Cuba tours & vacations

Cuba’s subtropical climate makes it a pleasant place to explore year-round but the best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. These months see warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, with January-March as ideal times for climbing, hiking, chasing waterfalls and cycling through pastures, cities and beach towns. Lots of sunshine does mean lots of people, so don’t expect to be the only tourist on Playa Ancon during these months.

The wet season runs from May to October, but downpours are short and shouldn’t drastically impede travel plans. Tropical storms are more prevalent in September and October, but mornings are usually hot and sunny, so you can get the bulk of your exploring in early. If you aren’t scared of some rain, the wet season can be a great time to visit and have the landmarks and cities mostly to yourself and the locals. Plus, afternoon showers keep the island’s forests lush and green, a photographer’s dream.

Learn more about the best time to visit Cuba

Cuba’s history is complex – shaped by indigenous roots, colonization, revolution and resilience. Once home to the Guanahatabey, Ciboney and Taino peoples, the island was claimed by Spain in 1492 and remained under colonial rule for centuries, its economy thriving on sugar, coffee and tobacco plantations. After the Spanish-American War in 1898 and a brief control by the US, Cuba gained its independence but endured decades of corrupt leadership – until Fidel Castro’s 1959 revolution transformed it into a communist state. Since then, Cuba’s relationship with the US has been complex, marked by trade embargoes, political tensions and more recently, small steps toward diplomacy.  

Cuba is a developing country that is experiencing economic strains, which means Cubans sometimes go without luxury items that many Westerners take for granted, with certain foods and consumer products not available. Despite these challenges, Cuban culture is unstoppable. A vibrant mix of Spanish, African and Creole influences, it pulses through the streets in the form of Afro-Cuban music, salsa dancing and lively festivals like the Santiago de Cuba Carnival. Art is on the rise, too – ballet, film and contemporary dance are increasing in popularity. This love of life is evident in the street parties, festivals and fiestas that are celebrated throughout the year and coffee, cigars and rum flow freely. Life in cities and life in rural areas can be quite different, but the pace of living is consistently Cuban – you're on local time now, so go with the flow.  

Things to try in Cuba

Ropa vieja 

Not only is this one of the national dishes of Cuba, but it’s also found all over the Caribbean, in Spain and even in the Philippines. The popular meal is made with slow-cooked pulled beef with bell peppers and onions smothered in a tomato-based sauce and usually served with maduros (fried plantains), black beans and rice. 

Pastelitos

These small pastries can either be sweet or savoury with fillings like cream cheese, guava and beef being the most popular. Think empanadas, Cuban style, and you’ve got a tasty, easy meal on the run.  

Cuban sandwich
Also known as a mixto this sandwich has become one of the quintessential images of Cuban food beyond its borders and is a popular street food in Cuba. Pork, ham, pickles, cheese and mustard on grilled bread – what's not to like?  

Fritura de maiz
These golden, deep-fried cheese and cornmeal fritters are a Cuban street food favourite – and for good reason. Crispy on the outside, soft and savoury on the inside, they’re the perfect snack or appetizer – who doesn’t love a hand-held fried snack?  

Moros y cristianos 

‘Rice and beans’ is not just rice and beans. In this dish, black beans and white rice are added to a base of peppers, garlic and onion and simmered with herbs, creating a flavourful addition to any meal and served up at virtually every Cuban restaurant you’ll come across.  

Tostones

Feeling a bit peckish and need a snack on the go? Seek out some tostones; these twice-fried plantain chips are very popular in a lot of Latin American countries and are a super easy and yummy snack.  

Flan

Flan may be known all around Central and South America as an essential dessert but Cuba has its own spin. It’s made with evaporated and sweetened condensed milk, giving it a thicker and creamier caramel custard finish than other varieties. Get ready for a seriously delicious sugar high.  

Coppelia ice cream
Line up with locals to savour a sweet scoop from Coppelia ice cream parlour; This Cuban institution serves tried and true flavours like chocolate and vanilla as well as local favourites like mango and coconut.  

Rum

The drink of choice in Cuba, obviously. Savour some Havana Club straight up, have it mixed in a minty mojito or sip on a Cuba Libre – rum, cola and lime.  

Coffee
Cuban coffee is of legendary quality, so be sure to get your caffeine hit with a small but rich cup of liquid gold. Drink it like the locals do, as a cafecito or Cafe Cubano. This type of espresso-style coffee is usually sweetened with raw cane sugar and stirred in with the first drips of espresso to get the best result.  

Learn more about Cuba’s culinary scene

As the largest island in the Caribbean, this sun-drenched destination packs a little bit of everything into its borders. Think rolling mountains, white-sand beaches, swaying tobacco fields and lush valleys rich with seasonal fruit and veggies. 

Most of Cuba’s landscape is lowlands and flat plains. With more than 20% of the island covered with natural parks, there’s incredible biodiversity within its reefs and rainforests, including the world’s smallest hummingbird.  

And then there are the cities – Havana, with its grand old buildings and 1950s cars, feels like stepping into a time capsule. It may be a photographer’s dream as a traveller, but it can make daily life in the city quite difficult for locals. Due to lack of building materials, new housing and infrastructure are rare, making living conditions quite cramped for Cuban city-dwellers. Rural life offers more space and a quieter pace, but reduced access to services.  

1. Havana

Step into the living postcard that is Havana, where classic American cars cruise past Art Deco theatres, plazas and sun-faded mansions. Hop in a vintage convertible and roll down the Malecon, soak in the history at Plaza da la Revolucion and wander through Old Havana’s cobbled streets. Cuba’s capital has a lot of charm and a lot to offer.  

2. Vinales

Rolling green valleys dotted with limestone outcrops and villages filled with warm, hospitable people – this is one of the most picturesque parts of Cuba. Learn about the tradition of Cuban cigars from a local tobacco farmer then visit a family-run organic farm for a home-cooked meal.

3. Cienfuegos

French charm meets Caribbean soul in Cienfuegos. Stroll down its streets lined with pastel-hued mansions, then wander the waterfront as you ooh and ahh at its architecture. The city’s crown jewel, Palacio del Valle, is a stunning mix of Gothic, Moorish and Baroque styles. 

4. Topes de Collantes

A hidden pocket for nature lovers tucked away in the Escambray Mountains near Trinidad, this nature reserve park is home to forest, waterfalls and secret swimming holes waiting to be discovered (don’t worry, your local leader will help you find them). 

5. Trinidad

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with culture, nightlife and beaches, and is widely considered the most preserved town in Cuba. Roam around its colorful streets, visit fascinating museums and stop by a family-run pottery workshop to see local craftsmanship in action. 

Learn more about things to do in Cuba 

The official currency of Cuba is the Cuban Peso (CUP); however, US Dollars and Euros are now widely accepted and often the preferred payment. Both US Dollars and Euros are often viewed as having the exact same value in Cuba.

Some credit cards are accepted (Visa and Mastercard more widely), although cards linked to US banking institutions won’t be accepted. Debit cards (even Visa debit) rarely work. 

We recommend bringing enough USD or Euros in cash to cover your purchases during the trip.  

ATMs are sometimes accessible in large cities like Havana and Santiago de Cuba but are not guaranteed to work. They are rare and almost non-existent in other parts of Cuba. We recommend bringing multiple cards from different banks and ensuring you have other payment options available in case you cannot access an ATM while travelling. 

Speak with your local tour leader before exchanging currency on the street. Since exchange rates are fluid, they can help you find the best rate.