Document checklist for Cuba

Visa

Valid passport (at least six months validity)

Sufficient funds

Return airline ticket

Essential Cuba travel information

Currency – Cuban pesos CUP (₱). USD 1 is equivalent to approx. CUP 24,07.

Daily budget for one person – Allow a daily budget of ₱876 ($33).

Language – Spanish.

Socket type – Types A, B, C, and L, 110V supply voltage and 60Hz.

Time zone – Eastern Time Zone (EST): UTC -5.

Top 3 cities to visit – Havana, Varadero, and Trinidad.

Top 3 landmarks/monuments – Habana Vieja, Parque Ecológico Varahicacos, and Parque el Cubano

Cuba Visa information

According to the Cuban administration, visitors to the island who are on holiday must have a tourist visa. The visitor must contact the Cuban embassy to find out the criteria for local officials and register for a Cuban tourist pass. When entering, the paper must be shown to customs officials.

Visas to Cuba are meant for family visits, formal business and professional meetings, religious activities, charitable support for Cubans, sports and other contests, professional research or teaching establishments, and educational endeavors. The Cuban People group is one of them, permitting participants to participate in this charitable initiative.

Typical costs and budget for Cuba

Daily spending – Around ₱876 ($33)/per person/day on a budget vacation. This includes:

Meals – ₱211 ($7.96)

Transport – ₱204 ($7.70)

Hotel – ₱976 ($37), for two people.

Transport and the best ways to travel around Cuba

Buses are the most convenient mode of transportation once in Cuba. Compared to taxis or rental vehicles, they are typically secure and inexpensive and link to most locations. Unfortunately, there are better choices than this public transit in Cuba because it has an unreliable timetable and needs to be more active and comfortable, despite the nation’s extensive railway network.

A road trip in one of the vintage vehicles might sound like a fun plan though it isn’t. Cuban roads are in poor shape and poorly marked, and the country’s traffic rules must be clarified. In addition, renting a vehicle there is very costly.

If you want to journey as quickly as possible, remember there is little of an option in the Cuban airports. In addition, the nation needs more internal travel choices and erratic schedules.

In towns, cabs are an option for transportation. There are two different kinds of taxis: the traditional convertibles that are very well-liked by visitors and the yellow ones. State organizations or independent contractors may operate yellow cabs, but their rates are comparable. A classic vehicle can be rented for one-day or interprovincial journeys as well.

Safety in Cuba

Pay attention and watch your valuables, such as cell phones and cameras, as theft by stealth, bag snatching, and other minor offenses are frequent in tourism areas and on public transit. Violent crimes like thefts, assaults, and sexual misconduct also occur. Some of these are related to illicit substances.

Regrettably, municipal legislation is only sometimes reliable. So the advice is to take precautions and avoid dangerous circumstances, such as walking alone at night.

Due to its location in the Caribbean, Cuba is susceptible to cyclones and other violent storms. In this case, pay careful attention to the advice from the local press and the administration.

Weather in Cuba

The ideal season to visit Cuba is winter. All year long, the Caribbean region is warm. The sunniest days and most apparent weather can be found during this season, from late November to mid-March.

From mid-March to mid-May is spring. Although the dry season is about to begin, the days are bright and pleasant. A 26 °C (79 °F) average weather is present. In addition to the weather, now is an excellent time to take advantage of cheap lodging rates.

Summer is the warmest and muggiest time of year in the nation. (May to August). A 29 °C (83 °F) average weather is present. Since it falls during the summer holiday season in North America and Europe, it is also very touristy, so expect to pay more.

But from September to November, autumn is the worst season to explore the island. This is because it’s storm season, and there’s been much rain lately. This time of year, the weather is roughly 28 °C (83 °F).

Famous cities and towns in Cuba

Visitors who arrive on the island want to remain. The people of Cuba are friendly, the old hotels there are lovely, and there isn’t enough time to see all the beautiful locations. Understanding the nation’s truth and the effects of the Cuban Revolution requires more knowledge of Cuba’s military past.

Of the many places you should explore in the country, here are the five main cities to visit:

Trinidad, one of the nation’s most historic towns, has structures constructed between the 17th and 19th centuries that have been preserved.

Guardalavaca is a lovely spot to spend leisurely beach days because it is quieter and farther away than Varadero.

Havana: The vibrant city offers a wealth of fascinating historical and natural attractions.

One of the finest beaches in the Caribbean can be found in Varadero, which also has an excellent lodging infrastructure.

Another seaside resort with clear waterways is Cayo Largo del Sur. There are many motels and resorts in the area.

Must do and see in Cuba

Along with the kindness of the Cuban people, the nation offers a lot of attractions. So on your journey to Cuba, don’t skip these fantastic activities:

Bodeguita del Medi is a great place to try a mojito. This eatery was a favorite hangout for the renowned Ernest Hemingway, who frequented this bar.

Visit the Parque Ecológico Varahicacos’ “Cueva de Ambrosio” and “Cueva de Musulmanes” to explore the caverns. (Varadero Ecological Park).

Visit Habana Vieja and take a walk (Old Havana). The site is a well-preserved section of Cuban heritage listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Enjoy the azure seas off Varadero while diving and snorkeling.

‘Parque el Cubano’ in Trinidad is a great place to go trekking. You can stroll along the path leading to the magnificent Javira Waterfall.

Typical Cuban food to try

Rice and black beans, or arroz y frijoles negros, staples of Cuban cooking, rice, and black beans go well with other Cuban recipes. However, this is not a manufactured dish; instead, the preparation of this meal—the rice must be cooked to the point of falling apart, and the beans must have a smooth, creamy texture—makes it unique.

The Ropa Vieja, one of the most well-known Cuban dishes, is a legacy of the peninsular cuisine of the Spanish Canary Islands. In the recipe, chopped and boiled beef is prepared in a sauce that also includes cumin, bay leaves, onion, and bell peppers.

For Cubans, roast pork is a unique dish typically prepared on special occasions. The recipe is grilled pork with vinegar, garlic, and seasonings-based Cuban sauce.

Vaccine information for Cuba

Before departure, the standard vaccinations and COVID-19 precautions needed to access Cuba must be known. For a complete list of vaccine needs and any advice or prescription lists, we advise you to visit the CDC website.

Local officials don’t require travelers to have legitimate health insurance or travel insurance to enter the nation, so that’s another health prerequisite that needs to be present. In addition, medical insurance can be helpful if you require medical services or need to be evacuated for a medical emergency.

Curious facts about Cuba

Christmas festivities were outlawed, and the nation was proclaimed an atheist state following the Cuban Revolution. However, the 30-year prohibition was lifted in 1997 following Pope John Paul II’s momentous visit.

One of the world’s most significant learning rates is 99.8% in Cuba. Following the Revolution, Fidel Castro’s administration started the Cuban Literacy Campaign to eradicate illiteracy and provide universal access to education.

One of Cuba’s 25 native avian species is the bee hummingbird, the smallest bird on the planet.

Even though salsa is known globally, Son Cubano is Cuba’s most well-known musical style. Like many others, this type has instrumental elements from Spain and Africa.