Cuba

Cuba

Travel Guide

Take a step back in time into a vibrant, spellbinding world of years gone by; wander through picture perfect old quarters and colorful cobbled streets; feel the sizzling energy of Son and Rumba as they pound the streets with their alluring beats; and of course, take a ride in a vintage car that’s just far too cool. It can only be one place, and this year it’s on everyone’s lips as the hottest destination, 'one to get to before it’s too late'. Over to you Cuba!

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Languages Spoken

The official language of Cuba is Spanish and it is the first language of around 90% of the population. Creole is also spoken by many Cubans.

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Currency

Two currencies are used in Cuba, Convertibles (mainly used by tourists) and Pesos / Moneda Nacional (mainly used by locals). 1 Convertible (CUC$) is currently roughly worth 25 Pesos / Moneda Nacional (MN$).

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Time Zone

GMT -5, meaning you'll be in the same timezone as New York, and 3 hours ahead of LA.

Cuba
Cuba
Cuba
Cuba

Flights to Cuba

Flights to Cuba are now available from many different airlines:  American Airlines, Delta, United, JetBlue, COPA, AeroMexico and Avianca. A Travel Expert can help you book the flight itinerary that works best for your travel.  Flights to Cuba can only be booked in conjunction with a guided tour.
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Best time to visit Cuba

Cuba has a similar climate to Southern Florida. Rain is typical between May and early November. Peak season then follows and the island is at its busiest with tourism through until March with cooler, drier weather. April and October can be good times to visit, as the island is a bit quieter and the weather more stable.
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Cuba Fast Facts

beer in cuba

Beers

The typical cost of a domestic beer in Cuba is 1CUC$ (approx $1) and imported beer isn't much more, at 2CUC$ (approx $2).

food in cuba

Meals

The cost of a standard meal in Cuba is 5CUC$ on average (approx $5), but if you're looking for something a little nicer, a meal for 2 in a mid-range restaurant isn't much more - at 14.50CUC$ (approx $14.50).

taxi price cuba

Taxi Ride

Taxi's are super cheap around Cuba. The tarriff starts at 0.81CUC$ on average (approx 81c) and it's an extra 0.50CUC$ (approx 50c) for each km.

transport in cuba

Transport

Local transport in Cuba is even lower in cost than a taxi, with a one-way ticket costing as little as 0.20CUC$ (approx 20c) and a monthly pass only costs 9CUC$ (approx $9).

hostels in cuba

Hostels

Hostels in Cuba vary depending on the areas - in Havana a night costs 11.14CUC$ (approx $11.14), in Cienfuegos it costs about 7.90CUC$ (approx $7.90), in Santa Clara around 8.89CUC$ (about $8.89) and in Camaguey the average per night is 14.36CUC$ (approx $14.36).

hotels in cuba

Hotels

Cuba has a range of accommodation to choose from, from budget to high end - it's between 50CUC$ and 100CUC$ (approx $50-$100) for a night in a mid-range hotel.

Cuba highlights

havana
Havana
Cuba’s exhilarating capital, this vivacious city is bursting with soul, history and a culture like nowhere else. Musicians erupt on the streets, dilapidated buildings ooze with old world charm, and locals and visitors catch rides in the coolest cars on earth. As your gateway to Cuba, Havana leaves an impression on you that lasts forever. Viva la Habana!
Viñales
Viñales
In total contrast to Cuba’s capital, Viñales is a laid back, lush green area of beautiful hills and old plantations, not forgetting a coast with some of the best diving on the island. See a more traditional side to Cuban life in this western province. Get off the beaten track on a bicycle ride through the valley, go hiking in the national park and try your luck spotting some local sea turtles.
Trinidad
Trinidad
Catapult yourself back in time to the colonial gem of Trinidad! Now a UNESCO heritage town, it's amazingly photogenic. Wander through winding, cobbled streets, visit hidden old churches and stay in the onetime homes of the Spanish gentry who thrived on the local sugar industry. And let’s not forget, Trinidad is home to some of the best music salons on the island – so get your groove at the ready!

Guided Tours of Cuba

There is no better time to visit Cuba! With our four brand new US Treasury People to People approved tours, you can explore Havana’s crumbling churches and vibrant nightlife on a guided walking tour. Pay your respects to the famous revolutionary Che Guevara at his mausoleum in Santa Clara. Wind your way down rural dirt roads, through the valleys and farms of rural Pinar del Rio, then on to the Afro-inspired beats of tropical Trinidad. Along the way, we’ve assembled a colourful cast of Cuban characters to give you a proper welcome: tobacco farmers, expert chefs, local artists, historians and salsa teachers, that understand where Cuba came from, where the country sits now and, more importantly, where it’s going.
Cuba car Havana
Intrepid Hola Cuba | 9 days
This sends you on a whirlwind tour around Havana, Trinidad, Vinales and Cienfuegos and includes 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners, a guide and all transport. You'll be staying in private homestays, known as 'Casa Particulars'. Learn to salsa dance, bike ride through nature, and more!
From $3,999 | Includes flights
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havana
4 day weekend in Havana
Now every American can come to Cuba legally! Sample and savour all the island has to offer during your weekend fling in Havana - 100% approved by the US Department or Treasury for "People to People" Cuba travel. Departs every Friday and includes Cuban hotel, luxury air-conditioned bus and driver, an English speaking guide, airport transfers, 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners and 2 lunches.
From $1,857 | Add $450 for a single room supplement | Includes flights
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cuba
Western Cuba Culture Tour | 8 days
An island expedition through Havana, Las Terrazas, Cienfuegos and Trinidad, focused on people-to-people encounters, nature and cultural exchanges. The tour has a very diverse itinerary featuring comfortable accommodations and tasty Cuban cuisine. All 100% approved by the US Department of Treasury for “people to people” Cuba travel. Departs every Saturday. Includes quality Cuban hotels, 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners, luxury transport, airport transfers, and an English speaking tour guide. 
From $2,357 | Add $330 for a single room supplement | Includes flights
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cuba
Cuba Introduction | 8 days
Geared towards first-time visitors keen on learning about Cuban culture and island life, this tour provides a broad overview of Cuba, by taking you for a spin around Havana and Las Terrazas. Plus the tour is 100% "People to People" approved! Departs every Saturday and includes 7 breakfasts, 6 dinners, 6 lunches, quality Cuban accommodation, luxury air-conditioned transport, airport transfers and an English speaking guide. 
From $2,257 | Add $450 for a single room supplement | Includes flights
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Traveling to Cuba: What you need to know

Cuba has only very recently popped up on the holiday map for U.S. citizens. In fact, we've only been allowed across its borders since 2009, and there's still a lot of grey areas surrounding how we can get there and see it for ourselves. Now, with People-to-People trips, it's easier than ever, but there's still lots of important information you need to know before you go. Read on, or click through to our FAQs and Important Information to swat up on everything from visas, currency, budget, laws around tourism and what exactly 'People-to-People' licenced trips are...

What does the term 'People-to-People Travel' mean?

People-to-People itineraries have been carefully planned to provide personal experiences with Cuba’s locals, immersing you in everyday life in order to foster a better understanding of what makes Cuba such a fascinating place. You'll be staying in family homestays to get a real taste of the Cuban lifestyle, which means it's quite a rigorous itinerary.

As of January 16, 2015, Intrepid U.S. is authorized to provide these People-to-People trips, under the requirements set forth by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Since you are travelling to Cuba under OFAC’s People-to-People general license, the U.S. government requires you to participate in the guided, educational activities. This means that you must participate in all scheduled activities on your itinerary. Hence, unlike other Intrepid U.S. trips, you cannot opt out of anything scheduled. For more information about People-to-People trips and the regulations that every participant must abide by whilst on one, it's vital you read the information on our special Cuba FAQ's page here.

Can Americans travel to Cuba?

U.S. Citizens can travel to Cuba, but are required to have a Tourist Card or Visa for entry into the country. All Tourist Cards are provided to U.S. Citizens traveling to Cuba at their last point of embarkment prior to arriving to Cuba. It is important to check for the latest information on the Cuban consular website, however your STA Travel Expert will also be happy to point you in the right direction when you call to book or inquire.

Will I be able to use my credit or debit card in Cuba?

Some vendors in Cuba are now set up to process international bank cards, but many card machines and ATMs may not recognise American ones. Therefore it's best to travel with sufficient cash and remember to only put what you need in your wallet from day to day, whilst leaving the main bulk somewhere safe at your accommodation. Prices in Cuba are similar to those in the United States, so this may be used as your guide on how much cash you'll need.

* Terms, Conditions and Important Information

Cuba Explorer Tours Terms and Conditions (Weekend in Havana, Western Cuba Culture and Cuba Introduction - Download PDF

Intrepid Hola Cuba Tour Terms and Conditions - Download PDF

 

Package prices listed on this page are per person, based on twin share accommodation. Tour and Flight package includes round-trip student/youth airfare from New York (JFK) to Havana (HAV) via Fort Lauderdale (FLL), plus accommodation and activities as shown. Prices were valid at time of publish, are based on availability and are subject to change without notice. Other services, including checked bag fees, meals, tourist cards and optional excursions may come at an additional cost. Package options from other departure cities and for those not eligible for student airfare are available; contact an STA Travel Expert for details and pricing. Other restrictions may apply.