Cuba Vacation Travel Tips

Planning a vacation in Cuba and looking for practical tips? Here you will find everything you need for a successful trip. From entry requirements to vaccinations to the best beaches - this article provides valuable tips for your Cuba vacation, ensuring you are well prepared.

What image do you have in mind when you think of Cuba? Right: An old Cuban, usually sitting on a step in front of a colorful house, cigar in mouth. The stereotype is real. Cubans really enjoy smoking cigars and often keep one pinched in the corner of their mouth - whether woman or man.

In this article, you'll find our important tips on Cuba, travel to and around the island, lodging, food, currency and money, language, vaccinations, and much more.

This was a brief overview of what to expect in this article. Read on for our important travel tips for Cuba. This way, you'll be well prepared and aware of all the things you need to keep in mind as a tourist in Cuba.

Note: Unfortunately, I cannot provide tips and recommendations on the itinerary, as everyone travels differently (pace) and finds different places worth seeing. What I find boring, you may find fantastic!

Cuba is rich in sights and highlights that you absolutely shouldn't miss. The best cities include Havana, Trinidad, Santiago de Cuba, Cienfuegos, and Santa Clara. These cities should be on your itinerary.

Additionally, national parks and stunning landscapes like the Viñales Valley and Sierra Maestra offer spectacular views. A visit to a small island (Cayo Levisa) will round off your trip.

Havana, the capital of Cuba, is a must-visit for every traveler. The historic center, Habana Vieja, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved colonial architecture. Key attractions include the Capitol, an impressive building reminiscent of the U.S. Capitol, and the Malecón, a 7 km seaside promenade ideal for strolls.

Another highlight is the Museo de la Revolución, housed in the former presidential palace, documenting the history of the Cuban Revolution. Besides these historical sites, Havana boasts a vibrant cultural scene with numerous bars and restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Cuban music and cuisine. Check out my highlights in Havana here.

Santiago de Cuba, the second largest city on the island, is known for its rich history and music. Top attractions include the Castillo del Morro fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as Parque Céspedes and the Cathedral.

The Cementerio de Santa Ifigenia cemetery is the final resting place of Fidel Castro and other significant Cuban figures. My special tip is the Casa de la Musica. Check out my highlights in Santiago de Cuba here.

This beautifully idyllic Caribbean island is a paradise for beach lovers. You will find the most stunning beaches in:

Varadero is known for its turquoise water and fine sand, making it one of the most famous and visited beaches in Cuba. I avoided Varadero because it is too touristy and does not represent authentic Cuba.

Cayo Coco and the adjacent island Cayo Guillermo are perfect locations for a relaxed beach vacation. Cayo Santa Maria boasts its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Playa Ancón near Trinidad is, for me, one of the most beautiful beaches on Cuba's southern coast. Water temperatures consistently range between 24°C and 28°C, making water sports activities always possible. I particularly enjoyed Cayo Levisa.

These highlights should also be on your Cuba list:

Don't be surprised if you spend your vacation in Cuba away from the tourist bubble of Varadero. The contrasts in Cuba couldn't be more extreme. There are many poor people who still lack access to essential daily items. In contrast, there are Cubans who openly flaunt their wealth.

Cuba stands for Che Guevara, cigars, rum, dilapidated old cars that still sputter along the streets of Havana, loud music in the alleys with dancing people, dream beaches, and zest for life! Don't be dazzled; the people have no other choice.

Even though more and more tourists are flocking to the country, old cars are gradually becoming less common and slowly disappearing from Havana's cityscape. The country still has charm. But be aware that most people simply lack everything.

TIP: Keep your tourist card safe! You will need it for your departure. If you lose it, expect a lot of discussions and a longer wait time at the airport.

A valid travel health insurance that is recognized in Cuba is also mandatory for entry. It is recommended to have adequate coverage and to present proof at the time of entry (in Spanish). It is important to note that insurance policies from U.S. insurers as well as German statutory insurance are not recognized by Cuban authorities.

If you do not have valid proof, you must purchase health insurance upon arrival at Cuban airports.

MY TIP FOR TRAVEL INSURANCE ABROAD We strongly recommend taking out travel health insurance. You can find it at -> Hanse Merkur starting at €10 per year, which saves you a lot of hassle and cost in case of an accident or illness.

Without this, you may be denied entry. Your insurance should issue you a confirmation in Spanish stating that your health, accident, and transportation costs are covered by the travel health insurance.

In my case, this was easily done via email. After five days, the confirmation in Spanish was already in my mailbox. However, no one asked me for that document.

If you forget this, you can also purchase the insurance on-site upon arrival. However, I wouldn't rely on that.

The national currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP). The import and export of this currency is not allowed. As a tourist, you can use Euros in some regions (primarily Varadero) in addition to the Peso. U.S. dollars are not accepted in Cuba, and credit cards or traveler's checks from American banks are also not recognized.

Recommendation: Exchange money only at hotels, official exchange offices, or banks (often with very long queues).

My tip and reasons for the best free credit card for Cuba

Tourists can acquire prepaid money cards. These can be used for payments at supermarkets, car rentals, hotels, fueling, or dining at restaurants. These prepaid cards are available at the airport or in CADECA exchange offices and can only be purchased with cash in foreign currency (Euro, no USD). They are issued in amounts of 1000, 500 and 200 MLC. Remaining balances can be refunded in your local currency upon departure at the airport.

In Cuba, only credit cards from non-American financial institutions are often accepted. At ATMs, only VISA cards worked for me. At bank counters, you can also withdraw cash with a MasterCard. Long queues form at ATMs and banks, so be prepared to wait.

Travel tip: Bring cash (I had €300 in cash) and exchange it for Pesos at an exchange office on-site. If that cash runs out, I could pay with my travel credit card, which worked for me every time. You can now withdraw cash with VISA or MasterCard in almost every Cuban city, but I often heard that there were issues withdrawing cash. Therefore, carry enough cash in Euros for exchanging.

Currently, the best free credit cards for travel are the DKB Bank debit card, GenialCard (Hanseatic Bank), and Mastercard Gold from TF Bank. Having a setup of at least 2 of these cards, you can usually withdraw cash at ATMs abroad for free and pay on-site without foreign transaction fees.

-> Here you can find all tips with my experiences about the best travel credit cards compared.

When it comes to dining, you have to choose between state-run restaurants, which offer less and are cheaper (with a few exceptions), or private restaurants, known as 'Paladares', which provide the best food around. Usually served as a set menu. The costs can be compared to German prices.

However, it definitely pays off to spend more here. Regarding accommodation, it is exactly the opposite. State hotels are often more expensive, while private Casa Particulares are usually cheaper.

Cuba is certainly a country that should be traveled independently. The transportation network is well developed. However, if you want to leave the tourist paths (like visiting the Sierra Maestra), you cannot avoid taking a taxi or renting a car.

If you want to travel Cuba with a provider that organizes your tour and provides advice (or if you want to join a group tour), I highly recommend DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen. We have already done individual tours and group tours with Diamir.

To ensure that you don't forget anything while planning, I have created a checklist here:

A careful packing list is crucial for a relaxed Cuban vacation. Since it can often be difficult to buy certain products in Cuba, it's essential to prepare well. Along with your usual clothes and toiletries, there are some specific things you should pack for your trip to Cuba.

Thermal mugs or bottles are useful for keeping your drinks cool for longer. A thin scarf or neck scarf protects you from drafts, which can often be found in the heavily air-conditioned travel buses and restaurants. A light jacket or sweater is also recommended to keep warm in air-conditioned interiors during cooler temperatures. Don't forget to bring disinfectant and versatile wet wipes, as these may be hard to find in Cuba.

Download my packing list for Cuba here to print and check off.

For the tropical climate in Cuba, the following clothing items are essential:

It can be difficult to find hygiene products such as toilet paper or disinfectants in Cuba, so you should bring these from home. Disinfectants and wet wipes are indispensable, especially due to often poor hygiene conditions. If you're traveling independently through Cuba and eating at cafeterias and snack bars, you should also bring your own utensils to ensure hygiene.

Sunscreen is very expensive in Cuba, so it's best to bring plenty with you. Instead of chemical sunscreens, mineral sunscreens can be used, as they have a significantly lower impact on the environment. Chemical sunscreens can harm marine life, leading to coral bleaching and the death of corals.

Here you can find detailed travel planning tips - step by step to the perfect vacation.

Here is my packing list to print

Cuba is much safer than you think. Compared to other countries, Cuba is indeed very safe. Cubans know that tourists are vital for the socialist country - and a major source of income. Still, like in any other country, you should avoid leaving expensive items lying around openly or wearing expensive jewelry. The risk of terrorist attacks is considered very low. Cuba is also safe for solo female travelers, as Cuban women appreciate the attention from men.

During my trip to Cuba as a woman, I didn't have any bad experiences. Of course, men whistle at you or make remarks. That's the 'machismo' - Cuban women enjoy it and feel insulted when a guy doesn't show them some nice attention. It's not meant badly and wasn't at all intrusive. Just politely ignore it.

Cuba is very safe, and Cubans know they depend on tourists. Therefore, they are also very open and direct, as I experienced during my visit.

The only annoying thing is the 'Jinteros', who desperately want to marry a German to get out of the country. A firm 'no' is usually enough to deter them.

Owners of Casa Particulares are very friendly and helpful. If you speak a little Spanish, this is the best way to travel and connect with locals.

For traveling to Cuba, it is recommended to get vaccinated against the following diseases:

It is important to see a doctor before your trip to get the necessary vaccinations. However, there is no malaria and no yellow fever in Cuba.

Hazardous situations on sidewalks are common and rarely marked or cordoned off. The tap water in Cuba should not be drunk, but it can be boiled.

Dengue Fever and Zika virus infections are transmitted by day-active Aedes mosquitoes and can cause serious health problems. Protect yourself consistently from mosquito bites during the day to avoid diseases like Dengue fever and Zika.

Wear long-sleeved clothing (not black), use insect repellent, and sleep under a mosquito net to protect yourself.

There are no special safety tips for Cuba. The usual advice would be to wear a money belt to avoid theft, especially in crowded areas like cafes or museums. Keep your IDs, money, and important documents secure (in your accommodation), and store electronic copies for recovery in case of theft. Spread your cash across several locations on your body and never leave your bags and valuables unattended, especially at beaches and busy places.

In Cuba, Spanish is spoken. Basic knowledge of Spanish is therefore very beneficial. However, the Spanish spoken in Cuba is often very difficult to understand and mumbled.

This often means that even native speakers find it challenging to understand Cuban Spanish. In hotels and Casa Particulares, English or even German is usually spoken. Older Cubans often speak fluent German. With bright eyes, they will tell you about their travels to East Germany...

My tip: You can easily learn the essential words in Spanish using Babbel. I always refresh my Spanish with Babbel before I travel to a Spanish-speaking country.

Before my trip to Cuba, a friend advised me to bring small gifts for Cubans. Why? Many items are simply unavailable for purchase there. Locals would wait by every accommodation asking for soap, shampoo, pens, or T-shirts.

Cubans appreciate: cosmetics like perfume samples, pens and markers of all kinds, T-shirts or lighters. Children's eyes light up at bubbles, balloons, and markers. Notebooks and pads are also useful for school. Sweets are always well received, but I never bring them on trips because I never know how well dental care is possible.

Due to the current surge in tourism in Cuba, there is a shortage of rental cars. Prices have also drastically increased in recent years. You must book your rental car long before your trip!

I did not travel by rental car but preferred the buses. It is more relaxing than driving. Friends reported that they were always besieged by hustlers as tourists. The reason: As a tourist, you have a red license plate that identifies you as a tourist.

Tips for booking rental cars

You should check the following sites for better offers.

LOOKING FOR A RENTAL CAR?

For finding a rental car, we recommend the platform Check24 or Cheap Rental Cars. I also compare prices with Sunny Cars. -> Find here tips for booking a rental car. -> Don't have a credit card? Then read here how to rent a car without a credit card.

The car is the most comfortable way to travel Cuba, especially if you want to visit places like the Sierra Maestra (Commandancia de la Plata - the former rebel hideout of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara).

However, renting a car in Cuba comes at a price: in Varadero, the tourist stronghold, you should budget €30 - 90 per day for one. The cheaper compact cars are often in worse condition and are also very uncomfortable on the roads south (from Trinidad to Santiago de Cuba). I recommend at least booking a mid-range car (around €80 per day).

When you pick up the rental car, you will also need to deposit a security deposit. The amount depends on the class of the rental car. Caution: Only VISA and MasterCards that are not issued in the USA will be accepted. View my recommendations for travel credit cards here.

If you take the rental car directly upon arrival at the airport, you will also need to pay an additional 20 CUC. To rent, you must be at least 21 years old and have an international driver's license.

In the north, you usually find well-paved roads, which cannot always be said the further south you travel. The density and size of potholes increases. Drivers are very slow and cautious here (which is highly recommended).

If you are only traveling in and around Havana - Viñales to Trinidad, I would recommend renting a car.

I often receive emails asking about maps and tips for map apps for Cuba. You can download and print map materials for Cuba directly at cubamappa.com. The best app for your smartphone is OpenStreetMap; you can download maps before your trip and do not need an internet connection for navigation on-site.

In general, I prefer direct flights. There are direct flights from Frankfurt or Munich to Havana, the capital of Cuba. If you search early for flights, you can fly to Cuba for as little as €450. These are usually connecting flights via Paris or Madrid. With Condor, you can sometimes book direct flights for €600.

I always check flight search engines like Skyscanner to find out which flights are cheap and fast. If I don't have a specific date, I select "cheapest month" instead of the date. Read more tips for booking flights.

Since fall 2016, there have been even direct flights from the U.S. to Cuba. Planned connections are to Havana as well as other Cuban cities. From then on, the country will probably be even more Americanized (and more expensive for tourists).

My 10 tips on how to find cheap flights

The main airports are in Havana and Varadero. Other airports include Santiago de Cuba, Santa Clara, Cayo Coco, Holguín, Camagüey, Baracoa, Manzanillo, Bayamo, Cienfuegos, and several smaller towns.

In Germany, search engines often only display and find the larger airports.

Exploring the country is relatively simple. In Cuba, there are various transportation options, including buses, taxis, and rental cars. Each method has its own pros and cons, depending on your travel plans and budget.

While buses like those from Viazul represent a comfortable and affordable option, taxis and rental cars provide more flexibility and comfort.

Viazul offers tourist buses that connect several of the most visited places in Cuba. These buses are very comfortable, equipped with toilets and air conditioning, and make regular stops to allow passengers to eat or stretch their legs.

You can book tickets online and pay with your credit card. However, you won't be flexible then, as the ticket cannot be exchanged.

The most comfortable and cost-effective way to travel in Cuba is by bus.

Only if you are traveling during peak season in Cuba and have limited time recommend that you book tickets in advance (Viazul website). If your travel plans change, I advise against it, as tickets purchased less than seven days before departure cannot be exchanged or canceled. We have always purchased our tickets 1-2 days before departure directly at the bus station on-site.

You will often find offices of travel companies near hotels where you can buy bus tickets like Cubanacan or Gaviota, where the staff often speak English or even German, besides Spanish. It's best to book your ticket in advance, as these buses can be fully booked during the high season.

The only downside of these buses is that locals are not allowed to ride them. So you will only interact with other tourists while bus riding.

In Havana, the bus terminal is on Avenida 26 y Zoologico. You can easily reach Valle de Viñales, Trinidad, Playa Giron, or Santiago de Cuba by bus from Havana.

You can find the schedules, tickets, and prices directly at Viazul.

Another provider is Gaviota. You can only obtain bus tickets here if you book a hotel in return. Those who want to stay in hotels rather than Casa Particulares will get their ticket at the best and cheapest price (often not always).

By the way: In almost 99% of cases, the buses are not on time. Don't be surprised if your bus shows up 30 - 45 minutes late. This is absolutely nothing unusual.

Renting a car in Cuba offers you the greatest flexibility and the chance to explore remote areas. You should book rental cars before your trip to ensure availability and better prices, as demand is high. The minimum age for renting a car is 21 years.

You cannot find rental cars for Cuba on regular comparison portals. However, you can book through TUI Cars, or you can ask specialists like Diamir (our good partner) to organize a road trip and book everything.

Taxi rides are cheap, even for longer distances. If you are good at negotiating, ideally in Spanish, you can make good deals. I would generally only use taxis or bici taxis (bicycle taxis) in cities. They are typically inexpensive.

Everyone wants to ride in a classic car taxi around Havana.

Privately operated classic car taxis are widespread in Cuba and offer a nostalgic way to explore the island. However, it is important to negotiate prices in advance, as initial price demands are often high.

Avoid traveling long distances at night and be careful of hitchhikers in rental cars to travel safely and comfortably through the country.

Locals advise against this. Why?

Let me explain: We once decided to ride in exactly such a taxi. From the fortress down the hill - no problem - until we reached the Malecón where our hotel was located. The driver relaxedly allowed the car to roll down. But at the one major intersection leading to the Malecón, we became suspicious when the driver ignored the red light.

The reason: The hand brake and foot brake didn't work. Great! This is precisely what we were warned about. We were lucky. However, you shouldn't have to challenge this.

Cuba has a tropical wet and hot maritime climate, with average temperatures around 25°C. The best time to visit Cuba is during the dry season from November to April when most days are sunny and temperatures around 30 degrees. This time of year is ideal for road trips and city explorations, while the summer months between June and August are optimal for beach lovers.

During the hurricane season from May to November, you can travel cheaper and there are fewer tourists. However, it is essential to inform yourself in advance about the current situation and weather conditions, particularly during hurricane season.

With average temperatures around 25°C, you can travel to Cuba all year round. It is known for its tropical climate. However, it can be very rainy in autumn. Then it is also hurricane season, and cyclones can occur.

Read more: Best Time to Visit Cuba (Weather and Climate)

Between June and November, there is a higher risk of hurricanes. It rains more frequently then. I was in Cuba in October. The hurricane came two days after my departure (early November), and the last few days of my trip there were occasional sprinkles of rain. But only for a few minutes. It was generally windier, but really not strong. It was more of a cooling breeze.

What speaks for traveling during hurricane season: It is cheaper to travel and there are fewer tourist crowds. You are never safe from a hurricane, though. It can also occur around November-March or July-August during peak season.

More information: Best Time to Visit Cuba (Weather and Climate)

The telecommunications network in Cuba is under the control of the state provider ETECSA. However, mobile data (internet) reception is not widespread. There are various ways to access the internet in Cuba: Wi-Fi in hotels, public Wi-Fi hotspots, internet cards, permanent accounts, computer workstations, mobile data with a Cuban SIM card, and special SIM cards for tourists.

The easiest way is public WIFI hotspots. Whenever you see several locals in one spot with their phones in hand, there is usually free Wi-Fi access. These are mostly in public squares or parks. You can only access it if you have a Cuban SIM card. To do this, you need a user access from ETECSA. You can obtain this with an internet card. These cards (available at ETECSA) cost about 12 pesos per hour. Street vendors offer these access points for double the price. A simpler option is to buy a SIM card for mobile internet at the airport.

Tourists can get prepaid SIM cards with credit. (available as micro and nano-SIM). You often have 4G with them, even LTE in larger cities. You can buy the SIM card (Cubacel Tur) directly at José Martí Airport in Havana (Terminal 3) or at Varadero Airport. Additionally, the SIM cards are available in any commercial ETECSA branch.

You can also order the SIM card online before arrival for $25. It is valid for 30 days, includes 6 GB of data, 100 minutes, and 100 SMS. Additional packages are available. The pickup is then done upon presentation of the passport you used for the booking.

Technical requirements: The phone must be unlocked and support frequencies of 900MHZ, 2100MHZ (for 3G), or 1800MHZ (for 4G). Pay attention to the opening hours of ETECSA's office at Havana Terminal 3: open from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. I recommend picking it up directly upon arrival at Havana airport. Alternatively, choose an ETECSA office near your first accommodation.

Tip for a VPN: Before your trip, I recommend downloading a VPN client on your phone to bypass access restrictions (all American services). However, preload the most important apps on your phone before your trip, as you won't be granted access to app stores.

The Cuban government plans to improve the internet infrastructure nationwide.

We often read that GPS does not work in Cuba. This is not true. For instance, I recorded one of our hikes with a GPS tracker without any problems. In fact, the import of GPS devices and smartphones is forbidden, but no one seemed to be interested in our belongings upon arrival. Times are changing and laws are loosening.

In Cuba, there is a variety of accommodation options from state-run hotels to private Casa Particulares. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on what you expect from your stay. State-run hotels offer a broad range of amenities, from cheap 1-star hotels to luxurious 5-star hotels. However, these hotels are often more expensive and less appealing for independent tourists compared to private Casa Particulares.

Casa Particulares are privately run accommodations that often provide a more authentic and personal experience. They are usually cheaper and offer amenities like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and private bathrooms. Plus, they generally provide much better food (in my experience). Hotels cannot be booked via Airbnb or booking.com. Licensed private accommodations can be booked online through Homestay.

Nevertheless, there are chain hotels such as Mercure, NH Hotels, Iberostar, or Barceló.

A Casa Particular is a private accommodation operated by Cuban families, similar to a guesthouse or boarding house. I consider them to be the cheapest, prettiest, and most authentic way to stay in Cuba. They offer a personal touch that hotels lack. The hosts are friendly and helpful and give you valuable insights into daily life on the island. Staying in a Casa Particular typically costs an average of 20 - 40 CUC per room, around 20 - 25 CUC for solo travelers.

In addition to the wonderful experience, most Casa Particulares offer amenities like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and private bathrooms. The most commonly spoken languages in these accommodations are English and even German. Staying in a Casa Particular is not only cheaper but also a fantastic way to experience Cuban culture up close.

Breakfast is included in almost every case. The rooms are clean, and the owners are very eager to make sure you have a great stay.

Casa Particulares also offer lunch and dinner. The unbeatable food often costs extra. The servings are more than sufficient. You will also be served dishes that you could only dream of in state-run accommodations...

The standard is roughly equivalent to a 3-star hotel. Families often rent one or several rooms of their house to tourists and local travelers. In return, they must pay high monthly fees to the government.

Since I am often asked this question, my answer is: Since most trips to Cuba start and end in Havana, I recommend reserving only your first accommodation in advance.

Every owner of a Casa Particular has excellent contacts and recommendations for accommodations for your further travel destinations across Cuba. Upon request, they can not only organize your next overnight stays but also transfers and pickups at the bus station to the next Casa Particular.

Good platforms include Hostelscentral, Casa Particular or Cuba Accommodation.

Some of the accommodations are listed with email addresses in the Lonely Planet and Loose travel guides (Recommendation for Cuba Travel Guide). I believe more platforms will emerge soon.

In Cuba, you will find state-run hotels of all categories, but there are very few 5-star options outside of Varadero. Generally, these are more expensive than a night in a Casa Particular.

Here, you can experience what socialism really means: At breakfast, there is often only one type of cheese, the 'pancakes' are made without sugar and milk, just with water and flour, the coffee tastes terrible, etc. A room in a mid-range hotel costs about 50 CUC. However, hotels are often unappealing and expensive for independent tourists as they are aimed more at package tourists.

The best food is often secretly taken home by the chefs for their families. I can't blame them.

A lime, fresh mint leaves, a teaspoon of sugar, some rum, soda water, and you have Cuba's national drink: the Mojito.

You will barely manage a day without Mojito while in Cuba.

Cubans insist on their Mojito as a welcoming drink. It tastes great. Cuba Libre is also enjoyed, but for locals, usually without ice or with rum served neat. Daiquirí has been a popular drink since Ernest Hemingway, but more so among tourists.

As for beers, there are mainly Bucanero or Cristal, both resembling American light beers.

Typical dishes on the menu include:

Among Cuba's popular dishes is chicken (pollo). Locals enjoy it fried. A typical side is rice with black beans (moros y cristianos), which I loved. The Cubans could hardly believe it - as it is primarily considered a food for the poor. Other sides include boiled sweet potatoes (boniato) and cassava (yucca). Fried plantains (plátanos) are also very delicious.

You should definitely try a Cuban "pizza": a piece of tasteless dough with a bit of tomato sauce and some type of cheese on top. It tastes almost neutral, but in the end, we loved this pizza and almost missed it at home. A pizza costs between 3 - 5 CUC.

By the way, "spaghetti" in Cuba can look like this:

"Paladar" means "palate" and refers to a private restaurant in Cuba. According to law, these small restaurants can only have 12 seats (we had space for 16 ;-)). Additionally, the operators face high taxes. The quality in state restaurants is often poorer, and the offerings are very limited. Often, the food in a paladar is cheaper.

In a paladar, you usually get lobster, beef, and fish. Such dishes are scarce in regular restaurants (unless they have 5 stars).

A Cuban feast often consists of a whole piglet. We were lucky enough to have one organized while in Sierra Maestra!

Buen Provecho!

Cuban rum and cigars are deeply rooted in Cuban culture and are known worldwide. Rum is an important component of many famous cocktails such as Mojito and Daiquirí. Locals enjoy their rum in various ways, including as Cuba Libre served without ice or neat.

Cuban cigars are world-renowned and have a deep cultural significance in Cuba. Visiting a cigar factory is a unique experience for us. Additionally, we visited a farmer who cultivates tobacco leaves.

Cuba is becoming increasingly popular among German independent travelers. Cuba is a relatively cheap travel destination when you stay in Casa Particulares and don't live extravagantly otherwise.

I wasn't frugal and found Cuba - despite socialism - not always cheap. Due to the tourist currency, prices in Havana are often equated 1:1 with the dollar.

I would prefer a Casa Particular (book here) over a hotel. A night with breakfast costs between €20 - 30. A bus ride on air-conditioned and relatively modern buses costs an average of €15 - 20.

Dining out in a restaurant (often 3-course meals) with drinks costs between €12 - 15. In a "paladar", you get more food choices and double servings for the same money.

On average, I spent about €50-60 per day on accommodation, food, transport, and other expenses. In 3 weeks, I spent a total of €2,400 including flights and sightseeing tickets.

A good bottle of rum can be bought for as low as 8 CUC.

Tips are like in many other countries, an essential source of additional income in Cuba. Service staff is happy to receive "propina" (tips), ideally in convertible pesos. In restaurants, 10% is common. In touristy areas, tips might already be included in the bill.

Guides are pleased with 1 CUC per day. Also, pens, soap, shampoo, cosmetics, and lighters are very welcome gifts.

Simply click on the pins on the map and you'll be taken to the corresponding article my Cuba trip. Or open it in Google Maps:

For a long time, it wasn't possible to book tours, activities, and transfers for Cuba. However, day by day, more providers are emerging, and you can book before your trip. We always booked everything locally when we arrived.

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