Cuba is a country in the Caribbean that has been in the news recently for being one of our closest neighbors.
In 2015, then-President Obama announced plans to reopen embassies between the United States and Cuba, closed since 1961.
This is big news for Americans who can now legally travel to Cuba as of March 2016.
Here are the top things you must know about before traveling to Cuba.
1. CUBA COSTS & MONEY
Cuba is a budget traveler’s paradise, with most meals costing about 40 to 60 pesos, or $1-3USD.
Except for major hotels and resorts located in tourist areas, it’s hard to find anything over $50USD per night.
If you run low on money, several ATMs offer U.S.-based credit and debit cards that will work in Cuba as well as exchanged currencies from other countries.
Convertible Pesos CUCs is the official currency used by tourists, but most locals use national pesos Nacionales or Moneda Nacional CN$.
The Cuban government sets the official exchange rates between the two currencies.
Many people don’t even know they exist and will happily take your Moneda Nacional CN$.
However, CUCs are the only way to go for tourists.
Typically, you can get a better deal when converting back to your original currency by using a credit card or ATM rather than exchanging at the official rate.
In addition, keep in mind that not all merchants will accept US dollars, so it’s best to have some local currency on hand just in case.
There is also a 10% penalty for converting currencies back into convertible pesos upon departure from Cuba.
2. TRANSPORTATION
In Cuba, you will need to rent a car or hire a taxi to get from one place to another.
Unlike most other Caribbean islands, there is no public transportation available, and very few locals have their cars.
However, if you come into Havana without a car, don’t worry. There are many taxis all over the city that you can hire by the hour or for a day-long trip at an affordable rate.
Not every car is licensed, so it’s best to use official-looking cabs with a yellow triangle on top of a blue background contained within a red box on the side of the vehicle.
3. HOTEL AND ACCOMMODATION
Cuba offers a range of options for accommodations, from budget hostels to high-end resorts.
It would help if you researched where you are staying before making any reservations, since things can get pretty murky between legal and illegal hotels.
Most resorts or larger-scale accommodations are in Varadero Beach, Santa Clara, Santiago De Cuba, Trinidad, and Havana.
These are more expensive, with nightly rates starting at around $100USD per night during the low season.
Budget travelers will find many affordable hostels in Old Havana or near major tourist areas like beaches and natural regions.
Typically, these rooms start at around 30 CUC per night during the high season but can be as low as 10 CUC on the low season.
Many hotels will also offer meals and tours for an additional charge.
4. CUBAN FOOD
Cuban food is known throughout the Caribbean to be some of the best globally, so it would be a shame not to try everything while you are there.
Most Cuban dishes include rice, beans, plantains, pork, beef, fried potatoes, and other vegetables like spinach or squash.
Most restaurants offer more than just one type of cuisine, including Italian, Mexican, Chinese-Cuban fusion, Russian, and traditional Cuban fare.
Suppose you don’t know which restaurant to choose. In that case, you can always go by recommendations from other travelers or residents or opt for a more affordable option and stop by a local paladar or family-run establishment.
5. NIGHTLIFE IN CUBA
Cubans are some of the most fun-loving people in the world, and it’s easy to see that through their lively nightlife scene.
There is no better place to experience this than Havana, Cuba’s largest city, with over 2 million inhabitants. Almost every day, something is going on, whether it be live music, dancing, or just enjoying an ice-cold beer at one of the many open-air bars and cafeterias along the Malecon seawall next to the ocean.
Visitors looking for a quieter night out can find discotheques all over Cuba in cities large and small.
It’s also not uncommon to find residents in open-air bars listening to live music or dancing to Cuban tunes whenever there is a celebration going on.
6. NATURAL SIGHTS IN CUBA
You can find almost everything that makes Cuba unique within its many natural attractions.
Beaches, mountains, caves, rivers, tropical forests, national parks, and vast deserts are all waiting for travelers who want to get off the beaten path while still seeing some of the more popular sights Cuba offers.
Havana offers many museums dedicated to Cuban history, along with many monuments commemorating essential events in Cuban history.
Outside the city are countless other sites ranging from colonial towns and villages to Roman Catholic churches and lush jungle trails that will make for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
For the beaches, there is no better destination in Cuba than Playa Larga, in the province of Pinar del Rio. This authentic Caribbean beach offers miles of white sand along with clear warm waters, perfect for swimming or even taking your first SCUBA lessons.
7. NATURE IN CUBA
Cuba boasts some of the most diverse wildlife in all the Caribbean, and it’s easy to see why as soon as you step foot on Cuban soil.
The island is home to many species of birds, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians that can be found either in captivity at a zoo or out in their natural habitat.
This includes over 40 endemic bird species found only on the island, along with a variety of unusual animals like flamingos, crocodiles, iguanas, and snakes that visitors will probably not see anywhere else.
8. VISIT A CUBAN VILLAGE
Cubans are amiable people who love showing their cities, towns, and villages to tourists and visitors.
This makes it easy to interact with locals and learn about their culture without even trying, as they will probably invite you into their homes for a meal or offer to take you out on the town after traditional Cuban music and dancing in the streets.
The easiest way to see these villages is by local transportation, like horse-drawn carriages, rented bicycles, or public buses. However, you can only explore some smaller towns on foot, so wear comfortable shoes.
9. VISIT A VILLAGE MARKET
Cubans are known for their homemade goods. Most towns have several markets where people from the surrounding areas come together to sell their wares.
These can range from small fruit stands along the side of the road offering fresh produce from farms in your nearest Cuban village to major marketplaces, selling almost everything you could need and then some.
The best part about shopping at these local markets is that it’s also a cultural experience as you’re likely to run into both residents and tourists alike while bartering over prices and sampling delicious food products like tropical fruits, cakes, snacks, baked goods, natural juices, and more.
10. VISIT A CUBAN FARM
Cuba is known throughout the world for its tobacco industry, but did you know it’s also one of the best places to go if you love fruits and vegetables?
Cubans grow a wide variety of crops, including everything from bananas, pineapple, tomatoes, carrots, garlic, coffee beans, onions, corn on the cob or in the husk known as “elotes,” potatoes of all shapes and sizes that are used in either during every meal.
Many local farms will allow tourists to visit either before, during, or after market hours, depending on the country where they’re located. This makes it possible to see Cuban families working together to produce everything from sugar cane honey to pork products without paying a dime as long as you don’t take any products with you.
11. VISIT A CUBAN SUGAR PLANTATION
Similar to checking out a local farm, visiting a sugar plantation is another excellent way for tourists to learn about Cuban history and culture without having to spend much money at all.
The most extensive sugar plantations in Cuba were once significant producers of the world’s sugar trade, including massive production, processing, refining, and exporting.
These days, this industry has shrunk significantly because of competition from abroad.
However, some plantations like the ones in the cities of Santa Cruz del Norte or Remedios are still active today, producing smaller quantities for domestic consumption and sale worldwide.
12. VISIT A CUBAN INDUSTRY
Industry in Cuba comes in many forms, including everything from cigar factories and rum distilleries to automobile and hardware refurbishing plants.
The most common way for tourists to visit these places is through organized tours, which include guided visits and explanations on how each one operates depending on the industry.
Still, some tour companies also offer packages that include transportation, food, lodging, and other activities like trips or dances. Be sure to do your research before booking anything to get the best deal possible.
13. VISIT A CUBAN BEACH
Like other domestic destinations throughout the Caribbean, Cuba offers multiple beaches for travelers to enjoy during their stay on the island.
Though most beaches that are easily accessible from Havana are crowded with locals and international visitors alike, you can always look into options like renting private cabanas or homes directly on the beach if you’re looking for more privacy during your visit.
Some of the most popular beaches you’ll find throughout Cuba include those in Varadero, Santa Lucia, and Cayo Coco.
14. EXPLORE MARIA LA BAÑOSA
Maria la Bañosa is a series of eight interconnected caves on the outskirts of Havana that contain some spectacular stalactite and limestone formations and a prehistoric rock face called “The Altar,” which measures approximately 100 feet high.
Experts recently renovated these caves from around the world to make them safe for both visitors and wildlife. Still, they’re also known for being home to many species, including birds, bats, butterflies, frogs, fish, lizards, small rodents like mice or hamsters, and larger ones like cats and raccoons.
15. ENJOY A CUBAN CUBAO
A Cuban Cubao is a cup of coffee mixed with milk and sugar, which some people refer to as Vietnamese coffee.
This type of drink isn’t just popular in Cuba. Still, it has been exported worldwide by local street vendors that offer authentic Cuban dishes and drinks at affordable prices for both locals and visitors alike.
Though most Cubans have their way of making this beverage, most recipes include mixing brown sugar with sweet condensed milk before adding coffee grounds, constantly stirring over low heat until the mixture is thickened slightly, then slowly pouring hot solid water directly from a kettle into the cup or mugs.
16. MEET LOCAL SCOOTER RIDERS
You can often find these local scooter riders cruising across the streets of Havana in search of tourists who are looking to hire them for an hour, a day, or even longer to visit all the must-see attractions that aren’t too far from each other within the city center.
The best part about hiring one of these local drivers is that most of them know their way around without using maps (but bring your own just in case), and they’re always willing to stop whenever you want to take pictures or grab some fresh fruit from a roadside stand.
In addition, many scooter riders will also provide different tours, including but not limited to bar hopping, clubbing, and even group sex, so be sure to do your research before hiring one for any length of time.
17. VISIT LA HABANA VIEJA (OLD HAVANA)
La Habana Vieja is a large neighborhood in the heart of Havana that includes multiple churches, plazas, museums, and other attractions for tourists to enjoy throughout their stay on the island.
The central plaza within this community, known as Plaza de la Catedral or Cathedral Square, is home to many beautiful buildings such as Parroquial Mayor Church, Palacio del Marqués de San Felipe y Santiago de Bejuca, and Museo de San Francisco.
Still, it also features an open-air market where you’ll find locals selling fresh produce, spices, collectibles, and more.
18. WATCH LOCAL CUBAN MUSICIANS PERFORM LIVE IN THE STREETS
If it’s not too busy in the streets of Havana when you visit, keep your eyes peeled for local musicians who showcase their talents with traditional Cuban instruments like maracas, saxophones, trumpets, bongos, congas drums, shakers, or anything else they might be using.
Though most of these performers will only offer a small taste of what they offer by playing a short melody or rhythm for tourists passing by out of courtesy rather than money before moving on to another location within the city, many of them will also accept donations if you want to show your appreciation for their music or they’ll even request a specific amount before they play.
19. PARTY WITH LOCALS AT A HAVANA CLUB
Havana Club is one of the most famous rum brands in Cuba, and it’s not just enjoyed by tourists but also locals as a type of moonshine that contains about 60% alcohol.
This drink is trendy among young people from all walks of life who enjoy taking shots or chugging big gulps straight from the bottle with no mixers allowed at Havana clubs throughout the city where live bands perform everything from salsa, soca, reggaeton, pop, rock & roll, jazz, and more.
20. VISIT THE SCENIC BEACHES OF MARIA LA BAÑOSA
About an hour and a half from Havana, Maria la Bañosa is one of the most scenic beach communities you’ll find in all of Cuba.
Visitors can enjoy surfing, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing, and kayaking, among the many other attractions it offers, like cafes, restaurants, and small hotels for overnight stays.
Vendors offering anything from fresh fruit and souvenirs to Cuban cigars at affordable prices.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, Cuba is a must-see for people who love to travel and try new things.
Cuba has a rich culture, exciting history, and world-famous music.
If you want to experience something new or have an unforgettable time, visit Cuba.
Best of all, it’s straightforward to get there from the United States.
Have you been to Cuba before? What was your experience like?