Cuba is frozen in time blending 1950s nostalgia, rich Spanish-colonial history, and crystal Caribbean beaches. It is best known for the revolution, rum, salsa dancing, cigars, mojitos, classic cars, and crumbling colonial towns. Continue reading this Cuba travel guide, including the top things to do in Cuba.
The country receives over 2 million tourists each year. Planning international travel can be overwhelming and time-consuming while working full-time. Use this Cuba travel guide and the following Cuba travel blog posts to plan your perfect vacation. The top destinations in Cuba are Havana, Viñales Valley, Cienfuegos, and Trinidad.
Top Destinations in Cuba
Why Visit Havana Cuba
Old Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its iconic vintage 1950s American cars and narrow streets with old, crumbling buildings.
Why Visit Viñales Valley
Vinales is a small village surrounded by hills known for its tobacco fields and agriculture. This is a great place for a horseback ride and to learn to roll your own cigar in Vinales. Be sure to eat avocado, mango, pineapple, papaya, guava, and enjoy a farm-to-table meal. Consider taking a boat for a tour of the underground Indian Caves (Cuevas del Indio).
Why Visit Cienfuegos Cuba
Cienfuegos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with preserved 19th-century structures, a wide Parisian-style boulevard, and elegant colonnades. Consider a hike to the nearby El Nicho waterfalls.
Why Visit Trinidad Cuba
Trinidad is a UNESCO-listed destination renowned for its preserved Spanish colonial architecture. You will also find white sand beaches, waterfalls, coffee farms, and an active nightlife. Consider taking a tour to the nearby Valley of the Sugar Mills.
What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip to Cuba
Where is Cuba
Cuba is a Caribbean Island 90 miles south of Florida. The country is bordered by the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic Ocean. Florida and the Bahamas are to the north, Mexico is to the west, Haiti and the Dominican Republic are to the east, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands are to the south. Havana is the capital and largest city with a population of around 2.1 million.
How do I legally travel to Cuba as a US citizen?
Support for the Cuban People
US citizens may legally travel to Cuba for a ‘meaningful visit’ (remember those words) under one of the 12 categories of general license set by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Support for the Cuban People (SCP) general license is the easiest and most compatible for travel purposes. You do not need prior government approval; you simply need to state you are in Cuba for a meaningful visit in support of the Cuban people and have documentation (itinerary, receipts) of your activities and transactions that follow the rules.
You MUST use privately owned businesses (restaurants, shops, taxis) and privately owned accommodation (hotel stay is not permitted). You must maintain a full schedule (6-8 hours daily) of meaningful interactions (shopping, eating, lessons, cultural tours, talking to accommodation hosts).
- Spend the night in a casa particular (homestay)
- Eat at a local paladar
- Take a salsa dance class
- Enjoy a cooking demonstration
- Shop at artisan’s markets
- Watch a cigar rolling demonstration
- Take a Dominoes lesson
Be sure to avoid making purchases from any Cuban Government entities. Review and follow this prohibited list from the US Department of State. Notice that all hotels are listed as prohibited. Marinas, some stores in Old Havana, and some diving businesses are also listed.
Note that these rules are not currently being enforced and would not be enforced by Border Patrol and Customs. You will have no problem leaving or reentering the US. You must keep your documentation for 5 years. Should these rules start being enforced, and you do not follow them, the punishment will be a fine. You are in no danger of not being allowed back into the US, being put in jail, or having your passport revoked.
Immigration
To enter Cuba, you must show proof of onward travel (return airline ticket) and the address of the first night of your stay.
You must have Travel Medical Insurance to enter Cuba. It is checked by immigration upon arrival in Cuba. If you do not have it, you will have to buy it then. Asistur S.A. sells travel insurance and has an office in the immigration area of the airport. US airlines that fly directly to Cuba include Asistur travel medical insurance in the cost of the airline ticket, and your boarding pass serves as proof of insurance. The airline will stamp the passport ‘Cuba ready’.
You must obtain a Cuban eVisa, and your passport must be valid for 6 months after your date of travel. An e-visa is valid for 90 days and can be renewed locally for another 90 days. You can apply for the evisa here.
US travelers must sign a General License Affidavit affirming they are traveling to Cuba according to US laws (see Support for the Cuban People).
You must complete the D’Viajeros online form (electronic customs, immigration, and health declaration form) up to 72 hours before your flight. Print the PDF and take a photo of the QR code. Note that this form does not have an expiration date and may be questioned at a US airport. It is OK, the form never has an expiration date.
Cigars and Alcohol
The rules regarding bringing cigars and alcohol back to the United States change often. Currently, individuals can return with not over 50 cigars, or 200 cigarettes, or 2 kilograms of smoking tobacco, and not over 1 liter of alcoholic beverages. Check the US Customs and Border Protection website for current limits.
What language is spoken in Cuba
The national language of Cuba is Cuban Spanish. Most Cubans do not speak English. You will find more English speakers in Havana, tourist areas/hotels, and the younger generation. FluentU offers a helpful list of common words and phrases to learn before you travel. Be sure to download a translator before you go.
What is the currency in Cuba
The Peso Cubano (CUP) is the Cuban currency. The CUP can only be purchased on the island. USD and EUR are widely used. Money can be as difficult or simple as you want it to be. I went for simple and brought in enough USD to fund the entire trip, including small bills. Be sure to use the CUP change received as you go and download a free currency calculator before you arrive. Debit/Credit Cards from a US bank will not work in Cuba, not even with a VPN on the internet.
You can choose the more difficult route and exchange money for CUC. It is better to exchange it for EUR. USD exchanges are subject to an additional 10% tax + the regular 3% commission fee. There are official exchange rates (banks, hotels, exchange houses) and unofficial exchange rates (private sector). Some are legal, others aren’t. If you do decide to exchange money, have your accommodation host help you through the private sector and exchange in small amounts. Note that CUP are not valid or exchangeable outside of Cuba. Beware of people offering to change money in the streets; it is often fake money.
Luxury travelers note you must declare cash over $5000. If you travel often and have money left over from other country visits, bring it along; you may be able to use it! Currencies often accepted in Cuba include USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, CHF, JPY, MXP, DKK, NOK, SEK.
How much should I budget per day in Cuba
According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost of traveling in Cuba is $48. Expect to pay $676 + airfare for a one-week trip for 2. I found this estimate to be low when factoring in taxi rides.
When is the best time to visit Cuba
The dry season is from November to April; the weather is cool with low humidity. Tourist season is between December and March. The wet season is from May through October, with the heaviest storms and hurricanes in September or October. Check out the Havana Board of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your scheduled visit.
What type of transportation is available in Cuba
US citizens should plan to fly into Havana from Miami. The international airport is Havana José Martí International Airport (HAV). American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest Airlines all provide direct service between the United States and Cuba. The airport is located about 30 minutes from the city center of Havana. A taxi ride from the airport is a fixed price of $30 per car, not per person. You can ask your casa particular host to arrange a taxi for you. There is an airport shuttle bus that operates from Parque Central to Jose Marti International Airport Terminal 3 for $5 per person.
Mobil roaming is unlikely. If (like me) you use your phone’s map app to get around in other countries, you will need offline maps. Try Maps.me. There is a government-run hop-on hop-off bus service in Havana that operates from Parque Central for $10 day. Private government-run taxis also run in Havana. Make sure to agree on the fare before getting into any taxi in Cuba. Whenever possible, ask your host to call your taxi; they will earn a referral fee (and you get door-to-door service).
Use Viazul Buses (government-run) and Colectivo Taxis (local, shared ride) to move from one area to another. If you prefer to have someone else do the planning, there are many organized excursions to choose from. Civitatis is a company based in Spain that offers many Support of the Cuban people experiences.
Driving in Havana can be difficult due to potholes and one-way streets. Rental car companies are government-owned. They are known to run out of cars and charge tourists for damage when there is none.
What kind of adaptor do I need in Cuba
Cuba typically uses electrical outlets compatible with North American devices (Type A and Type B), but voltage fluctuations may occur. Bring a universal travel adapter with a voltage converter to ensure your electronics can be charged safely. And do not forget to bring extra charged battery packs for possible power outages.
What should I pack for Cuba
Cuba is a Communist country with limited supplies. Shelves in stores are often bare, and local people have ration books. As a result, it is difficult to get basic supplies in Cuba. Be sure to pack toiletries, cold medicine, aspirin, traveler’s diarrhea meds, sunscreen, bug repellent, etc.
Power outages are common and can be prolonged in Cuba. Bring a flashlight, rechargeable fan, and power banks. Pack a towel and water shoes to protect your feet from rocks if you plan to snorkel. Also, consider bringing your own snorkel gear to ensure good quality.
Pack and travel light; luggage weight is checked going into and out of Cuba. American citizens are allowed to bring a total of 66 pounds of luggage to Cuba. You will be charged per pound if you go over.
Is Cuba a safe country for solo travelers?
According to Travel Safe Abroad, the overall risk of travel in Havana Cuba is medium. Be aware of pickpockets and bag snatchers. The city depends on tourism; police patrol during the day to protect tourists and there are harsh criminal charges for crimes against tourists. Cigar scams are common; only purchase from official stores.
I disagree with this and do not believe the country is safe. Scammers are persistent and only stop when you duck into a hotel, they may wait for you outside. Children will beg and cry for money for their family. If you give to one you will be surrounded by others crying ‘what about me’ and they will not stop.
Scammers are very friendly, love the US and are skilled. The scams are endless. I had someone say they were my neighbor at the casa and someone else say remember me from airport security. Common scams are people asking you to buy them baby formula, different people pass around the same crying child asking for money to buy milk, people ‘helping’ you, then demanding a tip. Do not follow anyone for a celebration (Buena Vista Social Club for a special performance, salsa festival, cigar festival).
Taxis are also listed as medium risk. Private taxis are common for the Support of the Cuban People requirement, but official taxis are the safest way of traveling around the city (and more expensive).
If you require medical attention while you are in Cuba, you need to contact your travel insurance provider as soon as you can. You will not be able to make a valid claim on your insurance AFTER you leave Cuba.
Dial 106 for the Police Department and 105 for the Fire Department. Contact the US Embassy for non-urgent emergencies, such as a lost passport. https://www.travelsafe-abroad.com
What food do I need to try in Cuba
Classic Cuban dishes to eat include Ropa Vieja (shredded beef stew), Lechón Asado (roast pork), Picadillo (minced meat hash with olives/capers), and Moros y Cristianos (black beans & rice). Side dishes include Tostones (fried plantains) and Yucca con Mojo (cassava with garlic sauce).
Americans will recognize Cubano sandwiches, empanadas, tamales, and churros. Be sure to have a Mojito, Canchanchara, Daiquiri, Cuban coffee and Jupino (sweet pineapple soda). Don’t forget desserts like Flan or Tres Leches. Note that lobster is inexpensive in Cuba.
Cuba Travel Guide Tips
- Tap water in Cuba is not drinkable, don’t even use it to brush your teeth
- Avoid ice, as it is made from tap water
- Bring snacks, there is not a lot of food choice in Cuba
- Toilets may not have seats
- Carry toilet paper and hand sanitizer for public bathrooms
- Wi-Fi is available in some hotels and public parks, you must have a pre-paid Nauta (Wi-Fi) card to use it
- You need your passport to purchase Wi-Fi and make sure the password is not scratched off
- International calls are difficult, try Facebook Messenger
- Map out activities and restaurants, then download the map for offline use. You will not be able to Google anything while there
- Having a guide will minimize people harassing you
- Purchase data-only eSIMs from GigSky or Kolet and install before you leave
- Download iTranslate, it works offline ($.99 for 1 week)
- Expect power outages and limited hot water
- Avoid political discussions
- Do not take photos of military or police personnel
- Vapes can not be imported into Cuba, even for personal use
- Cell phone service is not available for U.S. cell service providers
- Shop owners may shortchange you; count your money carefully
- The air quality in Havana is poor due to pollution and car exhaust
- Bring bug repellent, mosquitoes carry disease
- Watch where you are walking, the pavement is often uneven
- Pack carry-on only to avoid long waits (over 2 hours) for luggage at the airport, with nowhere to sit
- Download apps, books, music, etc., before entering the country
- Check CubaBooking or Homestay for accommodation in Cuba that meets the Support of the Cuban People category
- Book activities in Cuba that meet the Support of the Cuban People category
- Arrive at the airport early for your return flight and expect long lines
- Food is typically bland; consider bringing salt or a spice blend
- Expect to wait in lines and for people to try to cut in line
Top 10 Things to See and Do in Cuba
- Explore Old Havana (Habana Vieja)
- Tour Havana in a 1950s convertible car
- Visit a tobacco farm in Viñales Valley
- Wander the preserved colonial town of Trinidad
- Tour the Museum of the Revolution
- Watch the sunset on Havana’s Malecón
- Relax on Varadero’s white sand beach
- Hike to El Nicho waterfall and take a swim
- Learn about Cold War history at the Bay of Pigs
- See the neoclassical architecture of Cienfuegos
US citizens must be sure to avoid businesses on the US State Department Restricted List while visiting Cuba.
Bookmark and Pin Complete Cuba Travel Guide, What You Need to Know
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