The country is small, but it makes up for its size with its big personality. With warm, charismatic locals, colonial architecture, and classic cars on every street – there really is nowhere else in the world like it.

The life, the colour, the music…it’s all here – a pulsing, heartbeat that sweeps you up and carries you off in its bohemian salsa tempo. The personality of this fascinating country is magnetic, infectious, and impossible to say no to.

This incredible vibrancy is everywhere you visit in Cuba.

But to make sure you visit the right places and avoid the bad ones, we’ve listed all the top destinations to visit in Cuba and one place to avoid for you below.

What is Cuba Known For?

In every town, village, countryside, and city in Cuba, there is a certain vitality is woven into the very fabric of what makes Cuba. It’s vibrant and colorful, and not just in its architecture.

It’s known for its cigars, rum made from sugar cane, jazz bars with salsa dancing, 1950s classic American cars, Spanish colonial buildings, and a political history that’s both tumultuous and fascinating. You’ll see pictures of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara all over the country.

It’s also known for being a little tricky to get around for travelers.

Public transport is virtually non-existent, hitching is not recommended and if you’ve only really driven in places like the UK, Australia, and North America, self-drive isn’t a great option either.

There are some amazing small-group tour companies like Cuban Adventures that really deliver and make sure you’re safe. And more importantly, you’re not wasting valuable travel time waiting for a bus that’s gone MIA.

Is Cuba Safe?

Of course, there is crime in Cuba too, but most of the time the street scams you can see coming a mile off.

It’s really just people trying to get by, as poverty is still an issue in Cuba. Generally speaking, locals are incredibly friendly and will want to talk to you but keep your wits about you.

The Top Places to Visit in Cuba

Are you ready to see the top places to visit in Cuba? Here are all the destinations you should add to your itinerary, as well as tips for what to do in each place.

1. Havana

If you don’t come to Havana when you visit Cuba, you’re doing this country an injustice.

Havana is one of the most wonderful cities we’ve ever visited. And by that, I don’t mean ‘oh isn’t this wonderful, darling’. Havana really is full of wonder and one of the best things to do in Cuba.

From the crumbling buildings to its curious narrow streets brimming with life and ingenuity, Havana is Cuba’s capital for a reason. Here you get the perfect screenshot of a culture the rest of the world has pretty much ignored for so many years.

Our best advice is to take a walking tour of Old Havana (Habana Vieja). You’ll hear some of the amazing history and culture that’s alive here and discover elements you’d miss if you weren’t told about them.

Things to Do in Havana, Cuba:

• El Capitolio – National Capitol Building
• Rooftop bar of Hotel Ambos Mundos
• Drink mojitos in the storied bar of Bodeguita del Medio
• The Malecón – esplanade and sea wall
• Almacenes San Jose market
• The Cathedral Havana (plus the square of the houses of the 4 richest families in Cuba)
• Plus if you have time, visit the castle – Castillo el Morro – on the other side of the harbour. It’s full of history and a real icon of the city.

2. Viñales

A tiny town with a huge influence over the rest of the country, Vinales is where the very best tobacco is grown for the biggest cigar brands. Cohiba, Montecristo, Cuaba – they all use the leaves grown in this valley.

From the mountains surrounding it to the little dance club behind the main square, Viñales epitomizes regional Cuban life.

Things to see in Viñales, Cuba:

• Cuban dance club
• Hike through tobacco plantations
• Visit the organic farms
• Lunch at El Olivo Restaurant
• People-watching from anywhere you can!

3. Cienfuegos

About an hour and a half west along the coast from the Bay of Pigs, this harbourside town is full of art, culture, and history. Cienfuegos is known as the Pearl of the South thanks to its beautiful bay – Bahia de Jagua.

There’s plenty to do here – even if it’s just strolling around the town’s streets.

The locals seem the most westernized and the city itself has a much more European feel to it. This is thanks to the strong French influence in the town’s customs and architecture.

Other Cubans say the people from Cienfuegos are the most beautiful and the most cultured.

Things to Do in Cienfuegos, Cuba:

• Have dinner in El Tranvia
• Plaza de Armas and the monument to the Cuban hero José Martí
• The art galleries around the Plaza de Armas
• The Arch de Triumph in Jose José Martí Park – the last remaining in the country
• The Bahia de Jagua – the bay that makes Cienfuegos the Pearl of the South

4. Trinidad

Apart from Havana, Trinidad has to be the most historic city in Cuba.

Similar to Havana, the Old Town section here is UNESCO World Heritage Site (as a World Monument), but unlike Havana, this part of town is only accessible on foot or on horseback. Carts are also allowed and commonly seen.

The narrow cobbled streets and the low, leaning, brightly colored houses are iconic of this city. Trinidad is a place of unrivaled beauty in this country already well represented in the photogenic stakes.

Things to Do in Trinidad, Cuba:

• Roam the cobbled streets of Old Town
• Visit the Museo Romántico opposite the Plaza Mayor. The view out over the city is worth the entrance fee.
• Visit the other important buildings like the Holy Trinity Church and Plaza de Santa Ana and the Royal Jail built in 1844.
• Casa de la Musica – bar and square for drinks in the day and music and dancing at night
• Stroll through the street markets
• Visit Playa Ancon beach at sunset
• Disco Ayalu – a nightclub in a huge cave!
• Explore the hiking trails in El Cubano Natural Park and discover the waterfalls

5. Santiago de Cuba

The town of Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city in Cuba and offers amazing beaches, beautiful architecture, exciting adventures, and a path far less trodden.

It has a similar vibe to Havana but it’s a lot less touristy and more authentic.

It’s also located on the coast, with a bay off the Caribbean Sea right in the city center. It’s the perfect spot for those who love to enjoy vibrant cities, but be close enough to nature and solitude.

The city has a lot of Spanish colonial architecture since it was founded in 1515 by the Spanish. The city has a distinctive Afro-Cuban vibe. It’s most famous for its Carnaval, which is a festival with drum-beating, son dancing, and parades with colorful costumes and floats.

Things to Do in Santiago de Cuba

• Visit the incredible fortress of Castillo de san Pedro de la Roca
• Go hiking in The Sierra Maestra mountain range
• Check out the nearby national parks of Turquino National Park and Desembarco del Granma
• Go horseback riding at Rancho El Dajao
• Stay in a colonial Casa Particulars
• Attend Carnival in July

6. The Islands of Cayo Largo del Sur

For those looking to visit Cuba for its sun, sea, and tropical vibe, you’ll want to head to the small resort island of Cayo Largo del Sur.

The weather is known to be sunny all year round and this is where you’ll find some of the best beaches and resorts in Cuba.

Another popular island to visit in Cuba is Cayo Coco, but it’s much more isolated. It’s famous for being the island that starred in Ernest Hemingway’s novels, Islands in the Stream and The Old Man and the Sea.

Things to Do on Cayo Largo del Sur

• See the Sea Turtles lay their eggs on Playa Tortuga
• Dive the barrier reefs less than a mile off the shore
• Visit the stunning white sand beach, Playa Sirena
• Check out the Playa Blanca Beach
• Pay a visit to the Center of Turtle Protection

7. Santa Clara

Santa Clara is a city in the central province of Cuba and is famous for being the site of the last battle of the Cuban Revolution in 1958.

As such, the city has many revolutionary landmarks, such as the Che Guevara Mausoleum, which is the resting place of Che Guevara and other famous fighters.

If you’re interested in learning more about political history, then Santa Clara is the best place in Cuba to visit for history lovers.

Things to Do in Santa Clara

• Visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum
• Visit the Museo Histórico de la Revolución
• Visit the Taking of the Armored Train monument
• Relax in Parque Leoncio Vidal
• Explore the LGBT neighborhood of El Mejunje
• Take a trip to Cayo Santa María

8. Baracoa

Another one of the best places to visit in Cuba for history lovers is Baracoa, which is the oldest colonial city in Cuba. It’s considered the First City of Cuba, because of its colonial roots.

The city is surrounded by beautiful nature and beaches, and the inside of the city is full of historic landmarks.

Founded in 1511 by Diego Velázquez, under the name of “Our Lady of the Assumption of Baracoa,” the town quickly rose to wealth because of the connection between the Spanish and natives.

It’s a sleepy town with narrow, cobbled streets, old Spanish mansions, and fortresses.

Things to Do in Baracoa

• Discover El Yunque, a 575-metre-high mountain outside the city center
• Visit the Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt (Alejandro de Humboldt National Park)
• Check out the city’s fortresses, Fuerte la Punta (Fort La Punta) and Fortaleza de Matachin (Matachín Fortress)
• See the Castillo de Seboruco (Seboruco Castle)
• Learn about Cuban history at Museo Municipal
• Admire the views from Bahía de Baracoa

9. Cayo Guillermo, Jardines del Rey

Cayo Guillermo is a small, remote island off the northern coast of Cuba. It’s part of a group of islands called the “Jardines del Rey” (King’s Gardens) and is known for its idyllic, powdery white sand beaches and turquoise waters teaming with marine life.

Cayo Guillermo is uninhabited, so the only way to visit the island is to stay at the hotel.

Since it’s located just 27 km off the shore of Cuba, it’s easy to get to by boat from Morón, just outside Santa Clara.

The biggest attraction to Cayo Guillermo is the remote island life. Simply kick back, and enjoy the beach and the quietness.

Things to Do in Cayo Guillermo

• Absolutely nothing. Enjoy it!
• Go diving and see the thriving marine life
• Swim with dolphins

Places to Avoid in Cuba

On your trip to Cuba, these are places I recommend avoiding. Not many places, but to make sure you have the best time in Cuba, make sure you avoid…

Varadero

Historically interesting but unethical in its tourism, the Varadero peninsula stretches into the Caribbean at the northernmost point of Cuba. It’s about 2 hours east of Havana.

The American mafia wanted to build a stretch of casinos from this peninsula all the way to Havana – so naming it the Casino Coast.

However, when Castro took control of the corrupt Batista, he kicked the mafia out, who then started Las Vegas in Nevada.

This peninsula has some of the most stunning coastlines in the country, and ordinarily, we’d be voting for this one to be a priority to visit.

The problem is the resorts lining the beach here utterly spoil it. All-inclusive package deals keep unwitting and unwelcome tourists in their complexes where the beaches are guarded and locals are not allowed.

There is even a boom gate at the start of the peninsular stopping Cubans from entering.

Interestingly, outside the confines of these huge resorts, Cuban life does carry on in Varadero with relative normality.

There are classic American cars, casa particular, little shops and bars. It’s just tainted by the legacy the Cosa Nostra left behind.

But it’s a matter of yet then never!

Before You Go

So there you have it, those are the best places to visit in Cuba and as you can see, there are a lot of cool destinations to add to your itinerary!

Before you go, make sure you go prepared with everything you need for an enjoyable stay. Many people don’t know this, but you need to have travel insurance to enter Cuba.

If you haven’t sorted your insurance out yet, we recommend using our partner Allianz Travel, who has good rates and a strong reputation.

One that is known for hot blooded salsa dancing, revolutionary heroes, and mojitos that can help you write prose like Hemingway.

Is Cuba really a destination worth all the hype?

I say Yes. And I say it loud with a fiery twist of my hips.

I visited Cuba on a group tour with Intrepid tours, and spent a few days dancing it up on my own in Havana!

Cuba was a vacation filled with memorable moments and deeper insights into happiness and how I wanted to live when I returned home.

Cuba leaves a long lasting impression like that.

So I say go, and go now, before it becomes another overpopulated tourism destination that has lost a part of its original magic.

Before you go, I have a list of pros and cons to help you better prepare. Don’t miss my previous Cuba travel posts on:

• How to Travel to Cuba On A Group Tour (and have fun)
• 5 Amazing Cities in Cuba to Visit That Will Imprint Your Heart

The Pros & Cons of Cuba Travel

The Pros of Cuba Travel

1. Accommodation in Cuba

Accommodation options are plentiful and easy to find. The best way to enjoy Cuba is to stay with families in Casas Particulars.

These are your Airbnb version of private home stays that offer tourists an authentic experience and the personable homeowner’s much-needed income.

Find your Casa Particulars on Airbnb

2. Safety in Cuba

I felt totally safe in Cuba as a whole. There was no real foul play or underhanded activity and certainly no threat or fear.

Cuba has a clean reputation for having almost no gun crime, violent robbery, gang culture, drugs or dangerous no-go zones.

We didn’t have to be on watch of our belongings and I never once needed to worry about putting padlocks on my bags, which was a first for me.

The others on our group tour also spoke about not having to worry about bags or padlocks. This says a lot about the country!

When we went out we didn’t worry about being pick pocketed.

In fact, there were times where I left my clutch on tables in clubs whilst I hit the dance floor, only to have courteous Cubans telling me it was left there.

In my opinion, if they had a chance to take something without you knowing they still wouldn’t because integrity and respect is important to them.

3. Colonial Architecture

You could spend your whole time in Cuba admiring the traditional Colonial buildings, along with the statues and sculptures.

In particular, the colonial architecture in the old town of Havana was most impressive for its rich colors and vastness.

But my favorite was Trinidad, known for being one of the best-preserved colonial cities in the Caribbean with its cobbled-stone streets.

4. Cheap Cigars

If trade and transport overseas were possible, I would be profiting from a cigar selling business right now.

My travel buddy bought a box of 5 cigars for $10! This would sell for $60 back home.

5. Rum that gives you no hangovers

I don’t know if it was because I danced up a storm (hardcore sweaty style salsa with these fast-paced Cubans) whilst I was drinking that kept the hangovers away or because of the damn fine local distilled rum!

Either way, I grew a liking to the fact I could sip on mojitos all night long and still enjoy fresh days to follow!

6. Cuban Music

Cuban music is electric and sets your soul on fire!

It permeates Cuban culture through the sounds of salsa, merengue, rumba, afro-drums, jazz and reggaeton.

You will find musicians in bars, restaurants, on street corners and in their homes. When it comes to music bands- the bigger the better!

The band groups usually consist of anywhere between 8 to 12 members. With the variety and quality of sounds, the music alone is enough to draw you to Cuba.

One of the best places to hear traditional Cuban music is at the famous Buena Vista Social Club in Old Havana, connected to the documentary film, also called Bueno Vista Social Club.

I spent my last night of the 3-week trip here and it is one not to miss.

You get to interact with the musicians and dancers and collectively everyone brings the performance to life.

7. Salsa Dancing in Cuba

With its distinctly Cuban flavor, the country is one of the world’s most vibrant salsa-dancing destinations!

The locals dance with firey passion, smooth sensuality, stunning athleticism and exuberant energy.

If you are fortunate to come across a group of salsa goers busting their moves in the street for fun you will find their performance is far better than the paid shows in the hotels.

The street dancers are astounding.

Dancing is a huge part of Cuban culture, as they love to have a good time. So for those who want to get in on the fun, go to a salsa lesson at Salsabor A Cuba Dance School in Central Havana.

For the Salsa Junkies, you won’t want to leave! I still yearn to party hardy throughout those magical Havana nights!

The Cons of Cuba Travel

8. Cash is King

Cash is king in Cuba.

American credit and debit cards are not accepted anywhere and you must pay for everything in cash.

Leave your US Dollars at home; the government slaps an extra 10% charge for use of this currency.

For travellers outside of America, there are ATMS but you will be stung with high transaction and conversion fees. You will also find the odd merchant to swipe your card but the same hefty fees apply.

The best way to make sure you stock up on cash is to do so at the airport when you arrive. The currency conversions there are the best and well worth the wait on the long lines.

Allocate anywhere from 30 to 90 mins to make it to the customer counter. Be sure to cash up and keep a tight hold of it scattered in various places.

9. Dual Currency

Having the two types of currencies is a head screw.

Cuban Convertibles (CUC) and Cuban Pesos (CUP).  Travelers and locals share the same frustrations of having to deal with the dual currency.

For travelers, make sure you practice your divisions or bring a calculator.

For locals, they can’t join you for a drink unless you’re paying.  There is no difference in price for locals and travelers.

A cocktail costs 5 CUC and for the average Cuban they earn only 25 CUC per MONTH!

This is the equivalent to $25 US Dollars. 5 Cocktails down and that’s a whole wage spent in just one happy hour.

10. Cuba Travel is Not So Cheap

I expected Cuba to be a cheap holiday but had no idea the CUC was 1 for 1 for the Australian dollar.

Whilst it was still cheaper for food, drinks and accommodation than Australia it was not as cheap as say a trip to South East Asia.

Comparing it to South or Central America, it is expensive!

Whilst there is the history of bad blood between America and Cuba that relationship is slowly changing with Americans visiting more and more and throwing money into the country because for them it is a cheap travel destination.

Despite the differences, it still made for a reasonable and valuable holiday.

11. Backpacker unfriendly

If you’re backpacking to Cuba and think you’re going to stay at a cheap hostel to save money, you won’t find one.

On the flipside, keep in mind it is a communist country so your money is better spent supporting the locals and their home stays.

All the major resorts and hotels are owned by the government, and it’s pretty much illegal for locals to have their own.

12. Cuban Beaches (but depends where you’re from)

Aside from being bias, I have to say it is hard to match our beaches so I must confess the beaches were not a highlight for me.

The snorkeling spots are nothing to rave about and I wouldn’t be planning a trip to Cuba just for the beaches.

If you want to only spend a week or two on the beach- then opt for a beach holiday somewhere else.

Concerns of Cuba Travel

From my experience, there were not any major concerns traveling in Cuba.

We didn’t feel like the Cuban people were out to take us for our money, but during our stay in Havana, it was obvious street hustlers were hoping to get a dollar or two from tourists.

This doesn’t mean you can’t walk the streets or shouldn’t stop you from connecting with locals.

For the most part, Cubans are friendly and want to help.

You can spot a hustler if they approach you on the street to lead you to their “favorite restaurant”, show you an “authentic” cigar or offer you a guided tour.

These red flags may leave you with fewer dollars in your pocket.

My tour roommate, Ruby and I took to the streets to go to a restaurant for dinner in downtown Havana. We noticed two local men around our age who were dressed and looking sharp to go out were approaching us.

They convinced us to go to their “favorite restaurant” and insisted on joining us.

They ignored our vehement “NO!” and followed us up the stairs.

We sat at a table and the waiter told us he had a table for four. These two guys had told the waiter they were with us.

It was one of those awkward situations where we were a little scared to stay but also scared to leave in case they followed us.

They spoke very little English and we spoke very little Spanish and our hand gestures kindly commanding them to leave was not understood or perhaps, chosen not to be.

It started to become quite hysterical and we were in fits of laughter, as the Spanish guitar musicians were playing right behind our table with their happy faces nodding at the four of us like we were a double date.

In the end we chose to see the humor in it and realized these guys just wanted us to pay for their dinner and drinks.

Despite their creepiness, I happily paid for them.

I figured if I was living their harsh life I would want to be wined and dined too. I could afford to shout to these guys dinner in good faith.

It was my good deed of humanity and it made for a memory I will never forget.

The other concern is being charged double the price for water or snacks from the store.

A common scam to watch for is being given back change in CUP instead of CUC. If you make sure you are savvy with the different currencies and conversion rates, you are sure to stop them in their tracks.

Be prepared to bargain and remember it is all part of the experience.

The key to deal with these minor scams and still enjoy your trip is to have empathy.

Understand that life in Cuba is hard and these guys aren’t picking your pocket — they’re working the street and they’re just trying to make an extra buck or get a free dinner. Joke with them and have fun with it.

Anything is possible in Cuba

In Cuba, anything is possible, but nothing is guaranteed.

Organised tours don’t always go to plan.

Travel schedules can run late. Pre-booked dinner reservations can turn into cancellations. WIFI cards for purchase are at times sold out. The task of buying bottled water can turn into a treasure hunt.

Things are not orderly, organized or on time.

Travel in Cuba proved anything was possible and made us appreciate being out of our comfort zone and able to adapt to the culture surrounding us.

You soon learn how to find alternatives or make positive use of a situation.

The unexpected offered far more exciting experiences than what was planned.

Cuba Travel Logistics

Getting around in Cuba is fairly easy and accessible.

I was on the Intrepid Tour for most of the time, so I didn’t have to deal with on-going public transportation.

However, there were times I did and know enough to share.

Getting taxis in Cuba

Taxis are easy to get and you can possibly score a private taxi with a local in his 1950’s classic off the meter.

Car taxis are metered and cost around $1 CUC and start at $1 CUC per km in cities.

Some taxi drivers offer travelers a flat rate off the meter so it goes in their back pocket. The meter goes to the government to be divided up.

Collectivos (Classic Car Taxi) run on the longer distance routes. These are usually the pre 1959 American cars with a friendly driver and bench seats.

An enjoyable and cheaper way to get around is with the three wheel bicycle taxis or “Bici Taxis”.

If you want to see Cuba with a different view, take a ride.

It is fit for 2 or a possible squeeze for 3 in a double seat behind the driver. Some even have a boom box with salsa tunes blaring.

The men pedal power with all their might and stamina, totally deserved of your change!

Horse Carriages

Many of the provincial cities have horse carriages on fixed rates to trot you around the city centers for a scenic route.

If you care for horses, you may pass on this option, as they look extremely undernourished.

Buses in Cuba

Over-crowded, hot, sweaty, the bus can be a challenging way to get around.

The bus trip I took was my first and last. They run a fixed route stopping at bus stops but if you don’t know your stop it is hard to get assistance.

Make sure you get as close to the back to exit through the rear. When you are moving to pass people, always say “permisso” (excuse me) and hold onto your bag.

For the extra few CUC I would stick with one of the taxi choices.

Trucks

This is the transport of difference.

Our Intrepid Group took a public truck ride for the last venture in Baracoa from town to the airport, which was a hilly and bumpy ride.

Camiones (trucks) are cheap and usually travel on a more relaxed scheduled where they can either run late or arrive early.

You stand up in the back or sit squashed on a bench seat in between standing locals. Jam-packed in like Sardines, be sure to hold on tight and have sweat dripping down your face.

Best way to enjoy this is with a carefree attitude. Smile, laugh and strike up a convo with the locals. Of course a little Spanish will help!

It is a great novelty experience if anything and must be tried at least once!

Visa Requirements for Travellers to Cuba

For tourists outside of the US, you can enter on a 30-day tourist visa. This is also known as a Tourist Card.

These can be purchased through a travel agent who is authorized to sell the card. The most convenient option is to book a flight with the card included in the price of the ticket. (Some airlines include this)

This Tourist Card is green and can also be extended in-country for a further 30 days.

Visa Requirements for US Travellers to Cuba

US Citizens are allowed to visit Cuba only if their trip fits into one of the 12 categories permitted for travel according to the General License for Travel by the US Dept of Treasury.

Travel for pure tourism is still prohibited for United States travelers under the 1960s US Trade Embargo against Cuba.

The Trump Administration have made things a little more challenging for American travelers.

If US travelers select the appropriate category of travel they can buy their pink Tourist Card through the Cuban consulate, an airline or at the airport.

The most popular category is “People-to People” travel, which requires a schedule of educational activities when you travel to Cuba as an American.

For all US and non-US citizens flying direct to Cuba from America must buy a pink tourist card which can be purchased with the airline ticket.

Cuba is a transformative travel trip.

By being fully immersed in a culture where they value humanity over materials, I came to realize that wealth is a feeling.

How you feel determines the quality of your life, not what you have.

Take a trip to Cuba to experience cultural wealth and feel exceedingly rich in heart and soul.

Booking a Trip to Cuba

Pin to Save on Pinterest:

Have you visited Cuba? What are some of the pros and cons to Cuba travel that you discovered?

Start in Havana but don’t stop there!

It is also good to get off the beaten track to explore the incredible scenery and culture of the entire island. Each place in Cuba offers a completely new and unique experience.

Here are my top five best places to visit in Cuba (cities) listed in order of most favored to least.

These Cuba cities are sure to leave an imprint on your heart.

5 Cities in Cuba to visit

1. Trinidad De Cuba

Trinidad De Cuba cannot be missed!

As one of the most preserved colonial cities in the Caribbean it is to be admired for its preservation, cleanliness and culture.

Lined with cobblestone streets, you walk around in awe of the pastel and bright coloured buildings and the well-kept grounds and gardens.

There are so many photo opportunities to be had in one of the best cities to visit in Cuba!

Cars are not allowed in the centre so it is nice to meander around to the various markets, artesian shops, and art studios.

Enjoy a meal in a colonial home restaurant with 19th century antique furniture and come out to find a band playing tunes on a cobblestone corner.

Trinidad is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and museums are plenty.

Take a visit to the Museo Histrico Municipal and venture up to the tower with a panoramic view of the city.

The town center is about 20 km from the beach but an escape from the sweaty city in a Collectivo is well worth the refreshing swim in the Caribbean Sea.

This city presents its soul at night.

Plaza Mayor, the main square comes alive with both locals and tourists coming together to watch and listen to the Salsa band or join in on the dancing.

Others take to walking the streets to enjoy the bars with their cocktails in plastic cups. The partygoers take a walk down a dirt track for about 4kms to the “Rave in the Cave”.

This is a nightclub in an underground cave playing mostly Salsa and Reggaeton music.

We partied until dawn, raving in a cave. If you dare to risk walking the dirt track, in return you will get one of the best nights of your life!

Hotels to stay in Trinidad De Cuba:

• Book hotels in Trinidad directly on Booking.com
• Read reviews of hotels in Trinidad on Trip Advisor

2. Havana

Havana will be your first stop on your group tour to Cuba. But be sure not to get stuck here.

It is easy to forget the rest of the island because you won’t want to leave this cosmopolitan side of Cuba!

Whilst it has a spectacular nightlife, the days are just as charming and fun.

It is a city of many faces and places.

Walk the streets in La Habana Vieja or the Old Town for the many different sights. Be drawn to the preserved Colonial architecture & structures, whilst the run down, derelict buildings also draw you in for their mysterious feel and photographic appeal.

Take a tour of the Museo de la Revolucion to gain an appreciation for Cuban history and culture.

Stroll along the Malecon; the seawall right along the coast.

And a stop at Hotel Nacional for a sunset drink is a good way to enjoy the sea views.

If you want to step back in time for old-fashioned flair, El Floridita is a beautiful historic hotel with great live music and dancing.

For more sizzling nightlife action, the basement discotheque at El Café Cantante is the place to bump and grind!

Havana will ignite your fire and give you an unforgettable experience.

Be sure to get in a salsa dance lesson (one of the top things to do in Cuba), a trip to the cigar factory and a ride in a vintage car and if you are there in season, a seat at the baseball game to chew the local tobacco.

Hotels to stay in Havana:

• Book hotels in Havana directly on Booking.com
• Read reviews of hotels in Havana on Trip Advisor

3. Baracoa

Baracoa is the hidden gem of Cuba!

Isolated from the rest of the country in the Guantanamo Province, the isolation has kept Baracoa authentic and untouched.

It is small, relaxing and a lot quieter than the other cities.

It offers a place to chill with the beach, mountainous surrounds and tropical rains. You soon become intimate with the locals seeing the same faces everywhere you go.

Known as the “First City” for being the first capital of Cuba, founded in the early 16th century by Explorer Diego Velazquez and for retaining much of its colonial architecture.

Well at least when I was there in Feb 2017. Sadly in Sep 2017 Hurricane Irma swept through and left a trail of destruction to homes and buildings.

Take a visit to El Yunque, a mountain overlooking the city where you can hike and explore the lush green environment near my favourite Cuban beach, Playa Maguana.

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch here at the Maguana Beach Bar Restaurant.

Have a mojito in a coconut on a beach chair and even dance salsa with the chef during lunch service! Nowhere else but Cuba!

Another highlight was the visit to the Cacao Plantation. Cacao was one of the early agricultural pursuits in Baracoa and the city is dripping in chocolate.

It is on sale everywhere and there are many different versions of it.

The tour of the Rancho Toa plantation was about $2 CUC and we were shown step-by-step how the local farmer makes the chocolate from the cacao beans which are grown from fruit trees.

Taste a cup of Chorote, the local chocolate drink made from ground cacao and locally made coconut milk.

Rumbumba is the daring version of Chorote, the difference being the addition of local rum!

Hotels to stay in Baracoa:

• Book hotels in Baracoa directly on Booking.com

4. Santiago de Cuba

The heart of the second largest of the cities in Cuba is the main square, Parque Cespedes, where the architecture is beautiful and all the action happens.

The best spot to be in all of Santiago is sitting above the square at the rooftop bar of Hotel Casa Granda looking at a stone angel on top of the cathedral across the street with the sun setting through the harbor and mountains behind.

As the major cities in Cuba, both Havana and Santiago have a rich heritage of music and dance and they have a rivalry over which scene is best.

They are both vibrant cities in cultural and musical life so it is hard to compare.

Even though Santiago is the birthplace of Salsa, Havana still gets my vote.

Take a trip to the coastline and explore the Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca, a 17th century fortress overlooking the bay.

The history is fascinating with breathtaking scenery and offers a cool breeze away from the scorching hot city.

Hotels to stay in Santiago de Cuba:

• Book hotels in Santiago directly on Booking.com
• Read reviews of hotels in Santiago on Trip Advisor

5. Cienfuegos

Cienfuegos became a trading place for sugar cane, tobacco and coffee when the French founded it. The French Influence is why it has a unique feel and a lot of wealth.

Known as La Perla del Sur, or the Pearl of the South, it has a relaxed and breezy vibe that sets it apart from the other places to visit in Cuba.

The city center is Pueblo Nuevo, where you can explore the history museums, dine at an outdoor cafe, or purchase some local hand made goods from the markets.

Here, the Casa Particulares are quite a few notches above the rest in Cuba.

Our casa had French provincial décor and a newly renovated bathroom with marble! It was actually quite a shock to experience this unusual sort of wealth in Cuba given the communist situation.

Hotels to stay in Cienfuegos:

• Book hotels in Cienfuegos directly on Booking.com
• Read reviews of hotels in Cienfuegos on Trip Advisor

Book your Tour to Cuba

Below are the tour companies we trust and support.

Intrepid Travel has a tour specific to the Cuban people category for Americans traveling to Cuba.

Intrepid Travel Tours:

• See all tours here
• Grand Cuba Westbound – 21 days
• Hola Cuba – People to People for US Citizens 
• Cuba Family tour

G Adventures also offer:

• 8 day Cuban Rhythms
• 9 day Cuban Explorer
• 15 Day Cuba Libre and Sailing

Independent Cuba Tours:

• Plan your trip to Cuba with ViaHero

Need More Tips for Cuba?

Start here:

• 27 things to know before you visit Cuba
• Traveling to Cuba – 10 changes you should know about
• The pros and cons of Cuba travel (+ concerns and logistics)

Pin To Save On Pinterest:

What cities in Cuba would you recommend? Share in the comments

This is the country where you immerse yourself in amongst the people, both locals and travelers alike.

With no familiar backpacker trail or paths for independent travelers, there is no doubt the way to experience Cuba is to be within the company of fellow die-hard travelers.

As an avid solo traveller, I have always taken to the independent way of traveling and steered away from the arranged group tours.

However, Cuba is the exception!

Being a socialist country, why would it be any other way? It is no place for solo space; it is the territory of social interaction and collective engagement.

Group travel tours to Cuba is a must!

The Joy of Experiencing Cuban Culture

Steeped in history and culture, Cuba enhances your senses, colours your vision and enriches your soul. Significance and status doesn’t exist.

In this classless society, Cubans have got it all worked out. They know how to live, laugh and love. Their zest for life is infectious and Cuban life will touch your soul.

If you ever dreamed to go back in time, Cuba is your wish come true.

A trip to this patriotic nation is your time travel back to the olden days.

Take a ride in a classic car of the 50s, drink rum with a hand rolled cigar and enjoy the beauty of being detached from the rest of the world.

The appeal is the beauty of old-fashioned ways, A holiday to “yesteryear” gives a newfound appreciation for life, shifting perspective of what is important by giving meaning to the simple things that we tend to take for granted.

People actually talk, engage and look at one another.

WIFI is exclusive to hotels and town square hot spots only, so the use of phones is minimal.

At first I struggled to accept this! What? No Selfies… Facebook posts…. Instagram hashtags?…Until I realized I was free!

Totally free from having to check in and update. I could simply be. Be in the stillness with myself. Be in connection with others and be fully present to the experience.

This digital detox is the greatest gift you could give yourself to unplug and get off the grid! And even better under the April Sun in Cuba!

The Caribbean Island under communist rule is a nation protected from the invasion of fast food outlets and shops full of designer clothes.

This is where raw and real trumps glitz and glamour.

The everyday street scene comprises of a horse and cart, a bicycle taxi, a street sweeper, a bread seller, an old lady yelling at a group of naughty kids, couples dancing salsa, potholes, dogs and an old Chevrolet.

Where in the world would you see all of this in the same place at the same time? Only in Cuba!

Despite the stunning beaches dotted with tobacco fields, life is tough for the average Cuban.

In 1962, America imposed a commercial, economical and financial embargo on Castro’s communist government and that restriction remains in place today.

Due to a lack of natural resources and a poor economy, opportunities are limited but this does not affect the positive spirit of the Cubans.

They have been bred to overcome adversity with the country’s history of changes in government, as well as international influences and their history making Cuban Revolution, 1953-1959.

One thing is for certain; they handle hardship with optimism and hope. Always smiling, Cubans make the most out of what they have!

Revolutionary Leader Fidel Castro is loved by the majority of Cubans whilst others have mixed feelings but tight lipped on their views.

Whilst Che Guevara receives nothing but worship, represented with his infamous face staring at you everywhere you look.

Both men left behind a legacy but Che is by far the iconic national hero!

Travel to Cuba for the love of dance

My decision to go to Cuba was based on the love of my life – dancing! I wanted to put my Salsa dance skills to the test.

I thought I would be able to move it and shake it with the best of them but for my first evening I was moving like a crab!

With an incredible dazzlingly fast pace, the sizzling hot-blooded Cubans explode on the dance floor making it almost near impossible to keep up.

They have an exuberant energy and a contagious joy of life! Being immersed amongst this even if you are only doing the two-step makes you feel alive!

It was lessons at the Salsabor A Cuba Dance School in Central Havana where my footwork became sharper and my hips found their fire.

I had 16 hours of lessons over 2 days after my first night of crab moves.

Most travelers have a lesson for 1 or 2 hours max for a bit of learning and fun. As a “Salsa Junkie” I was adamant to learn fast so that I felt ready to take on the Cuban music scene properly.

And I did!

Thanks to my instructor William, I was able to flourish in the nightlife with the energy and speed of a fireball.

Women with a bit of sass and strength – be warned! In Cuban Salsa, the woman follows the man.

Every male dance partner yelled “tranquilo” (relax) and told me to stop trying to control and force. (Yes I am a control freak by nature).

You soon learn to how step into your divine feminine to utterly and totally surrender.

Our Group Tour to Cuba

There are many different tour companies you can take to Cuba. I joined Intrepid’s Best of Cuba, 15-day trip that takes you into the heart of all that is Cuba and makes your soul sing.

Like any experience, the thing that makes it is the people.

We had an amazing group of people but of course there is always one in the group. The fact we all remain friends to now shows how much we all connected and loved the adventure.

Excellent Cuba Tour Guide

While every tour guide is different, we were fortunate to have local Cuban guide Alejandro Capote Ferro, who was by far a stand out!

His knowledge of Cuban history and culture was extensive!

We learnt more than we could have known about Fidel, Guevera, the Revolucion and the day to day living of Cuban people. Well versed in both Spanish and English, Lex (Guide’s nickname) was able to help us communicate at all times.

He assisted us with luggage, logistics, accommodation, medical visits, dietary requirements with Cuban cuisine and all things good, bad and ugly.

Always on watch and of service, he went above and beyond his call of duty.

Having a local guide like this is what makes group tours to Cuba such a valuable experience.

Organization and Ease for your trips to Cuba

We travelled in a Premium Coach with our legendary driver who played Bachata and Salsa tunes to keep in line with the Cuban culture.

The only flight we took was from Baracoa back to Havana. Staying in the Casa Particulares was an invaluable experience.

The quality of accommodation was of medium to high standard. They were comfortable, clean and cosy with the local families giving it a feeling of home.

The bonus being breakfast and water included.

There was a healthy mix of planned tours, organized meals and nights out but also the option to be independent and do your own thing.

I don’t normally like organized group tours. I feel being on schedule and having everything planned puts a constraint on the ability to be free and in flow.

However, this Cuba tour was the exception and made improvisations, spontaneity and surprise possible!

As the signature slogan in Cuba goes

“Anything is possible.”

From city to sea, beaches to mountainside, history to heritage, music and dance, this is the Cuba tour you really have to give a chance!

How to prepare for your Cuba Tour

Preparation is paramount for a travel trip to Cuba.

It is important to have all your ducks in a row with the mandatory requirements to ensure you have a safe assured holiday.

All travelers visiting Cuba require a tourist visa and health insurance to enter the country.

Visa Requirements for Travellers to Cuba

For tourists outside of the US, you can enter on a 30-day tourist visa. This is also known as a Tourist Card.

These can be purchased through a travel agent who is authorized to sell the card. The most convenient option is to book a flight with the card included in the price of the ticket. (Some airlines include this)

This Tourist Card is green and can also be extended in-country for a further 30 days.

Visa Requirements for US Travellers to Cuba

US Citizens are allowed to visit Cuba only if their trip fits into one of the 12 categories permitted for travel according to the General License for Travel by the US Dept of Treasury.

Travel for pure tourism is still prohibited for US travelers under the 1960s US Trade Embargo against Cuba.

The Trump Administration have made things a little more challenging for American travelers.

If US travelers select the appropriate category they can buy their pink Tourist Card through the Cuban consulate, an airline or at the airport.

The most popular category is “People-to People” travel, which requires a schedule of educational activities when you travel to Cuba as an American.

For all US and non-US citizens flying direct to Cuba from America must buy a pink tourist card which can be purchased with the airline ticket.

Health Insurance for Cuba

You must have comprehensive travel insurance to enter Cuba.

Most airlines or tour packages include Cuba’s mandatory health insurance.

I purchased mine through Intrepid Travel as part of the group tour package. If you want extra coverage, you may want to explore additional travelers insurance.

Keep printed copies on you at all times for proof of insurance.

Immunisations for Cuba

Besides the standard vaccinations that are required, ensure you are vaccinated against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio.

It is in your best interests to be protected from mosquito-transmitted infections.

You don’t have to worry about Malaria – as it is not present in Cuba. However, they have had outbreaks of Dengue Fever and a few confirmed cases of Zika.

See your doctor to take advice on Rabies, Cholera and Hepatitis A protection.

I have previously been to Africa so I carried with me my Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. If you have recently been to a country affected by Yellow Fever take your vaccination certificate with you.

It is best to be safe than sorry when it comes to immunizations for Cuba.

What to Pack for your Cuba Tour

With the country’s limited resources and services, it is very hard to pick up things while you are in Cuba.

Therefore it is imperative you bring everything with you to be packed and prepared from the get-go.

I am guilty for not packing wisely for Cuba, which is why I am able to share with you an effective checklist born from learning what NOT to forget.

1. Photocopies of important documents

Print out copies of your passport, airline tickets, travel insurance, tour itineraries, accommodation information, restaurant bookings and any other important reservations or trip notes.

I recommend you wear a concealed money belt to keep a hold of these documents.

I found it is better to have them on you at all times, rather than tucked away in your luggage at the hotel room or casa particular.

Why?

In Cuba, things don’t always go as planned so proof of documentation may be needed to validate or confirm.

It is also important to remember you can’t depend on your mobile phone to help you navigate with directions or information in Cuba.

Make sure you have the correct address and phone number details of accommodation places or bookings to give to taxi drivers or to reference when asking local people for help.

I spent two hours one night driving around with a taxi driver trying to find my Casa particular because I had no information on me and very little Espanol!

2. Cash

You won’t be able to get Cuban currency until you get on Cuban soil.

Save yourself time by getting Canadian dollars/Euro Dollars before you leave your country. Then exchange these at the Cuban airport when you arrive by plane.

If you are visiting by boat, do so at the cruise port.

You get a better exchange rate when you switch US or Australian dollars to Canadian dollars/Euro Dollars then to CUC (Cuban Convertible Pesos).

CUC is the Cuban currency used by tourists and CUP (Cuban Pesos) is the currency used by Cuban citizens.

In Cuba, cash is king!

3. Medical Kit

Being part of a group tour, I witnessed what possible illnesses could arise, as well as encountering some under the weather moments myself.

In addition to any of your prescribed medications, pack a supply of common pain relievers, cold and flu tablets, a throat gargle and stomach medications.

You can never be too sure to have enough of these in a foreign country, especially Cuba!

It is normal to have stomach problems arise, especially being exposed to the different hygiene standards, routines and climate.

It is a good idea to pack Imodium in case you accidentally drink the water – which you should never do! Bottled water at all times, even for brushing your teeth.

Imodium is also helpful in case something sets off your stomach.

On the flipside, I recommend Coloxyl, or Colon Max to set off your stomach for constipation. 5 people on our group tour suffered with constipation, including myself.

Don’t leave home without your antihistamines or medication used to treat allergies and insect bites. Mosquitoes can be an issue for some.

Lastly, include some betadine solution with cotton tips, pads and band-aids in case of cuts or bites.

By being prepared for any situation, you can hopefully avoid any unnecessary annoyances or illnesses and stick to relaxing and having a great time! Here is a medical kit checklist.

4. Tissues and More Tissues

Cuban toilets for the most part are BYO tissues!

There are the exceptions of toilets at nightclubs or tourist attractions that sell toilet paper for a Cuba Peso coin donation.

However, toilet paper is typically not available in rest rooms more often than not. So keep your toilet paper on you at all times!

Golden Rule – pack an endless supply of tissues and bin the paper, never flush!

5. Mosquito Repellant

Mosquitoes are mostly a problem in the coastal and country areas.

This can be a nuisance for some travelers and especially those who are not exposed to them back home.

Include a mosquito or insect repellant to cover yourself, particularly of an afternoon into the evening. Try an organic, all natural repellant free from DEET, like this one. 

6. Toiletries

Stores with general items are very few and far between. To avoid any disappointment, be sure to stock up on the basics.

Pack a toiletry bag equipped with toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, face wash, deodorant, lotions and makeup if you use.

7. Power Plug Converter

Invest in a universal plug to be sure to connect your electrical equipment.

The electricity power in Cuba is 110 volts and the two prong outlets are most frequently used but a universal plug is sure to solve any plug possibility.

After all, in Cuba- anything is possible!

8. Wise Weather Items

A few items are essential to help with the high temperatures of heat and humidity in Cuba.

For those of you who wear sunscreen, make sure you pack some as it is hard to find and very expensive to buy from the hotel.

We use this natural zinc sunscreen.

Aloe vera gel is also handy if you are likely to burn with the sun.

Sunglasses will protect your eyes from the harsh rays of the sun, especially when you are at the beach or walking the streets.

With the tropical rains, pack a poncho! This can help cover you from getting wet, although I personally enjoyed the occasional downpour to offer relief of the sweat.

9. Clothing

Cuba is a casual place so keep your clothing casual and light.

Leave the jeans, jackets and fancy clothes behind. Ladies – ditch your heels! Men – exchange the pointy leathers for boat shoes!

Bring a mix of sundresses, skirts, shorts and singlet’s.

Dress up your casual clothes for the nightlife – drape over a scarf, chuck on a Panama hat or a bit of jewellery to jazz it up. (But nothing too flashy or over the top.)

Closed in shoes are treasures to have in Cuba to keep your feet safe and comfortable.

10. Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary

If you don’t know much Spanish, a pocket translator book will help you to get by more easily and effortlessly.

My biggest regret was not being able to converse more than a few phrases.

The Cubans are super friendly and there are plenty of opportunities to chat with them, so knowing more Spanish can help to give a more authentic experience.

Remember, don’t rely on apps and internet!!

Tips for having a great time on your tours to Cuba

Knowing a few travel tips before you make your trip to Cuba can help your experience be a lot more fun and less stressful.

Here are my top 10 tips to have a great time on your Group Tour in Cuba!

1. Be Open Minded

You will have a variety of people from different walks of life. Being part of a group tour, you will meet people you have rapport with and others not so much.

Being open allows you to develop and build on the rapport to form new friendships. This will help you to create memories and experiences lasting forever.

2. Speak Up

Group tours are jam packed with activities and sometimes the pace can be too much.

So if you want “alone time” or time to wander away from the pack or maybe you have met a new Cuban friend, whatever it is; speak up about your desire to take time out.

It is important you get out of the trip what you went there for, rather than compromising your needs for the sake of the group or to be polite.

3. Have a Sense of Humor

Sharing your tour of Cuba with a number of other people requires compromise and patience.

Some people will sleep in, run late, get sick, lose their belongings, snore or talk too much.

Group travel requires flexibility and a carefree attitude. Things outside of your control will happen. The best way to adapt is to go with the flow with a good sense of humour and chill.

4. Rules with Your Rommie

If you are in a twin share room with someone you don’t know, it is best to set your boundaries in the beginning to avoid any conflict or misunderstandings.

I was fortunate enough to have an amazing female roomie and we hit it off instantly.

However, other people on the tour had issues. It is best to lay down the law at the very beginning so you can be straight up.

It will be in your best interests to have the honest conversation so you don’t end up exploding like a champagne bottle later on or being disgruntled with your room experience.

It then makes it uncomfortable for the two of you and is also picked up by the rest of the tour members.

So as soon as you meet, work out who likes what bed, towel, bathroom times, breakfast times, keys, sleep behaviours, alarm clocks and any idiosyncrasies.

Being open and honest straightaway means you will have an enjoyable experience with your roomie and probably remain friends for life.

5. How to Enjoy the Bus Trips

The bus tours can be long and repetitive.

Pack a good pair of earphones so you can listen to music or podcasts.

However, there is no wifi access or phone coverage so you must make sure you have all your stuff downloaded before you go to Cuba.

Don’t do what I did and rely on having connection to listen to stuff. I ended up having only one downloaded album to listen to for the whole 3 weeks!

Pack a good book to read to pass the time.

You will probably be fascinated with the culture and history of Cuba so buy a book while you are there to read up about The Revolution.

Both of these tips help you to switch off from having to talk all the time and the bus is the best place to zone out in your own mind and take in the beautiful scenery.

The tour guide will also give extensive information whilst touring on the bus – make sure you are aware and alert to listen. The guides are filled with local knowledge.

Always swap seats and change it up.

I found we bonded better as a group when we started to play musical chairs on the bus in week two of the tour. It helped to mix things up and get to know everyone.

6. Declare Dietary Requirements

It is important you declare any dietary requirements at your first orientation meeting.

The tour guides will always ensure your needs are met. If there are any issues the guide is always there to go above and beyond.

7. Housekeeping

Make sure you are always on point with times and meeting places. These are forever changing for breakfast, dinners and tours.

It is easy to get comfortable and think they are the same or not pay attention but then the whole group suffers. Keep a good track of things to ensure everything runs smoothly for yourself and the group.

8. Take some fluffy toys, stickers, coloring books or pencils for the children

If you are on a group tour staying in Casa Particulars it is nice to give little treats to the family of your home stay.

Pens and pencils are scarce for children so they value these for their education.

It is also nice to give some little bits and pieces as an appreciation for having you in their home. This is a nice addition to your holiday to give a special touch to both you and them.

9. Go Dancing as a Group

Cuba comes alive with dance!

Get the group together to have a dance lesson and then go out of a night together to shake your hips.

It is a great way to have a laugh and try something new together! After all Cuba is the capital land of salsa in the world.

We found it was helpful to go dancing as a group for confidence to encourage one another to get into it. Going out solo is possible and also fun but was always twice as good hitting the d-floor in numbers!

10. Keep in Contact

We captured many moments and memories as a group, all at various times and with different cameras.

We found it was a great idea to create a Facebook Group in loving memory of our tour.

This enabled everyone to share their pictures and videos to swap prized collections.

It has also been a great way to keep in touch and reminisce about our Cuban tour, which will forever be close to our hearts.

Book your group tour to Cuba

The following are the tour companies we trust and support.

Intrepid has a tour specific to the Cuban people category for Americans traveling to Cuba.

G Adventures also offer:

• 8 day Cuban Rhythms
• 9 day Cuban Explorer
• 15 Day Cuba Libre and Sailing

Here are the group trips we’ve experienced and loved with Globus

• 7 reasons I loved my Globus Choice Tour of Northern California
• 8-Day Danube River Cruise from Germany to Budapest (Itinerary Guide)
• Highlights of an 8-Day Ireland Tour with Globus Journeys (Green With Envy)
• The BEST of Jordan on a 7 Day Escape Tour By Globus

Final Thoughts on my Trip to Cuba on a Group Tour

Cuba is a transformative travel experience.

By being fully immersed in a culture where they value humanity over materials, I came to realize that wealth is a feeling.

How you feel determines the quality of your life, not what you have.

Take a trip to Cuba to experience cultural wealth and feel exceedingly rich in heart and soul.

Relevant Reading:

• 4 exciting places to visit in Cuba (and one to avoid)
• 5 amazing cities in Cuba to visit
• Solo Travel vs. Group Travel (Pros & Cons of each)

Pin to Save on Pinterest:

It went from being one of the most vibrant party places for wealthy Americans in the 1920’s to a place where Communist rule has led to decades of disagreements between America and Cuba.

This disagreement made it hard for Americans to travel to Cuba because of a commercial, economic and financial embargo that was placed in the 1950’s.

In 2016, President Obama started what appeared to be a slow unwinding of the embargo, but this seems to be changing under the new American Presidency.

Luckily, during the short window that Americans could travel freely to Cuba, I hopped on the bandwagon and went. Twice.

Here’s my experience traveling to Havana and Vinales with friends.

A 4 day weekend in Havana, Cuba

Getting to Cuba

We traveled on Frontier Airlines leaving from Miami, Florida. Total cost was $220 per person.

We got our Cuban visa one month before traveling for $110.

Every website I read made it sound like YOU MUST get the visa before you travel, but in reality, when we got to the check-in counter, the airlines were selling them for $100. So we paid an extra $10 for peace of mind.

I’ve heard if you enter Cuba from Mexico the visa is only $20 USD.

Cuba’s north shore is only 90 miles south of the southernmost point of the USA in Key West, so the plane ride from Miami was only 1 hour and 15 minutes.

On the plane they give you a visa card to fill out which explains your reason for traveling.

We chose the People2People exchange because we actually went there to learn about the Cuban Culture and immerse ourselves in it.

We arrived in Cuba, got off the plane and entered Cuba without a hitch. I don’t know if immigration even looked at our tourist cards.

What To Pack Traveling to Cuba

Pack light.

There is no reason to pack your high heels or favorite silk top. Seriously you would just be flaunting it around. I find it’s best to blend in and become a part of the culture.

I recommend light and comfortable clothing, walking shoes and a hat. (A hat is a must have if traveling in summer!)

These are the 2 backpacks that I use when traveling:

• Lightweight Day Pack – this backpack folds down into a little square so you can throw it in your big bag and use as a day pack when you need it.
• Marmot Aspen backpack – these backpacks are great for travel and fit everything perfectly if you roll your clothes.

Make sure to bring the essentials – toothpaste, deodorant, toothbrush, sunscreen, etc. You won’t be able to buy them there as they don’t have convenience stores.

Check out these posts to help you find the best luggage or suitcase for you:

• 11 of the best suitcases for travel
• What are the best travel backpacks for backpacking
• Packing tips

Accommodation in Havana

We had booked an Airbnb in Vedado which is a few miles west of Old Havana.

We chose this area because the Airbnb was nice, had great reviews, accommodated 7 people and actually had air conditioning.

If you want to be in Old Havana, you could stay right in Central Park – one of the 5 main squares of the city.

There were quite a few nice hotel options in Havana’s Center:

• Hotel Parque Central
• Kempinski Hotel
• Hotel Inglaterra

Cuban Currency

There are NO credit card facilities so you must take cash.

We took about $800 USD cash for 2 people for 4 days. We didn’t exchange it all though – I just wanted to make sure I had enough cash in case.

They actually have 2 currencies – The CUC (Cuban Convertible) and the CUP (Cuban Peso). You’ll be using CUCs as this is the currency specifically for tourists.

Above is a picture of the two currencies. Tourists use the Pesos Convertibles (left).

There is a 10% tax to exchange USD + a 3% exchange fee. So for $100 USD you’ll get about $87 CUC.

You can exchange it at a bank with your passport, but we just exchanged with the owners of our AirBNB who had American dollars. So we saved the 3% currency fee and paid only the 10% tax. So $100 USD = $90 CUC.

$90 CUC is a lot of money there, but as with any place you travel, there are tourist traps and people will try to rip you off.

Here’s a great article about the Cuban currencies.

Things To Do in Havana, Cuba

We had 4 days in Havana over a long weekend. Here’s what we did.

Revolution Square

The square is notable as being where many political rallies take place in Cuba.

You’ll see the famous faces of Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos – important figures during the Revolution.

The above photo is taken from a huge obelisk with Jose Marti overlooking the square. I didn’t know a thing about Jose Marti, but the Cubans adore him.

He’s a writer, poet, journalist and essayist but he also lead the first Cuban Revolution and it’s said that Castro got his inspiration for his Revolution from Jose Marti.

Old Havana Walking Tour

This is a FREE walking tour put on by university students.

Havana is laid out by 5 main squares and they walk you around to each of them and give you a VERY in depth history (from their perspective) about Cuba and the Cuban People.

Bring cash to tip your guide for all of their hard work!

Day Trip to Vinales on a Cuban Classic Car Tour

We took a classic car tour to Vinales, a town on the western side of Cuba which has these beautiful steep-sided limestone hills, known as mogotes.

This tour will pick you up in an old classic car of your choice (we chose a convertible Bonneville) and will drive you about 2.5 hours to Vinales.

On the way we stopped at a traditional Cuban Coffee Stand and then went to a farm where they showed us how they made Cohiba Cigars.

To put it into perspective, Cigars there were about $10 USD for one. If you were to buy that same cigar here would be $20 USD. So you save about 50%.

Then we went up to the beautiful hotel to snap a photo of Vinales itself.

Since it was quite busy, rather than going on a Cave tour (which is typical with these tours), they took us to this amazing lake nearby (a place that reminded me of a summer camp).

We rented canoes and paddled around and went swimming in the freshwater lake – a big relief from the heat!

Revolution Museum

I highly recommend you check out the Revolution Museum. It’s about $8 CUC for the entry fee. You’ll learn about the Revolution from the Cuban perspective.

National Museum of Fine Arts

It’s quite a large museum with lots of beautiful artwork so I think you need about 3 hours to explore every floor. We only had one hour and it wasn’t enough.

Playas des Este

This is the closest beach to Havana. You can catch a bus near Central Park, or get a taxi to take you (about $15 CUC each way).

Food and Nightlife in Havana

You should only pay about $3CUCs for a mojito. Anything more and you are in a very expensive place that is catering for you, the tourist.

Main courses for food was about $7 CUC, but you could pay up to $22 CUC if you were getting Lobster (and that is expensive there).

Here are a few of my favorite places that we visited.

Hotel Ambos Mundos

Come up to Hotel Ambos Mundos for sunset and enjoy a Pina Colada while overlooking all of old Havana. They will bring it to you in a fresh pineapple and will pour the famous Havana Club Rum in there!

This hotel was a favorite of Ernest Hemingway (he spent a lot of time in Cuba and Key West) and there is actually a small museum dedicated to him in the hotel.

Apparently the lobster is actually quite good in Cuba and it is also no where near the price of lobster in Maine.

ChaChaCha Restaurant

If you are looking for a nice place to eat after you tour the Revolution Museum, this is a good option. The food and atmosphere were great (try the pasta!)

Lamparilla 361

This is a fun cantina off the beaten track, recommended to us by our local Cuban tour guide. It reminded me of a hip bar that you would stumble upon down the streets of Melbourne, Australia.

Paladar

A paladar is a small family-run restaurant in a Cuban home so it’s the best way to taste traditional Cuban food. You’ll see Paladars everywhere.

They always have a good price and you get four courses and a drink.

It was about $12 CUC pp for lunch.

Salsa Club 1830

Come out to the best salsa club in Havana. Get those hips moving and try salsa, or enjoy a Havana Club and chill out on the patio under the stars.

Note: There was a $5CUC cover fee when we went.

More Cuba Travel Tips:

• Traveling to Cuba – 10 Changes You Should Know About
• 4 exciting places to visit in Cuba (and one to avoid)
• 27 Things to Know Before You Visit Cuba

Popular Havana tours

• Plan your trip to Cuba with ViaHero

Pin This To Pinterest:

What are some of your favourite things to do in Havana, Cuba?

Then think of crystal blue waters of the Caribbean lapping at pristine shores.

Think of the beat of salsa music and cigar smoke drifting in the air. Think of friendly locals with ready smiles and beautiful baroque architecture lining narrow streets.

Cuba has the romance Paris would kill for.

But things are changing fast for this politically isolated fledgling tourist spot. Perhaps too fast.

So what effects have these changes made to the country? Is it safe to go to Cuba? And is it still worth visiting Cuba?

We asked Cuba travel tips expert, and founder and owner of the Cuba tours company Cuban Adventures, John Ahrens about what it’s like to visit Cuba now.

A Brief History of US Tourism in Cuba

Cuba has seen an enormous amount of change happen over the past few years. And considering prior to 2014, Cuba had been forced into a time warp since the 1950s, these changes will have been momentous.

In 2014, President Obama – the first US president to visit Havana since Coolidge in 1928 – loosened restrictions on traveling to Cuba and trade between America and Cuba.

Obama didn’t remove the embargo completely, but the changes he made had an instant impact on Cuba and the travel community at large.

Talk of mass tourism, chain restaurants, globalization and the spoiling of the Cuban culture have created a lot of uncertainty for those that want to visit Cuba.

And concerns over President Trump’s movements to reverse travel restrictions – not to mention Hurricane Irma’s devastating run – have also dampened people’s urge to go there.

10 changes you should know about traveling to Cuba

1. What Can American Travelers Do?

Prior to 2014, it was very unusual to find any visitors from the USA in Cuba. Restrictions on US citizens traveling to Cuba meant that Americans had to be part of educational tours and there were no commercial direct flights to Cuba from USA.

John says:

The Obama changes in 2014 made it legal for Americans to travel to Cuba without having to go on an escorted group tour. This led to a surge in American visitors.

By presidential decree, Obama did as much as he could to let Americans take trips to Cuba, and for the 2 countries to trade and coordinate, though he was not able to end the trade embargo itself, which is written into the Constitution.

2. How Many Tourists are Visiting Cuba Now?

Over 4 million people visited Cuba in 2016.

Obama’s changes to travel restrictions mean that US citizens being allowed to come into Cuba easier and because of this, travelers from other countries have seen Cuba as a viable travel destination too.

John says:

The effect of this was a large increase in tourist numbers in 2016. The figures I’ve seen mentioned are an increase between 25% to 30%, which was on top of a similar increase in 2015.

This may not sound like a lot but, during peak holiday periods, Cuban infrastructure couldn’t keep up. There were not enough beds for all the visitors.

3. Is There Enough Accommodation in Cuba?

Unless you know what you’re doing, finding accommodation in Cuba independently can be quite tricky and even more so now with so many people visiting.

John says:

Independent tourists were forced to sleep in the public squares of popular towns such as Trinidad and Vinales, and Cubans, ever the improvisors, were renting out the back seats of their parked vintage Chevys for $10 a night.

4. What New Accommodation Options Are There For Tourists?

Hotels in Cuba had a reputation for often being expensive and poorly maintained.

However, locals are allowed by government licence to house visitors in their homes called casa which is a wonderful way to see the real Cuba.

John says:

Many more families have built an extra room in their home and licensed their house as a guesthouse for tourists to stay in.

In some popular Cuba destinations such as Vinales, where the original town is quite small in size, nearly every house is a licensed guesthouse for tourists.

In the centre of Vinales, it’s actually hard to find a house these days that is not a guesthouse.

Many guesthouses that already existed have added extra rooms. Some guesthouses now have up to 12 rooms for tourists (much like a mini hotel), which is something that was hard to imagine just a few years ago.

The Cuban government has built more hotels and given out contracts to large foreign hotel groups to build and manage new hotels, such as the impressive Manzana Kempinski on Havana Central Square.

5. Is Now the Last Chance to See the ‘REAL’ Cuba…?

The rise in numbers traveling to Cuba aren’t all from America – but this could have a contributing factor in why all the world wants to see Cuba now.

John says:

Visitors from other countries increased as well. The motive for them being able to see Cuba before laws further relax meaning even more Americans would flood the island, changing it forever.

6. What Should You Say at US customs?

One of the biggest concerns about how to travel to Cuba from USA is getting back into the States after a trip to Cuba. Leaving America isn’t a problem and providing you know what to say when you’re coming back in, you’ll be fine.

John says:

At Cuban Adventures, we get our US travelers to report their experience to us when returning to the US and passing through immigration. So far, none of them have reported having their paperwork checked.

The harshest interrogation was “what were you doing in Cuba”, and providing the answer “people-to-people tourism” was enough to get waved through.

One client reported to us that when she answered “people-to-people-educational”, the official replied with a very friendly “that`s the right answer”.

7. Can You Still Find ‘THE REAL CUBA’ if You Visit Now?

These changes to travel into Cuba have had a positive effect not only on incoming tourism but also on the locals too. Private business ventures are popping up everywhere, especially in the most popular places to visit in Cuba.

John says:

What’s great about that is that these are all small-scale private businesses run by the local Cubans themselves, and owned by individuals and families.

So if you’re visiting Cuba now, with the exception of spending time at a beach resort, you are very much in contact with authentic Cuban culture and society for the entirety of your visit.

These freedoms and increased income opportunities mean that Cubans are also happier and more relaxed.

Is it safe to travel to Cuba? You can still see the odd hustler in the streets in Old Havana, but those sorts of encounters are now much less frequent.

8. What Are the Biggest Challenges for Visitors to Cuba?

Make no mistake, Cuba is still a challenging place to explore.

Infrastructure is still poorly equipped to accommodate so many visitors and – in spite of it seeming like a developed country – there are still many parts to Cuban life that are stuck in the past.

John says:

Internet access is still difficult, however I would say the biggest challenge for travelers is getting access to their money.

You can’t pay for things with credit cards in Cuba. You have to pay in cash in Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC).

You can get CUC cash out of ATMs, however many foreign bank cards do not work in Cuba. Cards from American banks and banks that are owned by American banks (e.g. Citibank, Westpac, St George) do not work in Cuba either.

Other banks simply take the extra precaution of not having their cards work in Cuba even though they are not American banks.

However, this situation is better than it was before.

In 2015, Mastercard allowed its cards to work in Cuba, but some banks still block transactions from their clients trying to use Mastercards there.

9. The Trump Effect

With the change of US presidency came a change in attitude towards Cuba. After all, one politician’s policies are another politician’s poison.

John says:

On June 16, 2017, Trump announced that he was going to roll back all the regulation changes that Obama had made.

He gave his administration until September 16 to confirm all the details, but as yet nothing has been put in place and no details have been confirmed.

So independent US travelers, for the moment, can still legally visit Cuba, and no travel to Cuba restrictions have actually changed.

However, the effect of this announcement has created a lot of fear and uncertainty, and many travelers are putting off traveling to Cuba until they know what the rules are going to be.

Trump’s announcement made it clear that it was still going to be legal for US travelers to go on an escorted people-to-people group tour. We run these Cuba tours, however even the sales of these tours have dropped off.

10. Has Cuba Recovered from Hurricane Irma?

Hurricane Irma destroyed many coastal areas around the Caribbean.

Raging right along the northern reaches of Cuba from west to east, Irma threatened much of the most populated areas of the island.

John says:

Everything in Cuba is back to normal except for some of the badly damaged beach resort hotels on the north keys in the central part of Cuba, such as Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa Maria, and Cayo Guillermo.

Big waves and storm surge caused flooding to low lying areas near the coast in Havana, such as Central Havana and some areas of Vedado, especially along the River Almendares.

Cuban authorities reported that 10 people died, 7 of which were in Havana.

Locals who live in those areas that were flooded suffered material losses and water damage to their properties. But since then all of our tours are running as normal.

How to Travel to Cuba – Independent or Group Travel?

The changes happening to Cuba and its tourism are making the country more accessible and easier to travel to.

But just because it’s easier now to go traveling to Cuba doesn’t make it an easy destination. Cuba has always been one of those surprisingly tricky places for solo travel.

And now with more visitors, uncertainty with accommodation, and inadequate infrastructure for the level of tourism… in my book this spells stress and wasted time for the self-guided traveler.

If you’ve got limited time, I would be more inclined than ever to book with an ethically minded small-group tour company like Cuban Adventures.

This is how we traveled in Cuba pre-Obama changes and it was the right decision.

The experience showed us the Cuba we never thought we’d get to see and taught us more than we’d have learned on our own.

The best time to go to Cuba is now!

But by the sound of things, if you are thinking of going to Cuba you’d better get in quick. Things are changing round here fast.

Want to know more about these changes in Cuba? See more details on MrAndMrsRomance.com 

Popular Cuba Tours:

• Plan your trip to Cuba with ViaHero

Pin This to Pinterest:

We know, it’s one of those destinations that you’re always telling yourself ‘one day I’ll visit Cuba’.

Going to Cuba is on so many of our friends’ bucket lists yet very few of them seem to be close to getting there.

I’m not going to lie to you – Cuba­ is not an easy place to travel to. There are a handful of countries where you can fly direct to Havana from, so the hurdles go up immediately.

Can Americans go to Cuba?

Yes, you can now travel to Cuba from USA and fly to Havana direct from the States, but flights are hard to come by and will always be the most expensive option.

There are also quite a few rules about traveling to Cuba that put people off.

What’s more, there seems to be very little helpful Cuba information and everything you see seems to conflict with what you’ve just read before.

But since our recent trip to Cuba, we’ve become one of its best promoters.

It turns out that just like any other destination a little preparation is all you need before visiting Cuba to have the best time in this mysterious, beautiful country.

Below are our insider Cuba travel tips for getting yourself ready for an unforgettable journey

Money Tips for Cuba

1. Take cash with you

Even though things with the States are settling down now, it’s a good idea to take some hard currency on your trips to Cuba.

2. Take Euros or GBP Sterling.

These get the best exchange rate.

3. Don’t take foreign currency

They don’t know what to do with them. Don’t take American dollars, the exchange rate will be terrible plus you have to pay an extra fee every time.

4. Cuba has two currencies:

CUC (Cuban convertible peso or ‘Cuban dollar’) aligned to USD which tourists must use, and CUP (Cuban national peso) worth around 1 CUC = 22 CUP.

Non­Cubans shouldn’t have any CUPs on them – though people do.

As Cuba­/USA relations ease, the likelihood of the CUC disappearing and the CUP remaining is high. US dollars will also probably become more accepted too.

5. You will find dual pricing in most places

And the CUP and CUC prices won’t match up. It’s important not to let this bother you!

6. Get a VISA card for Cuba

Due to it being an American company, MasterCard has never really worked in Cuba though with changes happening all the time, more and more American companies are working with Cuba now. VISA is usually ok. Usually!

7. Check to see if your bank has any American alliances

If it does, you might not be able to access your money regardless.

As US/Cuban relations improve, things will change.

8. Where to get money in Cuba

Try to get money out of the ATM upstairs on level 1 of Havana International Airport.

Avoid using the bureau de change at the airport though. They’re known to give incorrect change and the rates aren’t as good.

Hotels and resorts usually have a bureau de change.

9. Every town will have two types of bank

Banco de Cuba, which are proper banks, or Cadeca, which is like a currency kiosk. The bank usually gives better rates.

10. Only one person at a time can be served in the bank

If you’re traveling with a friend or your partner, flip a coin to see who goes! Towns usually have ATMs too – though some smaller places like Viñales don’t.

11. Tell your bank you’re going to Cuba

It’s a good idea to do this every time you leave your country anyway, but one of our top Cuba travel tips it that it’s even more important for this destination.

International calls are expensive and internet access is very limited.

If your bank thinks your cards are being used without your consent, they will cancel them on your behalf and leave you stranded.

Documentation Required for Travel to Cuba

12. Travel Insurance for Cuba

You need to have travel insurance to travel to Cuba. They do spot checks at Customs and if you can’t produce policy documentation, they make you buy insurance there.

The credit card we use to buy flights has nominal travel insurance included. It doesn’t cover everything though but we took the gamble. We weren’t checked going into Cuba.

13. Print out any travel documents before you leave for Cuba

Tech is really hard to come by during travel in Cuba.

If you need any travel documents while you’re in Cuba or for your next destination, print them before flying to Havana.

14. Getting your Cuba Visa

Most nationalities require a visa for Cuba called a “Cuba Tourist Card” to enter.

How to get a visa for Cuba? You can either buy yours through your local Cuban embassy or before check­in at a Cubana Air desk.

Your airline may include the Cuba visa on the price of your flight tickets – but you’ll still need to collect the tourist card at the Cubana Air counter before you check in.

Packing Tips and Getting to Cuba

15. Travel as light as possible

When you fly to Cuba, if you can, go with cabin luggage only. We managed to and it was the best. We didn’t have to worry about losing our stuff or about it getting damaged.

We also saw other travelers struggling in and out of the tiny doorways of Cuban buildings and up tight staircases with their enormous bags, which looked like a nightmare.

16. Gifts and bartering in Cuba

There’s a lot of talk about having pens to give to people in place of money. There is a barter system in Cuba, but not for pens.

Kids love to have pens but there won’t be a mad scramble if you produce a chewed up Biro.

We saw a man trade a bar of hotel soap for a cigar once, and there seems to be a shortage of tinned tuna in Cuba – it’s one of the most expensive things to eat there.

Otherwise, clothing with American brands on it is popular as is anything to do with baseball.

17. Flights to Cuba

Get to the airport three hours before takeoff for both flights to Cuba, coming and going.

Cubana Air likes its passengers checked in at least an hour earlier than any other airline. Planes are often over­booked, so it’s worth that extra hour for peace of mind.

18. Food in Cuba

Due to restrictions in trade, Cuban food isn’t the best – though it’s not the worst either. It’s usually just a bit bland.

Take a little salt with you or – as our friend did – take a bottle of sauce with you. He took some Sriracha, which was almost all gone after two weeks!

Technology in Cuba

19. Galileo Offline Maps

The internet hasn’t really taken off in Cuba yet, but you can still use your smartphone to get around.

Galileo Offline Maps allows you to use your phone’s GPS to show where in the world you are. You can even set Galileo to record your movements so you can see where you went!

You can also upload maps from elsewhere into Galileo (see my next point).

You need to download maps onto the app first before you get to Cuba and go offline. This is a paid app but worth every penny.

20. Cuba Junky

A brilliant blog, which tells you a lot about the country. This guy also has maps of Cuba with each Casa Particulare – a type of homestay popular with tourists in Cuba – noted on the map.

You can upload these maps onto Galileo (see my previous note) and use your GPS to navigate around. Visit Cuba Junky for details.

21. Havana Good Time

Havana Good Time is a good app­-based guide to Havana that’s fairly current and will steer you clear of all the usual over­touristy spots.

Research & Preparation for Cuba Travel

22. Best time of year to visit Cuba

As with any destination, there are good and better times of year to visit Cuba. Between mid­ November and March is the cooler dry season – this is usually a busier time of year due to the lower temperatures and humidity level.

When to go to Cuba?

Between May and June is the wet season when things get a bit sweaty in Cuba but things happen like the tobacco is harvested and carnivale, which are one of the most popular highlights of the Cuban calendar.

July to early November is hurricane season, when things can get a bit windy.

23. Book your first night’s accommodation in Cuba

Not sure where to stay in Cuba?

Another one of our top Cuba travel tips it that it’s not a good idea to arrive in Cuba with no plan of where you want to sleep that night. Make sure your first night at least is covered.

Hotels in Cuba

• Book Hotels in Cuba on Booking.com
• Read Hotel Reviews on TripAdvisor

24. Book Cuba tours before you leave

As we’ve mentioned before, the internet is hard to come by in Cuba. Searching for Cuba tours and activities while you’re there will be difficult and costly.

We booked a small group tour with Cuban Adventures before we left and it proved to be the best decision.

25. Choose your tour based on itinerary

If you want to join a tour, you will need to think about how long you want to be traveling and create your list of places to visit in Cuba.

Don’t worry too much about promised services or extras. Most tours use the same agency for the tour guides.

26. Learn as much Spanish as you can

One of our helpful Cuba travel tips is to learn a little of the local language.

Even simple words and sentences will go a long way in Cuba. People love to talk to you and if you know a little of their lingo, they’ll be even friendlier.

It also helps if you’re staying in casa particulars so you can speak to your generous hosts.

27. Take salsa lessons

Everyone in Cuba knows how to salsa. Even if you just learn the basic steps, you won’t feel left out stood at the edge of the dance floor while everyone else is enjoying themselves.

You can take lessons in Cuba while you’re there, but by then it might be too late.

The most important thing to remember to do while you’re in Cuba is to have fun.

Cuba is not a dangerous country, as many people think. Crime rates are not high. There is a lot of bureaucracy here though, which makes traveling hard.

Providing you use your common sense and behave with respect for the local culture, you’ll have the best time in Cuba.

More Cuba Travel Tips

• 4 places to visit in Cuba and one to avoid
• 5 amazing cities in Cuba to visit
• 10 things you should know before traveling to Cuba

Pin This to Pinterest:

Have you already visited Cuba? If yes, share some your best Cuba travel tips in the comments!