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Voykit pocket guide · Cuba
Maria la Gorda
María 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.
- Country
- Cuba
- Local name
- María la Gorda
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (dry season)
- Avoid
- Jun–Oct (hurricane risk)
- Stay
- 1 night
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- CUP
- Money
- Currency is the Cuban peso (CUP). There are three official rates: 24 and 120 CUP per US dollar for state accounting, and a managed "floating" rate launched in December 2025 (about 680 CUP per US$1 in late September 2026). The informal street rate tracked by elTOQUE was about 730 CUP per US$1 on 26 September 2026. Rates move weekly — check before you go (checked 2026-09).
- Daily spend
- Budget CUC20–30 excl. bed · Mid CUC35–50 excl. bed · High CUC60+ excl. bed (estimate; check)
- SIM and data
- ETECSA is the only operator; tourist SIMs and eSIMs are sold with passport at the airport and ETECSA offices (check eSIM).
- Emergency
- Police 106 · Ambulance 104 · Fire 105
- Plugs
- Types A, B, C, L · 110 V and 220 V · 60 Hz · Casas often have both; check before plugging in.
- Tipping
- Restaurants: 10% in cash.; Casa hosts, drivers, musicians: US$1–5.
- Water
- Do not drink tap water; bottled water can be scarce, so bring a filter bottle or tablets.
- Toilets
- Often without seats or paper; carry tissue and small coins for attendants.
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Hotel room (double, CUC66) | CUC66 |
| Transfer from Viñales (one way) | CUC15 |
| Dive day‑ticket | CUC30–45 |
| Meal at à la carte restaurant | CUC10–20 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- HAV · José Martí International Airport
- Main international gateway; connect via Havana‑Viñales transfer to Maria la Gorda
Typical fares
- Viñales → Maria la Gorda transfer
- about CUC15 per person, 3 h (check schedule)
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get 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.No public buses. Book a transfer through a tour agency (e.g., daily 8:00 AM‑5:00 PM from Viñales, CUC15 each way). Within the resort walk to beach, restaurant and dive centre.
See and do
Known for
- Diving centre
- Mangrove‑shell shoreline
- Beach
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Playa Larga (nearby beach) | 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 | ≈1 h total |
Sleep
- Hotel Maria la Gorda
- CUC66 per double room, hot water, TV, rich breakfast; only accommodation in the area.
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| Hello / Excuse me | Hola / Disculpeola / diskulpe |
| How much? | ¿Cuánto cuesta?kwanto kwesta |
| I would like a room | Quisiera una habitaciónkisiera una abitacion |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- Greeting: Handshake, or a cheek kiss among acquaintances; avoid: Rushing straight to business
- Casas: Respect the family's routine and water use; avoid: Leaving air conditioning on in blackouts or low supply
- Shortages: Share useful supplies if asked; avoid: Handing out gifts in the street
- Politics: Let hosts lead; avoid: Pushing people to criticise the government
Scams and watch-outs
- 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.
Generally safe for tourists; main risks are weather (hurricanes) and limited medical facilities nearby.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Maria la Gorda yet. Suggested stay: 1 night. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- Diving centre
- Mangrove‑shell shoreline
- Beach
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Wikidata – Maria la Gorda: www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1234567
- Wikivoyage: Maria la Gorda, revision 5209844 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5209844
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Printed from Voykit (/maria-la-gorda). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.