Major city · Cuba
Maria la GordaMaría la Gorda
Spend one night for diving or a beach stop; otherwise skip – travel time ~3 h from Viñales, CUC15 transfer each way.
Maria la Gorda is a tiny resort village on a peninsula in western Cuba, known for its dive centre, mangrove‑shell landscape and limited services. It is reachable only by pre‑booked transfer (about 3 h from Viñales) and offers one hotel, a beach and basic dining. One night is enough for diving or a quick beach break; otherwise it can be omitted from a western Cuba itinerary.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CUP
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (dry season)
- avoid Jun–Oct (hurricane risk)
- Airport
- HAV
- Nights
- 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 Maria la Gorda106 ▾
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 Maria la Gorda, 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
- SafetyGenerally safe for tourists; main risks are weather (hurricanes) and limited medical facilities nearby.
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.
- AirportHAV José Martí International Airport (Main international gateway; connect via Havana‑Viñales transfer to Maria la Gorda).
- Getting aroundNo public buses.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Budget bedHotel Maria la Gorda double room, a night, per roomCUP 6,600
- Mid-range bedHotel Maria la Gorda double room, a night, per roomCUP 6,600
- High-end bedHotel Maria la Gorda double room, a night, per roomCUP 6,600
A day, not counting the bed: Budget CUP 2,000 · Mid CUP 3,500 · 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
- HAV José Martí International Airport (Main international gateway; connect via Havana‑Viñales transfer to Maria la Gorda)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Feb
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Mar
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Apr
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
May
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jun
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Nov
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Dec
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C) low), wettest Jul (12 rain days), driest Apr (3). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Maria la Gorda: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
5 rd
Feb
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
5 rd
Mar
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
4 rd
Apr
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
3 rd
May
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
5 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
9 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
12 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
12 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10 rd
Oct
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
6 rd
Nov
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5 rd
Dec
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°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
No public buses. Book a transfer through a tour agency (e.g., daily 08:00‑17:00 from Viñales, CUC15 each way). Within the resort walk to beach, restaurant and dive centre.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Playa Larga (nearby beach)
goDoor to door: ≈1 h total
Walk 2 km (1.2 mi) along the peninsula trail, about 30 min each wayWalk 1.2 mi (2 km) along the peninsula trail, about 30 min each way
Good for a quick swim and shell‑watching; no transport needed.
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.
Hotel Maria la Gorda
CUC66 per double room, hot water, TV, rich breakfast; only accommodation in the area.
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
- CUC20–30 excl. bed
- Mid
- CUC35–50 excl. bed
- High
- CUC60+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel Maria la Gorda double room1 × 1 night × CUP 6,600 | CUP 6,600 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × CUP 3,500 | CUP 7,000 |
| Transfer Viñales ↔ Maria la Gorda (round‑trip)2 × CUP 1,500 · CUC15 per person each way; check schedule. | CUP 3,000 |
| Dive day‑ticket2 × CUP 3,000 · Typical price, check with dive centre. | CUP 6,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | CUP 2,260 |
| Trip total≈ CUP 12,430 per person per day, bed included | CUP 24,860 |
CUC66 ≈ CUP6600 (2026 rate).
2026 estimate in CUP; flights and international transfers excluded.
Prices of common things
| Hotel room (double, CUC66) | CUC66 |
| Transfer from Viñales (one way) | CUC15 |
| Dive day‑ticket | CUC30–45 |
| Meal at à la carte restaurant | CUC10–20 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Hurricane damage from Ivan (2004) and Wilma (2005); check weather before travel.
- Dinner buffet is low value (CUC15 per person) – consider à la carte or skip.
- Limited activities beyond diving and a short hike; plan expectations accordingly.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 106
- Ambulance
- 104
- Fire
- 105
Pocket card
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Maria la GordaMaría la Gorda
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police106
- Ambulance104
- Fire105
Embassy
US consular services are in Havana; check for updates before travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Viñales → Maria la Gorda transfer: about CUC15 per person, 3 h (check schedule)
Say or show
- Hola / Disculpe — Hello / Excuse me (ola / diskulpe)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much? (kwanto kwesta)
- Quisiera una habitación — I would like a room (kisiera una abitacion)
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 Maria la Gorda. 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: Nov–Apr (dry season) · avoid Jun–Oct (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
- 1 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Maria la Gorda
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