Self-drive Cuba: Explore the east
13 days from £2,280
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
Your accommodation is in the very heart of historic Havana just a quick stroll from the city’s principal squares.
Madero Bed and Breakfast is one of a new generation of small Cuban properties which are considerably more upmarket, contemporary and stylish than the traditional homestay.
This popular and well-regarded choice is in the heart of historic Havana, just a quick stroll from the city’s principal squares. The six guest rooms and one larger suite with a balcony are distributed over three floors, all tastefully furnished in modern muted colours and pale wood with up-to-date private bathrooms.
You are welcome to make use of a spacious living room and kitchen on the ground floor and there is a rooftop terrace with comfy armchairs. The property is also known as Hostal Madero, but it is certainly much better appointed than what we would normally expect from a hostel, with excellent service from helpful, mainly English-speaking staff.
Your introduction to the city is a guided walking tour of Old Havana. The streets of La Habana Vieja were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, and the subsequent restoration of this part of town has transformed it into arguably Latin America’s finest colonial quarter, in marked contrast to the rambling, potholed streets and crumbling façades around it.
Stroll along the cobbles, between grand, pastel-hued mansions and bustling street life. Music seeps out of every doorway and the narrow streets are clogged with classic 1950s American cars, which you will have the option of hopping into and cruising down the Malecón. You’ll have trouble keeping your camera by your side as iconic images flash before you round each and every corner.
Collect your hire car, a Seat Althea or equivalent.
Madero Bed and Breakfast is one of a new generation of small Cuban properties which are considerably more upmarket, contemporary and stylish than the traditional homestay.
This popular and well-regarded choice is in the heart of historic Havana, just a quick stroll from the city’s principal squares. The six guest rooms and one larger suite with a balcony are distributed over three floors, all tastefully furnished in modern muted colours and pale wood with up-to-date private bathrooms.
You are welcome to make use of a spacious living room and kitchen on the ground floor and there is a rooftop terrace with comfy armchairs. The property is also known as Hostal Madero, but it is certainly much better appointed than what we would normally expect from a hostel, with excellent service from helpful, mainly English-speaking staff.
Drive on to the city of Trinidad through the central heartland of Cuba – a transition between the pre-Revolutionary prosperous western plantations and the cattle pasture of the poorer east. Maybe stop off in the elegant city of Cienfuegos, an important port town founded by French settlers from Louisiana in 1819. Its French founders left their mark in broad neoclassical boulevards, art deco façades and blond inhabitants but there’s also a strong Afro-Caribbean presence.
This is a seafaring city with salt in the air; it’s the world’s primary sugar port. The ambience and architectural style is distinct from that of the rest of the island. Continue by car to Trinidad, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Its popularity has not affected its colonial charm and unhurried atmosphere. You’ll be staying in a family home here for 2 nights.
There’s a feast of terracotta-tiled roofs, cobbled streets and pastel-coloured buildings. Founded in 1514, the town was originally used as a base for expeditions into the ‘New World’; its squares and churches date from the 18th and 19th centuries. The town has hardly changed in a century, no suburbs creep out from its historic centre and no high-rise buildings obscure the view to the sea. Home-grown talent fills the squares and music venues in the evenings, when the town comes alive with dancing and the sound of salsa. Evening entertainment continues into the early hours with dancing and music each night.
This attractive, extensively restored colonial hotel is set a short walk from the heart of Trinidad, near the lively Parque Cespedes. There is a central patio which all 40 rooms surround. Rooms are spacious and equipped with air-conditioning, TV, minibar and en suite bathroom. Many also have a balcony or terrace, with some having pleasant vistas of the park and others with no view to speak of, but which tend to be quieter. Facilities include a public restaurant, lobby bar and small shop. There is free parking available on the street in front of the property.
On your guided tour you will wander through Trinidad’s cobbled streets and elegantly crumbling town houses which lead to vibrant plazas frequently filled with music and salsa dancing. As you visit the Plaza Mayor and Museo Romántico, you’ll be introduced to the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which seems barely touched by the modern world. Stop at an authentic Cuban bar to sample a traditional cocktail, before heading off to one of Trinidad’s ceramics workshops.
Before or after the tour you may venture into the surrounding countryside, the Valle de los Ingenios (valley of sugar mills). In the 18th and 19th centuries, this region was one of the wealthiest as a result of its participation in the sugar boom. The Manaca-Iznaga tower has some of the best views in Cuba. From there, the plantation owner kept a watchful eye on the slaves working in the fields below. Or you might drive up to Topes de Collantes National Park. The park is in the Escambray mountains which are a backdrop to Trinidad and have an exquisite landscape of forests, waterfalls, deep valleys and lakes, perfect for car touring or hiking along visible trails.
This attractive, extensively restored colonial hotel is set a short walk from the heart of Trinidad, near the lively Parque Cespedes. There is a central patio which all 40 rooms surround. Rooms are spacious and equipped with air-conditioning, TV, minibar and en suite bathroom. Many also have a balcony or terrace, with some having pleasant vistas of the park and others with no view to speak of, but which tend to be quieter. Facilities include a public restaurant, lobby bar and small shop. There is free parking available on the street in front of the property.
Drive to Sancti Spíritus. This city sits right slap bang in the centre of Cuba. It was one of the original 7 Cuban cities founded by the Spanish in 1514. Its colonial origins are evident in its buildings and layout, although it is not as exquisite and well preserved as the Trinidad to the south, which as a result attracts more visitors. Its neglect by governments through the ages in certain areas have led to many of the buildings taking on an authentic faded charm.
Highlights include the green-towered Parroquial Mayor, the country’s oldest (founded in the early 16th century). It’s close to town’s main square. Another top attraction in this central area is the Museo de Arte Colonial (Colonial Art Museum), occupying one of Sancti Spíritus’s loveliest colonial homes. The luxurious mansion belonged to one of one of Cuba’s old aristocratic families. Following their flight from Cuba after the Castro Revolution, it became the property of the state in 1961. Most of what you see inside, from furniture to paintings, is original. The town also hosts one of Cuba’s older river bridges. Graced with five arches, this short bridge was constructed in 1815 from clay bricks, designed for pedestrians and carriages during colonial times, and it remains closed to modern traffic.
Continue to Camagüey.
This two-storey, sugar-pink property occupying a colonial-era residence is probably the closest that Cuba gets to a boutique style hotel. Opened in late 2011, it is simply furnished, with just ten large rooms featuring good bathrooms overlooking a central patio. Befitting its name, which means ‘railroad’, the hotel is dotted with art featuring trains and railways. It has a pleasing location in the historical centre of Camaguey, just one block from the main square. A decent breakfast is served and the staff have frequently been praised by guests for their friendliness, helpful attitude and sunny disposition.
Founded by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, the city, with its winding streets, is in marked contrast to the grid system which characterises the majority of Cuban towns. Stately colonial houses facing onto streets; huge windows protected by wrought-iron grilles; lush green gardens tucked behind the walls. It’s a vibrant place bursting with culture – national poet Nicolás Guillén was born here and the Camagüey Ballet is internationally renowned. On Saturday nights, there is a lively street party along its main thoroughfare, Avenida República.
On your guided walking tour you will discover its irregular, intricate street network while admiring public and private buildings of great colonial architectural beauty, including Plaza San Juan de Dios.
This two-storey, sugar-pink property occupying a colonial-era residence is probably the closest that Cuba gets to a boutique style hotel. Opened in late 2011, it is simply furnished, with just ten large rooms featuring good bathrooms overlooking a central patio. Befitting its name, which means ‘railroad’, the hotel is dotted with art featuring trains and railways. It has a pleasing location in the historical centre of Camaguey, just one block from the main square. A decent breakfast is served and the staff have frequently been praised by guests for their friendliness, helpful attitude and sunny disposition.
Take the Carratera Central to Autopista Nacional (A1). We recommend a short stop at Bayamo, a gem featuring pastel painted houses and marking the spot where the mountains of the Sierra Maestra begin. (If you are interested in trekking we can arrange an additional night or two so you can visit the Comandancia de la Plata. This was Fidel’s mountain hideout, where his revolutionary strategy was organised). Alternatively, just have a leisurely stroll around the streets and square before continuing via Juiguani to Santiago de Cuba. With a stop planned, leave early and allow a full day.
Santiago de Cuba, the island’s most Caribbean city and a melting pot of Haitian, African and Spanish influences, reflected in both its architecture and people. Cuba’s second largest metropolis sits in a valley surrounded by mountains huddled around a natural harbour.
This classic hotel makes much of its history, and justly so – constructed in 1914, the property has attracted some illustrious guests in its heyday including movie stars, jazz singers, author Graham Greene (who wrote the classic novel Our Man in Havana) and baseball great Babe Ruth. It’s an imposing building, inspired by the colonial edifices of the Spanish era with graceful arches and shady terraces.
The guest rooms are located on five floors, some with views of the main square on which it has pride of place. A great location as a base for explorations, it sits in the very heart of an exuberant and musical city.
Other facilities include a large airy restaurant and a wonderful rooftop garden with cocktail bar and good views over the city and the sea.
Despite being a bustling hive of activity, Santiago retains an intimate and friendly air, more associated with a smaller provincial city. What’s more, the city is jam-packed with culture and tradition, from the deep-rooted African religion of Santería to its conveyor belt of great contemporary musicians.
Also known as the Heroic City, Santiago played an important role at the beginning of the wars for independence. This guided tour takes you to the major places of interest, including the Moncada Barracks, famed for the unsuccessful pre-revolution attack by a handful of rebels led by Castro. This failed attack nevertheless was the springboard which launched the revolution. Cementerio Santa Ifigenia, Barrita de Ron Caney, the Casa del Habano and the San Pedro de la Roca colonial fortress. You’ll have a seafood lunch at the quay.
This classic hotel makes much of its history, and justly so – constructed in 1914, the property has attracted some illustrious guests in its heyday including movie stars, jazz singers, author Graham Greene (who wrote the classic novel Our Man in Havana) and baseball great Babe Ruth. It’s an imposing building, inspired by the colonial edifices of the Spanish era with graceful arches and shady terraces.
The guest rooms are located on five floors, some with views of the main square on which it has pride of place. A great location as a base for explorations, it sits in the very heart of an exuberant and musical city.
Other facilities include a large airy restaurant and a wonderful rooftop garden with cocktail bar and good views over the city and the sea.
Head north cross country towards the Caribbean coast. You will arrive at the region’s major town Holguin ( 3-4 hours) from where it’s a drive of a further hour to Gibara. Holguin is Cuba’s fourth largest metropolis but for visitors is primarily a transit point for those heading to the island’s increasingly popular north-east coast beaches such as the resort of Guardalavaca, 50km away. Despite its size, Holguín is an easy-going and friendly city. The centre is quite dilapidated but its several parks and squares are dominated by statues to national heroes.
The off-the-beaten-track community Gibara, a little port situated on a bay on the scalloped north east coast has been spruced up after earthquake damage, is delightful and worth the detour. The fishing port is situated in rugged, hilly landscape dotted with royal palms and interspersed with sugar cane plantations in the valleys.
Gibara is the epitome of a remote one-horse town, a folksy and recently renovated fishing port on the coast near Holguin which is the perfect host for its blossoming film and arts festivals. The boutique-style Hotel Ordoño, a former Spanish colonial residence which has been delicately and sensitively restored, is a response to the growing interest in the town among visitors to Cuba. The exterior and some of the stained glass features (typical of Gibara’s architecture), including an impressive atrium, are ornate but the air-conditioned guest rooms are decorated with contemporary simplicity and have a light and airy feel. Each of these rooms and suites has individual character and painted murals in the bathrooms. There’s a two-floored roof terrace where you can take the sun, and an à la carte restaurant (but no lift). Service is reputedly friendly and helpful.
The crinkly coastline, with secret coves which once sheltered buccaneers, is gradually being opened up to tourism, but the port Gibara retains its off-beat, remote ambiance. The town is named after the lumpy hill which composes its backdrop. There’s a grand view of the town from the ruined fort El Cuartelon. The main square, dominated by a 19th century cathedral built in eclectic mix of styles, is shaded by African oak trees imported from Angola in the 1970s. The calm little streets and waterside malecón are lined with sedate old houses with porches and stained glass windows, gradually being done up.
You may decide to drive or walk further afield to visit the Cavernas de Panadernos, a chain of underground limestone caves – you are advised to take a local guide if planning to enter them; you can hire one in town. The presence of fluttering bats ads to the eerie atmosphere. Alternatively drive along the craggy coast to one of the gorgeous beaches, many of which now feature hotels and facilities. Guardalavaca is the best established of these.
Gibara is the epitome of a remote one-horse town, a folksy and recently renovated fishing port on the coast near Holguin which is the perfect host for its blossoming film and arts festivals. The boutique-style Hotel Ordoño, a former Spanish colonial residence which has been delicately and sensitively restored, is a response to the growing interest in the town among visitors to Cuba. The exterior and some of the stained glass features (typical of Gibara’s architecture), including an impressive atrium, are ornate but the air-conditioned guest rooms are decorated with contemporary simplicity and have a light and airy feel. Each of these rooms and suites has individual character and painted murals in the bathrooms. There’s a two-floored roof terrace where you can take the sun, and an à la carte restaurant (but no lift). Service is reputedly friendly and helpful.
Head back to the Carretera Central via Holguin and westward to Santa Clara. (The northern route – the Circuito Norte – is not currently recommended, as the road surface is poor in places and facilities such as petrol stations and eateries are rudimentary). This is a very long day so we suggest an early departure, allowing a good couple of hours during daylight for stops and lunch.
One of the landmark buildings in Santa Clara, overlooking the main square Parque Vidal, has opened after years of renovation. Hotel Central houses 26 guest rooms in a prime location; with its graceful colonial-style colonnades and balconies it is without a doubt one of the prettiest buildings in Santa Clara.
After decades of disrepair the hotel has been restored to its 1929 glory, maintaining intact its original ornate façade, and the ample lobby showcasing the grand marble stairs. The guest rooms have high ceilings and doors maintaining the original character. Overall though it’s a mix of the nostalgic with the contemporary. There is a lobby bar and a terrace bar on the third floor which is a great spot to enjoy many beautiful tropical evenings enjoying the breeze from the square, sipping ‘mojitos’ and listening to great Cuban music.
We suggest you take the route A1 straight back to Havana as this will allow you time to look around Santa Clara before you leave. Santa Clara, founded on agriculture and mining, gained importance when a railway was built to connect the city with Havana. This track provided for one of the most momentous events in Castro’s revolutionary campaign: the hijacking of a train carrying government guns and soldiers. A few of the carriages are on display in what is this lively university city’s most important monument.
If you enjoy life on the road you can opt to travel via Matanzas, a city dating back to the 17th century which founded its prosperity on the commerce from its sugar mills and from the accessibility provided by the 19trh century railway connecting it with Havana. Indeed, for a while it was second only to Havana in importance. Matanzas became known as the Athens of Cuba, referring to its intellectual and artistic prowess, with flourishing theatres and libraries. Even more important to its identity is its role as the place where the famous rumba dance was invented, and music permeates every comer of this otherwise quiet city.
Madero Bed and Breakfast is one of a new generation of small Cuban properties which are considerably more upmarket, contemporary and stylish than the traditional homestay.
This popular and well-regarded choice is in the heart of historic Havana, just a quick stroll from the city’s principal squares. The six guest rooms and one larger suite with a balcony are distributed over three floors, all tastefully furnished in modern muted colours and pale wood with up-to-date private bathrooms.
You are welcome to make use of a spacious living room and kitchen on the ground floor and there is a rooftop terrace with comfy armchairs. The property is also known as Hostal Madero, but it is certainly much better appointed than what we would normally expect from a hostel, with excellent service from helpful, mainly English-speaking staff.
Drop off your hire car at the car rental agency and proceed to the airport for your international flight, or continue with any tailor-made extension you have booked with us.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Cuba - Havana
Havana holidays showcase one of the world’s most captivating cities, where grand colonial squares, colourful classic cars and faded mansions create an unforgettable atmosphere. As Cuba’s cultural and historic heart, Havana blends architecture, music and everyday life in a way few destinations can match.
Cuba - Cienfuegos, Santa Clara and Bay of Pigs
Discover a fascinating region at the heart of Cuba, where elegant colonial architecture, revolutionary history and one of the Caribbean’s most infamous shorelines combine to create an unforgettable journey. Our Cienfuegos holidays take in the French-inspired streets of Cienfuegos, the revolutionary landmarks of Santa Clara and the historic Bay of Pigs.
Cuba - Trinidad and the Escambray Mountains
Trinidad holidays offer a captivating mix of colonial history, music and natural beauty. Wander UNESCO-listed cobbled streets, soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere and explore the waterfalls, forests and jade-green pools of nearby Topes de Collantes.
Cuba - Santiago de Cuba
Santiago de Cuba holidays offer a fascinating blend of revolutionary history, Afro-Cuban heritage and Caribbean culture. Set between the Sierra Maestra mountains and the Caribbean Sea, Cuba’s second city is renowned for its music, festivals and the events that helped shape the island’s history.
This holiday takes you not only to Cuba’s highlights but also to areas less visited by tourists in the eastern half of the country. If you are adventurous in spirit, the most rewarding way to travel around Cuba is to drive your own hire-car. You will relish the flexibility, and the ability to choose how fast and how far you travel before stopping to enjoy a sight or chat to the locals. Your hotels are all pre-booked for you.
Cuba is unique and inspiring; a socialist stronghold, with a rebellious history, colonial splendour in many of the towns, spectacular countryside and a Caribbean heart. Its vibrancy and friendly people will make a lasting impression. Walk round Havana’s historic centre; then drive on to eastern region of the country and back, visiting Cuba’s other historic cities: Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Sancti Spíritus, Camagüey, Santiago and Santa Clara. Drive through the wild mountains of Sierra Maestra, Castro’s pre-revolution hiding place, and continue to the Caribbean coast, basing yourself at the unassuming little fishing port Gibara to explore the attractive wooded bays and glittering beaches of the unspoilt northeastern littoral.
Chris Rendell-Dunn
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Transport
A minimum of 6 scenic road journeys in your self-drive car.
- Accommodation
Accommodation on this trip is of a superior quality for Cuba where standards of amenities and service, though constantly improving, can be erratic. You’ll find well-equipped rooms, private bathroom and air-conditioning in most and some local colour and special features.
- Meals
Breakfast daily and Lunch on day 4.
- Guides
We carefully select our local partners; their English-speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by the latter on their return.
- Summary Of Nights
13 days, 12 nights: Havana 2; Trinidad 2; Camagüey 2; Santiago 2; Gibara 2; Santa Clara 1; Havana 1.
- Currency
The unit of currency in Cuba is the Cuban peso.
- How To Take It
The Cuban National Peso (CUP) is the only official cash currency in Cuba, however many outlets will accept US dollars and some may also accept Euros. We recommend you bring your funds in US$ cash and exchange a small amount into CUPs when in Cuba. You can also exchange Euros but we don’t recommend Sterling. Your bank notes should not be damaged in any way. As a foreign tourist you should receive a considerably better exchange rate than the ‘official’ rate used for commercial transactions.
A limited number of ATM’s are available around Cuba, but queues can be large, charges can be high, and the official rate of exchange is given which makes them much less attractive.
Changing small amounts at a time into CUPs will help to avoid having leftover currency when you leave Cuba (it is not always easy to exchange CUPs back to other currencies). It is worth noting that CUPs are not accepted at Havana Airport.
Private hotels, bars and restaurants often accept payments directly in US$ cash. For these transactions, bring small denominations if possible, and note that coins will not be accepted. Change may sometimes be given in CUPs.
Euros may also be accepted, but locals often see them as interchangeable with US$, meaning you will pay the same amount in Euros that you would in US$.
You’ll generally need to use a credit/debit card to cover transactions in government shops and hotels, as well as car-rental extras such as petrol and local fees. However, some clients have issues using cards in Cuba so don’t rely on them as your only source of funding. Be sure to check with your bank that your cards are accepted in Cuba (cards linked to US banks are not accepted locally). At Cadeca exchange offices it is now possible to purchase a prepaid card (Tarjeta Clasica) which can be bought in cash with US Dollars/Euros. These can be used to obtain petrol. Clasica credit cannot be applied to any other purchases.
Using money changers in the street is not recommended as it is illegal and you are more likely to receive forgeries.
- Daily Spend
It is very difficult to give a guideline for essential expenses but a budget of around £35 per day should cover the cost of meals not included in the holiday itinerary, drinks and the odd souvenir. Eat at the best restaurants and you will pay considerably more.
- Tipping
Tips are welcomed and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income.
Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers and the like. It is common to leave 10 – 12% in restaurants.
Many Cubans lack what we consider to be daily necessities, such as soap, plasters, bras, aspirin and stationery.
If you have room in your case for some such things, they will be hugely appreciated by the islanders.Tipping guidelines can be found in our Briefing Dossier.
- Insurance And Documents
Travel insurance is essential. Cuban authorities require visitors to have travel insurance, and specifically for the medical and repatriation element of cover to be from an approved provider. Please check with your insurance company that their provider is similarly approved.
Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
Fully comprehensive car insurance is included, though there is an excess. Please enquire if you wish to purchase Total Damage Waiver.
The minimum age for hiring a car in Cuba is 21 years. Insurance and supplements for additional drivers can be paid locally, in Cuban Convertible Pesos. There is a CUC20 fee for picking up your car at the airport (payable locally) and additional fees for dropping off your car in towns where there is no car rental office – please ask us for details. Unlimited mileage is included, but not fuel.
- Airport Taxes
If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax is usually included in the ticket.
Departure tax from Cuba is included in the price of your ticket.
- Visas
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. A completed Cuban tourist card is essential for all UK citizens travelling to Cuba, we will organise this for you. Clients with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the Cuban consulate.
- Trip Suitability
Generally this holiday is suitable for all able, reasonably fit visitors, including families. You should have in your party a confident driver, preferably with some mechanical knowledge.
Road maps and signage are poor, but roads are lined with local people who are happy to help, most speak a little English, though if you speak a bit of Spanish it certainly helps. With a Silva compass and a decent map (we’ll give you one), you can find you’ll get to your destination safely (NB: satnavs don’t work properly in Cuba). Main roads are in a relatively decent condition; venture off the beaten track and you will encounter potholes and other barriers requiring caution.
In Cuba there are often delays and occasionally cancellations – patience and a flexible attitude will be a virtue in these situations.
- Climate
As Cuba lies in the Caribbean, it has a tropical climate that is split into two seasons, one wet and one dry.
However, Cuba is generally hot throughout the year (18-32°C) with regular rainfall and high humidity. The rainy season runs from May to October and from July to September, humidity can be very high. The east of the island is hotter and more humid that the west. Hurricanes and tropical storms are possible from July to October.
- Clothing And Special Equipment
No special clothing or equipment is required although comfortable walking shoes or trainers, and sandals would be useful. Light, summer clothing will be adequate for these hot temperatures, and the dress code is very casual everywhere. Thin, long-sleeved garments may be useful for evenings, and a lightweight raincoat is the best protection against tropical downpours. We also recommend that you pack a torch as lighting can be poor at night.
Protection against the sun (sunblock, sun hat) and mosquito repellant are essential and you should bring swimwear. A daypack is useful for carrying sunblock, guidebook, water and any extra layers.
We suggest that you provide your own reflective jackets for all passengers, and a first aid kit. Sometimes power cuts and closures mean that usable petrol stations are far apart, so fill up whenever you have the chance.
Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts. Good equipment is very important and hard to come by in Cuba.
- Vaccinations
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following: typhoid; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. For specific requirements you must consult your GP.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.
- When is the best time to visit Cuba?
The high season for visitors is Dec – Apr when the weather is usually sunny, mostly dry and not too humid, though there can be cool days. Hurricane and tropical storms are possible Aug – Nov.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What's the official language of Cuba?
The official language of Cuba is Spanish.
- What is the official currency in Cuba?
The Cuban National Peso (CUP) is the only official cash currency in Cuba, however many outlets will accept US dollars and some may also accept Euros. We recommend you bring your funds in US$ cash and exchange a small amount into CUPs when in Cuba. You can also exchange Euros but we don’t recommend Sterling. Your bank notes should not be damaged in any way. As a foreign tourist you should receive a considerably better exchange rate than the ‘official’ rate used for commercial transactions.
A limited number of ATM’s are available around Cuba, but queues can be large, charges can be high, and the official rate of exchange is given which makes them much less attractive.
Changing small amounts at a time into CUPs will help to avoid having leftover currency when you leave Cuba (it is not always easy to exchange CUPs back to other currencies).
Private hotels, bars and restaurants often accept payments directly in US$ (or Euros) cash. For these transactions bring small denominations if possible, and note that coins will not be accepted. Change may sometimes be given in CUPs.
You’ll generally need to use a credit/debit card to cover transactions in government shops and hotels, as well as car-rental extras such as petrol and local fees. However, some clients have issues using cards in Cuba so don’t rely on them as your only source of funding. Be sure to check with your bank that your cards are accepted in Cuba (cards linked to US banks are not accepted locally). At Cadeca exchange offices it is now possible to purchase a prepaid card (Tarjeta Clasica) which can be bought in cash with US Dollars/Euros. These can be used to obtain petrol.
Using money changers in the street is not recommended as it is illegal and you are more likely to receive forgeries.
- What is the time difference between Cuba and UK?
Cuba operates daylight saving hours, so is generally 5 hours behind the UK year round, but as the dates of their time changes are slightly different, there are short periods around March and October/November when this will vary.
- Do I need a visa to travel to Cuba?
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. A completed Cuban tourist card is essential for all UK citizens travelling to Cuba, we will organise this for you. Clients with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the Cuban consulate.
APIS – Many countries now oblige airlines to provide additional information about passengers prior to the flight departure. This Advance Passenger Information (APIS) must be supplied to us promptly in order to issue tickets and avoid fare increases. We will provide the airlines with the relevant details if we are booking your international flights. If the information is not provided you may be denied boarding. - What vaccinations are recommended for visiting Cuba?
Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.
- What places combine well with Cuba?
Mexico’s Yucatán is a great place to combine with Cuba. Flights from Cancún to Havana take approximately 1hr 15mins.
- What are the festivals and cultural events in Cuba?
There are carnivals throughout the country on different dates. Havana’s carnival moves around date-wise year upon year, but is always accompanied by parades, music, drumming and dancing. Santiago’s carnival in July is probably the biggest and the best.
International Jazz Festival takes place in Havana in December. This is one of the world’s best, and there are workshops and concerts to enjoy.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Explore the cobbled streets of colonial Trinidad. You might extend the trip with an optional tour of the old sugar mills in the surrounding Valle de los Ingenios.
Visit Trinidad’s Casa de la Trova to feel the rhythm that fuels Cuban life.
Situated in the heart of Cuba, Santa Clara is a vibrant city steeped in history as a result of its involvement in the battles which took place during the Cuban Revolution. Che Guevara is especially venerated here, the site of his Mausoleum. In 1967 Guevara and a couple of dozen of his Cuban comrades were…
Accommodation
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This two-storey, sugar-pink property occupying a colonial-era residence is probably the closest that Cuba gets to a boutique style hotel.
The Iberostar Grand Hotel Trinidad is an elegant, restored colonial property, with an impressive marble staircase, cigar bar and beautifully decorated rooms.
Hotel Casa Granda is an imposing, classic property dominating the main square of Santiago de Cuba.
Papagaio
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
Featured Articles
To round the corner of a mountain and see the lost citadel of Machu Picchu unfold beneath you remains one of the most awe-inspiring experiences in Latin America, one of those dreamlike experiences that makes travelling here truly extraordinary.
The Pantanal wetlands cover an area almost the size of the British Isles and offers better wildlife opportunities than the Amazon. Writer and photographer Alex Bellos discovers them.
Small, breathtakingly beautiful Costa Rica is a treasure trove for the nature lover. Trees laden with orchids are home to quetzals and hummingbirds, while the Caribbean shore hosts volcanic beaches and palm-sheltered coves.
