Frequently Asked Questions

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Yes. The Biden-Harris Administration repealed Trump-imposed economic and travel restrictions to entice engagement between the US and Cuba. People to people (P2P) travel allows every American to come to Cuba. In addition to a Passport, all travelers to Cuba are required to obtain Cuban Visitor Visa, which is not included in the cost of your airline ticket. There are 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba; is important to select "Support for the Cuban People" when you obtain your visa.

Almost. Our 7 night package is mostly all-inclusive, which includes travel from Havana to Viñales, private lodging, breakfast, daily excursions, and travel back to Havana from Viñales. Some additional meals and drinks are included when they are part of a tour (lunch at the organic farm is one example). Airfare is never included in our vacation packages. Our guests should plan to have separate funds for lunch some days and dinner most days. 

Yes. Although US debit and credit cards do not work in Cuba, US dollars are widely accepted. Do not pay any attention to the exchange rates you see on the internet ($1 USD = 24 Cuban Pesos as of March 2024) as these rates are specific to the government operated banks. There is a thriving black market in Cuba where you can readily exchange US Dollars to Cuban Pesos ($1 USD = 300 Cuban Pesos as of March 2024). The market is highly volatile so we recommend that travelers exchange small amounts of money at one time to avoid conducting an exchange prior to a significant rate change.

The answer to this question depends on whether you have booked an all-inclusive vacation package with us or a day tour. 

For all-inclusive guests, transportation, lodging, excursions, all of your breakfasts, and some of your lunches are included. All inclusive guests should expect to have additional money for lunch on some days, dinner every night, evening entertainment, souvenirs, and gratuities. For reference, you can get a beer or a mojito for less than $2 USD and meals range in cost from $4 USD to $10 USD depending on the establishment.

For day tour guests, you should budget for a minimum of $100 USD per day. Keep in mind, that budget of $100 USD per day assumes that you need to purchase lodging, transportation, 3 meals, and excursions every day. If you have already booked an excursion with us, your budget would be lower.

You can always bring money home with you but it is very difficult to get more to Cuba if you haven't brought enough. It is better to be safe than sorry. 

Your tour guide, taxi driver, restaurant server, bartender, and other persons you may encounter during your stay in Cuba depend on tips to support their coworkers and families. Treat tipping in Cuba as you do at home and be kind to those that assist you during your visit to Cuba. 

Yes. The US Department of State's vindictive listing of Cuba as a Terrorist Nation was largely the result of political bias and has been denounced as unfounded by the United Nations and the vast majority of member countries. The Cuban people love tourists and are incredibly friendly. Although you might be asked for a tip at times, this is rooted more in the dire economic circumstances of the island rather than bad intentions. You should exercise the same level of caution as you would in any city, don't leave small items unattended, wear expensive jewelry, and only carry the amount of cash you would need daily. Most "casa particulars" have lockboxes for valuables, travel documents, airline tickets, passports, and cash. 

Skin color is a spectrum and the vast majority of Cubans find themselves in the middle of the melting pot. Do not assume that local comments about color are necessarily racist, the context in history is different. Blonde hair and blue eyes are extremely rare among Cubans so women with these features can expect a little extra attention, which typically would be limited to "tu cabello rubio es tan hermoso" (your blonde hair is so beautiful). "No means no" reigns as the supreme law of the land and female travelers should respond to any unwanted behavior as they please. Though some Cuban men are not above the notion of "catcalling" or making flirtatious overtures towards women, a simple "no, gracias" is typically all that is necessary to correct any unwanted behavior.  Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people do not get mistreated, shamed, or beaten up in Cuba. The vast majority of people in Cuba consider homophobia to be the problem, not homosexuality.

Travelers of all races, shapes, sizes, colors, and sexual orientations should and will feel comfortable and safe in Cuba.

Cuban cuisine is a direct reflection of the country's unique history and traces its roots to Spanish, African, Italian, American, Chinese, and Taino influences. You can't really talk about Cuban food without mentioning sugar first. In addition to being an integral part of the island's history, sugar finds its way into nearly every Cuban recipe, from black beans to fruit juice to steaming hot miniature cups of coffee brimming forth with syrupy sugar, it is everywhere. 

Breakfasts typically include bread, butter, jams, honey, cheese, ham, coffee, tea, juice, eggs and fresh tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and papaya. Lunches and dinners typically consist of chicken, pork, fish, "ropa vieja" (Cuba's national dish, which translates to "old clothes" due to the beef being shredded like old clothing), rice, beans, plantains, lobster,  salad, cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, yucca, green beans, pasta, pizza, and burgers. Though you won't find "Cuban Sandwiches" like you do in the United States, you can always find "jamon y queso" (ham and cheese). Cuban food is well seasoned and you should expect plentiful amounts of garlic, cumin, citrus, and salt. Desserts include flan, guava jam served with cheeses, and "helado" (ice cream). 

Vegetarian/Vegan- Though most Cubans prefer meat, there plenty of options for those that prefer a plant-based diet. Expect very little by the way of variety but you won't go hungry. You will not be able to get tofu or other plant-based meat alternatives. Examples of vegetarian/vegan foods include: black beans, rice, plantains, tomatoes, cabbage, cucumbers, carrots, fresh fruits, eggs, cheese, okra, yucca, salad. 

Gluten-free - Cuba is surprisingly easy to navigate for those on a gluten-free diet. The only meal where you might need to have a carb alternative is breakfast where bread is really the only option for carbs. It is not possible to find gluten-free bread.

Kosher - It is very difficult for the Jewish community to eat Kosher in Cuba. There are only maybe a handful of restaurants in Havana offering Kosher food and none in Viñales. 

Yes and no. The big US-based service providers have international plans that include Cuba. Carefully study your roaming plan prior to travel as mobile phone and data use in Cuba can be expensive. We suggest travelers place their phones in "Airplane Mode" upon arrival to avoid being automatically connected to the local cellular provider (Cubacel). 

Yes. Although WiFi is not readily accessible in most "casa particulars," you can access the internet at nearly all of the restaurants and cafes in town. Be prepared for the Cuban internet connection to be slower than what you're used to at home. 

We recommend that travelers download the best offline map on the market, which is available from maps.me. The offline map works for both Apple and Android phones and tablets.

WhatsApp is an application that allows users to make calls and send text messages via the internet. It is free to download. Once installed and connected to WiFi, you will be able to send text messages or make phone calls.

Cuba has a warm, humid, tropical climate so cotton or other light natural fabrics are recommended. You should bring a light waterproof jacket as temperatures can be cooler in the mornings and brief downpours are inevitable. You should bring comfortable footwear for walking, hiking, and excursions; sandals are great for in town but you should bring sneakers or hiking boots for activities. The sun and mosquitos are proliferate; you should bring a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellant. A light backpack or fanny pack is recommended. Medicines, toiletries, band aids, wet wipes, snacks, dried fruits, trail mix, and other comfort items we have become accustomed to being readily available in the US are not available for purchase in Cuba. Electricity is mainly 220 volt AC so you will need to bring an adapter like this for your camera, phone, computer, or other electronic devices. 

You are allowed to bring cameras, DVD and CD players, gaming devices, mobile phones, laptops, MP3 players, hairdryers, electric shavers, small appliances, binoculars, radios, musical instruments, and much more to Cuba. If you bring 2 or more of these items, Cuban customs may ask if you intend to leave them on the island. If you say you plan to leave any of these things, duties may be charged. You are also permitted to bring any medications for which you have a prescription. Bring enough for your stay, refills in Cuba are not possible. Even basic over the counter medicines like Tylenol or Aspirin are not available. Prescription medication must remain in the original containers with labels intact (do not bring medications in SMTWTFS cases).

You are not allowed to bring explosives, pornography, anti-Cuba literature, aerial drones, stand-alone GPS units, 2-way radios, or anything considered to be a weapon. Cuba has a zero-tolerance policy as it relates to narcotics. Do not attempt to bring drugs of any kind, regardless of the status of their legality in your country or state.

The fertile, clay laden soil of the Viñales valley finds its way to the nooks and crannies of your shoes and your clothing. There are no public laundry facilities in Cuba. If you need laundry services, you can ask the host at your "casa particular" and in most instances they will gladly accommodate. You can also bring travel packs of detergent (like this) for hand washing in the sink. Your "casa particular" will always have a clothesline as drying machines are not widely used. 

The entire island is in the Eastern Time Zone (same as New York and Miami). Unlike some other Central and South American countries, Cuba doesn't operate on "Latin time" and you should respect schedules the same as you do in the US. If you don't want to participate in a planned activity or you had a few too many mojitos the night before, we understand and respect your decision. We ask that you inform your guide of any changes in advance so they aren't worrying or losing time looking for you.

Giving gifts is a wonderful and rewarding way to extend your friendship to the Cuban people; gift giving will open many doors for you. Cubans always welcome any gift, regardless of how small or insignificant you may perceive them to be. Some of the items desperately needed in Cuba include: clothing, sheets, towels, toiletries, chocolates, over the counter medicines, batteries, USB memory sticks, make up, toys, art supplies, school supplies, and much more. Most of these things can be purchased at the Dollar Store or at thrift stores. A fresh pair of Nike sneakers gifted to a pedicab driver wearing tattered old shoes is huge! Do not bring outdated textbooks or expired medicines or vitamins.

Yes, yes, yes, yes! The language, culture, climate, customs, and demeanor are refreshingly different from other Latin American countries. The absence of basic necessities on the island requires great innovation and Cubans constantly rise to the challenge, whether it is rebuilding 70 year old cars or wiring their home's solar panel system, Cubans are incredibly resourceful and maintain a surprising level of candor despite the economic and socio-political difficulties. If you visit with an open mind, with an open heart willing to accept and learn about the wonderful people and their unique society and culture, your experience will unparalleled. Cubans are ecstatic to have you as their guest, to share their culture with you, and to learn about yours. Unlike some countries, there is no inherent animosity towards Americans.