A typical first trip here runs about $525 to $700 per person for 7 days at a mid-range style, before flights. Get your own number from the Budget Calculator.
- Ropa vieja, shredded beef in tomato sauce; the national dish
- Arroz con pollo, rice with chicken cooked in beer and spices
- Lechón asado, roasted suckling pig, especially at celebrations
- Mojito and Daiquiri, both invented in Cuba; drink them at their birthplace
- Cuban coffee (café cubano), intensely sweet, rocket-fuel espresso
- Havana Carnival (August), colorful floats and music along the Malecón
- Santiago de Cuba Carnival (July), considered Cuba's most authentic
- Son, salsa, and mambo music, Cuba's contribution to world music is enormous
- Habanos Festival (March), annual celebration of Cuban cigars
- Classic American cars from the 1950s are everywhere, an iconic sight
Spanish (Cuban variety is fast with dropped syllables). Limited English; learn basic Spanish before visiting.
Internet is limited and censored. Cash is essential, US cards often don't work.
The duality of CUP (local) and MLC (tourist) currency can be confusing.
- Cubans are warm, musical, and resourceful, appreciate their resilience
- Bring gifts (soap, batteries, medicines), these are practical and appreciated
- Tipping is very important, it's a major income source for service workers
- Check US travel regulations if traveling from the United States
Latest for Cuba
Updates for Cuba will appear here as they are published. Every update cites official sources, so you can plan on it.