Custom travel to Cuba

Cuba, the Caribbean's largest island (110,860 km², 11.2 million inhabitants), a socialist republic since the 1959 revolution led by Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, has lived under US embargo since 1962 — an isolation that has paradoxically preserved its heritage. The country counts 9 UNESCO sites, including Old Havana (1982, 600 Spanish colonial monuments across 4 km² around four iconic squares), Trinidad (1988, an 18th-c. colonial museum-city frozen in the sugar golden age), Viñales (2000, karst valley with limestone mogotes where 70% of the world's Habanos cigar tobacco grows), Cienfuegos (2005, 19th-c. French architecture), and Camagüey (2008, labyrinthine 16th-c. layout). Havana (2.1 million inhabitants, founded in 1519) unfolds its 8 km Malecon, nicknamed « the world's longest sofa », where Habaneros gather at dusk over rum and cigars. Its 1929 Capitol replicates Washington's, and 60,000 1950s American cars — Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet — still roll thanks to 70 years of Cuban tinkering. Trinidad lines up its kalfar-paved streets and colorful baroque sugar palaces, with Casa de la Música hosting live salsa. Cuban cuisine — ropa vieja, moros y cristianos, the mojito born at La Bodeguita del Medio and the daiquiri at El Floridita (two Hemingway temples) — is enjoyed to the sound of son cubano and rumba. Casas particulares, authorized in 1997 and used by 95% of travelers, offer an authentic immersion in Cuban life. Outside Varadero, Cuba is experienced as a unique time-travel journey.

Highlights

  • UNESCO 1982 Havana: 600 colonial monuments and 4 central squares
  • UNESCO 1988 Trinidad: colonial museum-city frozen in 18th c.
  • UNESCO 2000 Viñales Valley: mogotes and 70% of world tobacco
  • 1950s American cars: 60,000 preserved by 70-year tinkering
  • Casas particulares: 95% of tourists in family immersion
  • Mojito + daiquiri + Hemingway cigars at La Bodeguita del Medio

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time for a Cuba trip?

November-April (dry season, 22-28 °C, few rains). December-February: tourist peak, highest prices. March-April: best compromise. Avoid June-October hurricane season (60% probability, peak August-October).

How long for a Cuba trip?

Essential Cuba (Havana + Trinidad + Viñales): 10 nights. With Cienfuegos + Santiago de Cuba: 14 nights. With Varadero or Cayos beach: +4 nights. Mexico Yucatán combo: 14 nights.

Casas particulares or state hotels?

Recommended casas particulares (95% of tourists choose them) — 1997-regulated Cuban private economy, authentic family immersion, €25-50/night with breakfast, French-English-speaking tourism-trained owners. State hotels (Iberostar, Meliá, Kempinski): 5★ comfort for transit but less authentic Cuban experience.

What budget for 10 nights?

Comfort (casas + paladares + private driver): €2,590-3,200/person. Premium (Iberostar Parque Central + casas + private 5-day 1950s American car): €3,800-4,800. Excellence (Kempinski Manzana + exclusive casas + Cohiba VIP driver): €5,800+.

Habanos cigars: where to buy?

Official Havana boutiques (Casa del Habano on Calle Obispo, Conde de Villanueva): Cohiba Behike €25-100/authentic cigar with guarantee + customs invoice (max 50 cigars export). Family vegueros Viñales: €5-10/cigar (comparable quality, but without origin guarantee).

Visa for Cuba?

Mandatory « Tourist card » (€22 at Air France boarding or prior agency purchase, 30-day valid renewable +30). No e-visa. 6-month valid biometric passport.

Credit cards accepted?

VERY LIMITED — European/Asian-issued Visa-Mastercard generally refused even big hotels. USA cards TOTALLY REFUSED embargo. CASH DOMINANT — bring euros (preferable to USD), change to CUP moneda nacional at CADECA. Count €80-120/day cash.

Internet in Cuba?

Very limited — ETECSA public Wi-Fi in hotels + central parks only (€1/h ETECSA card). 4G mobile since 2018 but slow + expensive for foreigners. Casas particulares rarely have Wi-Fi (5%). Prepare for total disconnect.

Is Cuba safe?

Very safe (one of Caribbean's safest countries). Rare Old Havana tourist pickpockets. No areas to avoid for tourists.

Can I combine with other destinations?

Yes, classic: Cuba + Mexico Yucatán (Havana-Cancún flight 1 h, Tulum + UNESCO Chichen Itza), + Jamaica (Havana-Kingston flight 1 h, Bob Marley + Negril), + Bahamas (1 h Nassau flight), + Dominican Republic (1 h 30 flight).