If you are traveling to Cuba and have only 10 days, no need to panic, this Cuba itinerary will show you all magical places. Cuba is a country that changes really fast and is definitely the right place for unforgettable experiences.
I was really fascinated by Cuba and after visiting many countries, this one was definitely something else, a country like no other. From the old streets of Havana, exploring green Dinosauria aka Viñales, Caribbean perfect white sand beaches, colorful houses of Trinidad to historical Santa Clara.
We all can agree that Cuba is a very popular destination to visit at the moment. I would even call it a “travel trend”. And there are many reasons why it is so popular.
This is a perfect Cuba itinerary for 10 days, but you can definitely stretch it out for as long as you like. Also, this itinerary is focused on the west side of Cuba.
Ready? Vamonos!
Table of Contents
ABOUT CUBA
Bienvenido a Cuba!
“Timeworn but magnificent, fun yet frustrating, dilapidated but dignified and changing with every second.”
Cuba is a unique country. Five minutes after you land, you will know that this is something different. Right away we had a feeling as we would have traveled to the past, sometime around 1950. Since Cuba is not ruined by tourism (yet) it is a very authentic place.
And yes! You will see many old cars that are so typical for Cuba.
I remember when my grandparents and even my parents were talking about old times when communism was still in Slovakia. My parents would share stories about not having enough goods and products, going to other countries to get furniture, how they would wait for hours in long lines for bananas (yes, there were bananas available even if Nico does not believe it), how everyone had a job etc. This is still the case in Cuba and you will see it everywhere you go.
WELCOME TO THE ULTIMATE 1O DAYS CUBA ITINERARY
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO CUBA
10 days in Cuba is not a lot of time to explore this interesting island. That is why you do not want to waste your time to figure out basic things and what to watch out for.
So what do you need to know before going to Cuba?
Cuba is like no other country and that is why you need to get ready. Before we start with our 10 days Cuba itinerary, we are sharing with you all our tips that you will need to know before visiting Cuba. And this will save you a lot of struggle.
Trust us.
CUBA HAS 2 CURRENCIES
Cuba has two currencies: The Cuban peso (CUP) and the Cuban convertible peso (CUC). Cubans pay in CUP, nearly all tourists pay in CUC. You get 25 CUP per 1 CUC.
10 CUC = 10 USD
SO WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR TRAVELERS?
All casas and restaurants etc. will need to be paid in CUC. So if you think Cuba is cheap, not really. Traveling around Cuba was expensive compared to the other countries outside of the EU as CUC is comparable to the € or US dollar.
For example, if you pay 35 CUC for your casa particular per night, it is basically around 32€, which is still okay and affordable.
Also, cash is king here and not many places accept credit cards. So make sure to withdraw enough money before you to get by.
SEE MORE: 30 TRAVEL HACKS: HOW CAN YOU SAVE MONEY WHILE TRAVELLING
ACCOMMODATION IN CUBA
STAY IN CASAS PARTICULARES
Casas particulares are awesome. They are traditional, authentic Cuban and usually very affordable. I will include a lot of recommendations for casas particulares in this itinerary because, my friends, your 10 days in Cuba are precious and we want you to have a good time.
However, start researching accommodation at least 2 months before going. We started late (1 month beforehand) and we did struggle a bit.
Tourism in Cuba is expanding quickly, but there is still not a lot of accommodation for tourists. This means the Casas particulares are booked for a very long time in advance.
For us, it was very difficult to figure out how we are going to find accommodation. There was no Airbnb working properly in 2016 but there is the possibility to book a casa via Airbnb now. However, there is still no possibility to book on booking.com.
THERE IS A WAY
So we did some research and found a website casaparticular.com which had many casas listed. You can book or let’s say “request” a place you want to stay in and wait about one day for the confirmation. If a casa is available, you would need to print the confirmation.
If a casa is not available, an agent will send you an email asking you to pick between 5-7 casas and he will let you know which one is available.
EXTRA TIP: Make sure to call 2 days prior to confirm that you are coming. Otherwise, they will give away the room. You can pay for casas only in cash as almost everything else in Cuba.
HOW MUCH DOES A CASA PARTICULAR COST?
What is the normal price for one night in a casa particular?
Most of the rooms cost between 25-35 CUC, but there are also more expensive ones, depending on the season and your budget.
In Havana, we paid 35 CUC per night, in Vinales 25, In Trinidad 25 and Santa Clara 20 CUC.
FOOD IN CASAS PARTICULARES IS AMAZING
The best thing is that in casas you can get delicious Cuban food made by your host. For breakfast, you usually pay from 3-5 CUC or dinner 7-15 CUC depending on the owners.
You can’t compare food in casa with restaurants. We had always lots of fresh food, huge portions for a good price and awesome service.
BOOK AHEAD
Of course, you can also freestyle, and once you arrive in the city ask locals if they know some accommodation. With not many hotels, sometimes you can’t choose and then you might end up with a crappy place.
Your itinerary is already tight, and if you have only 10 days in Cuba you do not want to waste your time looking for accommodation. That is why we recommend to book ahead to save your holiday time for better things. We had a very good experience with this website and would definitely recommend it to everyone who travels in Cuba.
AIRBNB
Now, there is also the possibility to stay in an Airbnb. As you know Airbnb (get $37 off on your first stay) has many rooms or entire places listed on its platform so there is plenty to choose from. During our visit in 2016, Airbnb wasn’t available in Cuba. But we heard many good things about Airbnb in Cuba.
AVOID HOTELS
If you want to make your 10 days in Cuba super awesome, avoid expensive hotels, especially if you want to experience real Cuban culture.
Just to give you an idea: A room at Hotel Presidente costs 275 CUC per night. A room at the Hotel La Plaza a room costs 170 CUC per night. Also, the money you pay doesn’t equal the quality. We did stay 2 nights in La Plaza in Havana (as our casa was terrible).
When we saw the room, we were shocked. The lobby looked amazing but then in your room, you see run down walls, old furniture, broken bathroom doors, broken lights. It really looked like the hotel stopped functioning and being maintained in 1950. It was a great location tough, just 1 minute to Parque Plaza and with the view on the Bacardi building.
There are ongoing repairs all around the city, so make sure to bring earplugs.
IS THERE INTERNET IN CUBA?
You can’t find the internet on every corner in Cuba, but there are some options. For a couple of years, there is an option to get voucher cards for Internet access from the local mobile shop, which you can use for a certain period of time and only in certain locations, mostly in the main squares. There are also some hotels or cafes which they have internet but only at certain times.
When we arrived at Havana, being busy tourists, we saw in some squares a lot of people gathering and staring at their phones, wondering what they are actually doing. Later on, we figured out that there was Internet available.
Mystery solved!
BANKS AND ATMS
We haven’t seen any ATMs at Varadero Airport. But there is one exchange office where you can get Cuban CUC. There are few ATMs in Havana, also in Vinales and Trinidad. It can happen that the ATMs are not working, so bring enough cash with you and plan ahead how much money you need for your upcoming trips. We had no problems with getting money from ATMs in Havana and in Trinidad.
Wonder how can you save money on transaction fees? Get our FREE guide here.
BUYING THINGS ON THE STREET
During our 10 days in Cuba, we met a lot of nice and friendly people, but also a few grumpy ones (like everywhere else) and very few who just wanted to rip us off.
People in Cuba on average earn 20€ per month.
Yes…you are reading that right.
Our host from Trinidad works as a doctor and earns 64€ per month, and that’s the highest amount you can get, working legally of course. So I understand, that tourism is a very important element for the locals and a chance to earn additional money.
However, especially in tourist areas, they are so-called jineteros (“jockeys” or hustlers) and they are targetting tourists by selling fake cigars, offering help or “recommendation” to a paladar (for a commission). Anyways, so be careful and I guess, follow your gut.
TRAVELING IN CUBA
BUSES & TAXI COLLECTIVOS
The best way to travel in Cuba is by bus or taxi collectivo.
There are two bus companies: Viazul and Transtur. You can book tickets for Viazul online or at the spot in the ticket office.
We actually thought about renting a car, but this is not a good idea as the streets in Cuba are in a very bad condition and there are not enough signs, so you might get lost. And if you don’t speak Spanish it is a little bit hard to ask locals for directions.
Our favorite way of transfer was the taxi collectivo, which means sharing a taxi with other travelers. It is really nice to meet other people and share your stories and experiences and of course, save money.
LEARN SOME SPANISH
Many people do not speak English in Cuba or only with limited vocabulary, so learning a few words or having a little dictionary is always helpful. Knowing basic phrases will help as well.
- Hello – Hola
- My name is – Me llamo
- Thank you – Gracias
- How much does it cost? – ¿Cuanto cuesta?
- Bill, please – La cuenta, por favor.
- Where is …? – ¿Dónde está…?
- How much does this hotel cost? – ¿Cuánto cuesta este hotel?
- Good bye – Adiós
LIMITED GOODS
In Cuba, there are no shopping malls, no fashion stores, no big grocery chains. There are a few things you should always have on you: toilet paper or tissues (a lot of places, even museums, might not have toilet paper) and sanitizer (very often there is no soap or water in the bathroom). And do not forget mosquito repellent and sun cream.
This is how the normal store in Cuba looks like, you can find there anything and everything, from pots to rum, from petrol to broom and some other little things.
At the beginning of the month, locals are receiving certain groceries for free from the state, such as eggs, sugar, flour per family. So, if you see people queuing for groceries you know why.
BRING SOMETHING FOR THE LOCALS
What shocked me the most is that locals are missing a lot of products and necessities. There were kids and elderly people approaching us and asking us if we have spare soap, pens, shampoo, etc. So if you are planning to travel to Cuba, please pack additional toiletries, pencils for kids, sweets, even make up you don’t use, as you will have a lot of chances to give it away and help others.
SEE MORE: BEST THIGNS TO DO IN TULUM, MEXICO
10 DAYS CUBA ITINERARY
Okay, chicos, we have 10 days in Cuba, so let’s kick off this awesome itinerary. If you wonder how to best reach Cuba, you can either choose to fly to Varadero or Havana. We flew to Varadero, as the tickets were the cheapest.
Ready to explore Cuba in 10 days?
1 DAY – VARADERO
HOW TO GET FROM VARADERO AIRPORT TO VARADERO TOWN
If you do not have anyone that can pick you up, then you need to take a taxi. We took a taxi from the airport and we paid 37 CUC. It’s a standard price and everyone charges the same, so no need to bargain or run around.
CHILL AT VARADERO BEACH
Cuba is a Caribbean island and a paradise with beautiful beaches. And your Cuba itinerary wouldn’t be complete without Varadero. There is not much to do in Varadero, accept of chilling at the Caribbean beach.
How terrible…
You can definitely use this day to get some sun and fight through jetlag. Varadero has several all-inclusive resorts and is lazy holidaymakers’ favorite place.
Varadero Beach is a very beautiful place with white sand and turquoise water. The water is a bit chilly as it is the Atlantic Ocean, but if you once get in it’s very pleasant.
Check out the lunch place “Varadero 60”. You can have typical Cuban fish with rice and veggies and the meal is about 8/10 CUC.
WHERE TO STAY IN VARADERO
If you are on a budget, definitely check out some casa particulares or Airbnbs. We stayed at a casa called Pappa house and paid 35 CUC per night.
DAY 2 – HAVANA
Welcome to the capital of Cuba and probably the most unique capital in the world. What would be this 10 days Cuba itinerary without Havana?
Havana is very famous for its colorful buildings and the construction for as long as locals can remember, to be precise since 1970. We do recommend to stay at least 2 days in Havana, to see the best parts and learn a bit of Cuban history.
HOW TO GET TO HAVANA FROM VARADERO
BUS
We definitely recommend leaving Varadero in the morning so you can see as much as possible from Havana. We left at 8 AM and arrived at 11 and took the Viazul bus. It cost 10 CUC each. It takes around 3 hours to get to Havana with little 10 minutes stop at some auto pista stop where you can have coffee and little snacks.
TAXI COLLECTIVO
The other option is a taxi collectivo. Ask your host to help you organize a taxi collectivo where you can share the ride with other travelers and pay a bit less.
HAVANA VIEJA (OLD HAVANA)
So let’s start exploring the best of Havana, and it’s the famous area: Havana Vieja.
Havana Vieja is a large area located in the heart of Havana and here you can see many historical buildings with many styles of blending baroque, neoclassical and Art Deco.
There are over 900 historical buildings dating back to the 17th century. This fascinating area is a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1982.
Pretty impressive!
Walk to Parque Central where you will find a huge statue of José Martí made from white marble. José Martí is a national hero and you will find many statues of José in Cuba, also plazas or streets named after him. He was a great poet, writer, lawyer and fighter for Cuban independence.
You can see many majestic buildings here such as Gran Teatro de La Habana; the Inglaterra, Telégrafo, and Plaza hotel or international art in the Museo de Bellas Artes.
If you want to save time, check this private tour “Havana with a local”. It is $29 USD and definitely worth it as you will learn about Havana from the right hand.
EXPLORE PLAZAS
There are many plazas in Havana Vieja and many beautiful (and interesting) streets. Make sure to see Plaza Armas, it is the oldest square in Old Havana and the place where Havana was founded. Right at the Plaza de Armas is a really nice cafe called “Bohemia”. There are also other squares such as Plaza Cathedral, Plaza Vieja, Plaza de San Francisco, Plaza del Cristo.
It is really interesting to wander around, see cute locals stores and take iconic pictures with cheeky ladies in traditional colonial costumes.
Not for free, of course.
So be free and let yourself absorb the spirit of Havana. If you like, you can book a vintage car tour to explore the city and see the highlights.
We took a bus tour that was 10 CUC. The buses depart from the main Square Parque central and the tour lasts for 1h and 45 minutes.
DAY 3 – HAVANA
MUSEO DE LA REVOLUCION
If you would like to visit only one museum during your 10 days in Cuba then this one must be in your itinerary. This museum is dedicated to the history of Cuba’s Revolution. Cubanos are very proud of their history and revolution when the guerrillas (with Guevara and Castro) overthrew dictator Batista.
The museum is a little bit confusing and looks a bit run down. So before you go, make sure to read something beforehand. It will make it easier to understand.
EXTRA TIP: Also make sure to start at the upper floor and continue downstairs.
Across the museum of Revolution, you can find another interesting museum called “Art Cubano”. This museum has two massive floors with Cuban art only. Again, start exploring on the highest floor and make your way down.
PRACTICAL ADVICE: Make sure to bring a cardigan or a scarf, as it can get unplesantly cold in the museum(s).
VEDADO
This is another neighborhood along from Centro Habana you need to explore. The best way to do this is with a tour as it’s quite far from Havan Vieja. Have a look at this awesome classical vintage car tour with a free drink at the Hotel Nacional. The main tourist attractions in Vedado are Revolution Square and the Jose Marti memorial.
PLAZA DE LA REVOLUCION
CENTRO HABANA & MALECON
Centro Habana is another area located next to Havana Vieja. This area has a different feeling and we recommend you to go there.
MALECON
Especially walking along the Malecón. This promenade is very “famous” for its tall, colorful and crumbling buildings. They are part of the restoration process in Havana.
Malecón has a nice, let’s call it, a Cuban vibe, and you can just sit back and do a bit of people/car watching.
There is a really cute little cafeteria called Caffee Nerada where you can enjoy a delicious milkshake for 1.5 CUC. After our stroll along the Malecón, we headed back to the Havana Vieja and explored a nice antic store called “Memoria”. Here you can see (and buy) many old books, newspapers, and posters.
MUSEUM DE NAPOLEON AND UNIVERSITY OF HAVANA
We visited also a Museum de Napoleon which has a very impressive collection of items previously owned by Napoleon. Also, the University of Havana, where Fidel Castro was studying.
Nearby there is a bar called “Cooparativo”, where seemingly Fidel and others were planning the revolution to overthrow dictator Batista. We are not sure if that’s true, but we at least had a traditional Cuban drink there called “Negron”.
Wow! You just completed a second stop on your 10 days Cuba Itinerary and you should be proud.
EVENING IN HAVANA
Head for dinner to Havana Vieja. We recommend the restaurant La Imprenta which looks nice and you can have really tasty and authentic Cuban food. We paid 10 CUC each including drink and tip. There are many restaurants with live music. You can also go for a great evening at Cabaret Tropicana to experience a fantastic show that highlights Cuban culture.
WHERE TO STAY IN HAVANA
There are many accommodations to choose from in Havana. We would definitely recommend staying either in Havana Vieja or Centro Habano. This is a perfect location to reach everything around on foot. There are many awesome Airbnbs to choose from, have a look at AmaaCuba and Colonial home. They are both located in the heart of Havana. If you haven’t used Airbnb yet use our code to get $37 USD off on your first stay.
DAY 4 – TRAVEL TO VINALES
Welcome to Dinosauria!
If you wonder why Dinosauria, then wait until you get to Viñales.
And, if you are thinking of skipping Viñales, please my friend, hear us out. You do not want to miss out on this place. And even though you have only 10 days in Cuba, you need to add Viñales to your itinerary. The valley of Viñales, located in the province Pinar del Rio, is also a National Park and they are many things to do.
HOW TO GET TO VILANES FROM HAVANA
If you would like to get to Viñales from Havana, there are a couple of options. You can organize (or your host) a taxi collectivo for you and share a ride with other travelers. Or you can take the Viazul bus that you can book online (website is also in English). We took the bus at 11.25 AM and it cost 12 CUC. We arrived at Viñales at 3.45 PM.
OUR TIP: Make sure to get your bus ticket a few days earlier as they might be sold out quickly.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Horseback riding is definitely one of the most popular things to do in Viñales. It is a great way how to see the best of Viñales and learn more about this region. However, if you do not like horses, you can go for a walking tour instead.
You can book your horseback riding tour via your host. We did 4 hours in total and our buts hurt like crazy the next day, but it was really worthy.
On your tour, you will have a couple of stops. You will visit the tobacco plantations. Here you will learn all about Cuban cigars and how the farmers grow and produce the tobacco. You can also roll your own cigar. Then, you will stop at the sugar plantage and for a coffee as well.
If you do not like to stay in Vinales consider taking a day trip from Havana.
DAY 5 – VINALES
RENT A BIKE
Viñales has many awesome areas that you can explore on your own. That is why renting a bike is the best option to explore more from this beautiful region. The best option is to ask your host to organize bikes for you. Our bikes cost 10 CUC per person and we could use them from 11 AM till 6 PM. At this time we managed to visit many places around Viñales.
MURAL DE PREHISTORIA
At first, we biked to Mural de Prehistoria that is located just 3 km from Viñales. You can bike around and even go close to the mural.
We recommend you to follow the path to a lookout. It is around 700 meters from the Mural de Prehistoria and you can easily bike there. There is a cute restaurant/bar called “Bar Buena Vista de Mario Sergio” located on the hill, where you can have lunch or just refreshing drinks. Not to mention gorgeous views.
LA ERMITA
The sun was very strong and if you want to cool down, you can easily bike to La Ermita. It is a normal swimming pool. But what makes it so special is that it is located on the hill with stunning views on Viñales.
ENTRANCE FEE: 3 CUC
WHERE TO STAY IN VINALES?
There are many casas particulares and Airbnbs to choose from. Basically, the whole village lives from tourism, and over the years they acclimatized to tourists. That’s why it won’t be hard for you to find decent and affordable accommodation in Viñales.
We stayed in a casa called “Miguelito y Pedro Miguel” and we paid 25 CUC per night. We highly recommend this place as the hosts are very nice and friendly. Also, you have the possibility to eat there as well.
DAY 6 – DAY TRIP TO CAYO JUTIAS
Okay, it is time to go to the beach. During 10 days exploring Cuba, this itinerary will take you to one of the best beaches in Cuba.
Vamos a la playa.
Cayo Jutias is located in the province Pinar del Rio, just 1 hour of a bumpy ride from Viñales. It is a 3 km long blanket of sand and the most beautiful mangrove beach I have visited so far.
HOW TO GET TO CAYO JUTIAS FROM VINALES?
It is not very difficult to get to Cayo Jutias from Viñales. You can easily take a taxi collectivo. We paid 15 CUC per person including the way back.
There is also a bus available for 22 CUC and you can book it at the tourist office in the city center of Viñales. We started at 9 AM and came back at 6 PM. The roads are full of holes so it can get really shaky but we had a lot of fun.
WHAT TO DO AT CAYO JUTIAS?
Once you get there, the beach seems not very long, but don’t be afraid to walk through a little mangrove forest. Feeling like India Jones, we did that and we were completely alone. Locals are trying to keep this area as pristine as possible. That means you can’t stay here for any longer than a day. In fact, after 5 PM all tourists need to leave.
WHERE TO EAT AT CAYO JUTIAS?
There are 3 restaurants on the beach, we had a sandwich in the second one and it was delicious, we paid around 3 CUC. I am sure there are perhaps more restaurants. There are even locals serving lobsters and fish to you on the beach. It was so funny to see guys randomly walking around with two full plates and asking people if they want lunch.
DAY TRIP TO CAYO LARGO
If you have time, you can definitely fit Cayo Largo into your 10 day Cuba itinerary. It is worth going once you are staying in Viñales. You can get there by ferry and you can also get the tickets at the tourist office in Viñales.
DAY 7 – TRAVEL TO TRINIDAD
Trinidad is one of the most colorful cities in Cuba and needs to be in your Cuba itinerary. This cute town is full of cute cobbled roads, colorful houses, and adorable street markets. If you have only 10 days in Cuba, 2 days exploring Trinidad will show you the biggest highlights.
HOW TO GET TO TRINIDAD FROM VINALES?
You can take a bus or taxi collectivo. It was a long journey, but totally worth it. Our bus Transtur left at 7 AM, and we arrived in Trinidad at 3:30 PM.
SEE MORE: THE MOST COLOURFUL TOWN IN COLOMBIA
WALK AROUND THE OLD TOWN
One day in Trinidad will give you time to explore the old town and colorful streets. You need to go up the Bell tower and from here you can have a wonderful view of the city.
ENTRANCE FEE: 1 CUC
DAY 9 – TRINIDAD
VALLE DE LOS INGENIOUS & TOPES DE COLLANTES NP
If you have more than 1 day in Trinidad you need to do a steam train tour Valle de Los Ingenios. There are a couple of stops like village Iznaga where you can have traditional sugar cane juice. Also, make sure to visit Topes de Collantes National Park with many waterfalls and swimming possibilities.
PLAYA ANCON
In the afternoon, after you finished with exploring the old town, head to Playa Ancón. It is a short 15-minute drive from Trinidad. Taxis cost around 7 CUC.
CASA DE MUSICA
Finish your day in Trinidad in Casa de Musica, where you can have a drink and also dance Cuban salsa if you like. They have awesome pina coladas and of course other cocktails. There is a nice restaurant next to Casa de Musica called “Taberna el Barracon”, a perfect dinner spot.
There is an awesome full-day e-bike tour with a guide if you do not feel like walking. You will see the best of Trinidad and also cycle along Playa Ancón and Playa La Boca, this tour also included lunch and drinks.
WHERE TO STAY IN TRINIDAD?
We definitely recommend staying close to the city center. We stayed 4 nights at Casa Lilly y Carlos and we paid 25 CUC for 1 night.
Check for Airbnb here. Some of our favorite picks:
DAY 10 – FLY HOME
It is time to say Adios to Cuba and make sure that you are on time at the airport. But depending on your time schedule, and if you have more than 10 days in Cuba, you can definitely squeeze Santa Clara into your itinerary.
Depending on your flights you can easily organize a taxi collectivo to get either from Trinidad or Santa Clara to Havana or to Varadero. We left around 8 AM from Santa Marta and for 15 CUC each we got to Varadero very easily. We wanted to get bus tickets but they were all sold out. On top of it, we even arrived earlier than the bus. Roads that go to Varadero are the best in Cuba, so the ride was very pleasant.
ITINERARY MORE THAN 10 DAYS IN CUBA
SANTA CLARA
Santa Clara is a very important town with a lot of history. One or two days are definitely enough to explore Santa Clara.
So why is Santa Clara so special?
Santa Clara is also called the Che Guevara city. Because this is the place where he is buried. There are a couple of spots you need to see in Santa Clara connecting to Che Guevara, such as the Che Guevara Mausoleum and Monument, The Tren Blindado monument and museum, or the statue of Che Guevera holding a child.
SEE MORE: FUN THINGS TO DO IN SANTA CLARA, CUBA
QUESTIONS ON CUBA
IS CUBA EXPENSIVE?
With a second currency CUC just for tourists, you’ll be forced to pay tourist prices most of the time. Cuba is not very expensive but not as cheap, as many people think. However, if you are going for budget accommodation, taking buses, not drinking alcohol every day, you might stick to a tight budget. We spent around $1200 per person for 10 days in Cuba.
IS CUBA SAFE?
Cuba is, in general, a safe country. Like everywhere else if you take healthy precautions, you should be fine. I would just watch out for your belongings and do not fall for tourist scams.
DO I NEED VISA TO TRAVEL TO CUBA?
Before you book your trip, make sure to check this guide for more information. If you are coming outside of the USA, you can apply for a tourist card that costs around $39. This will give you permission to stay in Cuba for 30 days. They are a few countries that don’t need to purchase a tourist card.
Also, if you are not an American citizen and you would like to fly to Cuba from the USA, this is not allowed and you would need to fly somewhere else first and then fly to Cuba. There are no flights going from the USA to Cuba.
CAN US CITIZENS TRAVEL TO CUBA?
Yes, officially a USA citizen can travel to Cuba. But the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has declared general permits for 12 categories of travel. You can find them here. But in general, it is very difficult to enter Cuba as a US citizen (Thanks to the Trump administration).
WHAT MONTH IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT CUBA?
The best time to visit Cuba is from December to June. You have mostly sunny days without much rain. The rainy season starts in June. And like in most Caribbean islands, you should avoid visiting from August till October due to the risk of hurricanes.
DOES CUBA HAS ZIKA VIRUS?
Cuba has a history of reappearing Zika Virus. During our visit in 2016, there was a Zika virus and the state was taking actions. In every city, we visited they were guys spraying streets with gas that kills mosquitos. Make sure to use mosquito spray to avoid as many bites as possible.
DO YOU NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE IN CUBA?
You need to have travel insurance to prove that you can pay for all your medical bills, otherwise, you would need to get Cuban insurance at the airport.
Traveling without health insurance? Not a good idea, you can get a quote here.
DO YOU NEED VACCINATIONS TO VISIT CUBA?
There are no particular vaccinations needed to enter Cuba. However, Zika virus is often spreading and you might want to consider getting yourself checked. Especially, if you are vaccinated against Hepatitis A, B, Rabies, Typhoid, and Tetanus.
Just a fun fact: We went to Cuba without any of the vaccinations mentioned and we were just fine (and reckless). Nothing happened. But don’t do it! Be smarter than us as you never know.
IS CUBA STILL A COMMUNIST COUNTRY?
Unfortunately, Cuba is still considered a communist country. And since 1965 Cuba has been ruled by the Communist Party.
CAN YOU GET MALARIA IN CUBA?
There is no malaria in Cuba.
We found that 10 days were totally enough for us to explore everything we wanted to do in Cuba and we hope you will find this 10-day itinerary useful in planning your own trip.
We are wishing you a lovely 10 days in Cuba and a lot of unforgettable memories. If you have any questions regarding your Cuba itinerary or anything else, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below if you enjoyed the article.
Find out how you can easily plan your next perfect trip with these 20 simple tips.
Adiós muchachos!
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