When you have booked a package deal to an all inclusive resort you can skip this page, however ... you can also read what you will miss :) Making a plan or itinerary for your upcoming trip to Cuba is difficult. To help you a little bit we've created this page to show you the highlights of Cuba. Below the most popular areas and cities of Cuba for people who want to travel around by rental car or Viazul bus |
Havana |
Trinidad |
Varadero |
Viñales |
Cienfuegos |
Santiago de Cuba |
Baracoa |
Beaches
Cuban beaches are sparkling and unlittered - hotels are not luxurious but seldom blot the shoreline. The bright turquoise waters of the Caribbean, often fringed with palm groves, do not disappoint. The visitor can choose between the isolated and unstructured charms of Las Brujas and the island of Cayo Levisa, or a more sophisticated resort such as Playa Ancon, close to Trinidad.
Rural Cuba
Alongside the plantations of tobacco, sugar cane or pineapples, rural Cuba - with its tranquil, bucolic lifestyle - rewards the visitor with some gorgeous mountain scenery. Close to Viñales in the west is a dramatic landscape of sheer limestone monoliths, fertile valleys and underground waterways. The historically significant Sierra Maestra, where Castro and his fellow rebels plotted revolution, offers fine hiking in forested hills in the east. You can see rural Cuba by bike and take in both coastal and mountainous scenery.
Nature
Zapata Peninsula
The best-known of Cuba's wildlife havens, the Zapata Peninsula, 156 km southeast of Havana, is a refuge for many bird and animal species. The scenery is spectacular: flamingos swoop across the milky lagoons, and crocodiles meander out across the dirt roads. The entire region is now a nature reserve.
Sierra Del Escambray
The majestic Sierra del Escambray is Cuba's second most famous mountain range after the Sierra Maestra in the Oriente, with its highest peak - the Pico San Juan - topping 1,100 metres. Some of the heaviest rainfall in Cuba feeds the Escambray's lush jungle, where trees are laden with bromeliads and delicate waterfalls greet you at every turn; look out for the giant umbrella-like ferns, a prehistoric species.
Sierra Maestra Mountains |
Escambray Mountains
... or massif of Guamuhaya: mountain range that is characterized by steep peaks and deep valleys, the exuberance of vegetation, endemism of species of flora and fauna, cave systems, beautiful landscapes, pure and transparent rives and streams that make up picturesque waterfalss and crystalline ponds. The visit to this mountains also allow to know about the rural life associated to the growing of coffee and other agricultural activities.
Cuba Traveler's Information for US Citizens
Cuba for US Citizens |
OK fine ... how do I go to Cuba? (for US citizens)
"When unlicensed travelers go to Cuba from the US they normally have to go through a third country. You will frequently see this referred to as the "Gateway" on various boards. The most common gateways to Cuba for unlicensed US travelers are Toronto, Montreal, Nassau (Bahamas), Cancun and Mexico City, and less frequently used Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) and Montego Bay. In my opinion Mexico and in particular Cancun are the gateways that offer the least risk of detection I say that because:
** Unlike Canada and the Bahamas, a traveller leaving from Mexico does not pre-clear US Customs and Immigration. You will not clear Customs/Immigration until you arrive back in the US. In Canada and the Bahamas you will go through US Customs and Immigration at the airport in Toronto, Montreal or Nassau.
** Cancun is the most popular destination for US tourists in the Caribbean. There is absolutely no reason why US Customs/Immigration would suspect you have been anywhere else but Cancun.
You can book your hotel and flight in/to Cuba through the Junky websites with your US credit card without any risk.
Your credit card receipt will state nothing about Cuba or whatever.
You should take the following steps in traveling back/forth:
- Enter Mexico from the US
- Mexico does not stamp passports on exit, although you will need a passport to enter Cuba.
- Cuban Immigration does not stamp the passport at the present time, so do not worry about a Cuban stamp.
- When you arrive back in Mexico from Cuba you will probably have to present your passport. The entry stamp that is placed there should be the only stamp you receive on your trip. Some people recommend presenting the passport with a $10 bill inside to avoid the Mexican entry stamp.
- After you arrive in Mexico make sure you strip all HAV luggage tags from you checked baggage.
- Throw away your Cuban tickets, boarding passes and any other paper evidence of your Cuban trip.
- Do not list Cuba as a Country visited on the Customs Declaration form.
- Do not bring back any high profile Cuban souvenirs like cigars, rum, t-shirts.
The fine by the way if you are unlucky or careless enough to get caught can be negotiated down to $1000 or less.
Travel Documents For a US citizen
Passport (US related)
Make no mistake about it ... you need a "valid" passport to get into Cuba. Whereas in some countries you can get in with a US birth certificate (Mexico, Canada) or even an expired passport (Bahamas), you will NOT be admitted into Cuba with these credentials. Make sure its valid and current.
Passport Stamping - Fortunately, the Cubans know that returning to the US with a Cuba stamp can be trouble if you're not there with a General or Specific License from OFAC. It used to be that if you slipped the immigration official a $5 or $10 with your passport, it was no problem. However, now there are posted signs in the Immigration Department discouraging such practices.
Either way, the best thing to do is smile, say something nice then ask them in Spanish to please not stamp your passport. "Por favor, no empuje mi pasaporte" should do fine. This is still no guarantee that they won't however.
Holy crap ... they stamped my passport! (US related)
Immediately wire home and have them send you enough money to hide out in Cuba for the rest of your life!! You will need to ... just kidding.
If you check the OFAC papers (see link on navigation panel), I'm sure you'll probably find a sanctioned way to go and not have to worry about it. If not, the chances of actually being assessed a fine are pretty remote anyway.
If you feel the need to bypass the system and go anyway, well ...
CAREFUL: Lying to an Immigration Official is a Federal Offense. If you lie, you'll probably get through. Then again, if they decide to question you, well ...
If you tell them the truth, they'll probably just wave you on through. However, if not, read the above OFAC section.
If you get through, there's always that stamped passport you have to contend with. Again, the absolute best way to go about it is under the OFAC guidelines. A little reading can go a long way.
Visa / Tourist card
Cuban rules say: you have to book an accommodation for the first night. If you booked a flight, no accommodation and ready to fill in your visa, this visa will ask you in which hotel you are staying ... fill in any address of a hotel or casa particular and look real innocent going through customs. The experience tells, it is also ok to fill in an address of a licensed casa particular. However, if customs has a strict day they can demand to book a hotel, if you didn't, they will make a reservation for you.
You can buy your tourist card at the airport of you departure to Cuba.
CUBA
Go there and FEEL this country!
I've heard somebody say ...
"Unbelievable!
In this country there is no gasoline, but cars are all over the road...
There`s no food, but everybody is cooking dinner ...
They have no money, but everybody is dancing and drinking rum.
Do Cuba on your own, it's easy!
Lots of tourists go on a package deal to areas such as Varadero, Jardines del Rey (Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo) or Holguin and stay in an all inclusive hotel resort. My best advice to you is to travel around the country, stay one day in a hotel and the other in a Casa Particular where you will be a guest in a Cuban family's home. Hire a car or take the Viazul Bus, whatever, Cuba is easy to do on your own and much cheaper when you arrange it yourself, trust me ;)
Have dinner in the Paladares, talk to the Cuban people, mingle with the locals and feel ... La Vida Cubana
Information about Cuba
Besides all the info we collected over more than 10 years about cities, provinces, you will also find the most important matters on what to know before you go to Cuba:
- The Cuba First Timers Information is a must read
- The a Cuba FAQ page (frequently asked questions) as well a must read
- When you have the two above, you are ready to start reading the Cuba travel information page
Scuba Diving
You want to dive in the blue Cuban sea. Check out where to go
Accommodations
- And of course check out and book you accommodation in Cuba. Read the do and donts about hundreds of Casas Particulares
- You prefer a hotel in Cuba? They are also listed in this website and easy to book within a few minutes with instant confirmation.
Transportation
Need a flight to Cuba or a domestic flight in Cuba? It's all possible at Cuba-Junky
To know how to go around Cuba you must visit and read our Cuba Transportation page, it will tell you all about distances, the bus, trains, car rental in Cuba and much more.
Guide Books
Many travelers use a Cuba guide book on location such as the Lonely Planetor Moon
Beach
What is Cuba without it's beaches? Curious where you have to pamper yourself on a stunning white beach with a view on a bright turquoise bue sea? We have them all listed
History & Culture
And of course, what is Cuba without its history and culture. Short and longer info about Che Guevara, Ernest Hemingway, the Missile Crisis and even along explanation about the colorful people of Cuba; Black Cuba, and much more.
Budget
Ah you have a small budget ... no worries check out our Cuba on a budget page
Gadgets
Cuba-Junky also has it's own Cuba store designs and graphics designed by ourselves, so unique t-shirts, bags and many other wanna-haves for the real Cuba-Junky
Enjoy this huge Cuba information website to prepare your trip and have fun in Cuba
CUBA FAQ's
Isn't Cuba a dangerous country?
Actually, Cuba has the lowest crime rate in the Western Hemisphere! You will be surprised by the visible police presence in Cuba. They are there specifically to protect and help tourists.
Foreign currency and/or convertible pesos (CUC) are vital to their economy, they bend over backwards to make sure everyone has a safe and pleasant stay.
Although, be aware of your belongings in cities like Havana and Santiago de Cuba just like in every capital city
Do they have Internet & E-mail access in Cuba?
Yes
It is rare, however, for ordinary Cubans to have internet access.
Almost all hotels have at least 1 or 2 computers to go on the internet for foreigners.
In the touristic areas there also are internet "cafés" from Etecsa the Cuban telephone/internet provider.
Forget about uploading pictures because the Cuban internet is very slow, about 56 Kbs if you are lucky. Also using USB sticks is 99% not possible.
The Caribbean is so expensive ... how much will does Cuba cost?
First of all, in comparison with other Caribbean islands Cuba isn't expensive. You can not compare Cuba with the mainland of any country in specific not with prices in Asia.
For the price of a hotel room on most other islands in the caribbe, all of your daily expenses will be covered in Cuba. Your airfare will be your most expensive single item.
I find that CUC 75 - 100 is typically more than enough for a casa, food, transportation and "incidentals".
Low budget travelers can do with 50 cuc per day.
What is the best time to go to Cuba, and what is the cheapest period?
March, April October and November are the months with the nicest weather and less rain.
The high season in Cuba is July / August
Peak Season is December / January/ February (Canadians)
Hurricane season is from June 1 till November 30
For a more detailed weather info check out the General Info page
Do I need a Visa and a passport?
Yes and yes
Cuba will give you a visa / tourist card, however, you must acquire the visa before you arrive.
You can accomplish this by contacting the nearest Cuban Embassy or Consulate in your country, except for citizens of the USA, whom will be issued a visa onboard their flights to Cuba.
Passports
Ensure that your passport has at least 6 months left till it expires, calculated from your departure date ...
More about the do's and don'ts in the "Vamos" page
They told me I need to a book an hotel, but I want to stay in a Casa Particular?
Cuban unwritten rules say: you have to book a hotel for the first night.
If you only booked a flight you must fill in your visa, the old version of the visa will ask you in which hotel you are staying ... fill in any address of a hotel and look really innocent going through customs ...
The experience tells, it is also ok to fill in any address of a licensed casa particular. However ... IF customs has a strict day they can demand to book a hotel, if you didn't they will make a reservation for you.
Yikes!! I don't speak Spanish... !!!
Some Spanish is a definite plus. I suggest you learn a few simple phrases.
However, many Cubans speak English and many of the people we will be in contact with speak English very well also. Cubans are very patient, don't worry, they will wait for you to find the right word.
| ElectricityCuba has 110 volt, some more luxury hotels also 220. |
What about money? and can I use my credit card?
Sure ... as long as it's not drawn on an American bank. Unfortunately, it's part of the US embargo restrictions on Cuba. No US travelers cheques either. Americans have to carry cash.
Fortunately, almost all hotels have safes in the room. As for casa particulares; mostly they are to trust, because the owners of a casa are to frightened to loose their licensee because something "bad" happened with a tourist in their home.
Cuba-Junky does not recommend to use ATM's in Cuba. There are some of these machines but also stories of travelers with bad experiences ... an ATM machine in a bad mood can swallow your card, and it won't be Cuba when somebody is there to help you get it back :)
I hear many prescription drugs are not available in Cuba ... what if I get sick?
Cuban doctors are known throughout Latin America as the best trained doctors in the region. However, they do lack many of the bare necessities that we expect. "Tourist Pharmacies" DO stock many prescription drugs. Nevertheless, I suggest bringing with you antibiotics, aspirin, band-aids, anything you may need for personal hygiene, etc. just in case. Besides, they make great gifts for the Cubans when you leave.
Can I travel on my own or do I have to make a tour reservation?
You can travel through Cuba on your own, however, sometimes it can be a bit of an adventure but that's why we travel for right? ;).
You can rent a car, grab a by bus, train, domestic flight, arrange a transfer or taxi on llocation, or just hitch hike.
I'm a woman traveling alone. Is Cuba a safe place to travel for me?
Yes! No problem ... but don't fall in love :) And don't go down dark streets at night, the same streets you wouldn't go in in your own hometown, and just be careful while hitch hiking. Hitch hiking should be considered as a last resort.
Personally, yes I am female too, in the bigger cities like Havana I take a taxi when I go out at night. Ask the taxi driver to wait until you close the door of your home behind you ... they will :)
Smaller towns like Trinidad or Vinales are safe at night time for female travelers, you can just walk home.
Use you female instinct!
What are the best places to visit in Cuba?
General
Well Havana, Trinidad, Vinales, Santiago de Cuba, Baracoa, at least, is the opinion of Cuba-Junky.
Nature
For nature or eco tours go to Baracoa, Vinales, Topes de Collantes (Escambray), Granma Province (Siera Maestra Mountains)
Beach
If you want to go into a resort relaxing at the beach: Varadero, Jardines del Rey (Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo), Guardalavaca.
Scuba Diving
Maria La Gorda is best but there are many other diving areas around Cuba.
Can you rent a bike or scooter in Cuba?
Yes, lots of hotels in resort areas have bikes for you to rent or otherwise outside of the hotel in the resort area.
As for other places ...
For bike rent Havana, this is the address:
Edificio Metropolitano, San Juan de Dios esg. Aguacate, Habana Vieja
Tel: +53 7 860 8532
Costs about 12 cuc a day.
Ask the owner of your casa particular, lots of times they have bikes available to enjoy the surroundings
Can you play golf in Cuba?
Yes, in Varadero and Havana, both 9 holes golf courses.
But do not compare Cuba with real golf destinations like the Dominican Republic or Jamaica.
Where can I have a cheap and decent dinner?
The best dinners you will have at the Casa Particular you are staying or at a Paladar
What's the best way to travel around Cuba?
Rent a car, take the Viazul Bus, and by domestic flight
What and where are the best nightlife places to go in Cuba?
Many, but the best to enjoy life music all around Cuba are the Casa de la Trova's, located in almost every city around Cuba.
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