Cuba
From salsa dancing beneath the night sky in Havana and the sweet and earthy smell of hand-rolled cigars to colorfully painted casas and the bright smiles (and wardrobe!) of warm and welcoming locals—experiencing the authentic side of Cuba is a bucket list item every traveler should check off!
Since President Obama opened the door to legal travel for US citizens in 2011, we've facilitated dynamic people-to-people experiences for travelers to this relatively untapped destination. Just 90 miles from US soil, travel to Cuba is easier than ever! Our value-packed Cuba tours have been in high demand, and we've helped thousands of delighted travelers discover this once forbidden island! Experience the rich culture of indigenous, African and European roots. Meet artists in their Old Havana studios, Afro-Cubans in Spanish Colonial Trinidad, and agriculturists at a "coincidental" farm in Cardenas.
We're proud to be one of the first U.S. tour companies to have been awarded a People-to-People license for Cuba travel, way back in September, 2011. Since then, we've sent thousands of American travelers to Cuba to participate in unique, inspiring, and affordable encounters with the Cuban people.
Friendly Planet Travel is an authorized sponsor of People to People travel to Cuba in accordance with the Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) section, 1 C.F.R. § 515.565(b) People to People Travel.
Tours & Packages
Highlights
- Havana
A throwback to another generation, Havana’s old world charm is a glimpse into the heart of this fascinating country. Old cobbled plazas and historic-buildings-turned-museums are juxtaposed with popular nightclubs and hotels that still exude a 1950s atmosphere. Don’t miss the chance to explore Habana Vieja (Old Havana), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of narrow and winding cobbled streets and almost 1,000 buildings of historical significance.
- Ernest Hemingway, Finca Vigia
Acclaimed author Ernest Hemingway loved Cuba. His home for 21 years (1939–1960), Finca Vigia, has been painstakingly preserved including the furnishings and his extensive book and art collection (including works by Picasso). Literature fanatics will also recognize Pilar on the grounds, Hemingway’s fishing boat named after his wife Pauline, and the lead character in his 1940 novel For Whom The Bell Tolls. His house is also near the quaint fishing village of Cojimar, the setting for his book The Old Man and the Sea.
- Cigar Factory
Cuba is known to make the world’s greatest cigars and no trip would be complete without touring the factories where artisans still expertly hand roll them. The faint smell of smoke and earth fill the room as guests are escorted through the factory—learning each step of the process along the way: from drying tobacco leaves and compacting the cigars through to finished, ready to smoke products. Smokers and non-smokers alike will be enthralled by the process and dedication of creating a product that is an essential part of Cuban history—and a huge export.
- Paladares, private restaurants
In the midst of a culinary revolution, dining in Cuba becomes an adventure as thousands of little-known (and sometimes even secret!) independent restaurants have exploded across the island. Relaxed government regulations on private business have facilitated this growing industry—with more than 2,000 newly opened eateries. Innovative restaurateurs have opened up in surprising locations, offering experiences that often rival dining in London or Paris. The flavorful food and atmosphere are comforting and authentic, and rich and complex dishes shatter the “rice and beans” stereotype. Don’t forget to grab a freshly made mojito to follow your savory ropa vieja (braised, shredded beef)!
- Trinidad
Trinidad’s iconic red-tiled roofs and cobblestone streets are a must for visitors who travel to Cuba! This UNESCO World Heritage City was founded in 1514 and many of its architectural marvels still stand today. Colorfully painted houses and a yesteryear atmosphere create a unique experience that harkens back to centuries ago. Dotted with museums, open-air markets, shops, and bars, Trinidad is a lively city—complete with unforgettable photo opps! Interestingly, the city is also a center for the Santeria religion. Visit Templo de Yemaya where practitioners explain the basic principles, an interesting blend of African and catholic traditions.
Casa Particular, Havana
El Encanto de Perserverancia, the Cuban Bed and Breakfast on our Authentic Havana tour, is a highlight in itself. This B&B, or casa particular, was hand-picked by our President Peggy Goldman during her many trips to Havana. It is a traditional colonial-style house that has been lovingly restored and converted into charming accommodations. The casa is privately owned, meaning your money goes directly into the pockets of the locals, and it offers a much more authentic, intimate and satisfying stay versus the huge government run hotels in the city. Our casa is also very centrally located, only a seven minute walk from the Malecon, the city’s iconic sea wall, and it is within easy walking distance of several trendy restaurants including La Guarida, frequented by many American celebrities when they visit Havana. Plus, we give you the genuine experience of staying in a real Havana community with schools, cafes and local shops nearby while only being a short drive from touristic Old Havana.
A throwback to another generation, Havana’s old world charm is a glimpse into the heart of this fascinating country. Old cobbled plazas and historic-buildings-turned-museums are juxtaposed with popular nightclubs and hotels that still exude a 1950s atmosphere. Don’t miss the chance to explore Habana Vieja (Old Havana), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of narrow and winding cobbled streets and almost 1,000 buildings of historical significance.
Acclaimed author Ernest Hemingway loved Cuba. His home for 21 years (1939–1960), Finca Vigia, has been painstakingly preserved including the furnishings and his extensive book and art collection (including works by Picasso). Literature fanatics will also recognize Pilar on the grounds, Hemingway’s fishing boat named after his wife Pauline, and the lead character in his 1940 novel For Whom The Bell Tolls. His house is also near the quaint fishing village of Cojimar, the setting for his book The Old Man and the Sea.
Cuba is known to make the world’s greatest cigars and no trip would be complete without touring the factories where artisans still expertly hand roll them. The faint smell of smoke and earth fill the room as guests are escorted through the factory—learning each step of the process along the way: from drying tobacco leaves and compacting the cigars through to finished, ready to smoke products. Smokers and non-smokers alike will be enthralled by the process and dedication of creating a product that is an essential part of Cuban history—and a huge export.
In the midst of a culinary revolution, dining in Cuba becomes an adventure as thousands of little-known (and sometimes even secret!) independent restaurants have exploded across the island. Relaxed government regulations on private business have facilitated this growing industry—with more than 2,000 newly opened eateries. Innovative restaurateurs have opened up in surprising locations, offering experiences that often rival dining in London or Paris. The flavorful food and atmosphere are comforting and authentic, and rich and complex dishes shatter the “rice and beans” stereotype. Don’t forget to grab a freshly made mojito to follow your savory ropa vieja (braised, shredded beef)!
Trinidad’s iconic red-tiled roofs and cobblestone streets are a must for visitors who travel to Cuba! This UNESCO World Heritage City was founded in 1514 and many of its architectural marvels still stand today. Colorfully painted houses and a yesteryear atmosphere create a unique experience that harkens back to centuries ago. Dotted with museums, open-air markets, shops, and bars, Trinidad is a lively city—complete with unforgettable photo opps! Interestingly, the city is also a center for the Santeria religion. Visit Templo de Yemaya where practitioners explain the basic principles, an interesting blend of African and catholic traditions.
El Encanto de Perserverancia, the Cuban Bed and Breakfast on our Fast Facts
Already booked on one of our packages to Cuba? See everything you need to know before you go.
| Overview | Capital: Havana |
| Entry requirements | U.S. citizens must have a passport which is valid at the time of entry, though we strongly recommend it be valid for at least six months after your return date. U.S. passport holders must have a visa to enter Cuba. Under current U.S. law, travel to Cuba by U.S. citizens and residents for tourism is prohibited. However, there are several forms of authorized travel, including licensed "People-to-People" cultural exchange programs such as those operated by Friendly Planet. Travel to Cuba is regulated by the Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC") of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Please see the Treasury website or the U.S. Dept. of State website for more information. Booked on one of our packages with Scheduled Dates? For U.S. passport holders, we will pre-arrange your travel visa, and the visa fee is included in your package price. After you book, please send a color scan or color photocopy of the photo page of your passport to [email protected] so that we may process your visa. If you hold a passport from another country, it is quite possible that you may enter Cuba on one of our programs; please contact us before you book to learn more. If you were born in Cuba, regardless of your citizenship, you must apply for a visa directly from the Cuban Embassy. Please notify us when you book if this applies to any travelers in your party. More information about passports & visas. |
| Health Precautions & Vaccinations | Before visiting Cuba, it is recommended that you are up to date on all your routine vaccines ( measles, mumps, tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine etc) You may need to get the following vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for at your destination: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid and Rabies. |
| Weather | The weather in Cuba is humid and tropical. The warmest month of the year is July, when the temperature averages about 85° F. The coldest month of the year is January, when the temperature during the day averages about 70° F. The rainy season lasts from May through October, and the driest months are from November to April. |
| Dining | Cuba’s communist government continues to impact agricultural production. But despite the lack of varied fresh ingredients, great meals can be found across the nation! Many traditional Cuban dishes are fried or roasted, and the main staples of the locals’ diet consists of chicken and pork accompanied by moros y cristianos (white rice cooked in black beans). With the explosion of paladares, or private restaurants, opening across the island, Cuba is experiencing a bit of a culinary renaissance. Must-savor Cuban dishes include ropa vieja (marinated braised lamb or beef), pudin (similar to flan), Cuban coffee (strong and sweet, espresso style), tres leches cake and to finish it off - an authentic mojito (a traditional Cuban cocktail made of rum with mint, sugar and lime)! |
| Tipping | In general 1CUC is fine for waitresses, barmen, maids, etc. with maybe 5CUC for a tour guide. You are not expected to tip after each drink, after every meal, or even every day for the maid. Tip the barmen once every other day or so and the room maid a little during your stay plus a larger tip on the last day. |
| Money | Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad. |
| Shopping | Bring home more than a postcard from your travels in Cuba! Wander the open-air markets, artisan workshops, and stores to pick up mementos that will help you remember how unique Cuba is: cigars, fine art and sculpture, rum, expertly crafted musical instruments, and Soviet Union era antiques. Note: As of October 2016 the restrictions on importing Cuban goods have been lifted. Authorized U.S. travelers are permitted to import Cuban goods for personal use, including Cuban cigars and rum. (Normal limits on duty/taxes will apply.) |
| Electricity & Power Adapters | 110 and 220 volts. Plugs A & B; C & L. We recommend that you bring an adapter/converter along with you as not all hotels will have 110 volt (A&B plugs) outlets. View more information about electrical standards around the world. |
| Cell Phones & Internet | Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? See our blog posts on using your cell phone abroad and the top 5 ways to get Internet abroad. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does President Trump's policy about travel to Cuba impact your tours?
[Updated Nov 2017] President Trump's policies regarding Cuba have created a lot of uncertainty about travel to the island. The policy does severely restrict the ability of individuals to travel to and from Cuba on their own. However, group tours organized by tour operators like Friendly Planet authorized by the Treasury have not been affected. Our tours to Cuba remain completely legal—and the best and safest way for Americans to visit the island.
How are you able to offer trips to Cuba legally?
[Updated Nov 2017] Friendly Planet is an authorized sponsor of People-to-People travel to Cuba in accordance with the Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) section, 1 C.F.R. § 515.565(b) People-to-People Travel. Learn more about OFAC and the rules governing U.S. citizens' travel to Cuba on the U.S. Treasury website. We are constantly monitoring changes in policy and will continue to ensure our trips comply with the letter of the law.
Why should I travel to Cuba with a tour company?
[Updated Nov 2017] It has never been more important to travel to Cuba with a tour company. The current travel guidelines significantly restrict the ability of individuals to visit Cuba and where they can spend their money.
That's why you travel with Friendly Planet! We were among the first U.S. tour companies to be awarded a license for educational tours back in 2011—back when the rules were even stricter! Since then, we've sent thousands of Americans to Cuba. We have the knowledge, experience and relationships to ensure your trip conforms to the law, while offering unique and inspiring encounters with the people of Cuba that you wouldn't get traveling on your own.
What is People-to-People travel, and what can I expect on my tour?
[Updated Nov 2017] People-to-People educational exchanges are designed to give Americans a look at what life is really like in Cuba by coming face-to-face with the island's vibrant communities, blossoming businesses, fascinating history, and welcoming people. Each of our itineraries is chock-full of intimate and interesting educational activities that transform sightseeing into unforgettable cultural experiences.
Examples of People-to-People experiences include:
- Meet young, up and coming Cuban artists in a private studio
- Visit the fascinating Afro-Cuban neighborhood of Regla
- Meet talented local fashion designers and a woodcraft experts at their home workshop
- Join Cubans for a neighborhood block party
- Watch a rehearsal by one of Havana's well-known dance companies
Learn more about some of our favorite Cuba experiences on our blog!
The news mentions that Americans are subject to a Treasury Department Audit. What does that mean? Will I be audited?
[Updated Nov 2017] U.S. travelers have always been subject to OFAC audit. However, these audits are rarely (if ever) conducted, and in practice, the OFAC relies on tour companies to ensure your trip complies with the law. Keep your trip documents, your travel journal and any receipts for purchases in Cuba, and you should be in compliance in the unlikely event you are ever asked to produce records of your trip. These audits confirm that you have participated in a People-to-People program, which you have done if you travel with us!
Is it legal to buy things in Cuba? Aren't there restrictions on spending that benefits the Cuban government?
[Updated Nov 2017] There are. But when you travel with us, we'll always let you know where you can legally shop and what you can purchase. Happily, you can continue to purchase rum and cigars to bring home with you, as well as original art and educational materials (books, etc). We specifically design our trips to include many opportunities to support the privately-owned businesses and entrepreneurs that are just beginning to flourish in Cuba.
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Check out our blog for our latest articles on Cuba.