Major city · Cuba
Guanabo
Skip unless you want a quiet, local beach town near Havana: half a day for a swim and a meal, or one night if you need a cheap base.
Guanabo is a small seaside town 30–40 km east of Havana, with a so-so beach but a genuine Cuban feel, many casas particulares and a handful of good restaurants. It works as a half-day escape from Havana or a one-night stop if you want to avoid the hotel strip.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CUP
- Best months
- Nov–Apr
- avoid May–Oct (rainy season, heat)
- 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 Guanabo106 ▾
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 Guanabo, 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, but petty theft can happen on the beach and on crowded buses.
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.
- AirportcheckHAV José Martí International Airport (About 40 km (25 mi) west; taxi to Guanabo about 1 h, check price).HAV José Martí International Airport (About 25 mi (40 km) west; taxi to Guanabo about 1 h, check price).
- Getting aroundWalkable town; for the Hershey train station (2 km (1.2 mi) south) take a taxi or bici-taxi.Walkable town; for the Hershey train station (1.2 mi (2 km) south) take a taxi or bici-taxi.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCUP 20–40
- BeerBeer (bottle)CUP 50–100
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi within townCUP 100–200
- Budget bedCasa particular (private room), a night, per roomCUP 1,000
- Mid-range bedCasa particular (private room), a night, per roomCUP 2,000
- High-end bedCasa particular (private room), a night, per roomCUP 3,500
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
- HAV José Martí International Airport (About 40 km (25 mi) west; taxi to Guanabo about 1 h, check price)HAV José Martí International Airport (About 25 mi (40 km) west; taxi to Guanabo about 1 h, check price)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Feb
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Mar
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Apr
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
May
Avoid
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
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°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: May–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 Sep (12 rain days), driest Feb (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Guanabo: 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
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
5 rd
Feb
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
4 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)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
4 rd
May
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
8 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12 rd
Oct
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10 rd
Nov
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
6 rd
Dec
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°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
Walkable town; for the Hershey train station (2 km south) take a taxi or bici-taxi.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Havana
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Bus 400 or taxi
Old town, music, museums; a full day.
Santa Maria del Mar
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Taxi or bus, about 10 min
Better beach and hotel scene.
Varadero
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h
Taxi or bus via via Blanca
Resort strip; day trip is tight.
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.
Town centre
Most casas particulares are within a few blocks of the beach and restaurants.
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 1,000–2,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- CUP 2,000–4,000 excl. bed
- High
- CUP 4,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Casa particular (private room)1 × 1 night × CUP 2,000 | CUP 2,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × CUP 3,000 | CUP 6,000 |
| Bus 400 Havana–Guanabo return2 × CUP 0 · check | CUP 0 |
| Taxi Havana–Guanabo one way1 × CUP 2,000 · check | CUP 2,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | CUP 1,000 |
| Trip total≈ CUP 5,500 per person per day, bed included | CUP 11,000 |
2026 estimate in CUP; flights and visas excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Pizza at Piccolocheck | CUP 200–400 |
| Mixed grill at Maedacheck | CUP 300–600 |
| Beer (bottle) | CUP 50–100 |
| Coffee | CUP 20–40 |
| Taxi within town | CUP 100–200 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Beach is not the cleanest: check conditions before swimming.
- Bus 400 from Havana costs 0.40 CUP but can be crowded; taxis are about 20 CUC (check).
- Hershey train runs only in season and is slow; verify schedule locally.
- Bring cash: ATMs are rare and cards may not work.
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.
GuanaboGuanabo
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police106
- Ambulance104
- Fire105
Embassy
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus 400 Havana–Guanabo: about 0.40 CUP, about 1 h (check)
- Taxi Havana–Guanabo: about 20 CUC / CUP 2,000 (check)
- Hershey train to Havana (seasonal): check price and schedule locally
Say or show
- Hola — Hello (oh-lah)
- Gracias — Thank you (grah-see-ahs)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (kwahn-toh kwes-tah)
- ¿Tiene una habitación? — Do you have a room? (tyeh-neh oo-nah ah-bee-tah-see-ohn)
- ¿Dónde está la playa? — Where is the beach? (dohn-deh es-tah lah plah-yah)
Carry small CUP bills; change is often scarce.
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 Guanabo. 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 · avoid May–Oct (rainy season, heat) · 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
- 4 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 Guanabo
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