

The rules for making payments in Cuba have always been confusing, even to Cubans, and things have recently become even more confusing.

The country abolished the convertible Cuban peso (CUC) in January 2021 and took the US dollar out of circulation in June 2021, leading to massive inflation and the emergence of a rampant black market. The knock-on effect is a bewildering dual economy.

The official currency of Cuba is the Cuban peso (CUP), but foreign currencies are also widely accepted, especially by private businesses who need hard cash to buy non-rationed goods in special shops that allow purchases using Moneda Libremente Convertible (MLC) – basically, freely convertible currency.

State-run enterprises and banks use official exchange rates, but the superior services offered by private businesses generally reflect the more favorable black market exchange rates.

When buying something from a private business – be it a restaurant, casa particular or taxi service – it’s usually best to pay in a foreign currency. Always ask upfront what currencies are accepted and the exchange rate used for published peso prices.

The euro is the most interchangeable currency and the one preferred by Cubans. You can also use and exchange Canadian dollars and pounds sterling, but avoid US dollars.

When you first arrive, the best policy is to keep most of your money in a foreign currency and only change small amounts into pesos for incidental costs such as museum entry fees, concert tickets and tips. There are also plenty of things you can see and do for free  in Havana.     

7. Pack the right clothes to fit with your plans 

The general dress code in Cuba is pretty casual. Jeans and a T-shirt or button-up shirt are standard attire for guys and girls, though some Cuban women wear colorful rumba dresses for special occasions.

The only real dress code is in cinemas, theaters, nightclubs and upscale restaurants, where male patrons are required to wear long trousers and shirts with sleeves or half-sleeves.

8. Learn Havana's colloquial greetings

Like most big cities, Havana has a rich seam of urban slang. The classic Habanero greeting between friends is qué bola, asere? – which means something akin to “how’s it going, man?” or “what’s up, buddy?”

The word asere is derived from a Nigerian Igbo salutation originally used by the Afro-Cuban Abakuá brotherhood.

The greeting caught on and has now become a form of address peculiar to Havana; don’t use it in Santiago de Cuba where they use the word compay instead. 

9. Consider investing in some quality earplugs

With Havana's crowded houses, narrow streets and penchant for loud live music, this can be one noisy city – and the noise from the street and neighboring rooms and buildings can easily spill into the confines of your room.

If you have sensitive hearing, bring some earplugs or plan on staying in a quieter part of Havana. The suburban (eastern) half of Vedado and the diplomatic district of Miramar are less frenetic neighborhoods, with a few small hotels and plenty of casas particulares  but, crucially, few nightspots.

10. The streets often have two names

Some of Havana’s streets go by two names: a contemporary one that is noted on maps and marked on street signs and a pre-revolutionary one that is still used widely by locals. This can be confusing if you set out on foot to explore Havana's diverse neighborhoods , especially when locals start giving out directions or addresses using the old nomenclature.

Some streets are always referred to by their old names – for example, Paseo de Martí, Havana’s main tree-lined avenue, is invariably called El Prado.

Similarly, Havana’s most famous road, the Avenida de Maceo, is universally known as the Malecón, while the main shopping thoroughfare in Centro Habana (Avenida de Italia) is cherished by all as Galiano.

11. Learn the unusual rules for waiting in Cuban lines

Cubans have to endure a lot of long waits in boring lines, so they’ve invented a way of queueing that doesn’t involve physically standing in line. In a Cuban line, you simply roll up at the bakery/clinic/visa office and yell out quien es último? – meaning “who’s last?” – to the assembled crowd.

All being well, someone in a quarter-mile vicinity will answer your polite inquiry with the word yo (me) and that person will be your yardstick. As long as they’re still around, feel free to go for a walk, sit in the lotus position or buy an ice cream. When they get called up, be on your toes – you’re next!

12. Ask questions more than once

Thanks to Cuba's top-heavy bureaucracy, answers to simple requests aren’t always straightforward and the information you receive may not even be correct, even from official sources. Probe politely and ask at least five different people before you make important decisions.

Can you pay for that taxi in euros? Has that casa particular you stayed in last year really closed forever? The truth is often somewhere in between the first and last answer you'll get.

13. Work out how to differentiate between state-run and private businesses

It’s not always easy for first-time visitors to tell the difference between state-run and private businesses in Cuba – both types have their pros and cons, but by going private, you’ll be putting money directly into the pockets of the Cuban people, and private businesses often offer better standards.

As far as restaurants go, if the food is good and the service friendly and engaging, you’re probably eating in a private dining spot.

When it comes to shops and galleries, places selling official merchandise such as cigars and rum are usually state-run, while more esoteric businesses selling art, secondhand books and unique crafts are generally private.

14. Keep valuables hidden to avoid attracting pickpockets

Havana is a safe city and mostly bereft of violent crime. Pickpocketing is more common but not rampant, and it’s mostly avoidable if you take a few basic precautions.

Wear a money belt, use safe boxes in hotel rooms and don’t flash your cash in public. Walking around with your wallet on display in your back trouser pockets is also a no-no.

15. Don’t change money in the street

Cuba’s widespread black market offers all sorts of options when it comes to changing money, but don’t be talked into exchanging your foreign notes with unlicensed traders on the street. You run the risk of receiving estafas (forged notes) and other kinds of swindles.

16. Bring your own medicines

On one level, Cuba has a good health system – Cuban medics invented and quickly distributed three different COVID-19 vaccines – but it is perennially short of imported pharmaceuticals. Bring all the medications you think you’ll need, including prescription medicines and pharmacy essentials such as ibuprofen and paracetamol.

If you’d like to donate some medicines to the people of Cuba, it is currently possible to bring in 10kg (22lb) of medical supplies tax-free, but you'll need to pack them in a separate bag.

Rather than giving out stuff out willy nilly, it’s better to leave your donations with a trusted Cuban contact to distribute (if you’re staying at a casa particular , ask the owner).

17. Avoid sketchy cigars and other scams

Scams perpetrated by jineteros (hustlers) are commonplace and are generally preceded by friendly chitchat followed by elaborate stories about super-cheap cigars or expert guiding services. While jineteros can be persistent, they are rarely threatening; a polite but firm no gracias usually does the trick of dissuading them.

As a general rule, cigars sold on the streets are usually factory cast-offs or counterfeits of real brands. If you want the real thing, buy your cigars in state-run shops such as the Casa del Habano chain.

Guides can be hit or miss, and those who over-enthusiastically try to talk you into using their services often fall into the latter camp. The best policy is to get in touch with the reputable folks at Free Walking Tour Havana .

18. Beware of sidewalk obstacles

Havana’s sidewalks are filled with hidden – and not so hidden – obstacles. Fruit carts, uneven paving stones, dog droppings and uncovered manholes are just some of the hazards that could ruin your idyllic evening stroll. If you tend to walk around daydreaming or staring at your phone back home, pay extra attention in Havana.

19. Pack toilet paper

The pandemic made the provision of hand sanitizer more common, but the same can’t be said for toilet paper. Public toilets rarely provide supplies so carry your own roll or gravitate to four- or five-star hotels if you’re caught short in the city.

20. Don’t drink the water

Havana's tap water probably won’t kill you, but it can easily give you a little queasiness or an upset stomach.

Bottled water is easy to find and cheap, but to cut down on your plastic use, consider buying a travel water bottle with a built-in filter before you travel and refill it at your accommodations (unfortunately, there aren’t any public water fountains around the city).

This article was first published April 2019 and updated January 2024

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Things to do in havana, explore popular experiences, top attractions in havana.

Other Top Attractions around Havana

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• Fusterlandia
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• Old Square (Plaza Vieja)
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• Havana Forest
• Free Walking Tour Havana
• Cubaoutings
• Old Cars Havana

Cuba Travel Guide for U.S. Citizens: What to Know Before You Go (Updated 2023)

Feb 3, 2023 | Caribbean , Destinations | 0 comments

Planning this trip to Cuba was the most challenging thing I’ve done to date in the name of travel. Out of all 26 countries, thousands of miles, from 5 years of traveling the world.

Once we landed in Havana, I knew that this place was unlike any I’d visited before.

Had I allowed the logistical challenge of traveling to Cuba as a US citizen deter me from visiting this country, it would have been my greatest mistake.

This Cuba travel guide for US citizens is up to date as of early 2023, based on my experience traveling to Cuba in December 2022.

In this post, I will cover Cuba travel FAQ and share how to visit Cuba legally as a US citizen or from a US airport.

Before you read, please note that there are sanctions from the U.S. government that restrict travel to Cuba.

It is the responsibility of each visitor to follow all laws and regulations, at home and abroad.

This website has a limitation of liability policy that applies to all posts, which you can read here .

This post contains affiliate links. See more in the disclaimer .

Can Americans Travel to Cuba?

Yes. And you can even do so independently.

The key is to visit legally, within the confines of OFAC (Office of Foreign Asset Control) regulations due to the embargo and sanctions.

IMPORTANT: These regulations also apply to non-US citizens that are departing from a US airport.

How to Travel to Cuba Legally

There are 12 categories of legal travel to Cuba under OFAC:

• Family visits
• Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations
• Journalistic activity
• Professional research and professional meetings
• Educational activities
• Religious activities
• Athletic competitions by amateur or semi-professional athletes or athletic teams
• Support for the Cuban People
• Humanitarian projects
• Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
• Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materials
• Certain authorized export transactions

Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury

The most common is Support for the Cuban People, which requires the following:

§ 515.574 Support for the Cuban People. (a) General license. The travel-related transactions set forth in § 515.560(c) and other transactions that are intended to provide support for the Cuban people are authorized, provided that: (1) The activities are of: (i) Recognized human rights organizations; (ii) Independent organizations designed to promote a rapid, peaceful transition to democracy; or (iii) Individuals and non-governmental organizations that promote independent activity intended to strengthen civil society in Cuba; and (2) Each traveler engages in a full-time schedule of activities that: (i) Enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, or promote the Cuban people’s independence from Cuban authorities; and (ii) Result in meaningful interaction with individuals in Cuba. (3) The traveler’s schedule of activities does not include free time or recreation in excess of that consistent with a full-time schedule. Source: Code of Federal Regulations

It will not be a vacation where you go to the beach and prop your feet up, buy things wherever you want, and stay wherever you want.

You must have a full-time schedule of activities that result in meaningful engagement with Cubans.

For us, that looked like many, many art tours and private gallery visits where we connected with local artists and had countless meaningful, deep conversations.

No topic was off-limits.

Everyone opened up (including us) and shared our passions, life experiences, opinions, and learned about one another. And yes, we talked about politics.

We were on the go, all day, every day.

And we didn’t really spend time with other foreigners. We crossed paths with foreigners a couple times, but everyone else we spoke to and spent time with was Cuban.

Casas particulares and paladares

Aside from your full-time schedule, you should also stay in casas particulares and eat at paladares.

A casa particular is a room in someone’s house. It’s been a normal way to travel in Cuba for years. There’s an infrastructure around it. You can find them on Airbnb.

We highly recommend this casa particular in Havana and this casa particular in Viñales.

Paladares are privately-owned small restaurants. Download A La Mesa for a list of restaurants all over the country. Each listing shows if it’s privately-owned.

The app also works offline, which will make your life much easier in Cuba.

Pro tip: If you’re also a vegetarian, make sure you try Camino al Sol ! It’s an all-vegetarian paladar in Havana.

What you are banned from doing in Cuba

You cannot spend money in OR interact with any of the places on this list from the US Treasury Department.

Many are hotels, so pay attention!

I copied and pasted these into a list to have on my phone, then accessed it offline while in Cuba to ensure there wouldn’t be any issues.

Is Cuba safe to visit?

Absolutely.

As a young woman who visited 25 countries before going to Cuba, I’ve been in a few…sticky situations. Cuba was amazing.

I never worried about being robbed and just felt at ease the entire time I was there. I tend to be a more anxious person, so that’s new for me.

This is my personal experience and I was not in Cuba as a solo female traveler, so yours could be different.

Is Cuba open for travel right now?

As of late 2022, visitors no longer need to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination or testing before entering Cuba. We brought our vaccine cards just in case, but no one asked to see them.

Please refer to this government site for updated information before your visit.

On our way back to the United States, we did have to share contact tracing information with our airlines using a form before we could check in. It was quick and easy.

Although many online sources claim masks are mandatory in certain settings, we did not see any places where masks were required in December 2022.

Accessing Money in Cuba: 2023 Updates

Everything you need to spend in Cuba must be in cash.

Because of the sanctions, your credit and debit cards will not work in Cuba.

If you try to use them, your bank will probably lock your account and it will take a lot of effort to get it unlocked.

In prior years, you would need to convert money to Cuban pesos before using it. Euros were the best to have because CADECA (the government exchange houses) charged a higher fee on USD exchanges.

As of late 2022, everywhere we went accepted U.S. dollars as payment. This was highly unexpected and deviated from every piece of advice I read online before leaving for Cuba.

However, it is still good to have some pesos for a fairer exchange rate. Some menu exchange rates were awful.

When we were in Cuba, we typically got 150 CUP for 1 USD. The CADECA rate was 110.40 CUP for 1 USD.

We exchanged money at our first casa particular and spent USD on activities, private taxis, and one of our casas. We usually spent pesos on art, food, and coffee.

Make sure you get cash in plenty of small bills. Twenties, tens, fives, and ones were useful. Anything larger than that will be annoying to deal with.

If your bank will only give you large bills, go to Publix and ask the customer service to break them when they’re not busy. Works like a charm!

Is it safe to exchange money on the street in Cuba?

You will be offered money exchange on the street wherever you go in Cuba. Just say “No, gracias,” and move on.

As a general rule of thumb, it is not safe or advised to exchange money on the street. This goes for wherever you are in the world.

The main reason it’s unwise to do this is forged currency. If it came from some random person, it may be counterfeit.

A local friend taught us how to know your Cuban pesos are real. Hold the bill up to the sun, and check the watermark.

The watermark will have a number on it, and that number must match the value of the bill.

If it’s a 100-peso bill, the number in the watermark should say 100.

Again, I do not recommend exchanging money in the street. We didn’t on this trip because we were able to get pesos from the front desk of our casa particular.

If you’re ever concerned about any bills you were given as change, use the tip from our friend for some peace of mind.

I also want to make it clear that we were never given counterfeit bills as change while in Cuba, but these things can happen anywhere.

You’re more vulnerable as a foreigner, because you don’t know exactly how the money is supposed to look.

Getting WiFi in Cuba

If a travel guide says there are only one-hour WiFi cards, it is outdated.

Now, you can access WiFi on a one-hour or a five-hour card.

WiFi is now cheaper in Cuba—it was $5 USD per hour; now, it’s $1 USD per hour.

We only needed one 5-hour card per person for the whole week.

Instead of waiting in the ETECSA line, we bought them from our first casa particular .

Overall, our Cuba WiFi experience was much easier than what we expected.

Don’t expect to be online all the time, but WiFi access is not as difficult as prior years.

Pro tip: The two main apps I highly recommend to download BEFORE you leave for Cuba are A La Mesa and Maps.me . Both work well offline and will save you such a headache.

On Maps.me specifically, also download the maps of each city/town you will visit in Cuba. In our case, I downloaded the maps for Havana and Viñales. When you have Internet access, put your casa particular addresses in a Note on your phone, so you copy and paste them into Maps.me whenever you need to. Same goes for any attractions you know you want to see.

If you want (and if your phone is unlocked), you could get a Cuba sim card, which comes with data. I don’t see the point for a one-week trip, but to each their own.

You can reserve those online in advance from Suena and pick them up at the José Martí airport (in Havana). If you go this route, you want the Tourist SIM Card from the top menu.

Can you drink the water in Cuba?

In short, no.

There was bottled water for sale everywhere on our trip in December 2022, but I read online before leaving that you can’t bank on that.

Instead, I bought this LifeStraw to have filtered water and it was the best travel purchase I’ve made. Ever.

Our Viñales casa particular hostess took one look at that bottle and pointed me to her giant drinking water spigot for us to have freely.

She was already familiar with the water situation for foreigners and told me it was smart to bring a reusable filtered bottle.

Highly recommend one of these !

Can you check in online for flights to Cuba?

There are too many documents the airlines must verify before they can issue a boarding pass.

You will also need a paper boarding pass for your Cuban health insurance, often included in your departure airfare.

Do you need to speak Spanish to visit Cuba?

Out of all Spanish-speaking countries I’ve visited, Cuba is the main one you need at least some language skills to visit.

There are people who speak English, especially young people, but it is not the norm.

If you don’t speak Spanish and you’re not traveling with a friend who does, download Google Translate for offline use before you arrive.

It won’t be ideal, but it will work when you need language help.

The best advice I can give is to travel with someone who speaks Spanish fluently. My best friend said many times while we were in Cuba that she would be toast without my language skills.

Can I bring Cuban cigars and rum back into the USA as souvenirs?

The answer used to be yes, as long as you purchased them from a private shop instead of a stated-owned one.

That answer is no longer the case, as of late 2022.

Now, you cannot bring any rum or cigars into the USA from Cuba, no matter how small the amount is or where they were purchased within Cuba.

When you arrive back into the USA, Customs and Border Patrol will ask if you have any rum or cigars. If you do, assume they will be confiscated.

What to Pack for Your Cuba Trip

I pack carry-on only and found Cuba to be one of the easier countries to pack for. The climate in December was perfect, with 80s in the day and 60s-70s at night.

Here is a short packing list of the things you need before going to Cuba:

• Mosquito repellent, because the insects in Cuba will eat you alive (I use these .)
• Comfortable shoes for lots of walking
• Cardigan or light sweatshirt
• Flowy/comfortable clothes (You can see one of the outfits I packed below.)
• One active wear outfit for hiking/horseback or bike riding (if you’re going to Viñales)

I hope this Cuba travel FAQ was helpful for you. I know how stressful it can be to figure out what to do when planning. If you have any questions, comment below and I’ll do what I can to help!

Read more Cuba travel guides:

• Cuba Pre-Departure Checklist
• What to See and Do in Cuba (Havana and Viñales)
• At Dusk in Havana, I Fell in Love
• Havana, the Art Sanctuary
• When It Destroys, It Starts with Us
• The Elephant in the Room: Socialism in Cuba

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Hi, I'm Sarah

Welcome to my oasis! I am a writer and budding entrepreneur with a love for caffeine, capital gains, and seeing the world. If I'm not writing, you can find me reading a good book, trying out a new vegan recipe, or adding to my coffee mug collection. My goal in life? To see every country in the world. Come along for the ride!

Best of Cuba

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• COVID-19 protected
• Local culture
• Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Customizable
• Booking Type Instant booking
• duration 15 days
• tour type Small group Request as private
• age requirement 15-99 yrs
• max group size 16
• guiding method Fully guided
• Tour Code BM-3458

• Starts Havana, Cuba
• Ends Havana, Cuba
• Old-world charm, rich history, exciting nightlife – evocative Havana is like nowhere else on Earth. See the difference between city and coastal life on a guided walking tour of the old capital.
• Receive a fascinating insight into the rise and fall of the charismatic and highly celebrated Cuban revolutionary – Che Guevara – at his mausoleum and museum in Santa Clara.
• With its vibrant music scene and Afro-Cuban roots, sultry Santiago de Cuba is a great place to bust out some moves and hit the dance floor with the locals.
• Experience old-world charm in the colourful coastal town of Trinidad. Delve into the city’s sultry Latin rhythms with a salsa class and enjoy plenty of free time for seaside relaxation.
• Take inspiration from the locals and mix things up with a bicycle-taxi tour of Camaguey – roll through the winding streets on two-wheels, visiting markets, plazas and an art gallery.
• Day 1: Havana
• Day 2: Havana
• Day 3: Sancti Spiritus
• Day 4: Holguin
• Day 5: Baracoa
• Day 6: Baracoa
• Day 7: Santiago de Cuba
• Day 8: Santiago de Cuba
• Day 9: Camaguey
• Day 10: Camaguey
• Day 11: Trinidad
• Day 12: Trinidad
• Day 13: Cienfuegos
• Day 14: Havana
• Day 15: Havana
• Standard guesthouse (10 nights), Hotel (4 nights)
• 14 Breakfasts
• Private vehicle , Taxi , Boat
• An expert tour leader
• Complimentary Arrival Transfer
• Havana - Leader-led walking tour of Old Havana
• Santa Clara - Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum (entrance fee)
• Holguin - La Loma de Cruz (sunset lookout)
• Holguin - Leader-led orientation walk
• Baracoa - Leader-led Orientation Walk
• Baracoa - Boca de Yumuri Canyon boat tour
• Baracoa - Cocoa plantation visit
• Santiago de Cuba - Leader-led Orientation Walk
• Guantanamo Bay Viewpoint (time & weather dependent)
• Santiago de Cuba - Half-day City Tour including El Morro Castle, Santa Ifigenia Cemetery & Moncada Barracks (guide, transport &entrance fees included)
• Santiago de Cuba - night live music
• Camaguey - Leader - led orientation walk
• Bayamo - Leader-led Orientation Walk
• Camaguey - Rum tasting in a local bar
• Camaguey - Bicycle Taxi City Tour (guide and transport included)
• Trinidad - Leader-led orientation walk
• Ciego de Ávila - Jewellery workshop (Community-based project)
• Trinidad - Salsa Dance Lesson (1 hour)
• Cienfuegos - Leader-led orientation walk
• Cienfuegos - Palacio de Valle (from entrance fee)
• Guanaroca Lagoon - boat tour
• Cienfuegos - cigar factory visit
• Bay of Pigs - Coastal swim stop
• Any international flights to/from Havana are not included in this price. We always recommend that you arrive 1 day prior to your tour starting date.
• Travel insurance is not included in this Best of Cuba tour. Travel insurance is mandatory to buy. World Nomads' travel insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers.
• Personal Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.
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• Privacy Enjoy a tour focused solely on you or your travel group.
• Earn US$ 68+ in travel credits.
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No additional cancellation fees apply for this Best of Cuba tour. You can cancel the tour up to 58 days prior departure and avoid paying the full amount, but your deposit paid is non-refundable. No refund applies for cancellations within 57 days of departure.

For any tour departures within 21 June 2024, full payment is required. For tours that depart later than 21 June 2024, a deposit of 400 USD is required to confirm the tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 57 days before trip departure.

Best of Cuba tour requires that you have adequate and valid travel insurance covering medical and personal accidents, including repatriation costs and emergency evacuation. World Nomads offers travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families.

For this Best of Cuba tour getting the required visa(s) is the responsibility for each individual traveller, as visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. We recommend to check with your local embassies representing the countries that you are traveling to, as part of this itinerary.

• The guesthouses (casas) we use are much nicer than your average Cuban dwelling and each room is unique. Regardless of where you stay, power cuts and breaks in hot water supply are sometimes unavoidable, as in any developing country – but we believe that this is all a part of the local experience. To help set your expectations correctly, please read the ‘Accommodation’ section of the Essential Trip Information.
• Luxuries such as air conditioning, plush pillows, and fly screens, are often scarce. Part of the experience here is learning to appreciate everyday Cuban resourcefulness.
• Internet access can be hard to come by, and when it's available it's often unreliable and expensive. Treat this as a great opportunity to take a break from modern devices and have a true holiday.
• Cuba is different, and that's a big part of its allure. Things don't always go according to plan, and many things don't work the same way as back home. Patience and good humour will go a long way in this beautiful destination.
• As this trip covers a lot of land, you'll be spending quite a bit of time travelling.Cuba's road condition and infrastructure is still fragile in various parts of the country so delays may often happen. It’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
• Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is no longer mandatory on departures after 1st January 2023. Nonetheless, all travellers are strongly advised to be vaccinated as a safety measure to protect themselves and others on the tour. This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination are required.
• Also, proof of vaccination may still be required at specific entry points or by the airlines. Therefore, please make sure to check all the travel requirements carefully before travelling.

This trip incorporates the following COVID-19 measures:

• This tour has received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels stamp, which provides travellers with assurance that COVID-19 health and hygiene global standardised protocols have been adopted.
• Hygiene and safety guidelines will be followed to ensure your well being is looked after during travels.

Generally speaking, the guesthouses are all about 3 stars in quality, well located, and have great local service in each location. The amenities may be simple but the rooms and beds are comfortable. On the original style trips, shared bathroom facilities may be used at some locations. The tour operator doesn’t provide the names of the guesthouses pre-trip as the locations aren't finalized until closer to departure.

• Physical preparation
• Joining point description
• Joining point instructions
• Finish point instructions
• Food and dietary requirements
• Money matters
• Climate and seasonal
• Your fellow travellers
• Itinerary disclaimer
• Important information
• Finish point description
• A couple of rules
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Escape to paradise with an all-inclusive package to Cuba

Cuba is a treasure trove of diverse landscapes and attractions, making it the perfect destination for an all-inclusive vacation. From the stunning white sand beaches to the dramatic black sand beaches, there is something for every beach lover. Adventure seekers can explore fascinating caves, try their hand at canoeing, skydiving, or rock climbing. For sports enthusiasts, baseball is a national passion. History buffs will be captivated by the rich archaeological sites, while those seeking tranquility can escape to the picturesque countryside. With its unique blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences, Cuba promises an unforgettable vacation.

Top reasons for your vacation to Cuba

• Diverse Landscapes: Cuba offers a variety of landscapes, from stunning white sand beaches to dramatic black sand beaches, providing options for every beach lover.
• Adventure Opportunities: For adventure seekers, Cuba provides opportunities to explore fascinating caves, try canoeing, skydiving, and rock climbing.
• Sports Enthusiasm: Baseball is a national passion in Cuba, making it an ideal destination for sports enthusiasts to watch and enjoy the game.
• Rich History: History buffs will be captivated by the rich archaeological sites and the chance to delve into Cuba's fascinating past.
• Tranquil Countryside: Those seeking tranquility can escape to the picturesque countryside and enjoy the peacefulness it offers.

Book a Package and Save Money on Your Cuba Vacation

An all-inclusive travel package for Cuba combines flights with accommodations, and sometimes car rental, into one convenient booking. This eliminates the need to search for separate deals and saves you time and effort. By bundling these components together, you can often save money compared to booking them individually. Customize your package to fit your preferences and budget with Expedia's price and theme filters.

Experience the beauty and thrill of Cuba with an all-inclusive package vacation. From canoeing and exploring caves to skydiving and rock climbing, there is something for every adventure seeker. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history with archaeology tours and enjoy the stunning white and black sand beaches. Book now for the perfect Cuban getaway.

How to Save Money on a Vacation to Cuba

• Take advantage of Expedia's OneKey program to collect points and save money on your all-inclusive vacation package to Cuba.
• Consider booking your flights and hotels together to save money on your trip.
• Opt for local transport options such as taxis or public buses instead of expensive tourist taxis.
• Explore free or low-cost activities and attractions in Cuba, such as walking tours, visiting local markets, or enjoying the country's beautiful beaches.
• Enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine at local restaurants and street food stalls instead of expensive tourist restaurants.
• Shop at local markets and street vendors for souvenirs and gifts instead of tourist shops.
• Take advantage of happy hour deals and drink specials at bars and restaurants.
• Consider traveling during the low season, which is typically from May to October, for lower prices on accommodations and activities.
• Research and book your activities and sightseeing tours in advance to take advantage of any discounts or promotions.
• Pack light to avoid excess baggage fees and consider bringing essential items with you instead of purchasing them in Cuba.

Where to Stay in Cuba

Cuba offers a variety of exciting areas for an all-inclusive vacation. From the beautiful white sand beaches and cave exploring in Varadero, to the thrill of skydiving and rock climbing in Vinales, there is something for everyone. Don't forget to experience the vibrant baseball culture in Havana and explore the rich archaeology in Trinidad. The countryside also offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.

• Havana : Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Havana with its tropical vibes, jazz music, and lively dancing scene. Explore the city's rich history through its monuments and luxury skyscrapers. Don't miss the chance to visit the marina, opera house, and bustling port.
• Santiago de Cuba : Immerse yourself in the culture of Santiago de Cuba with its impressive monuments, fascinating museums, and beautiful natural parks. Discover the city's history with visits to castles and cathedrals, or enjoy thrilling adventures at theme parks. Get ready to dance to the rhythm of this vibrant city.
• Matanzas : Explore Matanzas and its breathtaking river views. Discover the city's rich history through its monuments and museums. Enjoy outdoor activities like boating, birdwatching, and biking in the city's natural parks. Don't miss the chance to attend a theater performance or go on exciting excursions.

Explore the best places to visit in Cuba

Cuba offers a vibrant and diverse atmosphere for an all-inclusive package vacation. Explore breathtaking beaches with both white and black sand, and enjoy thrilling activities like canoeing, cave exploring, skydiving, and rock climbing. Immerse yourself in the local culture by watching a baseball game or delving into the rich archaeology of the region. Whether you prefer the tranquility of the countryside or the excitement of the city, Cuba has something for everyone.

• Hotel Nacional de Cuba : This historical hotel in Havana offers a unique experience with its stunning architecture, museums showcasing Cuban history, live music performances, and vibrant entertainment. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and enjoy a leisurely walk through its tropical gardens while taking in the breathtaking views. Don't miss the chance to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site that this hotel is located in.
• Varadero Beach : Located in Varadero, this beach paradise is the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun. With its pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters, it offers a unique beach experience. Take a refreshing swim, indulge in water sports, or simply unwind on the beach while enjoying the tropical breeze.
• Malec√≥n : This iconic street in Havana is known for its scenic views and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Malec√≥n, taking in the natural parks and historic monuments that line the way. Experience the local culture as you interact with street performers and soak up the lively ambiance of this bustling street.

Best months to visit Cuba

Cuba boasts a year-around average temperature of 77.1°F, peaking at 82.2°F in July, August, its warmest month, and dipping to an average low of 71.2°F in January, the coolest. Rainfall averages at 109.7mm annually, with September seeing the heaviest showers and February being the driest month.

FAQs for Cuban vacation all-inclusive packages

What are some of the best spots for cuban vacation all-inclusive packages.

To get the most out of Cuban vacation all-inclusive packages, you'll need to book your stay in the part of Cuba that best suits your desired experience. Havana is a popular destination for first-time visitors and those interested in the local culture and history. Varadero is the ideal destination for travelers looking to embrace nature and stay by the beach.

How much are Cuban vacation all-inclusive packages?

Whether you're traveling on a budget or ready to indulge in luxury, you'll find suitable Cuban vacation all-inclusive packages. Some are available for as low as , but the cost depends on several factors. When in 2024 you visit plays a major role, as do the rating of your hotel and the time of your flight.

What are all-inclusive resorts in Havana, Cuba, like?

Havana is the country's capital and home to a thriving culture with numerous activities for travelers to enjoy. All-inclusive resorts in Havana, Cuba, let you enjoy it all in addition to convenient amenities. On-site restaurants as well as room service are fairly standard. You may also find special features like activities including kayaking and scuba diving. Some resorts even have their own built-in nightclubs if you're looking for an after-dark experience.

What are all-inclusive hotels in Varadero, Cuba, like?

All-inclusive hotels in Varadero, Cuba, take area beaches to the next level with top-quality amenities you can enjoy. Royalton Hicacos , for example, features not only convenient access to the beach but an entire spa facility. There are also 5 restaurants and 5 bars and lounges on site too.

How are Cuban resorts on the beach?

Cuban resorts on the beach are among the most popular in the country. These resorts take full advantage of their location, making it easy to access the beach and have fun on the water. If you get tired of ocean water, these resorts tend to have at least 1 pool but usually more. Additionally, you'll find spa facilities throughout that let you take advantage of the tranquil shore.

Are there 5-star all-inclusive resorts in Cuba?

The 5-star all-inclusive resorts in Cuba are the best of the best, and they're what you'll want to opt for to feel especially pampered in this jewel of Caribbean. These are the resorts that go above and beyond to make sure that you are pampered. The spa services are top of the line, with some going so far as to take the services directly to your room. You'll also find services that let you get the most of your visit, whether you're interested in beachfront, golf, or any other kind of activity along the sandy shores.

Why book Expedia all-inclusive vacations?

Booking with Expedia is the best way to enjoy convenience and savings on your next trip. When you book your accommodations alongside your flight, you can see savings of up to depending on what package you opt for. Additionally, you'll find search filters that make it quick and easy to narrow down your results.

Top All inclusive Cuba Hotels

• 14 min drive from Hotel Nacional de Cuba

Reviewed on Dec 23, 2020

• 38 min drive from Hotel Nacional de Cuba

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2020

• 6 hours drive from Hotel Nacional de Cuba

Reviewed on Mar 7, 2020

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More Vacation Ideas

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."

Cuba Tours & Vacations

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 color and charisma?

Our Cuba trips

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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 recognized 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 defense 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 neighbors, 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 neighbors, 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 favorites that are definitely worth trying. Try out the local cuisine on our 8 day Cuba Highlights tour.

What to eat in Cuba

Pastelitos These small pastries can be either sweet or savory. 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 ot 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 flavorful addition to any meal and served up at virtually every Cuban restaurant you'll come across.

If you're 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 America countries and are an easy (and often cheap) snack.

Although flan is known 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 varities. Get ready for a seriously delicious sugar high.

Coppelia ice cream Line up with locals to savor a sweet scoop from Coppelia ice cream parlor. This Cuban institution serves tried and true flavors like chocolate and vanilla as well as exotic favorites 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, snorkeling, 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 authorized 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 traveling light, a CD or a local artist’s info to add to your playlist.

Do some serious souvenir shopping on our 8 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 travelers 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 traveled to Central America and you're looking for somewhere similar? Check out tours to neighboring 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 travelers 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 travelers 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 travelers.

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 traveling 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 traveling to Cuba, please refer to the US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs website –  travel.state.gov  – for the latest advice.  

We recommend traveling to Cuba via Canada, Europe, and South or Central America. Travelers 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 cell phone while in Cuba?

Your cell 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 cell 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 sanitizer 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 traveling.

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 90°F) 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 79°F 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+ travelers?

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 traveling 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 travelers 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 travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward 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 traveling. 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 travelers 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 traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling 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 traveling?

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 mobilize 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

3 Days in Havana, an Itinerary for First Time Visitors

The Cuban capital Havana is a melting pot of colonialism and communism, migration and political movements, and music, art, and dance which makes it a city like no other. Thanks to this rich and varied history, though, Havana is the perfect destination for those who want a trip filled with culture, sightseeing, history, art, people-watching, and, of course, classic cars!

The city itself is a mishmash of old and new, with decaying buildings and vintage cars sitting alongside well-kept art deco structures and a handful of Western restaurants. The color, culture, and Cuban music floating through the streets will make you feel alive and you’re sure to learn a wealth of new information as you discover this intriguing country!

Three days in Havana gives you a good amount of time to explore the city highlights as well as to get a taste of the country’s charm (and hopefully its rum too!).

Read on to find out my top tips about visiting Cuba and what I think makes the perfect three-day Havana itinerary…

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.

Table of Contents

How To Get To And From The Airport In Havana

While Havana airport can be quite confusing for first-time visitors, there is a range of options available for getting to/from the airport to the city center. The choice you make will depend on your budget and your confidence as a traveler as some are more adventurous than others.

Officially speaking, there isn’t an airport shuttle service that you can book upon arrival in Cuba, but there is the option to book an airport shuttle into the center of Havana before you arrive. This is ideal for those who want a relatively cheap option, in a safe, comfortable, air-conditioned minibus but please be aware that the service can take a long time to reach the center as it will drop various people off along the way.

The second option for getting from the airport into the heart of Havana is to take a taxi. All taxis located within the airport rank have to be licensed so you won’t have to worry about taking a legitimate ride. It is worth noting, however, that you will be approached by many drivers as you come out of the airport which can be quite overwhelming for novice travelers. As long as you have an idea of prices you shouldn’t be ripped off, and if you have some Spanish language skills to barter with even better!

Tourist cabs are the yellow and black taxis available and will cost around $30/30 CUC while the Almendron taxis (i.e. the stylish 1950s classic cars) can seat more passengers so tend to cost around $50/50 CUC. This cost could be shared by fellow passengers if you’re willing to split the fare.

Alternatively, you can pre-book a taxi from the airport so you don’t have to worry about the hassle of bartering, and you’ll just need to look out for a driver holding a placard with your name on it. A pre-booked taxi is likely to cost around $50/50 CUC.

Lastly is the option for adventurous, budget travelers: the public bus. The public bus leaves from the edge of the airport complex (the P12 stop) which lies around 3km from the main international terminal T3. It is therefore only a good option if you travel light, don’t mind a long walk, and are arriving during the day. If you really want to get the bus but don’t want to walk, you could try to bargain with a waiting driver to take you to the bus stop (should be around $1/1 CUC per person).

Once you arrive at the bus stop there’s no telling exactly when the bus will arrive, and it’s worth mentioning that it is likely to be extremely crowded and hot (which is what you would expect for a journey that costs $0.05/0.05 CUC). If you’re staying in Old Havana then you’ll need to stay on the bus until the last stop (near Capitol) and walk or take a cycle taxi from there to your Casa or Hotel.

Top Tips About Travelling to Cuba

Cuba is a destination unlike any other so it’s worth being aware of a few things before you arrive so it’s not too much of a shock to the system. Even the most worldly travelers are likely to be surprised by some things when they arrive in this Caribbean country.

You must get a visa or tourist card before you arrive

Most travelers visiting Cuba will need to obtain a visa or tourist card before they travel which must be purchased and collected before boarding their flight to Havana. This can be done from the Cuban Embassy in your home country, by post, or sometimes through an airline or travel agency.

It is vital that you check you have received the correct documentation before travel to ensure you aren’t refused entry onto the plane or into Cuba. Visas are tourist cards that are required for all travelers (unless you are a citizen of one of the few exempt countries), regardless of age. Check here the requirements for the Cuba Visa for Indians. 

You may also be asked for proof of return travel to your home country or onward destination, proof of medical insurance, proof of financial solvency (usually at least US$50 per day), and possibly also at least two months validity on your passport from your date of arrival.

Internet in Cuba is BAD and expensive

Free WiFi in Cuba just isn’t really a thing, so it’s definitely not a destination you should choose if you’re a digital nomad hoping to work on the road. It is, however, a fantastic location if you want to have a digital detox for a few weeks!

The internet can only be accessed in Cuba by buying an ETECSA WiFi card or by logging on (and paying for) hotel WiFi. WiFi cards can be purchased at ETECSA stores (you’ll need your passport and will have to wait in line), from hotels or from ETECSA card ‘salesmen’ in the street or small kiosks (usually at an inflated price but much quicker).

It’s also worth pointing out that the internet in Cuba is restricted and censored by the government so do keep this in mind when browsing.

It is a communist country

Finally, it’s also worth remembering that Cuba is very much still a communist country which means that almost all businesses are government-owned, most people rely on rations to get by, there aren’t regular supermarkets or stores and there is plenty of propaganda still displayed throughout the country.

That’s not to say that this is necessarily a bad thing, just that it is very different from most other tourist destinations and may provide a bit of a shock to the system. On the whole, Cuba is a pretty poor country, with lots of dilapidated buildings and while there is a burgeoning tourist scene, you might have moments where you feel uncomfortable with the disparity between those working in the tourism industry and those working for government businesses.

How to spend 3 days in Havana Cuba

3 days in Havana: Day One & Day Two  – Explore Havana Vieja

Havana Vieja is Old Town Havana and is the main, central area of the city that is home to beautiful buildings, old cars, museums, markets, parks, and plazas. This is a lovely area to explore on foot, simply spending time wandering through the city streets while soaking up the local culture.

1. Almacenes San José Artisans’ Market

The Almacenes San José Artisans’ Market is a large marketplace located in the Port of Havana that not only features souvenir stalls selling Cuban handicrafts but also puts on cultural performances and art exhibitions. This is a good place to come to get a sense of Cuban culture as well as to support the locals by buying their wares made from wood, leather, ceramics, and much more.

2. Museo del Ron Havana Club

Most people who travel to Cuba want to visit the Havana Club museum, the city center distillery that gives visitors an insight into the process of making one of the world’s most famous drinks! The museum shows how these masters turn freshly cut sugar cane into delicious-tasting rum, and of course, allows you to try a tipple or two.

3. Plaza Vieja

The Plaza Vieja, or Old Square, in Havana, is a large, open plaza surrounded by colonial houses in various states of restoration or disrepair.

While the square used to be the location for fiestas, bullfights, parades and even executions, today the plaza is more of a place to come and relax in one of the many restaurants and cafes dotted around the outside.

4. Hotel Ambos Mundos

The 20th-century Hotel Ambos Mundos in Old Havana is famous not only for its pristine architecture but also because it was home to American writer Ernest Hemmingway during the 1930s. Hemmingway resided in a room on the 5th floor (which he rented for $1.50/night) and it was here that he began his famous work For Whom The Bell Tolls.

Today, travellers can visit his room (room 511) which has been restored to how it would have looked when he lived there, and there is also a rooftop bar/terrace which offers lovely views of Havana Vieja.

5. Plaza de San Francisco de Asís

Another of Havana’s famous squares is the Plaza de San Francisco de Asís, a plaza which is home to the Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi as well as the impressive Fuente de Los Leones fountain made by a famous Italian sculptor from white marble in 1836 and gifted to the city.

6. Plaza de Armas

The Plaza de Armas is one of the busier squares in Havana that plays host to the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes monument, the Greek-style El Templete temple and the palatial Casa del Conde de Santovenia.

The square boasts amazing views across the water to the El Morro Castle and also features a daily second-hand book market (except Sundays).

7. Calla Mercaderes

Calla Mercaderes is a car-free street in central Havana that is home to both modern shops and restaurants as well as old museums such as the Casa de Asia, the Armería 9 de Abril and the Museo de Bomberos. This is a pretty busy part of Havana but the museums here are mostly free and surprisingly quiet.

8. Palacio de los Capitanes Generales

The grand Palacio de los Capitanes Generales is located on the eastern side of the Plaza de Armas and is home to the Museum of Havana, a museum displaying the original rooms as well as a collection of historical art and artefacts.

The building is Baroque in style and has been used as the governor’s house, a prison, a presidential palace and now a museum.

9. Castillo de la Real Fuerza

The Castillo de la Real Fuerza (not to be confused with Morro Castle), situated on the western side of the harbour of Havana, is thought to be the oldest stone fort in the Americas and is now home to the city’s Maritime Museum.

The fort was created as a defence against pirates but has also been used as the National Archive and National Library and briefly as the Museum of Arms.

10. Plaza de la Catedral

The Plaza de la Catedral, as the name suggests, is home to the Havana Cathedral, a Baroque church with grand bell towers, a large tiled dome and fossilised marine life buried in the walls.

The square also features the Museo del Arte Colonial (Colonial Art Museum) and the Palacio del Conde Lombillo.

11. Eat at La Bodeguita del Medio restaurant

La Bodeguita del Medio in Havana was another of Hemmingway’s hotspots and is a great place to grab a bite to eat as well as a much-deserved holiday mojito! They serve up traditional Cuban dishes of pork, rice and beans and there is loads of graffiti from famous names all over the walls.

12. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana

For those interested in fine arts, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana is the place to go. Visitors can discover Cuban works of arts as well as pieces by international artists, with permanent and temporary exhibitions on display throughout the year.

13. Revolution Museum

Most travellers’ favourite museum when visiting Havana is the Revolution Museum, a site that gives an insight into the 1959 Cuban Revolution and the country’s ongoing political struggles since then. Housed in the former Presidential Palace, the museum features photos, stories, weapons, sculptures, blood-stained uniforms and exhibits of the planes, cars and ships used in the revolution.

14. El Floridita

To end one of your evenings in Havana you may want to go to El Floridita, another of Hemmingway’s haunts that is famous for its daiquiris. The bar features a large, bronze statue of the writer perched up against the bar, and while it can be pretty busy with tourists it does have a buzzing atmosphere that makes it a great place to end the day.

15. Dinner and show at Buena Vista Social Club

Alternatively, you may rather a dinner and show at Buena Vista Social Club, a venue that is famed for sharing Cuban music with the world, served up alongside welcome cocktails and tasty dinners. This is a fairly expensive night out (around $69pp) but it is good fun and will be one of your most memorable evenings in Havana.

3 days in Havana: Day Three  – Modern Havana

While Habana Vieja is the main hub for tourists in the city, Modern Havana also has its own collection of attractions that are well worth visiting.

1. El Capitolio

El Capitolio is a huge public building located on the Paseo del Prado in the center of Havana which looks like a replica of the United States Capitol building. The building features a domed cupola, a large, statue-lined staircase, granite columns, and manicured gardens, and inside includes the Statue of the Republic (La Estatua de la República), a bronze statue, covered in gold leaf – one of the largest indoor statues in the world.

2. Have a drink in Hotel Nacional de Cuba

The Hotel Nacional de Cuba, located in Vedado, is one of the few five-star hotels in Havana which boasts three restaurants, a cafeteria, and four bars so you won’t be short of finding somewhere to grab a drink. This hotel is elegant and well-equipped and even hosts a nightly “Cubano, Cubano” Cabaret Parisien show from 9 pm to 2 am which will make you want to get up and dance!

3. Walk the Malecon

The Malecón in Havana is the sweeping esplanade that stretches for 8km along the Cuban coastline, all the way from Habana Vieja through the modern Centro Habana and Vedado districts up to the Almendares River. This is a lovely way to experience real Cuban culture as you leisurely walk along the promenade; watching the world go by along the way.

4. Plaza de la Revolucion

You’re likely to have seen the Plaza de la Revolucion as you drive into Havana from the airport and you’ll be longing to return to take in the views of the massive Cuban flag alongside the memorials of José Martí, Che Guevara, and Camilo Cienfuegos. This is a large square that regularly held political rallies and speeches given by Fidel Castro as well as masses held by Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis.

5. Jose Marti Memorial

The José Martí Memorial, as mentioned above, is a statue and tower of remembrance to the national hero José Martí, with a star-shaped tower monument and a marble statue of Martí himself. Construction of the memorial began in 1953 (100th years after José Martí’s birth) and the finished product includes an observation deck that can be reached by an internal elevator.

6. Universidad de Havana

The Universidad de Havana is the oldest of Cuba’s universities, founded in 1721 by Pope Innocent XIII and King Philip V of Spain. The current neo-classical university buildings are located on a site in the Vedado district and while some of the buildings are in desperate need of repair, visitors can still admire the art deco library along with other beautiful campus buildings.

7. Vintage Car Tour

A vintage car tour is a quintessential attraction for tourists visiting Havana as there is nowhere else in the world that you can explore a city in such cool, classic cars!

You may want to simply take a vintage car tour around the city so you can experience riding in one of these magical pre-revolution vehicles, or you can use it as a mode of transport between some of the aforementioned attractions (as New Havana is quite spread out). Either way, be sure to have your camera or phone at the ready to take loads of photos while enjoying the ride!

Where to stay in Havana

Havana vieja.

Most travelers wish to stay in the heart of Habana Vieja, which is why I have chosen the Hotel Sevilla and Hotel Plaza as my top picks.

Hotel Sevilla is a four-star hotel located in an old, colonial building that includes modern amenities such as a swimming pool, a fitness center, a bar, and a restaurant. The rooms here are spacious and comfortable and while the interiors aren’t the most elaborate or elegant, guests can expect welcoming, English-speaking staff that will make your stay unforgettable. Hotel Plaza is another four-star property in Havana with a grand entrance lobby, a sun terrace, and a shared lounge as well as a bar and restaurant that feature regular live music.

Alternatively, you may want to stay in one of the Casa Particulares, the Cuban equivalent of AirBnBs, which cost around $25-30 per night and are run by local Cuban families. These casas are fairly basic but often include breakfast and also give you the chance to practice your Spanish and get to know more about local life. I recommend Casa Paloma .

Three days in Havana gives you a good amount of time to explore both the old and new sides of the city, get a feel for Cuban life, and start to understand the history of the country that has made it what it is today. This is the best way to begin your trip to Cuba, and if you’re traveling independently, you can decide whether you want to come back to the capital to spend more time here at the end of your trip.

Have you been to Havana? Let me know what you thought about it in the comments below!

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Beyond the Ban: A Guide to Americans Visiting Cuba in 2024.

If you are a US citizen, you can still visit Cuba in 2024. However, unlike your neighbors traveling from Canada , you will be subject to specific regulations from the US government.

For example, doing “tourism,” like staying at a resort on a Cuban beach , isn’t allowed. Your trip must fall into one of 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba. You must also comply with certain financial restrictions while on the island.

This article offers our first-hand experience organizing trips from the US to Cuba for over seven years. We will answer all your questions about going to Cuba as an American, including the entry requirements, the 12 categories of authorized travel, People-to-People travel, the Support for the Cuban People license, and much more.

In this guide, we cover all of it.

Can Americans Travel to Cuba in 2024? 

The simple answer is yes. It’s perfectly legal for Americans to travel to Cuba, except for explicit tourism purposes.

Americans can’t go to Cuba for tourism thanks to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations of July 8, 1963, which imposed a trade embargo on the island.

However, you can travel legally to Cuba if you comply with certain Cuban and US government regulations.

Specifically, the Cuban government asks you to bring the following documentation:

• The Cuban Tourist Card (a.k.a Cuban Visa).
• Health travel insurance.
• Customs and health declaration forms.

On the other hand, the US government requires you to:

• Self-certify under one of the 12 travel categories of authorized travel to Cuba
• Avoid spending money at certain restricted businesses.
• Keep your travel receipts and records for five years.

Does that sound like a lot? In the sections below, we explain how to meet these requirements so you can travel legally to Cuba from the US.

The Cuban Tourist Card

The Cuban Tourist Card is a tourist visa that almost everyone traveling to Cuba for tourism must bring. They come in two colors: pink and green.

In most cases, US citizens must get the pink Cuban Tourist Card because they fly directly from a US airport to Cuba. However, if you plan on leaving from a non-US airport, you will need the green version.

In any case, we suggest you purchase the Cuban Tourist Card through your airline or on EasyTouristCard.com .

Buy it From Your Airline

The cost of the Cuban tourist visa is usually bundled into the ticket price. However, in some cases, you will need to purchase the visa separately. Prices range from 50 to 80 US dollars, depending on the airline.

Please note that only a few US airlines fly to Cuba. Check out Skyscanner to find all available flights from the US to Cuba.

Purchase it on EasyTouristCard.com

If you can’t get the Cuban Tourist Card through your airline, the best alternative is to purchase it online from Easy Tourist Card , a widely trusted provider.

The pink version costs about 100 US dollars, while the green version sells for roughly 35 US dollars.

Mandatory Travel Health Insurance

Travel health insurance is an entry requirement to Cuba.

Your policy must cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation. The Cuban government won’t allow you to leave the country with outstanding medical bills!

Based on our assessment of the most popular travel health insurance providers for Cuba , we recommend Insubuy .

On Insubuy , coverage for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation starts at 8 USD per week per person and is pretty comprehensive.

Customs and Health Declaration Forms

Cuba requires all travelers to bring a Sanitary Statement and a Customs Declaration form.

You can complete the documentation at D’Viajeros , the government’s website. It will save you time and annoyance at the Havana Airport !

The 12 Categories of Authorized Travel to Cuba

A “category of authorized travel to Cuba” is also known as a “travel license” or “general license.”

Confusingly, even though it’s called a license, it is not a physical or digital document. It’s a self-certification you need to do when travel providers, such as airlines and hotels, ask you about it. In most cases, it’s just about ticking a box.

Obviously, before you tick that box, you should review whether you meet the criteria for traveling to Cuba under your chosen category.

There are 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba , as defined by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC):

• Family visits
• Official business for the US government, foreign government, and certain intergovernmental organizations
• Professional research and professional meetings
• Educational activities
• Religious activities
• Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions
• Support for the Cuban People
• Exportation, importation or transmission of information or informational materials
• Humanitarian projects
• Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
• Certain export transactions

In 90% of the cases, a US citizen will travel to Cuba under either the Education Activities or the Support for the Cuban People categories.

Educational Activities (People-to-People Travel)

People-to-people travel falls under the Educational Activities category. This license aims to promote people-to-people contact, support civil society in Cuba, and encourage the Cuban people’s independence from Cuban authorities.

You can travel under this license provided that your trip is:

• Organized by a US travel company (the “sponsoring organization”).
• Escorted by an employee of the sponsoring organization.

People-to-people travel is the best option for Americans who want to go in a group and prefer to avoid the hassle of planning an itinerary in compliance with the US-Cuba travel regulations.

However, not everyone likes the crowds or having a chaperone around. Besides, traveling to Cuba independently is still legal, easy, and safe . For those, there is the Support for the Cuban People category.

The Support for the Cuban People Travel Category

The Support for the Cuban People category intends to promote US travel to Cuba to strengthen civil society on the island. It covers activities that:

• Foster closer connections with the Cuban people,
• Contribute to the development of Cuban civil society, or
• Advocate for the independence of the Cuban people from the government; and
• Involve meaningful engagement and interaction with individuals in Cuba.

American travelers love this category because it’s pretty vague. You have lots of wiggle room and can pretty much do many of the activities you would in any other country.

Here are examples of activities that can “strengthen Cuban society”:

• Visiting museums and historical sites.
• Eating at locally-owned restaurants (paladares).
• Taking Cuban cooking classes.
• Taking salsa dancing lessons.
• Touring a tobacco farm and learning how to roll Cuban cigars.
• Taking a tour through the best of Havana .
• Volunteering with a local organization or non-profit.

How does it sound?

However, we must remind you that you still can’t do tourism in Cuba under the Support for the Cuban People license. In fact, you should spend about 6-8 hours on a schedule of activities actually supporting the Cuban people.

That said, it’s not like an American official will call you daily to verify your schedule, so don’t stress too much about it.

You can also support the Cuban people in less subtle ways by:

• Bringing inexpensive items as gifts for locals . Most essential products you take for granted (toiletries, hygiene products, etc.) are hard to come by in Cuba. Bringing a thoughtful gift will show your appreciation and may meet your hosts’ vital needs.
• Tipping . The base wage for workers in Cuba is the equivalent of a few US dollars a month. Therefore, locals expect and highly appreciate tipping.

Finally, considering that the Internet is limited in Cuba , you should arrange your activities before you land on the island.

Restricted Businesses and Accommodations

The US Treasury Department doesn’t like Americans spending money anywhere in Cuba.

The Treasury keeps a list of businesses to which Americans must refrain from giving money. Most of these businesses are owned by the Cuban military or security services, with which the US still has a frosty relationship. You can see the full, updated list here .

The US government also forbids Americans from staying at specific accommodations listed in the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List .

To be safe, we recommend renting a room from Cuban Airbnbs , also known as “casas particulares.” These privately owned and highly affordable accommodations can provide you with an authentic Cuban experience.

Check out Skyscanner for the latest listings of “casas particulares” and hotels in Cuba.

Travel Receipts and Records for Five Years

The US government can ask you for your travel records and receipts for up to five years after your Cuba trip.

This sounds spooky, although anecdotally, it doesn’t happen very often. But it’s better to be safe than sorry, so keep your records safe for five years if you’re questioned about your trip.

Bonus Tip for Americans Traveling to Cuba: Stick to Private

Generally, you should purchase most travel services and products from Cuban private businesses.

We know you can’t always stick to this principle because the Cuban government owns most of the travel facilities and services on the island, including hotels, car rental companies , tour agencies, and souvenir shops.

But whenever you can support Cuban entrepreneurs, please do so. You will strengthen the legality of your trip and genuinely help Cuban society.

Besides, if you want to cut your trip to Cuba costs , purchasing from locals will get you more bang for your buck. Not only is it more affordable, but you will likely pay in Cuban currency , the Cuban Peso, which is hugely devalued compared to the US dollar.

This includes:

• Booking tours from local guides .
• Staying in “casas particulares.”
• Eating at “paladares” (check out our food safety guide for Cuba ).
• Riding in private taxis, including “almendrones,” Cuba’s old classic cars .
• Buying souvenirs directly from local sellers.

For more tips and tricks you can pull in your trip to the island, read our 58 travel tips for Cuba .

US Legal Travel to Cuba, Summarized

If you are an American traveling to Cuba, you can break down the process into five relatively simple steps:

• Choose the best travel category to Cuba based on your travel purpose. If you are going in a group, it will likely be Educational Activities (People-to-People travel) or Support for the Cuban People if you travel independently.
• Ensure your itinerary has a full schedule of activities covered by your chosen travel category.
• Avoid booking an accommodation included in the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List .
• Do not spend money on the specific prohibited businesses in Cuba .
• Keep your records and receipts for five years.

Once you overcome the legal (but easy!) challenges of traveling to Cuba, you will see that the effort was well worth it. If you feel ready but don’t know when, check out our guide to the best time to travel to Cuba .

Have you traveled to Cuba as a US citizen? We want to hear from you. Please share your experience in the comments below!

Essential Travel Logistics For Cuba

Cuban Tourist Card –  If your  Cuban Tourist Card (a.k.a Cuban Tourist Visa) isn’t bundled into your airline ticket or travel package, buy it only through EasyTouristCard . 

Travel Health Insurance –  Travel medical insurance is an entry requirement for Cuba, so you can’t skip it. Travelers can get travel health insurance for Cuba via  Insubuy . Travel protection benefits such as trip interruption and cancellation, baggage delay insurance, etc., are not required.

Essential Items to Pack –  Bring the essential travel necessities that you may not be able to get in Cuba:

• First aid kit
• Hand sanitizer
• Water bottle with filter
• Mosquito repellent
• Pin adapter (for Europeans)
• Travel guide
• Spanish-English phrasebook
• Suggested Reading: The Cubans: Ordinary Lives in Extraordinary Times

Read our complete packing list for Cuba .

Find Accommodations –  Find hotels or casas particulares (private accommodations) on Skyscanner , which lists thousands of accommodations available in Cuba.

Book Your Flight –  Book cheap flights to Cuba on Skyscanner , our favorite flight search engine to find deals on flights to Cuba.

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About the Author

Tour republic.

Tour Republic is a marketplace where you can discover, book, and review the very best experiences Cuba has to offer. We are a team of tourism professionals and journalists who have partnered with Cuban entrepreneurs to provide travel experiences that can transform your trip into a life-changing adventure. We also share our profound love for Cuba through in-depth travel guides, myth-busting articles, and captivating narratives. Whether you want to explore Cuba's wonders or understand its intricacies, our blog posts are your gateway to the heart of this extraordinary country.

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64 comments.

Assuming we meet all the other qualifications, is there no way for an American to go a beach in Cuba?

Hi Kat, Unfortunately, Americans are not allowed to simply go to the beach. I also don’t see going to the beach as an activity covered by any of the 12 travel categories. Honestly, if you go to the beach, it is unlikely that you will be fined since it’s hard for an US official to know that you did. However, it is not permitted.

Hola, queria saber si mi novia con ciudadania estadounidense y salvadoreña tiene que pedir algun tipo de visado especial ? Yo soy cubano con pasaporte cubano aun vigente.

Hi we booked our tour package from Canada, flight plus stay at the resort. I understand that my husband (Canadian citizenship) won’t have any problems, but for me (US Citizenship, Canadian resident) do I need to book separately a casa particulares to get into the country? And when i get in there, can I stay with my husband at the resort?

Hi juju, According to the regulations, you shouldn’t. First, you need to make sure that the resort is not on the restricted list . Secondly, keep in mind that Americans are not allowed to go to Cuba only for tourism purposes. Therefore, you should have an schedule of activities that fall under any of the 12 general licenses to travel to Cuba, as explained in the article.

The question: “Do you need a password to Cuba?” Should be: Do you need a PASSPORT to Cuba?

Fixed. Thanks a lot!

Thank you for the great information , very helpful . As an European flying from Miami to Havana with a valid ESTA visa could I enter back the USA with on the same Esta visa . Not easy to get as answer on the official us pages . Thanks .

It appears that you will need to apply for a visa to re-enter the United States. Read more here .

I tried to buy the pink visa on easy tourist but almost at the end my country is not on the list. Puerto Rico is part of USA but can’t complete the order. They wrote me but do not get the problem of the country. Where else can I buy online?

Hi, I’m Italian and I would like to travel to Cuba via Miami, but it seems the nationality doesn’t matter because we need to declare a specific category. But what if I just need to go to Cuba from USA with a one-way flight and I will come back home directly from Cuba to Europe?

How did it go? Where you able to do the trip as mentioned?

I am an adult I was born in the US. Lived here my whole life.

My mom and dad were born in cuba, came to America in the 90s, and got their citizenship over 8 years ago.

I believe for my parents to travel to cuba they may need a Cuban passport because I read that cuba does not recognize them as American, just Cuban.

However, I also read that because both of my parents were born there, I am the daughter and I too am a Cuban citizenship under Cuban law

I’ve read that a few times in a few pages and I wanted to know if it was true. And if I would need to get a Cuban passport myself

Please let me know! Thanks .,

Hi Aileen, If you were born in the US, you don’t need a Cuban passport to enter the country.

In your article, when quoting OFAC, the text “during his or her four-day trip” was included. Are visits to Cuba limited to four days?

I am a professional orchestral and choral conductor and composer, and my associate is a full-time jazz pianist and composer. We want to visit Havana to listen to Cuban salsa, jazz, etc, and to engage in one to one conversations with Cuban musicians—and maybe even join in playing, if invited! Six to eight hours per day would hardly be enough for us: we’d start at 17:00 and leave when everybody goes home—and that’s just the evening. Which category would you recommend for us? EXCELLENT website! Thanks so much!

kayak wont quote flights to me as of today siting regulatory issues…. has something changed?

Hi Danial, That’s correct. It appears that Kayak is not quoting flights to Cuba currently. I suggest you use Skyscanner instead.

So to be clear. We still can’t bring back any alcohol or tobacco from Cuba back into the US? I read in this article that there Is now no value restrictions like there used to be.. Can you advise please?

Hi Mark, No, legally, you cannot bring Cuban tobacco or alcohol to the US.

Ummmm damn I guess I’m the only one with this problem. Can felons go? Not on parole and the case is over and done but I know some counties trip and some don’t. So what’s cubas stance on it?

Hi Mike, According to Felony Record Hub , felons can enter Cuba as long as they don’t have an outstanding felony warrant or are not on a no-fly TSA list. Hope it helps!

Hey great information!! Thank you

When you say you have to declare your license(which mine would fall under the 12) during booking, what does that mean? How do you declare it?

Hi Orlando, Usually, travel providers will provide you with a form where you have to select the license you are using traveling to Cuba. You don’t have to get an “actual” license. That’s it 🙂 The only licenses that do require a physical license from OFAC are: – Professional research and professional meetings. – Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions.

Hello! This is a great article. I am a US citizen considering sailing my boat from the Dominican Republic to Cuba and then on to Belize. Some of our crew (US citizens as well) may fly directly back to the US from Cuba. Is this plan legal and possible? Will the Cuban authorities have a problem with this plan? Will the US authorities have a problem with it once we return?

Hi Christopher,

Did you ever find out if you can go to Cuba by private boat?

Thanks, Sarah

My fiancée from Ukraine suggested we take a winter trip to Cuba. Since she is booking through a Ukrainian travel agency our stay and flight – is it okay to stay as her guest at a prohibited resort and when would I declare my travel intent/licensing? We would otherwise try to use up 6-8 hours per day supporting the local economy.

Hi Gerald, Usually, travel service providers (airlines, travel agencies, booking sites, etc.) ask you to declare your travel category while booking the trip, not after. I’m not sure at what point the Ukrainian travel agency would ask you about it or if they will do it at all. Unfortunately, if you are a US citizen, you shouldn’t stay at a prohibited accommodation in Cuba, regardless of where you are flying from.

my concern is nobody writes how long does it take to get permit to travel there, on one of our government pages it says up to 6 months ??

Hi there, You don’t need to apply for an actual license unless you are traveling under any of these two categories: – Professional research and professional meetings – Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions.

I just found this concerning my question on banks in Cuba from US government site. Wonder what the alternative/s is to have funds in Cuba?

U.S. credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba. The Cuban Central Bank announced new restrictions on the use or conversion of U.S. dollars beginning June 21, 2021. U.S. dollars in cash cannot be converted to local currency, may not be accepted for payment, and cannot be used to pay fees or taxes at the airport. Travelers should confirm alternative payment options before traveling, as policies concerning the use of U.S. dollars in Cuba are subject to change. The Cuban government requires that travelers declare cash amounts over the equivalent of 5,000 USD.

Great article, but severely lacking in one area, at least for me. You have nothing on banking inside Cuba. I don’t like to carry large sums of money. Do the banks there work for US banks for ATM’s? Are they few (only in banks) or difficult to receive money from such as small limits for withdrawals?? With limited internet there, I’m assuming if someone changes around to different home casa’s then cash is the only way to purchase rooms? ATM again. Thx!

We actually wrote a whole guide to using money in Cuba as a tourist. Check it out here – https://www.tourepublic.com/blog/cuban-currency/

But I think you figured out the answer to your questions: U.S. credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba.

Are you currently operating tours given the political climate in Cuba? Today is November 15, 2021 and there were planned protests etc.

Thank you, Ash

Hi Ashley, At the moment, we are not operating tours in Cuba.

Are the covid restrictions still in place?

Hi MZ, They are, but most will be lifted on November 15th, 2021 (next week!). We will update the article accordingly.

Hey MZ. Just wanted to give you the heads up that we updated our guide to the latest Cuba travel restrictions . Check it out!

I want to travel to Holguin Cuba to visit friends I have dual citizenship USA-Uruguayan. If I leave from Uruguay do I need to do all of these activities? What happens if I don’t book tours i visiting friends what do you recommend

Hi Alicia, Unfortunately, the current US travel restrictions to Cuba apply to all persons subject to US jurisdiction, regardless of where that person is residing. Therefore, if you are a US citizen, you will need to follow the US regulations to travel to Cuba, even if you use an Uruguayan passport. Follow the steps and advice outlined in the article and you should be fine. I believe that Support for the Cuban People is the right category for you -unless you have family in Cuba- but then again, we can’t offer legal advice.

I am a retired dentist and would like to visit hospitals and dental clinics in Cuba. I would like to professional Oral surgery to people of Cuba. Can I get any information?

Hi Peter, I think you should contact the US embassy in Cuba for more information – https://cu.usembassy.gov/ Thanks,

Why don’t you give advise for foreign tourists who fly to miami then onto Cuba. What can we do and what can’t we do as non Americans. I plan to visit Cuba in febuary/march 2022 via miami/fort laudedale.

Hi, I have the same problem as you. I’m Italian and I would like to travel to Cuba via Miami, but it seems your nationality doesn’t matter, we need to declare a specific category. But, if we choose the ‘Support for the Cuban People’ category, when we have to declare all the activity that we have done? And I didn’t understand if they will check every day’s activities or we just need to show them some of the activities done in the week.

Hi Alessia, You won’t need to declare all the activities you will do in Cuba. You only need to choose the Support for the Cuban People category, and that’s it. In Cuba, no one will monitor what you will be doing. Hope it helps.

So essentially it’s the U.S. government enforcing these restrictions and calling it “Support for the Cuban People” when it really means interacting mostly with civilians likely to oppose the Revolution and tell a one-sided narrative about what it’s like to live in Cuba. U.S. travelers are being carefully kept away from actually supporting Cuba as a sovereign nation whose government has made remarkable progress in health and education, putting the U.S. to shame. This explains why the few friends who went to Cuba come back with a story about happening to run into a Puerto Rican who disses the Cuban government. It’s all a set up, and extremely lame on the part of the U.S. Get over it–Fidel defeated your and overthrew your puppet dictator. Stop this ridiculous embargo and these stupid sanctions.

you’re 100% right, Ann. it’s embarrassing

The U.S. will do anything to make Cuba look bad and undo the revolution. I was looking to travel there to actually learn from and support the Cuban people, not support the counter-revolutionaries

Grow up Ann. Stop trying to aggrandize La Revolución. Many of us who actually lived in Cuba under the regime know the truth.

The problem with fanboys and fangirls (like you and Anthony) is the same as the problem with haters: instead of objectively evaluating things, they just say what feels “truthy” to them.

For instance, a “hater” will say that the Cuban government has not accomplished anything in education or healthcare. But a fan has the opposite problem: they oversell it. So to them—to you—Cuba’s 14.4 average years of education and life expectancy of 73 or so “put to shame” the 77 year of life expectancy and 16 or so years of education of the United States. Someone looking at the situation might give the government some credit by pointing out that this is notably better than the average for the Caribbean or Latin America, without feeling the need to exalt the government with incorrect statements.

I might also mention your assumption, and that of Anthony, that staying at someone’s house means interacting with someone who does not support the Cuban government.

I’m noticing Kayak and Expedia aren’t showing any flights from Boston to Cuba – do you have any info on this? Any other suggestions on how to find flights from Boston to Cuba

Hi Michaela, Sadly, I don’t have much information on this. Did you try Google Flights? I played a little with dates for BOS-HAV flights and found one-stop flights with JetBlue in May, but nothing else 🙁

Hello, I understand that we are able to stay at hotels that are not on the restricted list. Except for the first two days (48 hours) of quarantine required after arrival till receiving PCR test results, if we participate in local guides, local shopping visits, local business services during day activities, hire cuban local to spend time with beach activities, but without staying at Casa Particular, do these qualify for Support for Cuban People license?

Hi there, I am a dual national British and American. I have a UK passport and an American passport. I live in the UK, and my partner (British) and I want to go to Cuba in May 2020. We will be using airmiles from British Airways/American Airlines to get there. There is no availability from Cancun…we tried. As I will be going from the US to Cuba, can I still use my British passport and avoid all of the legal hoopla – and restrictions, or do I need to go on my American passport (since we will be leaving from the US) and comply fully. Don’t want to get turned away at the airport after planning/booking the trip.

Hi John, According to the UK’s government advice on traveling to Cuba , it seems that you will have to comply with the US law if you are traveling to Cuba from the US, regardless of the passport you use. It means that you will have to declare a travel “license” and cannot be for tourism purposes.

This might seem like a dumb question but can I pack my smokes & take them w/me?

I’m wondering if participating and supporting (both economically and artistically) a starting art project would be considered in the “Support for the Cuban people” category. Thank you.

It could be considered as such as long as you have a daily full-time schedule of activities (6-8 hours) to support the private art project. Also, document everything you do while in Cuba. For more specific legal advice, I would suggest you talk to a legal specialist.

I was born in Cuba and would like to take a cruise there. I came to the states in 1961 at the age of 5. I am an American Citizen and was told I need to get a form H-11 from the Cuban Embassy in the U.S. in order to travel to Cuba. I have tried to contact them via email and phone several times, but I’ve not heard from them. Do you have any suggestions?

Best to use an agency rather than try to communicate directly with the Cuban consulate – especially after the US government expelled most of those who work in the visa section.

World Nomads is no longer providing (ar least Canadians) insurance for Cuba. Please suggest another all encompassing insurance provider? Thank you

Hi Dylan, Thanks for the heads up! They for Americans, but haven’t confirmed if their plans are also available for Canadians. Another popular travel insurance provider for Cuba is RoamRight . UPDATE: It seems that they don’t offer insurance for Canadians either. We will do some research and get back with some alternatives. Thank you again!

Can we book a family and friends group to Cuba, intending to do all the required activities?

Yes! You can do it Bee, as long as those activities are covered by the travel license that you declare.

You might also like

Cuban Currency: The Ultimate Guide for Travelers (2024 Update)

Sand Fleas and Mosquitoes in Cuba: The Survival Guide (2024)

What to Bring to Cuba: The Ultimate Cuba Packing List (2024 Update)

Other stories.

Cancun to Havana Cuba – The Best Way to get there 2023

By: Author coupletraveltheworld

Posted on Last updated: January 10, 2023

Categories Caribbean , Cuba , Mexico , North America , Travel Blog Post , Travel Guides

Tulum and Cancun are already some of the hottest destinations in the world. But why not take your vacation to another level by taking a trip back in time to 1950s-era Cuba which has recently reopened to the public?

From Cancun to Havana Cuba is just 275 nautical miles or a quick 1 hour 10 minute flight.

The pandemic’s toll on the global tourism industry continues, our go-to airline in Mexico – Interjet – has ceased operations to stave off bankruptcy but expects to resume operations in 2022. For the most up-to-date flight information we start our search  here . 

Cancun to Havana Cuba in 2022 Cancun to Havana flights in 2022 : There are daily flights from Cancun to Havana year-round. Only Interjet airlines flies direct from Cancun Mexico to Cuba. In the peak months in Cancun (December to March) there are 3 direct flights per day. As such, flights do sell out in advance but we scored flights for less than $150 USD two weeks before flying.   2022 Update: As of January 2022, there are no direct flights from Cancun to Havana. The quickest way to visit Havana from Cancun is to fly via Mexico City (or even via Miami, though we discuss why we don’t recommend flying via Miami below). Viva Aerobus flies direct from Mexico City to Havana Cuba daily. The travel situation in Cuba is changing quickly and direct flights from Cancun may open up any day, so we recommend using Momondo to find cheap flights to Cuba. Cancun to Havana ferry in 2022 : There are no ferries from Cancun, Mexico to Cuba. Unless you’re smuggling Mezcal to Cuba or cigars back into Mexico save time and fly to Cuba.  Where to Stay in Havana : We traipsed all over town to identify first-hand the safest and best neighborhoods in Havana to stay and the best hotels, apartments and homestays “Casa Particulars” near all the best attractions with wifi that actually works. Are you planning to visit Cuba at a good time?: Avoid hurricane season and the unbearably hot months of the year with our guide to the best time to visit Cuba and also read about things to pack for Cuba .  

On this page

Flights from cancun to havana, what is the best airline to fly from cancun to havana.

• Ferry from Cancun to Cuba
• Cuba Visa (Tourist Card)
• Havana Airport to Havana town

Map of Havana Airport

• Essentials to know about Havana

Recommended Hotels near Cancun Airport

• Recommended Hotels near Havana Airport

* 2022 Update * The fastest way to get from Cancun to Cuba is now a flight via Mexico City or Miami. We recommend flying via Mexico City as the Cuba visa fee is less than half of the cost from the US (not to mention an easier process). Viva Aerobus flies to Cuba from Mexico City daily.

Even in peak season there are only a handful of flights per day from Cancun to Havana. Airfare for Cancun to Cuba flights will cost between $79 and $200. Flying time from Cancun to Cuba is 1 hour 10 minutes. Flights depart from Cancun International Airport 10 minutes from Cancun Old Town or 20 minutes from Cancun Hotel Zone. Flights arrive in Jose Marti International Airport, La Habana, Cuba located 20 – 30 minutes drive from Havana City.

Momondo is the website to search for flights from Cancun to Havana.

Interjet Airlines has 3 flights per day in high season from Cancun to Havana. All “light” fares include 55 lbs (25kg) checked baggage allowance as standard on flights to Cuba. The first flight of the day typically departs Cancun at 8:15am and the last flight at 17:50. Flights around midday and early afternoon are the most popular. 

If you are travelling from Mexico and don’t wish to visit Cancun there are direct flights to Havana from Mexico City and Merida. Search Momondo for available flights. Interjet has the cheapest flights from Mexico to Havana but Aeromexico also services the route.

What Airlines Fly from Mexico to Cuba?

Interjet offers direct flights to Cuba from Monterrey, Mexico City, Merida and Cancun. AeroMexico offers direct flights to Cuba from Mexico City. 

Copa Airlines offers indirect flights to Mexico from Cuba.

Interjet Airways is the cheapest airline which flies from Mexico to Cuba. Although it is cheaper than Aeromexico, it really shouldn’t be classified as a budget airline like WizzAir , Ryanair or SkyAirways . 

Cancun to Havana by Boat or Ferry

Despite their close distance, there is currently no (legal) ferry or boat to transport you from Cancun to Havana.

How to Get a Cuba Visa (Tourist Card)

Visitors to Cuba from pretty much every country in the world will need a visa to visit Cuba.

Known as officially as a “Tourist Visa Card” there are two types of Cuba Visas – a green tourist card and a pink tourist card.

A pink tourist card applies to anyone flying to Cuba from the United States and it costs over $100.

The good news for travellers flying from Cancun to Cuba is you only need a green visa which costs much less.

There are two ways to get a Cuba visa in Mexico:

1. Buy an Interjet Tourist Card for Cuba at the Airport

You can purchase a Cuba visa at the airport from the Airline customer service counter.

The price is around 250 mxp ($13) which is the cheapest Cuba visa around.

That said, the thought of being denied entry to Cuba because things have changed, or simply because Mexican authorities don’t have enough forms on the day worried me.

So, I called our airline Interjet to inquire about whether we could buy a Cuba Visa from the airport in Mexico City ahead of time. 

We were told we couldn’t do this but we were reassured it would be no problem at all buying a visa from Interjet at check-in in Cancun.

Fast forward 2 weeks and we found ourselves without a visa as we arrived to check-in to our flight. As we approached the line an Interjet staff member asked (in English) for our Cuba Visa.

When we said we didn’t’ have one he whipped out one which we could purchase for 400 MXP or $25 USD (cash only). 

He then took our passports and wrote in our information which is great because it’s  his problem if he writes the information incorrectly and needs to start again.

So we can tell you first-hand as of February 2020, it’s perfectly safe to buy an Interjet Cuba Visa at Cancun Airport.

2. Buy Cuba Visa Online

If you think buying a Cuba visa at the airport seems risky – we share(d) your thoughts.

The cheapest way to get a Cuba visa is from this agent . 

You simply enter your details into the form and they will send you a Visa within 1 business day.

Note this only applies for visitors (including US citizens) travelling from Mexico.

If you’re travelling from a US airport you will need to obtain a pink tourist card from a Cuban embassy .

Essential Information for Visiting Havana

Entry Requirements include the aforementioned Tourist Card, which allows you to stay in the Cuba for 30 days and is valid for only a single entry.

You will also need to have:

• A passport valid for 2 months beyond the length of your proposed visit.
• Proof of a confirmed return flight and booked accommodation.
• Proof of accommodation for at least the 1st night in Cuba.
• Travel insurance which covers medical expenses.

Remember, June is the rainiest month in Cuba – so be sure to pack the umbrella! Read about the best time to visit Cuba .

Here’s a fun fact about flying into Cuba: shortly before landing cabin stewards walk down the aisle to spray bug spray into the air to decontaminate the plane before landing.

This aircraft disinfection” is a stipulation of the World Health Organization for inbound aircraft to Cuba.

It won’t hurt and won’t kill you, so don’t be alarmed. At least now you know what they’re doing and why.

Don’t be alarmed when you get the bug spray treatment

Havana Airport to Havana City

After arriving in Havana Airport and passing through immigration, head straight our the doors and turn left. Ignore all the touts offering you

About 100 metres away you will see a rank of yellow taxis which are the official taxis in Havana. Before jumping in a taxi make sure to agree on the fare because meters are not usually used.

A taxi from Havana Airport to Havana centro costs between 25 – 30 CUC (pesos cubano convertible) which is roughly $25 – 30 USD. The drive from the airport to Havana is about 30 minutes.

We paid $30 cuc for a maxi-taxi for four people to Vedado which is a suburb 10 minutes drive from Havana Vieja (aka Old Town).

For the return journey from Havana Old Town to Havana Airport we paid $20 cuc. Next time we visit Havana, if there’s just the two of us we’ll try to negotiate $20 cuc for a taxi to the center of town.

These are the best hotels near Cancun Airport with a free airport shuttle:

Courtyard by Marriott Cancun Airport : The closest hotel to Cancun Airport. Restaurant & Gym. Free shuttle to it’s beach club. 

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott : Second closest hotel to Cancun Airport. Restaurant & Gym. 

Things to do in Cuba

Visiting Havana was the highlight of our time in Cuba. Walking the old town feels like you’ve fallen into a time machine set to 1940s. It’s amazing. 

A few bucket list activities you can’t miss (which we’ve taken from our list of the 50 best things to do in Havana ) are:

• take a city tour in a classic American car (preferably a pink convertible)
• sip a Mojito or Cuba Libre in one of the famous hotels frequented by stars of the 40s including Frank Sinatra, Errol Flynn, and the writer whose now famous for drinking at bars from Paris to Havana to Key West: Ernest Hemingway
• take a day trip to Vinales where you can ride horseback and roll a Cuban cigar

Riding in a pink vintage car around Havana Old Town is an essential activity on every Cuba itinerary

Where to Stay when you get to Cuba?

There are not many hotels in Cuba and the ones that are there are run by the government.

If you choose not to stay at one of these hotels, your other option is to stay in a Casa Particular aka someone’s apartment.

While this is a fun and very local experience, for Western comforts we would recommend booking one of the few hotels in Cuba, especially if it is your first time visiting:

• Hotel National De Cuba – a clean and comfortable 5 star hotel in Havana
• Hotel Plaza – a beautiful 4 star hotel in Havana Cuba
• Hotel Carribean – a budget, air conditioned hotel in Havana 

Read our guide for to get the run down on the best neighborhoods in Havana plus tried and tested hotels where the wifi actually works.

Yes this means wifi in Casa Particulars rarely works, no matter what the Airbnb reviews say based on our personal experience after spending hours trying to find a good Airbnb with wifi.

Summary: How to Get from Cancun to Havana Cuba

Flying is the only feasible way to get from Cancun to Havana. Flights take 70 minutes and cost between $80 – 250 USD.

We paid around $150 USD (including 23kg / 50lb checked-in bags) for relatively last minute flights between Cancun to Havana.

Hope this answered your burning questions on how to get from Cancun to Cuba. If you have any questions, we are always here to help, drop us a line below.

Click here to learn more about Couple Travel the World.

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Thursday 4th of August 2022

This is so helpful! Thank you! Do you happen to know if US passport holders flying from CUN-HAV qualify for the green tourist card? I am planning a trip for December and would love to know if I can get the visa I need in Mexico or if my US passport will require a pink card.

Thanks again! Happy travels :)

Saturday 25th of December 2021

Hi there, thanks for the great information here. I’m wondering if you know a way to currently book airfare from Cancun to Havana. Since we are in the United States, none of the booking sites will allow me to book this leg of the trip because of “regulatory reasons.” I’m willing to book the tickets once we are in Cancun, but of course worry about not being able to get such a last minute flight. Any info would be great. Thank you!

coupletraveltheworld

Sunday 9th of January 2022

Yes, this does appear to be a problem for many travelers. It has become increasingly difficult to travel to Cuba post Covid. Let us know if you find out any more information as a lot of people are in the same boat.

Mark Sweetman

Thursday 2nd of December 2021

Great review and detail.....but for whatever reason when we were looked we simply could not get flights from Cancun to Havana. The airline you recommend looks like it is now bankrupt and other airlines don't seem to have service.

Hi Mark, oh you are right Interjet has now folded. Thank you for that information, we will update the article. What you are experiencing seems to be a problem for many travelers during COVID. Did you find any solution? We would love to update the article if you did.

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Key West to Cuba Day Trip to Havana!

Havana Has Never Been Easier

Only 90 miles from Key West (50-minute flight).

Spend the day in Havana and return to Key West in time for your dinner reservation.

Join our guided groups as we explore the cultural and historical connections between Cuba & Key West, while supporting the Cuban people’s newfound entrepreneurial spirit.

View Itinerary

Havana Day Trip FAQ

OurKeyWest has been on the Island since 1974. Our Portfolio of Premium Guest Activities presents the highest quality experiences in Key West. All the best activities have limited availability, so make sure to book your fun well in advance. OurKeyWest is local and available to assist you every day from 8am-6pm, or by visiting the OKW Galleria & Welcome Lounge at 613 Simonton St. in Old Town Key West. #MoreFun

Havana Trip Details

• $1195 per person (All Inclusive).
• Available Tuesdays  & Fridays.
• Must reserve at least 48 hours in advance.
• Valid passport required.
• Limited Availability. Book well in advance.
• Small group, guided Hemingway Literary Excursion.

What’s Included

• Visa & all required documentation
• Transportation & guide in Cuba
• Entry to all museums & points of interest
• All US & Cuban government taxes  
• Lunch & drinks

This Trip is Seriously Fun! We’re already planning to do it again this year -Theresa Somebody

TALES FROM HAVANA

• Traveling To Havana Cuba

So, you’ve finally decided to see what this magical and supposedly forbidden tropical island is all about. Interestingly, you’ve decided to look past the smoke screen that is 60+ years of anti-Cuba American foriegn policy. Fact is, as Americans, we’re allowed to travel just about anywhere we’d like, it’s just that elements of our federal […]

Stories from Cuba

• Paths to Freedom
• Last Flight Out
• Cuban Art & Artists of Havana

Havana Itinerary

7:00am – Check-in at Key West Airport

8:00am – 50 Minute Flight to Havana

9:00am – Clear Customs and start your Havana adventure

9:30am – Your Havana Excursion begins with a trip to Ernest Hemingway’s home in Cuba known as Finca Vigía in San Francisco de Paula Ward in Havana, Cuba. Both Finca Vigía and Hemingway’s Key West home are now museums. You will see Hemingway’s famous fishing boat named El Pilar.

12:00pm – Lunch at an authentic Cuban restaurant. 

1:30 pm: After lunch, you will head to Old Havana for a walking tour. Our Old Havana walking tour brings the city to life, allowing you to be swept up in all that this vibrant city has to offer. The city offers an unrivaled sensory experience that you will always remember! You will walk the sun-drenched cobblestone streets as you take in the oldest square in Havana (Plaza de Armas), which includes the oldest cathedral in the Western Hemisphere. Next, we follow in the footsteps of American literary icon Ernest Hemingway, making 3 stops that were Hemingway favorites: La Bodeguita (cafe), the Ambos Mundos (Hotel), & El Floridita Bar (the birthplace of the Daiquiri). 

5:00pm – Return to the Havana Airport.

7:00pm – Arrive back in Key West.

*The Havana Day Trip itinerary may incur changes due to unforeseen circumstances.

• Price: $1195 per person. This includes airfare, visas, ground transportation in Cuba, local guide (meets you at airport), all taxes, tour & entry fees.
• Day trips leave on Tuesdays and Fridays.
• Trips must be reserved at least 48 hours in advance.
• A copy of your passport will be required to obtain a visa.
• ESTA VISA holders are not eligible for travel to Cuba from the USA, and would not be able to go on the Havana Day Trip. Standard VISA holders are eligible for travel.
• Small group, all-day guided tour.
• Havana Day Trips use a small, Key West based aircraft which carries less than 10 passengers. In Havana, the tour uses private ground transportation.  

In partnership with Air Key West, OurKeyWest develops and markets Cuban Cultural & Educational Experiences with the aim of supporting the Cuban people by providing technical business assistance to Cuban entrepreneurs and by creating a market to which Private Cuban Citizens can sell their goods and services. Our efforts are intended to promote independent activity and strengthen civil society in Cuba, as our guests maintain a full-time educational schedule that includes meaningful interaction with Cuban individuals.

*US Customs does not allow cigars and alcohol to be brought back from Cuba.

*ESTA VISA holders are not eligible for travel to Cuba from the USA, and would not be able to go on the Havana Day Trip. Standard VISA holders are eligible for travel.

* The Havana Day Trip itinerary may incur changes due to unforeseen circumstances.

Cancelation Policy:

Cancelations and rebookings incur a 15% cancelation/rebooking fee. Cancelations must be confirmed at least 7 days prior to departure to receive a partial refund. Cancelations confirmed less than 7 days prior to departure will not receive a refund.

You may reschedule your Havana Day Trip excursion for a future date within 12 months from your initial booking date.

NO-SHOWS WILL BE CHARGED THE FULL EXCURSION FARE. Please be on-time for your scheduled trip. Check in is required at 7:00 am. Late arrivals are subject to cancelation without refund.

Online Booking Cancelation: Online bookings are charged a booking fee by Fareharbor Reservation System. When canceling an Online Booking, the booking fee portion is non-refundable. 

Operator Cancelation: cancelations due to weather or maintenance or other unforeseen circumstances are at the sole discretion of the pilot & airline for your safety. If the operator cancels the flight, you will be given the option to reschedule your trip or receive a refund of the ticket price. You may reschedule your Havana Day Trip excursion for a future date within 12 months from your initial booking date.

The Havana Day Trip requires a minimum of 4 paying passengers to embark, if the airline does not have the required minimum number of passengers, the flight will be canceled, and you will be given the option to reschedule your trip or receive a refund of the ticket price. You may reschedule your Havana Day Trip excursion for a future date within 12 months from your initial booking date.

Local since 1974, we facilitate authentic and compelling guest experiences emphasizing the natural world, art, music, food, history, and local characters. We provide premium concierge services, and serve as market-maker for a select pre-screened portfolio of the island’s best guest activity providers. We have a commitment to quality and manage a full-service local concierge call center providing personal guest support from 8am to 8pm every day.

• Havana Day Trip
• Fishing Charters
• Golf Cart Rental
• Boat Rental
• Paddle the Mangroves
• All Day Watersports Adventure
• Dolphin Watch & Snorkel
• Key West Bike Tour
• Bike Rentals
• Personal Chef & Catering
• Key West Private Custom Boat Charter
• Schooner Sunset Sail
• Dry Tortugas- Ferry
• Jet Ski Tour
• Take an Art Stroll

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7 Best Havana Cuba Beaches: A Local’s Havana Beaches Guide [2024]

Travelers to Havana will get used to seeing the ocean from what seems like every city corner and every rooftop. But where are the beaches in Havana?

Though the city of Havana isn’t home to Cuba’s most impressive white sand beaches, there are more beaches in Havana Cuba than you might expect. Within the city limits , several beaches are worth your time as a visitor – especially if you can’t plan an overnight or weekend at one of Cuba’s best beaches like nearby Varadero .

As locals, we’ve visited the very best Havana Cuba beaches (and the not-so-great-ones). These are the best beaches in Havana for your trip, plus how to get there and what you need to know to enjoy your beach trip.

This post contains affiliate links that may reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases – at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please read our  disclosure policy .

Havana Cuba Beaches

Despite its enviable oceanfront location, Havana, Cuba doesn’t have much in the way of beaches. Much of the city’s oceanfront is lined with sea walls – with the most popular sections of the malecón (sea wall) stretching from Havana’s harbor and Old Havana past the upscale neighborhood of Vedado and beyond. Locals swim here, but we don’t recommend it.

We really recommend finding time in your Cuba itinerary to get to one of Cuba’s nicer beaches if you can. Whether that means a quick overnight in Varadero or spending an entire week at one of the resorts in Holguin or in the white-sand cays of Jardines del Rey, you’re in for an unforgettable beach vacation.

However, there are a few beaches in Havana Cuba worth adding to your itinerary. Located in the area known as Playas del Este – or, beaches of the East. These Havana beaches provide a much-needed spot for a beautiful beach day without trekking further down the coast to Varadero.

Read More: Playas del Este Traveler’s Guide

Cuba Travel 101

• Currency in Cuba: A Local’s Guide for Travelers
• How to Get Wifi in Cuba [Updated!]
• Is Cuba Safe? Updated Cuba Safety Guide
• Ultimate Cuba Travel Guide – A Local’s Advice for Travelers

Havana Beaches

Havana has a few beach-like spots within city limits. Mostly rocky, almost barely accessible sections of shore like the Playita de 16 and others offer a way for locals to enjoy a refreshing dip in the ocean, leaving MUCH to be desired.

At the eastern edge of Havana city limits and beyond, a stretch of true beachfront appears, a group of beaches widely referred to Playas del Este – the beaches of the East . These are widely considered the best beaches in Havana Cuba.

Towards the western side of the city, there are a few beaches, though they’re not as impressive as Playas del Este and generally rocky, though Playa La Concha is relatively nice. You’ll definitely want to opt for Playas del Este.

Best Beaches Near Havana

1. playa marazul.

Best Beach Near Havana

Public transportation options make it easiest for locals to reach the beaches at the extremes of the Playas del Este area – Bacuranao and Guanabo. That leaves the beautiful stretch of sand at Playa Marazul much less crowded despite having some of the most beautiful beachfronts in the area. This makes it our favorite among Havana beaches.

Playa Marazul, directly in front of the small, admittedly faded MarAzul Hotel, has impressively white sand and relatively shallow water that make it great for swimming and sunning. Rent beach chairs and umbrellas for just a few pesos to enjoy this beach , which tends to be quieter because the main road is relatively further from the beachfront.

There isn’t much in the way of beach amenities here, though a few decent, local eateries around offer solid meals. However, the stunning beachfront will win you over to our favorite among all the beaches in Havana to choose from.

Read More: 6+ Best Resorts in Havana, Cuba

What to Pack for Cuba

Check out our  Ultimate Cuba Packing List   to help you pack for your trip – we’re sharing exactly what to bring to Cuba and what we never travel without.

2. Playa Santa Maria del Mar

Located immediately to the east of Marazul, Playa Santa Maria is another top contender among the best Havana beaches for its beachful white sand. In fact, this is the longest beach in Playas de Este , stretching on for over 10 kilometers and offering a bit of something for everyone.

Santa Maria del Mar offers everything you’d need for a good beach day: beach chairs and umbrella for rent, beach vendors selling drinks and food, and a few nearby restaurants to choose from ; you’ll even find vendors who will bring your food to you from the restaurant if you just can’t peal your eyes from the beautiful beachfront for a minute.

There’s a section of Playa Maria del Mar beachfront located towards the eastern edge of the beach known as Mi Cayito that has a history of being particularly gay-friendly if this is something you’re looking for.

3. Playa Guanabo

Best Beach for an Overnight

In terms of the sheer beauty of Havana beaches, Playa Guanabo, at the far eastern end of Playas del Este, might be the nicest of them . White, soft sands and clear, calm waters are certainly the norm in Guanabo, though in the winter season, waves are possible (as they are throughout Playas del Este).

Guanabo is home to a proper town rather than just a scattering of beachfront restaurants and vendors, as you’ll find at some of the other Havana beaches on this list. This makes it a great spot to enjoy a variety of restaurants, partake in watersports with rentals of kayaks, paddleboards, and catamarans, and find plenty of beach cottages and small local hotels.

If you were going to spend a night or even a weekend kicking back at Playas del Este, this is where you’d want to do it. It can get a bit crowded at times, especially on the weekend during the summertime when Cubans frequent the beach, but never loud.

Read More: 12 Best Beaches in Cuba

4. Playa Megano

Best Beach for Watersports

Located just west of Playa Marazul, Playa Megano is another beautiful and conveniently accessible option among beaches in Havana, popular with locals and visitors alike. We’ve returned to Playa Megano several times and enjoyed every second of our experience!

Along this beach’s beautiful white sand – shockingly beautiful and among the best in Playas del Este, you’ll find great tourist infrastructure that really makes spending the entire day here a breeze. There are plenty of places to rent palapas, chairs, and umbrellas for the day, as well as numerous options for watersports, including kayaking, paddle boarding, banana boat rides, catamaran rides, and more.

There aren’t a ton of food options here, though the two local eateries closest to the beachfront are both great, if a tad expensive.

Plan a Trip to Havana

• 47 Best Things To Do in Havana
• 15+ Best Hotels in Havana
• Old Havana, Cuba: A Local’s Guide to Habana Vieja
• 25 Best Restaurants in Havana

5. Playa Tarará

After Playa Bacuranao (which leaves much to be desired!), Playa Tarará is the second-closest beach to Havana and boasts an impressive shoreline. While next-door neighbor Playa Megano tends to attract more visitors, Tarará has plenty of offer and is a great choice for those looking for the convenience of proximity to Havana and its beautiful shoreline.

Tarará has a decent-sized town just off the beachfront where you’ll find a number of places to eat and some small hotels and beach cottage rentals. While it doesn’t have as much to offer as larger Guanabo at the end of the grouping of beaches in Playas del Este , it’s a good option to consider for those who want to spend at least one night in the area.

6. Playa Boca Ciega

Located just west of Guanabo, the beautiful beachfront at Playa Boca Ciega is a totally laid-back Havana beach that visitors love . While it tends to be a bit forgotten among travelers headed to busier and more well-known Guanabo and Santa Maria del Mar, this beach can be a perfect one for a totally relaxing afternoon of sand and sea.

While Playa Boca Ciega tends to be a bit more challenging to access via public transportation than some of the other Havana Cuba beach options you’ll be choosing from , you’ll still find everything you need here, including rentals of beach chairs and umbrellas, as well as a few good places to eat.

Keep in mind that the water isn’t as shallow as here and tends to be wavier, so it might not be as great for beginner swimmers, though it’s an excellent beach if this isn’t a worry to you.

Travel Essential

Don’t think about traveling to Cuba without a good  VPN (Virtual Private Network) . Using a VPN while connecting to the internet is an easy way to keep your personal information safe from hackers and trackers.  We’ve used  NordVPN  for years and couldn’t recommend it more – it’s a must for safety online, especially in Cuba. 

7. Playa Bacuranao

The closest beach among the Playas del Este to Old Havana and one of the most accessible beaches for those using public transportation from the city, Playa Bacuranao is among the most popular go-to beaches in Havana for locals craving a dip in the ocean.

While this beach is popular, it doesn’t exactly have the best reputation for being the nicest beach. In fact, locals have an amusing nickname for this beach that implies that it is dirty – it’s a nickname not worth repeating here!

The fact that locals continue to visit tells you everything; it’s still a nice beach and a great, convenient way to get in the ocean if you’re based in Havana. However, we recommend traveling a bit further down the shoreline to some of our favorite Havana Cuba beaches, like Marazul or Santa Maria del Mar , instead.

Read More: Playas del Este: Ultimate Traveler’s Guide

Carley Rojas Avila

Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Home to Havana and Explorers Away. She is a serial expat and traveler, having visited 40+ countries and counting. Carley has written for publications like Travel + Leisure, MSN, Associated Press, Weather Channel, Wealth of Geeks, and more. Find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.

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Cuba , Opinions

What i really thought of cuba – my honest views.

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

In February 2020, I took the trip of a lifetime to Cuba. 

After my 10 days in Cuba , I can safely say it wasn’t what I expected. 

Was it the funnest, most relaxing or enjoyable trip of my life?

Was it one of the most interesting trips of my life?

Is it easy to travel solo in Cuba ?

Absolutely not! In this blog, I’ll tell you what Cuba is like so you can decide whether a trip is right for you…

Tricky things about Cuba

1. You can’t bring Cuban money in or out of Cuba.

2. Many ATMs are out of cash. 3. US bank cards don’t work and there’s a 10% fee added to exchange of US dollars.

4. Due to economic sanctions, you can’t buy many day-to-day products like shampoo. Pack everything you need! 5. The internet barely works. You need to pick up a scratch card from an ETECSA store then log in from hotspots in public spaces. And even then it doesn’t really work. 

All these things considered, I was kind of stressed the couple of days before my trip. Because I was flying hand luggage only from Mexico (it was £150 cheaper than checking bags), I had to find everything I needed in under 100ml bottles. This meant buying empty bottles and dispensing my suncream and moisturiser.

I was also worried about money as I’d just lost my Revolut card and my only other was a MasterCard. Even though it was UK-issued, I’d heard that these sometimes aren’t accepted in ATMs as MasterCard is American. Basically, I needed to work out my Cuba budget and bring all my cash in Mexican pesos to exchange when I arrived. 

Arriving in Cuba

When I landed in Cuba , my airport experience was unlike any other. Havana airport looked straight out of the 1950s and was a bit of a shambles. I was told I needed a certain form to exit the airport but the desk that issued them told me I didn’t need one. With a bunch of other confused travellers, I went between the two desks trying to get myself out of the airport (in broken Spanish). It took ages! Once I finally escaped, I was greeted with the next challenge: queuing up for currency exchange. Luckily, I was the fourth person in the queue but it still took an hour. There was just one window open with a guy counting bills as slowly as he could, it seemed. I felt awful for the people at the back of the queue. If it took me an hour to move four places, it must have been dawn before the 50th person got their Cuban currency. It was midnight already so I was grateful to jump in a cab and head to my hostel. My cab was $25 for a 20-minute ride, no bargaining. Being used to $5 rides in Mexico, the Cuban prices were already hurting my head.

First impressions

The next day, I stepped out onto my balcony and looked down over the streets of Havana. The stress of my arrival dissipated. Below, locals hung out their washing and chatted in doorways of four-storey buildings as retro cars cruised by. Yep, I was actually in Havana and, over the next few days, I was to discover what Cuba is really like to visit.

Of course we’ve all seen the Instagram photos of Havana. Those pink Cadillacs and colourful houses.

Is it all as it seems?

Well, partly. The colourful houses exist; so do the Cadillacs. There are indeed parts of Old Havana that are truly photo paradise. But there are also backstreets upon backstreets of rundown houses, construction and piles of trash. I even heard a rumour that there are houses totally derelict inside yet the exteriors have been licked up with a pretty coat of paint. I soon learnt that aesthetics are central to Havana yet it’s not all it seems.

More to the point? The people. Take your eyes off the Insta facade and you’ll notice what they’re doing. Not dining in swanky Old Havana restaurants, not riding in the passenger seat of Cadillacs. I’m aware there’s a divide between tourists and locals many places in the world but I’ve never felt it stronger than in Cuba. I wanted to know more and as a result, spent much of my time in Cuba trying to work out…

What’s life like for Cubans?

In many ways, it’s tough. Firstly, monthly wages are as little as $20 USD. This is because, under communism, the government own almost everything. Although it became communist 60 years ago, this is still what Cuba is like today. Instead of restaurant owners or taxi drivers keeping their profit, they’re required to give it to the government who then pay citizens equally. At best, it’s ‘fair’ that everyone gets the same. At worst, it’s a controlling, money-hungry system nearing on dictatorship. Because wages are so low, a ration system exists. Lines stretch around the corner as people queue for basic food items.

Due to the nature of communism, things like education and healthcare are free. Don’t get me wrong; I’m all for those things being accessible to all. But when Cuban wages are considered, they have to be. People need basic freedoms and decent wages, not just freebies.

The two currency system

This baffled me at first. When you visit Cuba as a tourist, you’ll withdraw or exchange your money into Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC) which can be used to pay for accommodation, transport and meals in touristic restaurants and cafes. However, the locals are paid in a different currency: Cuban pesos (CUP). As a tourist, you can switch some CUC to CUP in a bank and benefit from the much cheaper prices of local food sold in pesos. Meals cost 5-10 CUC ($5-10) in touristic restaurants but around 20 CUP ($1) in local restaurants. 2021 update – the CUP has now been scrapped! Originally, I assumed this two currency system was to keep tourists spending at higher costs. But as someone pointed out, it’s probably more sinister than this: to prevent locals from affording luxuries. When earning and spending in CUP, it would be impossible to afford Western-style food, luxury cosmetics or really, anything that goes against communism.

Connection to the rest of the world

Whatsmore, Cubans are rarely able to leave Cuba. An appointment at the visa office costs around $2,000 which equals about eight years’ salary. It also won’t necessarily be granted. The situation with the internet also impacts life for Cubans. The internet isn’t heavily censored like China’s but it’s simply hard to access. Cubans can purchase mobile data but it’s so expensive that it’s impossible for many. If the Cuban government want to cut their people off from the rest of the world, they’re succeeding.

How to help?

What frustrated me about visiting Cuba was my helplessness. Yes, I could take a local cab but the driver wouldn’t get my money. I could eat in a restaurant without it reaching the family who run it. I could stay in a hotel and my money would simply be passed onto the government. During my travels around Asia and Mexico, my spending has helped local people. Unfortunately, this is not what Cuba is like. For many years, the money hasn’t trickled down.

What’s changing?

Things are improving, slowly. Now Airbnb is allowed in Cuba, locals can rent out their spare rooms and host tours and activities. Sadly, 60% has to be given to the government but it’s something, right? If locals can lead a tour at $20 per head and attract 15 customers per time, there’s still close to $200 dollars coming their way after deductions. The last couple of years have changed everything in Cuba as this would have been a wild dream even 10 years ago.

Attitudes of men in Cuba

Aside from my frustration at seeing how people live under communism, there was one other BIG pet peeve from my time in Cuba: Harassment from the men. I’ve travelled to many places with questionable safety reputations such as India and South Africa. People have been quick to warn me but I’ve never experienced anything but kindness and generosity from the locals. Yet, the one place where the men were actually inappropriate and creepy, no one warned me about? Before I go any further, I’ll mention that Cuba is a very safe country. The men aren’t going to hurt you (perhaps they’re too scared of their communist government). It’s all talk and bravado. That doesn’t make it right but it does mean you’re safe as a solo female traveller. Still, I felt uncomfortable and harassed during my trip to Cuba. To my fellow women travellers wondering ‘what is Cuba like for a holiday?’ I feel it my duty to warn you. Men catcalled, beeped their horns and trailed beside me seeking my attention however many times I told them to get lost. It was relentless. They weren’t aggressive or threatening. It was old-fashioned, toxic chivalry; the idea that if you compliment a woman, she should be grateful. Her tiny sense of self-worth could be based on little else, surely? She may be acting coy but you simply need to wear her down. Much as I wanted to stay out of whatever 1950s ego trip they were on, it was impossible. I fell out with a taxi driver who insisted I was being oversensitive and should feel flattered. He even managed to point out a woman being harassed on the streets, saying ‘she doesn’t mind! She knows it’s a compliment!’

Getting to know the locals

It’s shame when a few people ruin it because, aside from the creeps, I met so many lovely and friendly Cubans, both male and female. A highlight of my time in Cuba was taking a bar crawl in Havana with a 25-year old Cuban, Andito, and his buddies. Since Airbnb Experiences are now legal, they take tourists to their favourite bars and show them a vibrant, non-touristy side to Havana. Hanging out with Andito, his brother and a few of their guy and girl mates was so much fun. Really, they were just regular 25-year-olds and it was so interesting to hear about Cuba from their perspective.

Cubans may not live under the best government but that doesn’t stop them enjoying life. Cubans love to drink, dance and socialise. Many are loud, passionate and infectious. Perhaps the Cuban spirit is stronger for everything they’ve had to overcome.

A learning curve

I can’t deny things about Cuba were challenging but there was a lot I really enjoyed. One of the main things was the learning curve: truly seeing how life works under a completely different model of society. Aside from that, I loved Havana. I spent days wandering around, chatting to friendly locals in parks, sharing my peso pizzas with street cats and marvelling at the architecture and retro cars. And riding in one!

Foodies wondering what Cuba is like may be disappointed! While there were plenty of things I liked about Cuba, I wasn’t blown away by the food. Of course, that could be partly because I was coming from Mexico! There were a few dishes I enjoyed like ropa veija, a dish of pulled steak with rice, black beans and fried plantain. But for the most part, the nicer dishes with fresh ingredients were served in more touristic and pricey restaurants. Due to the ration system that many locals live with, ingredients are hard to come by. There’s a lot of preserved food like spam. During the evenings I wanted to grab something quick and affordable, I could only find limp hot dogs or ‘peso pizza’ topped with can-style meat or tuna. I hope for locals’ sake they’re able to cook better meals at home.

While the food wasn’t my favourite, the cocktails were! Cocktails in Cuba flow freely and are very affordable. I often drank pina coladas for $2 or less. Not only were they cheap but they were absolutely delicious.

Cuba is the home to the mojito and the daiquiri so I loved going to the Havana bars that invented them: La Bodeguita del Medio for mojitos and El Floridita for the original daiquiri, invented by the hotel bartender during US prohibition when many Americans would visit Cuba.

Life is not convenient

I learnt that life under Cuba’s version of communism can be hard. While it’s the least of many people’s problems, I couldn’t help but marvel at the lack of convenience. Booking a bus across the country was so complicated on a clunky website that needed your passport that I took taxis instead. There were no taxi apps since American companies are banned. You can’t get a takeaway or visit a supermarket. You can barely buy conditioner or toothpaste due to trade sanctions with the rest of the world. It made me realise how accustomed I am to convenience. Whether it’s dinner, a cab or a gift for a friend, usually when I want something, I reach for my phone and order it. In Cuba, there are no shortcuts.

I was also surprised by the cost of visiting Cuba . The worst bit was getting around. Including the return ride from the airport and a return trip to Trinidad (a smaller city in Cuba) from Havana, I spent $160 on government taxis, similar to what I’d live on in Mexico for a week! Unless you live on peso food, which isn’t tasty or nutritious, you can also spend a lot on food and drink in Cuba. I battled quite hard to find local dinners taking CUP rather than the tourist restaurants in Old Havana which only took CUC and weren’t overly different in price from eating out in the UK.

Leaving Cuba

As I left Cuba, I knew I wouldn’t forget my trip quickly. It wasn’t like anywhere I’d been before, probably because Cuba isn’t like anywhere else. For that alone, I’m so glad I got to visit and learn about Cuba first-hand, rather than from a book. But I can’t lie: I was happy on the flight from Havana to Mexico City. I was going to call an Uber and it would be a fifth of the price of a Havana taxi. Then, I would order takeaway food to my bed, browsing my options. I was going to have a feast and it would be cheap and there would be no canned ham. I was not going to be harassed on the streets. THERE WOULD BE CHEESE AND FRESH VEGGIES. THERE WOULD BE INTERNET. Leaving Cuba, I couldn’t wait for things to be available at my fingertips. Convenience. The freedom to browse and make a choice for myself. Communism is clearly not the life for me… But capitalism will destroy Planet Earth in even less time. What are we gunna do?

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I hope you have a better idea of what Cuba is like to visit and whether you should take a trip!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

8 thoughts on “ What I Really Thought of Cuba – My Honest Views ”

Dear Rose: Most of what you report is true. However, you have olly según the Cuban learning curve. You should have brought Euros to exchange. Next since you were traveling lite, you could have taken the bus like the cubans do from the airport to the main road Boyeros and take a machina(shared)and arrive at central Park in the Habana vieja by the Capital building for less than $2-. Taxis are to be avoided or share at the airport with luggage. Also of you don’t want all the attention from the cuban male, die your hair! Most latinos give “Rubios ” todo much attention!

Hi Jim. I considered Euros but thought I would might lose out in the exchange of Mexican Pesos – Euros – Cuban Pesos. Thanks for the bus tips, I’ll have to use them if I ever go back 🙂 However I won’t be dying my hair to appease men on a 10 day trip haha

Rosa, I’m a Canadian man in my 60s. I live in Havana in the winter because I love the people here, but you’re absolutely right, Cuba is not friendly to budget travel. The government wants to keep tourists in respets where they can squeeze them for foreign currency and not meet locals who will soon disillusion you about communism. Convenience is unhesrd of here. And the culture is,quite macho although recently the government has made efforts to encouage more respect for LGBTQ+ people, but that’s a,work in progress. As another commenter pointed out you are blonde and foreign making you a very attractive potential partner. If you’ve watched cuban music videos you’ll catch the pervasive gender stereotypes right away, but if you tell someone ‘no moleste me’/don’t bug me, they’ll back off. Because you were travelling on a budget you saw real Cuba and Cubans on your first outing. Good for you..Life here is not pleasant for Cubans and yet they persist in their joie de vivre with the charscteristic courage I love. But as you say Mexico is equally beautiful has more conveniences, and better food. I do find it more dangerous.

Hey Giles, thanks for your comment. You’re right: it isn’t budget-friendly, nor convenient and there aren’t great attitudes towards women due to the macho culture. I am glad to hear they are making efforts for LGBTQ+ people, however, and hope this continues! Saying all this, I am so glad I did get to see the real Cuba like you say… It’s truly a unique place and I’m glad I got to visit in Feb 2020 before the world went crazy. Ohh, Mexico is wonderful isn’t it. The food!!

Hi there, This is by far the best and most honest review I’ve read regarding Cuba. I’m due to travel out there for 2 weeks for my honeymoon (initially in Havana) May I ask 1) Who did you do the bar crawl with? 2) In your experience, are women harrassed less if they’re with a male? I have zero tolerance for this and fear I may lose my temper. 3) Any recommendations or things you wish you had avoided or done in Havana? Thank you.

Hi Matt glad you found my review & hope it can prepare you for your trip. The bar crawl was with Cuba Bar Hop; you can find them on Airbnb Experiences. Regarding harassment of women, I couldn’t say for sure as I was only by myself however I would presume it’s less if she’s with a man. Nothing major comes to mind for Havana, my favourite thing was just relaxing and wandering around soaking up the atmosphere so I’d say leave as much time for that as possible. Enjoy!

A really good and honest review – I’m currently here after cutting my 2 week trip down to just 1 week. As a group of 3 males we honestly didn’t find the people particularly friendly or helpful. Most the times many of the Cuban people didn’t seem to like us tourists for whatever reason. Often they seemed quite rude – some were ok but I wouldn’t say too friendly. They try to over charge us for everything they can possibly get away with and overall it was quite a disappointing trip. Sure there were some nice sights – cars, buildings and scenery etc but after a week we had, had enough. Varadero beach was ok but I wouldn’t say the best in the world like some people would have you believe. I certainly wouldn’t be rushing back here. Much better and more enjoyable places to visit.

Yeah I feel you! Hope you enjoy your next trip more 🙂

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Cultural News and Events

Cuba Tourist Board of Canada

• REQUIREMENTS FOR CANADIANS PASSENGERS TRAVELING TO CUBA (updated as of Nov 2, 2023)
• Travelling from Canada to Cuba, you just need a valid Canadian passport, if your passport is from another country, you need your Canadian resident card or a work or study permit that includes a multiple-entry permit attached to your passport. For Cuba, you need the tourist card (the tourist card is included in your plane ticket and is issued by the airline on board)
• All passengers arriving to Cuba from a direct flight from Canada, do not need to present a vaccination passport.
• Medical insurance is required for Cuba, medical insurance must cover any type of medical emergency including COVID-19, so in case of a medical emergency the tourist is responsible for paying the costs, for this reason, Cuba suggests having medical insurance for all types of medical emergencies including covid. If you are unable to obtain insurance in Canada, you can purchase medical insurance in Cuba at the airport or visit www.cubatravel.cu. For more information on what the insurance includes, contact the representative at the Insurance desk at the airport in Cuba.
• Since January 1, 2022, travelers must complete the customs and health declaration form, this is done online and the website to visit is: https://www.dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu . All travelers must complete this information online 48 hours before traveling to Cuba. Once the form is completed, you will receive a QR code by email. You must show an electronic or printed version of the QR code to the authorities upon arrival. If you have any problems and you can't fill out the form online because you don't have internet access, the printed form will be available on arrival at the airport in Cuba to fill it out.
• CURRENCY: The local currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP). The convertible peso has been discontinued and is no longer accepted in Cuba. US and CAD dollars are  accepted anywhere in Cuba.  At tourist areas which includes hotels, restaurants and shopping malls, payment is only accepted with debit/visa cards or visa / mastercard credit cards from Canadian banks . Customers who do not have a credit card can buy a prepaid card in Cuba at the airport or at any money exchange kiosks at hotels . Payments outside the tourist areas are all in Cuban pesos (CUP); We recommend exchanging Canadian dollars for pesos as needed and only if you plan to travel OUTSIDE of tourist areas, since you will not be able to change the remaining pesos into Canadian dollars at the end of the holiday.

For additional information, please contact Cuba Tourist Board at:

E-mail: [email protected] TL : 416 362 0700

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Increased Accessibility: Air China Resumes Flights To Havana Cuba

• Air China will resume Beijing-Havana flights on May 17th.
• The change in stopover point to Madrid from Montreal resulted in no more visa requirements for Chinese travelers to Cuba.
• The Cuban Prime Minister highly anticipates increased Chinese tourism.

Cuban Ambassador to China Alberto Blanco Silva announced on social media platform X on April 10th that he had a "fruitful meeting" with Song Zhiyong, Civil Aviation Administration of China ( CAAC ) administrator, in Beijing on the same day. As a result of the meeting, Air China will resume scheduled commercial flights between China and Cuba on May 17th.

On April 23rd, Air China held a press conference in Beijing regarding the new and resumed international flight routes for 2024, confirming this announcement. According to the information released by Air China, the airline will resume flights from Beijing to Havana starting on May 17th. This route will be the sole air link between China and Cuba, with Air China planning to operate it using the Boeing 787-9 , with two weekly flights.

Same route with different stopover point

It is worth noting that Air China has chosen Madrid, Spain, as the stopover point for this resumption of service to Havana. In contrast, when Air China first launched the Beijing to Havana route in 2015, the stopover point was Montreal, Canada.

This change means that Chinese tourists traveling to Cuba will no longer face any visa restrictions. Previously, although Cuba had a visa-free policy for Chinese citizens, Chinese travelers still faced some barriers because they needed a Canadian visa for layovers in Canada. With the new stopover point in Madrid, Chinese travelers do not need to apply for a Schengen visa if they are only transiting. Therefore, with the change in the stopover point, Chinese tourists can truly enjoy hassle-free travel to Cuba.

Choosing a new stopover point also has its drawbacks. Compared to the total flight distance with a layover in Montreal (8,133 nautical miles), the new route with a layover in Madrid will increase the total flight distance by 27.6% (10,378 nautical miles).

Cuba strongly looks forward to the resumption

Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero visited China last November and met with the top Chinese leadership, indicating the close relationship between the two countries. During his visit, Marrero even uncommonly presented Cuba's tourism resources and investment opportunities to the Chinese public at a tourism promotion forum held at the Cuban Embassy in China.

At the forum, the Cuban Prime Minister mentioned that direct flights between China and Cuba would resume in 2024, expressing his anticipation for the resumption. He said,

"If it were up to me, I would love to take a direct flight to Havana from China tomorrow."

Marrero also expressed his hope to see a record-breaking number of Chinese tourists visiting Cuba after resuming flights. The current record stands at approximately 50,000 visitors in 2018.

As another friendly country to Cuba, Russia's Rossiya Airlines resumed flights to the capital of Cuba, Havana , from its Moscow Sheremetyevo base on December 24 with a Boeing 777 aircraft.

Cuban Leader Makes State Visit To China Onboard A Conviasa Airbus A340

Have you ever flown on Air China flights? Please share your thoughts and experiences with Simple Flying.

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Cuba apologizes to Canada for delivering wrong body to grieving family

HAVANA, Cuba - Cuba apologized to Canada on Wednesday after authorities accidentally delivered the remains of another man to a Canadian family grieving the loss of a loved one who died while vacationing on the Caribbean island in March.

Faraj Jarjour, a Canadian citizen of Syrian descent, died of a heart attack in the Varadero beach resort two hours east of Havana on March 22, according to a report by Canada's CBC news agency.

Weeks later, his family was shocked to find the body of a tattooed man many years younger in the casket delivered from Cuba to a funeral home near Montreal, the family told the CBC. The body delivered looked nothing like their father, the family said.

The identity of the body delivered was not clear.

Cuba's foreign minister Bruno Rodriguez said on social media Wednesday that he had spoken with his Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly about the "unfortunate incident."

"Cuban authorities (are) investigating to clarify the incident," Rodriguez said. "I conveyed heartfelt condolences and apologies to relatives and friends of the deceased."

Jarjour`s family continues to await the delivery of their father`s body from Cuba, now more than a month since his passing.

Cuba`s state-run media has not reported on details surrounding the accidental delivery.

The island remains a popular destination among Canadians despite a grinding economic crisis that has led to shortfalls in food, fuel and medicine

Canada foreign minister Joly confirmed she had spoken with Rodriguez and said Canadian officials were working with Cuba to resolve the mix-up over Jarjour`s body.

"We share the utmost concern for the unimaginable situation his family faces," Joly said on social media. — Reuters