Traveling to Cuba can be an emotional journey with a lot to learn . It's a beautiful country, but it also faces challenges. The Cuba you see in pictures tell one story but a lot more unfolds if you look closer.
Cuba has some difficulties that may make you sad, but it's still an amazing place to visit. If you want to know the real Cuba, beyond the surface, you'll have an unforgettable experience that opens your eyes to the world's reality. It's a trip that can both amaze you and touch your heart deeply.
I traveled to Havana, Cuba, with a friend who loves to explore new places too. We did a lot of research before the trip, but nothing prepared us for the real experience in Cuba. Getting ready for this journey was different from my other trips. We had to understand the entry requirements, figure out internet options, bring enough cash for everything, and even pack medical supplies and toilet paper since they are not easily available there.
When we landed in Cuba, and I could hardly believe I was really in Cuba. The adventure had just begun. Here is a travel guide on how to execute your trip to Cuba.
Travel Guide - Cuba Entry Requirements
Can Americans travel to Cuba?
It's perfectly legal for Americans to travel to Cuba, except for explicit tourism purposes. However, you will need to meet some requirements. Specifically, you need a Cuban Tourist Card (a.k.a Cuban Visa), travel insurance, and a self-certification under one of the 12 travel categories of authorized travel to Cuba
Cuban Tourist Visa?
The tourist card for Canadians allows you to stay in Cuba for up to 90 days. The tourist card is generally included in holiday packages provided by tour operators or airlines providing direct flights from Canada. If you go to Cuba on your own or transit via another country, you are responsible for obtaining the tourist card from a Cuban government office in Canada. You may also buy it at some airports in Canada and in the United States.
Currency Requirement for Cuba?
Currency in Cuba is the Cuban peso (CUP). To use the Cuban Pesos, you cannot exchange currency anywhere outside of Cuba, so expect to carry cash with you to get the local currency. Hostels, Casa Particulars or Airbnb's that you are staying at are a great place to exchange cash as they provide the best rates in the city. Because of the current inflation crisis in Cuba, expect to carry a ton of cash with you. But be aware that pickpocketing is common in large cities like Havana.
It's crucial to bring enough dollars to cover all your expenses throughout the trip. Cuba does not accept credit or debit cards from outside Cuba, and the banks give extremely bad exchange rates on the dollar. Always make an overestimation for the budget for Cuba, as exchange currency is a pain point.
Exchanging US Dollar, Euros and Canadian Dollars for for Cuban Pesos is the most widely accepted for of currency exchange in the country.
Accommodation
The best way to embrace the cuban culture is to either live in hostels or casa particulars. The US prohibits Americans traveling to Cuba to stay in most chain hotels in Cuba.
For American citizens, The US Department of State published an online list that outlines prohibited hotels/hostels/casas that Americans cannot stay at. Please review them before your trip.
Casa particulares usually entails staying with a cuban family in their home. They usually live in the same home and you have a separate room for yourself. You also do have the option of finding casa particulares where the hosts do not live with you, in the case of additional privacy.
Since you will be getting the true authentic experience of being culturally immersed in Cuban culture, you will probably enjoy the famous nightlife in Cuba. Be mindful of the hosts as you will be coming back to their home after a night out.
Communication & Internet
Cuba has internet but the range is very limited across the country. If you are planning on using google maps to venture around, there are many options on how to best utilize internet within Cuba.
E-Sim
E-Sim's like Airalo and some others do not work in Cuba. Only physical SIM cards are used in Cuba so if your phone only takes eSIMs then this option wouldn’t work for you.
Physical Sim Card
You can purchase sim cards ahead of your trip or during your trip. There are options of buying physical sim cards from before and picking it up in Havana, but having explored all options, I suggest you go to a CubaCel Tur office to get yourself a card.
You can either buy a Cuba prepaid SIM card in person at the airport or in the mobile provider store. Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we don’t recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.
Cubacel offers a tourist SIM plan:
6 GB, 100 local minutes + SMS, valid for 30 days for $25
Note: Remember to carry your passport to activate your plan.
Wi-Fi
You can connect your phone with the wifi at the hostels or at the casa particulars, however, connection is slow and limited so I suggest getting a sim card for safety.
To find the hostels that provide the best wifi services, check out Hostelmatch.
Language
Spanish is the official language in Cuba. Havana is multi-cultural and people there speak some english, but if you venture out of Havana, not speaking Spanish can cause some issues for you.
We recommend you to always have Google Translate on your phone in case of any emergencies.
Food
Everyone has their own preferences when it come to food. I personally was not the biggest fan of the food in Cuba. There were some fantastic restaurants that were reasonable and offered good food, but generally the food was mediocre.
However, the meals at the hostel I stayed were great. they did family dinners and breakfast which was flavourful and left a lot to be desired. In our hostel, prices were less than what you would find in a restaurant. Breakfast was free and dinner was $10 dollars per person.
However, their cocktails and rum drinks were excellent. Definitely some of the best Havana Club cocktails, I have ever had.
Transportation
To go around Cuba, busses or taxis are the best option. If you have a group, I recommend you call a taxi. The Collectivo Taxi is a great service that offers rides between cities making it easier to get from one place to the other. Carry USD with you when making longer journeys, Taxis prefer to take USD, and it will save you the conversion rate charges as well.
Safety
Cuba felt like an extremely safe country to me. There were pickpocketing scares. However, i never felt unsafe in any city in Cuba. As a female, solo traveller, you can be rest assured that you will feel safe to travel solo to Cuba.
Medicines
Carry a medicine kit with you to Cuba. To get medicine in Cuba is extremely hard so you need to be prepared as you will not be able to get these things in a pharmacy. Along with any prescriptions you might have, remember to bring things like antihistamine, pain medication, stomach medicine, anti-itch cream, insect repellent, bandages, etc.
Itinerary
I spent 10 days in Cuba, going from Havana to Vinales to Trinidad and finally hitting up Varadero.
Each place in Cuba has something unique to offer. Santiago was one of the places that I missed out on. However, if you are going to Cuba fro 7 days, I recommend going to Havana, Vinales and Trinidad as all three cities are vastly different and will give you a full picture of Cuba.
Here is a 10 day itinerary for Cuba:
Havana, Vinales, Trinidad, Varadero
DAY 1
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the historic Plaza de la Catedral. Admire the stunning architecture of the Cathedral of Havana and explore the surrounding cobblestone streets. Stop by Café El Escorial for a cup of strong Cuban coffee and a traditional breakfast.
Afternoon Head to the iconic Malecón, a seawall promenade that stretches along the coast. Take a leisurely walk along the Malecón and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Visit the Museum of the Revolution to learn about Cuba's history and see artifacts from the revolution. Evening Enjoy a classic Cuban dinner at La Guarida, a restaurant located in a beautiful old mansion. Indulge in dishes like ropa vieja (shredded beef), congrà (rice and beans), and mojitos. After dinner, catch a live performance of traditional Cuban music at Casa de la Música in Miramar.
DAY 2 Morning Explore the colorful neighborhood of Vedado. Visit the famous Plaza de la Revolución, where you can see the iconic Che Guevara mural and the José Martà Memorial. Take a stroll along the bustling Avenida 23 and stop by Coppelia, the famous ice cream parlour, for a sweet treat. Afternoon Visit the Museum of Fine Arts, which houses an impressive collection of Cuban art. Take your time to admire the works of famous Cuban artists like Wifredo Lam and Amelia Peláez. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Paladar Doña Eutimia, known for its delicious Cuban cuisine. Evening Experience the vibrant nightlife of Havana at the famous Tropicana Cabaret. Enjoy a dazzling show filled with music, dance, and colourful costumes. Sip on a refreshing mojito as you immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere.
DAY 3
Morning
Take a day trip to the picturesque town of Viñales. Explore the stunning Viñales Valley, known for its tobacco fields and limestone cliffs. Take a guided tour of a tobacco farm to learn about the traditional Cuban cigar-making process. Enjoy a scenic hike or horseback ride through the valley.
Afternoon Visit the Cueva del Indio, a cave system with an underground river. Take a boat ride through the cave and marvel at the natural beauty. Stop by the Mural de la Prehistoria, a massive mural painted on a limestone cliff depicting the evolution of life. Evening Head back to Havana and have dinner at La Bodeguita del Medio, a famous restaurant and bar that claims to be the birthplace of the mojito. Enjoy live music and dance along to traditional Cuban rhythms.
DAY 4 Morning Start your day with a visit to the iconic Plaza Vieja. Admire the colourful colonial buildings and visit the Camera Obscura for a panoramic view of Havana. Explore the surrounding streets and discover hidden gems like artisanal shops and local art galleries. Afternoon
Take a tour of the Havana Club Rum Museum to learn about the history and production of Cuban rum. Enjoy a rum tasting and sample different varieties of this iconic Cuban spirit. Have lunch at Paladar La Guarida, another popular restaurant known for its delicious Cuban cuisine. Evening Experience the vibrant nightlife of Havana at Fabrica de Arte Cubano. This multidisciplinary art space features exhibitions, live music performances, and a lively bar scene. Enjoy the eclectic atmosphere and immerse yourself in Havana's vibrant art scene.
DAY 5 Morning Visit the Ernest Hemingway Museum, located in the author's former home, Finca VigÃa. Explore Hemingway's personal belongings and learn about his life in Cuba. Take a short drive to CojÃmar, a fishing village that inspired Hemingway's novel "The Old Man and the Sea." Afternoon Enjoy a leisurely lunch at La Cocina de Lilliam, a charming restaurant located in a beautiful garden. Indulge in traditional Cuban dishes prepared with a modern twist. After lunch, take a stroll along the Malecón and enjoy the beautiful ocean views. Evening End your day with a visit to the famous Hotel Nacional de Cuba. Enjoy a cocktail at the outdoor terrace and soak in the stunning views of the city. Have dinner at La Fontana, a restaurant located within the hotel, and savor delicious Cuban and international cuisine.
DAY 6
Morning
Start your day in Trinidad by exploring the charming cobblestone streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the colourful colonial architecture and visit Plaza Mayor, the heart of the city.
Afternoon After lunch, take a trip to the beautiful Playa Ancon. Relax on the pristine white sands and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. You can also try snorkeling or diving to explore the vibrant coral reefs. Evening In the evening, head to Casa de la Musica to experience the lively Cuban music scene. Dance the night away to traditional salsa and enjoy live performances by talented local musicians.
DAY 7
Morning
Start your day with a visit to Parque Josone, a beautiful park filled with lush gardens, colourful flowers, and a tranquil lake. Take a relaxing walk and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Afternoon
Head to Varadero Beach, one of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean. Spend your afternoon swimming in the crystal-clear waters, sunbathing on the white sand, and indulging in water sports such as snorkelling or jet skiing. Evening For dinner, try La Campana Restaurant, known for its delicious seafood dishes and stunning ocean views. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the beach and watch the sunset.
DAY 8
Morning
Explore the Cueva de Saturno, a natural cave with a crystal-clear cenote inside. Take a refreshing swim in the cool waters and marvel at the beauty of the underground formations.
Afternoon
Visit the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve, a protected area known for its diverse flora and fauna. Take a guided hike through the reserve's trails and learn about the local ecosystems.
Evening Enjoy a traditional Cuban dinner at La Bodeguita del Medio, a famous restaurant known for its authentic Cuban cuisine and lively atmosphere. Don't forget to try their famous mojitos!
DAY 9 Morning Take a day trip to the city of Matanzas, located near Varadero. Explore the historic center and visit the Teatro Sauto, a beautiful theater that dates back to the 19th century. Don't miss the opportunity to watch a live performance if available. Afternoon
Visit the Bellamar Caves, the largest and oldest caves in Cuba. Take a guided tour through the underground chambers and admire the impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations.
Evening
Return to Varadero and have dinner at Varadero 60, a restaurant known for its delicious Cuban and international cuisine. Enjoy live music performances while savouring your meal.
Cuba will be one of the most unique experiences in your life. To truly experience the culture, stay at hostels or casa particulares and enjoy the vibes of this beautiful country.
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