Cuba Travel Forum

Hi, me and my friend (2 of us) are leaving for Cuba in 3 days and apparently I havent done much research about this place, I am a little restless yet worried.

1) We are planning to spend 7-8 days in Cuba. Can someone suggest an itinerary for a good 8 days trip in Cuba - Going to havana is a sure thing... but where else should I be visiting (we want to spend at least time as possible on the road). Places that I am interested in seeing are country -side, relaxing little town or beach town. All suggestions welcome.

2) How much money/cash should i be bringing for an 8-days trip in Cuba,exclude airfare but expenses for cheap accommodation, food, transportation around town/between towns. Planning to bring US600, would that be enough? Also planning to change the dollars to CAD bills. We are flying from US to Cancun then planning to get tickets at the local airport and fly in there. I checked the airfare rate is around US300 roundtrip from cancun-havana.

3) Please suggest an apartment to stay in havana. I checked online and there are too many of them. Good location is important and roughly US35 per night. Prefer quiet and "apartment" style.

Thank you very much. I appreciate all of your suggestions!!

Sounds like you are running out of time to plan things out. One week is not enough, but if you are pressed for time, it may be good for you to check with local tour operator for a more complete & fulfilling trip.

Definitely do Havana (city experience) & Varadero (beach experience). More out of the way historical places would be Santa Clara & the Sierra Maestra. There will also be farmlands & farmers' cooperatives around Santiago de Cuba. You will need to fly to get to some of these places to maximize your limited time.

For a place to stay in Havana, check places around the Vedado area. As to pocket money, it all depends on your spending habits & your vacation preferences (budget vs. luxury). Staying in "casas" may be a cheaper alternative to hotels. Remember, Cuba is still a third-world country, so services & goods cost less than in the US.

Travel to Cuba for US citizens is restricted and requires a special permit/license from the government. You also will need a visa from the Cuban government. Entering Cuba from other countries (i.e., Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas) is heavily monitored & getting caught involves heavy fines and/or imprisonment.

Goodluck!

Check out my reply to Marc97, June5, Cuba Forum about booking Casas in Havana, don't be afraid to walk as the casas I suggest are within resonable distance of the Malecon, La Rampa or Old Havana and are from $25 to $30cuc. Phone ahead or email if you can, at least phone from the Airport( the bathroom porter will have Cuban pesos for the phone)Change $200 to $ 300 at the Airport, make sure you get a receipt and count your $$ at the counter. Watch the Cabbies as they will try to take to a Casa of their choice and it will cost you a extra $5cuc kickback to them.
Check out the Playa del Este outside of Havana for beaches and with your time frame head for Vinales. Visit the Hotel National for the view, lunch and $$ exchange, wireless internet there and at the Melia Cohiba which also has a wicked cigar shop (try the Dedamas cigars) have a coffee, etc. at the glassed in bar in the Hotel Riveria and lunch on the terrance of the Hotel Ingleteria and people watch at Central Pargue with a walk down the Prado. Nightlife starts late with floor shows after 9:00. Go to the El Gato Tuerto(one eyed cat) near the hotel National for great on going music. You can get some good food for reasonible prices in Chino Barrio.
Cash wise depends on how active you want to be, per day $50 cuc will cover food and lodging, $100cuc will give you some travel and night life anything more will increase your flexiblity but probably make you less creative.
Remember take only taxis with working meters and save $25cuc for your exit fees.
Buy your rum and cigars at the Airport if you are taking any home?(USA)

1) Havana, Vinales, Trinidad. Varadero has very nice beach but all hotels are AI, your budget may not cover. Trinidad has a playa called Ancon, you may stay in AI hotels or take a tour bus to the beach.

2) Remember to have extra 25 cuc for leaving Cuba. $600 should be enough if you stay in Casa.

3) 25-30 CUC per night for a casa room, be sure to stay as closer to the old town as you can or near the tour bus station.

I just returned from Cuba, may share some infor if you need.

1)
** Like some above posters ... I think Trinidad is the place for you to go after Havana. It is a 5 hour drive by bus from Havana. Check out the Viazul website: www.viazul.com
Trinidad has a great open air nightlife with alot life music daily, nature, and beach
More information about Trinidad: http://www.cuba-junky.com/sancti-spiritus/trinidad-home.htm

2)
** An experienced backpacker can do Cuba for 50 USD per day ...
Remind you are American and if you are running out of cash you have a REAL problem since you can not connect with you American bank from Cuba!

3)
** So many places on the internet who advertise casa particulares. Average price for a legal casa particular in Havana is 30 cuc per room without breakfast.
It is not really necessary to book in advance. when you ask the taxi driver you need a casa to stay he have his friends ... go there and use the next day to find a better one if you like.

Since you are American read this page!
http://www.cuba-junky.com/cuba/vamos_UStravelinfo.htm

Succes and have fun :)
CJ