country
CubaCuba
First trip: 4 nights in Havana, 2 in Viñales and 3 in Trinidad, moving by tourist bus or shared taxi; Cuba is 1,200 km long, so leave Santiago and the east for a second trip or add a domestic flight.
Cuba is a large island where distances, fuel shortages and power cuts shape every plan. Cash, not cards, runs the trip: cards issued by US banks do not work, others often fail, and exchange rules change without warning. Stay in casas particulares, book long-distance transport ahead, keep one slack day in each week, and treat hurricane season (June–November) as a planning constraint.
All regions, cities and parks in Cuba (Atlas) →
Regions
Capital and main airport; old town, Vedado and day trips
3–5 nights
Tobacco valley and limestone hills; walking and cycling
2–3 nights
Colonial towns and the south coast
3–4 nights
The east; music, mountains and a long way from Havana
4–5 nights
Arrive
HAV
José Martí International (Havana)
About 30–45 min by pre-booked taxi to Old Havana or Vedado
VRA
Juan Gualberto Gómez (Varadero)
Mostly package flights for the Varadero resorts
HOG
Frank País (Holguín)
Gateway to the east and the northern beach resorts
SCU
Antonio Maceo (Santiago de Cuba)
Gateway for Oriente
Time math
- 5 days
- Havana 5, with one day trip
- 9 days
- Havana 4 + Viñales 2 + Trinidad 3
- 14 days
- Havana 4 + Viñales 2 + Trinidad 3 + fly or bus east to Santiago 4 + one buffer night
Country rules
- Check entry rules for your passport with the Cuban embassy or official sources; most visitors need a tourist card and an online pre-arrival form, and requirements change.
- US citizens and residents face US legal restrictions on travel to Cuba: check the US government rules before booking, not just Cuban entry rules.
- Carry proof of travel insurance with medical cover; you may be asked for it on arrival.
Etiquette
- Ask before photographing people; some will expect a tip.
- Tipping is expected and much appreciated in restaurants, casas and taxis.
- Avoid political discussions with strangers and do not photograph police, military or government buildings.
- Hurricane season (Jun–Nov, peak Aug–Oct)
- Storms can close airports and ports for days; ferries and small flights are cancelled first.
- Christmas–New Year and Easter
- Peak season: casas and buses sell out early.
- July (Santiago de Cuba carnival)
- Santiago fills up; book the east early.
Money & passes
Cash necessity: 5/5
- Currency is the Cuban peso (CUP). Exchange rules and rates change often: check current practice just before you go rather than relying on older guides.
- Bring enough cash for the whole trip in a widely exchanged currency such as euros or US dollars, in clean notes; cards issued by US banks do not work, and other foreign cards often fail.
- Casas particulares, taxis and most restaurants want cash; keep small notes.
Before you fly: eSIM before you fly · Visas and entry
Safety
- Traffic drives on the right; roads are poorly lit and animals, cyclists and horse carts use them at night.
- Power cuts and fuel shortages have been frequent in recent years: carry a torch, a power bank and water.
- Petty theft and street hustlers exist in tourist areas: keep cash split in several places.
- Medical supplies are short: bring a full supply of any medicines you need.
- Hurricane season (Jun–Nov): follow local warnings and your airline; if a storm is forecast, leave early or shelter where your accommodation tells you.
Cuba connects mainly via Mexico, Panama and European hubs; there is no ferry service to neighbouring countries for visitors.
Sources
- Wikivoyage — Cuba (secondary)
- UK FCDO travel advice: Cuba (official)