Major city · Cuba
Guantánamo
Skip unless you have a specific reason: the city has little for tourists and the US naval base is off-limits. Half a day is enough for the stone zoo and cathedral.
Guantánamo is a provincial capital in eastern Cuba, best known for the US naval base that bears its name. The city itself has a few sights — a 19th-century cathedral and a quirky stone zoo — but most travellers use it as a transit point to Baracoa or Santiago de Cuba. The base is not accessible to visitors.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CUP
- Best months
- Dec–Apr (dry season)
- avoid May–Oct (rainy season, hurricane risk)
- Airport
- GAO
- Nights
- 0–1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 8Several islands (Turks and Caicos above all, also the Bah…US State DepartmentUS citizens and US residents (US persons) may not travel …No cards
- Caribbean ↗Several islands (Turks and Caicos above all, also the Bahamas and Jamaica) jail visitors for a single stray bullet or cartridge in their luggage; empty every bag and pocket before you pack.
- Caribbean ↗From August to October keep a free last day before your flight home and check the national hurricane centre daily; airports close when a named storm approaches.
- Caribbean ↗Wearing camouflage clothing is illegal for civilians in several islands, including Barbados, Antigua, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Grenada, Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica; leave it at home, children's clothes included.
- Cuba ↗US State Department: Level 2, exercise increased caution (in place since 2025; the US Embassy reported another island-wide blackout on 18 September 2026). UK FCDO: against all but essential travel (updated 25 September 2026). Canada: avoid non-essential travel (updated 28 September 2026). Australia: reconsider your need to travel. Read your own government's advice and check your insurance still covers Cuba before booking (checked 2026-09).
- Cuba ↗Check entry rules for your passport with the Cuban embassy or official sources; most visitors need an e-visa (formerly the tourist card) and the online D'Viajeros form, and requirements change.
- Cuba ↗US citizens and US residents (US persons) may not travel to Cuba as tourists. The trip must fit one of 12 OFAC general-licence categories: family visits; official government business; journalism; professional research and meetings; educational activities; religious activities; public performances, clinics, workshops, competitions and exhibitions; support for the Cuban people; humanitarian projects; private foundations and research institutes; information and informational materials; and certain export transactions. Most independent travellers use 'support for the Cuban people', which needs a full-time schedule of activities with Cuban people and private businesses (casas, paladares, private guides), and records kept for 5 years. US persons may not stay at properties on the State Department's Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List (11 more Havana hotels added 14 July 2025) or deal directly with entities on the Cuba Restricted List (GAESA and other military-linked businesses). Rules tightened in 2025–26; check OFAC before booking (checked 2026-09).
- Cuba ↗Medical insurance is compulsory for entry: carry proof of a policy valid in Cuba, or buy a Cuban (Asistur) policy on arrival. US-based insurers are generally not accepted in Cuba; flights from the US include a Cuban medical policy in the fare — keep the boarding pass as proof (check with your airline). Hospital bills are payable in cash only, so buy cover with medical evacuation as well (checked 2026-09).
- Cuba ↗No cards: US-issued debit and credit cards have never worked in Cuba because of the embargo, and since 6 June 2026 Visa and Mastercard cards from any country are no longer accepted (Cuban Central Bank, after a foreign processor dropped FINCIMEX under US Executive Order 14404). Bring enough US dollars or euros in cash for the whole stay plus an emergency reserve (checked 2026-09).
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Guantánamo106 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Guantánamo, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Cuban peso (CUP).Cuba-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckETECSA is the only operator; tourist SIMs and eSIMs are sold with passport at the airport and ETECSA offices (check eSIM).Cuba-wide
- Tap waterDo not drink tap water; bottled water can be scarce, so bring a filter bottle or tablets.Cuba-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% in cash.Cuba-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B/C/L. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 110 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Cuba-wide
- SafetyGuantánamo is generally safe for tourists, but petty theft can occur.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsOften without seats or paper; carry tissue and small coins for attendants.Cuba-wide
- Emergency numbers106 police · 104 ambulance · 105 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysOpening hours shrink during fuel crises; banks and offices may close early.Cuba-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckGAO Mariana Grajales Airport (Cubana de Aviación flies from Havana; check flight availability).
- Getting aroundWalking covers the centre.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCUP 30–60
- BeerBeer (bottle)CUP 60–100
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxiCUP 200–400
- Budget bedCasa particular (private room), a night, per roomCUP 1,500
- Mid-range bedCasa particular (private room), a night, per roomCUP 2,500
- High-end bedCasa particular (private room), a night, per roomCUP 4,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget CUP 1,500 · Mid CUP 3,000 · High CUP 5,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- GAO Mariana Grajales Airport (Cubana de Aviación flies from Havana; check flight availability)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Mar
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Apr
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
May
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Aug
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Sep
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Oct
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Nov
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Dec
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Best: Dec–Apr. Avoid: May–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)), coolest Jan (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C) low), wettest Sep (12 rain days), driest Feb (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Guantánamo: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5 rd
Feb
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
4 rd
Mar
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
5 rd
Apr
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
6 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11 rd
Jul
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10 rd
Aug
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11 rd
Sep
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12 rd
Oct
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11 rd
Nov
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
7 rd
Dec
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walking covers the centre. Taxis (bici-taxis and coco-taxis) for longer trips; negotiate the fare before getting in.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 2–3 h
Bus or shared taxi via the coastal road, about 2–3 h
The oldest Spanish settlement in Cuba; plan a full day.
Door to door: 2 h
Bus or shared taxi, about 2 h
Cuba's second city with music and history.
Door to door: 1.5 h
Bus or shared taxi, about 1.5 h
Industrial town; only if you have a specific reason.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
City centre
Near the cathedral and main square; basic casas particulares and a few hotels.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- CUP 1,500–2,500 excl. bed
- Mid
- CUP 2,500–4,000 excl. bed
- High
- CUP 4,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Casa particular (private room)1 × 1 night × CUP 2,500 | CUP 2,500 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × CUP 3,000 | CUP 6,000 |
| Bus Guantánamo → Baracoa2 × CUP 500 · check | CUP 1,000 |
| Taxi from airport to centre2 × CUP 500 · check | CUP 1,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | CUP 1,050 |
| Trip total≈ CUP 5,780 per person per day, bed included | CUP 11,550 |
2026 estimate in Cuban pesos (CUP); flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | CUP 30–60 |
| Meal at a paladar | CUP 300–600 |
| Beer (bottle) | CUP 60–100 |
| 5 km taxi | CUP 200–400 |
| Bici-taxi ride | CUP 50–100 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The US naval base is strictly off-limits to tourists; do not attempt to enter.
- Fuel shortages can affect bus and taxi services; confirm schedules locally.
- Cash is king: credit cards from US banks do not work in Cuba.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 106
- Ambulance
- 104
- Fire
- 105
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
GuantánamoGuantánamo
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police106
- Ambulance104
- Fire105
Embassy
The US has an embassy in Havana; most other countries have embassies in Havana. Check your government's travel advice.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport → centre: about CUP 500, 15 min (check)
- Bus Guantánamo → Baracoa: about CUP 500, 2–3 h (check)
Say or show
- Hola — Hello (OH-lah)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-see-ahs)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-toh KWES-tah)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom? (DON-deh es-TAH el BAH-nyo)
- No entiendo — I don't understand (no en-TYEN-doh)
Cash only; US credit/debit cards do not work in Cuba.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Guantánamo. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Apr (dry season) · avoid May–Oct (rainy season, hurricane risk) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 1 area to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Place pages with verified opening hours for the cathedral and stone zoo.
- Eat pages with last orders and cash-only notes.
- Golden and hostile arrival fixtures for GAO and the bus station.
Sources
Ask about Guantánamo
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