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Cuba Travel Guide
By Peter Burns MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Traveling to Cuba as a U.S. citizen has only recently become an option. It isn’t as easy to travel to as other Caribbean islands, but if you’re interested in exploring everything this country has to offer, you can start planning your trip today. This Cuba travel guide includes information on the travel requirements, plus suggestions and travel advice.
Table of contents
- Cuba entry requirements and travel restrictions
- Is it safe to travel to Cuba?
- A traveler’s guide to Cuba
- The best time of year to visit Cuba
- The best places to visit in Cuba
- Helpful Cuba travel tips
- How much does a trip to Cuba cost?
Get a Free QuoteCuba entry requirements and travel restrictions
From the early 1960s until 2016, travel from the U.S. to Cuba was not permitted. Travel restrictions were eased in 2016, allowing U.S. citizens to travel under certain conditions.
The U.S. Embassy in Cuba states that travel to Cuba for tourist activities is not possible. The Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issues general licenses for 12 authorized travel categories. These include family visits, journalistic activity, educational activities, professional research, humanitarian projects and more. If your trip meets the conditions for one of the 12 categories, you do not need to apply for the travel license.
Travelers interested in experiencing Cuban culture and life can opt for the “support for the Cuban people” license category. This category requires that you do activities that support local Cuban people as well as the local economy and small businesses. Your trip’s itinerary must include such activities that account for roughly six hours of each day. Some activities that you might include on your itinerary could be:
- Touring a cigar factory
- Taking a city tour
- Visiting an art gallery
- Looking around museums
- Taking dance lessons
It’s a good idea to have some type of documentation or itinerary with you when traveling. You may be asked your reason for traveling to Cuba as part of your flight check-in process. Although it’s uncommon, the U.S. government may question you about your trip after you return, so you must keep your receipts and travel records for five years following your trip.
Cuba also requires travel insurance to cover potential medical expenses. There aren’t any required travel vaccines you’ll need before going to Cuba, but check with your doctor to see if they have any suggestions.
One final thing to note is that the U.S. Treasury Department prohibits U.S. citizens from spending money at certain restricted businesses, most of which are affiliated with Cuban security services or the military.
Is it safe to travel to Cuba?
The U.S. Department of State has given Cuba a Level 2 travel advisory, meaning that tourists should exercise caution. The advisory cites petty crime as the primary threat to tourists.
While Cuba is generally safe for tourists, you may encounter various scams. Some vendors may present you with fake items like Cuban cigars, rum or even bottled water, which may just be tap water. You should be clear about prices in situations ranging from restaurants to taxis, as you may get overcharged or short-changed. Getting counterfeit change back is also a popular scam, as many tourists are unfamiliar with the local currency.
A traveler’s guide to Cuba
Though there are a few challenges you’ll need to overcome, travel to Cuba is possible — and certainly worthwhile.
The basics of Cuba
Cuba is a country that consists of islands and archipelagos. It sits at the intersection of the Caribbean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Cuba has over 11 million people, the primary language is Spanish and its currency is the Cuban National Peso (CUP).
Culture and traditions
Many people know Cuba for cigars, coffee, rum and vintage cars. While all of these aspects tie into the culture, there’s infinitely more to it. Cuban history is heavily influenced by its combination of indigenous Caribbean people, as well as African and Spanish roots. Today, this mix of peoples has created a strong cultural identity that boasts distinct literary, artistic and culinary traditions. On the main island, you’ll find a love for baseball, classic American cars and much more.
Weather
Cuba’s tropical climate is divided into two seasons: dry and wet. The dry season spans from November to April. During this time, the weather is often sunny and warm in the plains, with temperatures hovering around the high 70s. The temperatures drop off slightly along the coast and in the mountains.
During the wet season, the temperatures can rise to around 100 degrees, with high humidity in the summer months. Hurricane season runs from July to November, with September and October typically experiencing the most intense winds and tropical storms.
Local cuisine
Spanish, African and Caribbean traditions all influence the local Cuban cuisine. Most Cuban dishes will include rice and beans as a complement to — or ingredient of — the main dish. Seafood is also a prevalent ingredient in many local recipes, along with chicken and pork.
You’ll also find plantains (a type of banana) in many meals or prepared as snacks. In Cuban cuisine, plantains are often fried or stewed, creating tastes that range from salty to sweet.
Public transportation
For intercity travel, one option is to take Viazul buses, also called ómnibuses by the locals, which can be booked online. Trains are also available.
Major cities will have taxis available, which may be official or private taxis. Citizens can register with the government to become taxi drivers, so your taxi may be a classic American car or a standard yellow taxi. You can recognize a registered taxi by an official “Taxi” sign.
Another option for getting around the city is to use a colectivo, or a shared taxi. Colectivos are rides you’ll share with others and only pay for the seats you use.
Natural landscapes
Over 4,000 islands and keys in the northern Caribbean Sea make up the nation of Cuba. The main island of Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean Sea and the 17th largest in the world, spanning 750 miles in length and 60 miles across. This island contains four mountain ranges that occupy a third of the land. The remaining landscapes are plains, swamplands, rainforests and beaches.
The best time of year to visit Cuba
The most popular time to visit Cuba is during the dry season. Because the dry season — especially March and April — has the best weather, you should expect more tourists and more costly accommodations.
Visiting during the wet season can present some better travel opportunities if you’re hoping to avoid crowds. However, be aware that the wet season is more than just rain. There may be hurricanes, flash floods and landslides that can result in power outages, disruptions in water supplies and communications and flight delays.
The best places to visit in Cuba
In most cases, you’ll fly into Cuba’s capital city of Havana. This city is brimming with Cuban history, culture and art. Enjoy the cobblestone streets and take in the structures that range from European baroque churches to sleek art deco buildings. You can also head to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Old Havana.
The second largest city in Cuba is Santiago de Cuba, located in the southeastern part of the island. This city is an excellent place to gain an understanding of Cuban culture and African-Caribbean influences.
Trinidad is a popular destination for those interested in experiencing the colonial-era architecture. Most of the old town is pedestrian-only, so you can stroll around until you find Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco. Climb up the staircases to the bell tower for a spectacular view. Trinidad is also close to the UNESCO World Heritage site Valle de los Ingenios, a sugar plantation center, as well as Topes de Collantes National Park.
Must-see attractions in Cuba
There are many places to see throughout Cuba. Some exciting attractions that may be worth visiting are:
- The Malecón: This sea wall wraps around Havana. It is free to walk along and is a great place to catch the sunset over the sea.
- Hemingway Tour: Visit Nobel Prize winner Ernest Hemingway’s most frequented places on one of these Havana-based tours.
- Plaza de Revolución: History buffs interested in the Cuban Revolution won’t want to miss this plaza.
- Disco Ayala: Located in Trinidad, this nightclub is in a cave 100 feet underground.
- Mausoleo del Che Guevara: The gravesite of one of history’s most known revolutionaries is located in Santa Clara.
Cuban foods that every traveler should try
Cuba offers a wide variety of delicious cuisine options. Here are some dishes that you shouldn’t miss while you’re traveling in Cuba:
- Ropa Vieja: This national dish incorporates stewed shredded beef, onions and peppers with a side of rice, beans and fried plantains.
- Picadillo a la Habanera: A spicy recipe native to Havana, picadillo a la habanera consists of ground beef, tomatoes and onions accompanied with rice or tortillas to be used as wraps.
- Enchilado de Camarones: This Cuban shrimp creole is made with shrimp, onions and peppers cooked in a red sauce and served with rice.
- Arroz Amarillo con Pollo: This dish is a mix of chicken, yellow rice, peppers and peas, although it may contain other variations of ingredients.
- Tostones: Tostones are plantains that are fried until crisp and served as a side or appetizer.
- Masas de Cerdo Frita: For this dish, pork is chopped up, marinated in lime juice, and then fried.
After trying a local dish, head to a local café and enjoy a strong cup of Cuban coffee.
Popular activities to do in Cuba
One of the most popular activities is heading to the coast. Varadero is a breathtaking white sand beach that’s popular with both tourists and locals. You’ll find bars, restaurants and resorts here, great for relaxing and enjoying the sun.
If you want to escape the crowds, head to a cayo, or tiny island. These cayos can make great day trips and offer opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving. Some examples include:
- Cayo Jutias
- Cayo Guillermo
- Cayo Saetia
- Cayo Largo del Sur
- Cayo Coco
If you’re in one of the major cities, there are plenty of things to do. You can sign up for a walking tour, take salsa lessons, listen to live music in a bar or eat at a small private restaurant called a paladar. One of the most popular tourist activities in major cities, especially Havana, is taking a city tour in a classic American car. Make sure your activities support the approved reasons for visiting.
For those interested in outdoor activities, you can head to Topes de Collantes National Park on the southern side of Cuba. Here you can do anything from exploring coffee plantations to bird watching to snapping pictures of majestic waterfalls. Hikers can travel to El Yunque, a mountain near the southeastern tip of the main island, or nearby Pico Turquino, the highest point of Cuba at 6,476 feet.
Helpful Cuba travel tips
Before you get on your flight, here are some travel hacking tips specific to Cuba you should know. Be sure to pack any medications, sunscreen, insect repellent and toiletries you’ll need for your trip.
Businesses and ATMs in Cuba do not accept all American-issued cards, so it’s a good idea to call your card provider to see if you can use yours. It’s also a good idea to bring cash to exchange into CUP, and carry small bills with you at all times in case vendors don’t have change.
Using the internet in Cuba can be challenging. You’ll need to purchase an ETECSA internet card to get access to any Wi-Fi network. You can purchase these cards online or at the Havana airport. However, many websites aren’t accessible in Cuba, so paying for a VPN for the duration of your trip may be worthwhile. You should also consider printing your flight information and travel documents before leaving. Downloading maps and a Spanish translation app that you can use offline will also be helpful.
How much does a trip to Cuba cost?
The cost of your trip to Cuba will vary depending on your taste, budget and when you travel. Once you book your flights off a travel booking site, purchase some of the best travel insurance and get your visa, you can enjoy a cheaper cost of living in Cuba.
The entertainment and activities you choose will impact your daily expenses, but overall you should be able to get by on around $50 per day if you’re on a budget. Budget travelers can eat cheaply at street food stalls for as low as $5 or less per meal. Travelers interested in a more refined experience can spend anywhere from around $10 and up at sit-down restaurants. Taking a colectivo will cost around $5 per trip, with official taxis running a little more.
Prepare to experience Cuba
Traveling to Cuba will take some preparation. You’ll need to have an authorized reason for travel and travel health insurance before your arrival. However, traveling to Cuba will provide a unique cultural experience that was impossible for U.S. citizens until recently.