Those who have never been think of Cuba as a 1950’s America theme park. Roads crowded with classic cars painted various shades of pastel, brassy bands & hand-rolled cigars waft through the air in bars. But the real Cuba is much more complicated.
The embargo smothers the Cuban economy & life for the average Cuban is difficult. Grocery store shelves sit empty & work is limited. The infrastructure crumbles & beaches remain undeveloped and empty. But to visit Cuba & horseback ride through the green valleys & drink mojitos under the hot sun on cobblestone streets is one of life’s greatest pleasures.
Cuba Travel Guide
Recommended Cities: Havana, Vinales, Trinidad, Varadero, Bay of Pigs, Sancti Spiritis
Minimum Recommended Trip Length: 2 weeks
One Bucketlist Item You Cannot Miss: Horseback ride through the Vinales Valley to the Cigar plantations.
Things to Consider Before You Go: Traveling to Cuba as an American is complicated. Read my full post to find out why.
Cuba uses two separate currencies. The CUP & CUC. Learn to tell the difference.
Estimated Backpacker Budget
On a Shoestring: $45/day
Flashpacker: $55/day
Backpacker Luxury: $65/day
Keep in mind these are backpacker budgets. On a shoestring expect to be eating street food, sleeping in hostel beds, & skipping the more expensive tourist attractions. Backpacker Luxury opts for private rooms, eats mostly in restaurants, and splurges on activities. Flashpackers are the middle ground & often do a mixture of both.
Cuba is perfect for travelers looking to lounge on idyllic beaches, sip mojitos, & have cultural experiences.
Cuba Blog Posts
Support of the Cuban People
The Caribbean’s Finest Colonial Town: Trinidad, Cuba
Viñales, Cuba: Exploring the Tobacco Plantations
Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Beaches In Cuba
A Taste of Cuba
How to Travel to Cuba as an American
