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North America / Caribbean

Cuba

Havana classic cars, salsa, and Caribbean beaches. As part of Caribbean in North America, Cuba suits travelers drawn to big cities and nature. Use this guide to plan where to go, when to visit, and how to structure your days.

Cuba

Start exploring.

Best time to visit: Nov – Apr

Havana

Havana is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Cuba, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Viñales

Plan at least a full day in Viñales to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

Trinidad

Trinidad pairs well with nearby highlights on a Caribbean route through Cuba.

Varadero

Varadero pairs well with nearby highlights on a Caribbean route through Cuba.

What it is known for
facts
  • Classic American cars cruising Havana's Malecón
  • Viñales Valley tobacco farms and mogote hills
  • Trinidad's pastel colonial plazas and salsa clubs
  • Rum, cigars, and mojitos as national icons
  • Son and salsa music spilling from every corner
key City
name
Havana
label
Capital
why
Old Havana's UNESCO streets, the Malecón seafront, and live music in every bar make the capital essential on any Cuban route.
Places to visit
  • area
    Havana
    attractions
    • name
      Old Havana
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      El Capitolio
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Malecón
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Plaza de la Revolución
      duration
      1-3 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.
  • area
    Viñales
    attractions
    • name
      Viñales Valley
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Mural de la Prehistoria
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Cueva del Indio
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Los Jazmines Viewpoint
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Same-day tickets often available; book 3-7 days ahead on weekends.
  • area
    Trinidad
    attractions
    • name
      Plaza Mayor
      duration
      1-3 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.
    • name
      Valle de los Ingenios
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Topes de Collantes
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Ancon Beach
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.
  • area
    Varadero
    attractions
    • name
      Varadero Beach
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.
    • name
      Josone Park
      duration
      4-8 hours
      book Ahead
      Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Saturno Cave
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Hicacos Peninsula
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
Itineraries
  • title
    Cuba Highlights Express
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Havana
    • Viñales
    • Trinidad
    highlights
    • Full day discovering Havana
    • Full day discovering Viñales
    • Full day discovering Trinidad
    best For
    Weekend warriors and short trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Havana
      description
      Land in Havana, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Cuba trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Viñales
      description
      Dedicate the day to Viñales: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Trinidad and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Trinidad visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Classic Cuba
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Havana
    • Viñales
    • Trinidad
    • Varadero
    highlights
    • Cover Havana and Viñales
    • Explore Trinidad
    • Explore Varadero
    best For
    Outdoor lovers and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Havana
      description
      Land in Havana, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Cuba trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Viñales
      description
      Dedicate the day to Viñales: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Explore Trinidad
      description
      Dedicate the day to Trinidad: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      4
      title
      Varadero and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Varadero visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Cuba Beaches & Coast
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Havana
    • Viñales
    • Trinidad
    highlights
    • Coastal day in Havana
    • Coastal day in Viñales
    • Coastal day in Trinidad
    best For
    Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Havana
      description
      Check in near the shore and take a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Swim or sunbathe if conditions allow, then settle into a seaside dinner in Havana.
    • day
      2
      title
      Viñales coast
      description
      Spend the day on Viñales's shoreline: Viñales Valley, Mural de la Prehistoria, Cueva del Indio, with time for cafés, boat trips, or sunset views.
    • day
      3
      title
      Trinidad and farewell
      description
      Enjoy a final beach morning in Trinidad, visiting Plaza Mayor, Valle de los Ingenios, Topes de Collantes before you depart Cuba.
  • title
    Cuba Countryside
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Havana
    • Viñales
    • Trinidad
    • Varadero
    highlights
    • Rural stop: Havana
    • Rural stop: Viñales
    • Rural stop: Trinidad
    • Rural stop: Varadero
    best For
    Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Havana
      description
      Reach Havana, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.
    • day
      2
      title
      Viñales countryside
      description
      Explore Viñales at an easy pace: Viñales Valley, Mural de la Prehistoria, Cueva del Indio with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      3
      title
      Trinidad countryside
      description
      Explore Trinidad at an easy pace: Plaza Mayor, Valle de los Ingenios, Topes de Collantes with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      4
      title
      Varadero and farewell
      description
      Wrap up with a slow morning in Varadero, stopping at Varadero Beach, Josone Park, Saturno Cave before heading home.
  • title
    Cuba Monuments & Hot Spots
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Havana
    • Viñales
    • Trinidad
    • Varadero
    highlights
    • Must-see: Old Havana
    • Must-see: El Capitolio
    • Must-see: Viñales Valley
    • Must-see: Mural de la Prehistoria
    best For
    Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Icons of Havana
      description
      Start in Havana with Old Havana, El Capitolio, Malecón, buying timed tickets ahead when possible and finishing with a walk through the historic center.
    • day
      2
      title
      Viñales monuments
      description
      Focus on Viñales's tourist favorites: Viñales Valley, Mural de la Prehistoria, Cueva del Indio with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      3
      title
      Trinidad monuments
      description
      Focus on Trinidad's tourist favorites: Plaza Mayor, Valle de los Ingenios, Topes de Collantes with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      4
      title
      Varadero landmarks and farewell
      description
      Catch any remaining must-sees in Varadero, including Varadero Beach, Josone Park, Saturno Cave, before your departure.
When to go & typical weather
summary
November through April is dry season in Cuba, perfect for Havana classic cars, Viñales tobacco farms, and Varadero beaches without hurricane risk or extreme humidity. December-January is coolest and busiest.
typical Weather
Havana Nov-Apr: highs 26-28°C (79-82°F), lows 18-20°C (64-68°F), 40-60 mm rain. Varadero sea 25-27°C (77-81°F). Santiago warmer and more humid.
details
  • Dec-Jan and Easter peak; casa particulares book early.
  • Jun-Nov hurricane season; storms possible Aug-Oct.
  • May-Oct hotter and rainier but fewer tourists.
  • Carnival Santiago (Jul) vibrant despite heat.
most Affordable
period
Jun – Nov
summary
Hurricane-season and summer months offer Cuba's lowest casa particular and resort rates when Canadian and European winter escape traffic disappears. September and October see deepest discounts at Varadero all-inclusive properties.
details
  • Varadero resorts discount 40-50% in Sep-Oct.
  • Havana casa particulares cut rates in summer low season.
  • Viñales homestays cheaper when tobacco tour demand drops.
  • Charter flights from Canada and Europe less frequent, lower fares.
most Expensive
period
Dec – Apr
summary
Dry-season winter peak fills Havana and Varadero when Canadian and European winter sun travelers pay premium rates for guaranteed warmth. Christmas, New Year, and March-April holiday weeks see highest pricing.
details
  • Havana boutique casas sell out at peak Dec-Jan rates.
  • Varadero all-inclusive premium in winter dry season.
  • Classic car tour and paladar reservations harder in peak weeks.
  • Trinidad and Cienfuegos hotels spike over Christmas period.
Airports & arrivals
summary
Havana José Martí is the main international airport, with Varadero serving beach resorts.
airports
  • name
    José Martí International Airport
    code
    HAV
    location
    Havana
    distance From Center
    18 km (11 mi) south of central Havana
    transfer Note
    Taxis and classic car tours meet arrivals
  • name
    Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport
    code
    VRA
    location
    Varadero
    distance From Center
    25 km (16 mi) south of Varadero resort strip
    transfer Note
    Resort shuttles serve the peninsula
Getting around
overview
Cubans use Víazul tourist buses, local camiones, and shared taxis called almendrones.
trains
  • name
    Ferrocarriles de Cuba
    description
    Limited passenger rail where services run.
    ticketing
    Buy at station counters.
ferries
  • name
    Ferries Cuba
    description
    Harbor ferries in Havana and coastal towns.
    ticketing
    Buy tickets at ferry docks.
subways
    public Transit
    • name
      Víazul
      kind
      public
      description
      Tourist coach network linking major cities.
      ticketing
      Buy at Víazul stations with foreign currency.
    • name
      Havana MetroBus
      kind
      public
      description
      Articulated buses on main Havana corridors.
      ticketing
      Pay with Cuban pesos when boarding.
    ride Share
      Currency
      code
      CUC
      name
      Cuban convertible peso
      symbol
      $
      note
      Carry some cuban convertible peso in cash for taxis and markets; card acceptance is strongest in major cities and tourist areas.

      Convert your travel budget ↗

      Visas & official entry links
      Local customs
      summary
      Cuba is proud, musical, and shaped by decades of scarcity and strong community ties. Cash euros or dollars matter because US cards rarely work. Respect for elders, artists, and revolutionary symbols is expected in public conversation.
      customs
      • Queues for buses and ration shops require patience; cutting lines offends.
      • Salsa and live music venues expect tipping musicians in CUP or foreign currency.
      • Homestay hosts often share meals; accepting a little food is polite.
      dos
      • Carry cash; US credit and debit cards generally do not work.
      • Tip musicians and guides in convertible currency when appreciated.
      • Ask before photographing people in Havana neighborhoods.
      • Dress neatly when visiting schools, hospitals, and government offices.
      • Use official taxis or prearranged transfers from the airport.
      donts
      • Do not criticize the government loudly in public spaces.
      • Do not bring drones without prior authorization.
      • Do not attempt to import unauthorized satellite or networking gear.
      • Do not take photos of military or police without permission.
      • Do not assume Wi-Fi is fast or available outside hotels and parks.
      Useful travel phrases
      language
      Spanish
      phrases
      • english
        Please
        local
        Por favor
        pronunciation
        por fah-BOR
      • english
        Thank you
        local
        Gracias
        pronunciation
        GRAH-syahs
      • english
        Yes
        local
        Sí
        pronunciation
        see
      • english
        No
        local
        No
        pronunciation
        noh
      • english
        How much?
        local
        ¿Cuánto cuesta?
        pronunciation
        KWAHN-toh KWES-ta
      • english
        Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
        local
        ¿Dónde está el restaurante o bar más cercano?
        pronunciation
        DOHN-deh es-TAH el res-tow-RAHN-teh oh bar mahs ther-KAH-no
      • english
        Where is the airport?
        local
        ¿Dónde está el aeropuerto?
        pronunciation
        DOHN-deh es-TAH eh-ay-ro-PWER-toh
      • english
        I need help
        local
        Necesito ayuda
        pronunciation
        neh-seh-SEE-toh ah-YOO-dah
      • english
        I need a hospital
        local
        Necesito un hospital
        pronunciation
        neh-seh-SEE-toh oon o-spee-TAHL
      • english
        Call the police
        local
        Llame a la policía
        pronunciation
        yah-MAH a la po-lee-SEE-ah
      Longer stays
      visa Summary
      U.S. citizens must travel under one of the OFAC authorized categories; tourism-only travel from the United States is restricted regardless of Cuban entry rules. Cuba issues tourist cards or visas for eligible travelers, usually arranged through airlines or tour operators. Long-term residence in Cuba is not available to Americans in ordinary circumstances, and U.S. sanctions and Cuban rules both change over time, so consult U.S. Treasury and Cuban consular guidance.

      Practical tips.

      • Bring enough cash in euros or Canadian dollars because U.S. cards do not work and ATMs are unreliable.
      • Buy a local SIM or eSIM in Havana if you need mobile data because public Wi-Fi cards are slow and scarce outside cities.
      • Confirm casa particular bookings with hosts before arrival because internet outages can delay last-minute messages.
      More travel tips ↗

      Locate Cuba.

      Location map of Cuba

      Before you go.

      Check current entry requirements and travel conditions with official sources before booking. Read the current U.S. State Department advisory for Cuba ↗