Cuba
COVID-19 UPDATE: Cuba
Dear Travelers,
Despite earlier indications that Cuba had been handling the Covid crisis better than many other countries, it has become apparent to us that tourism to Cuba cannot resume in 2021. The vaccination targets that the Cuban health authorities had set are far from being met. And while tourism to Cuba has been very strictly controlled, allowing limited travelers from only a few countries to visit a few beach resorts, the virus has been spreading rapidly. Added to the mix, a severe hurricane and internal factors have made it difficult for the entities that handle tourism in Cuba to make all the adjustments that the Covid pandemic requires.
Friendly Planet has operated tours to Cuba for many years. It is a destination we and our travelers love to visit, and with good reason. Although we are anxious to resume our tours to Cuba, we have decided to wait until early 2022.
Please be assured that we will resume travel to Cuba as early as possible in 2022. Our travelers want to visit, and the Cubans are waiting for us to return. As those who have visited the island with us have already discovered, US visitors have been a major force contributing to the growth of private businesses, allowing young Cuban entrepreneurs to open restaurants, shops, artistic venues and more. At the same time, the Cubans have gotten to know us and discover that we are their generous, warm, friendly neighbors. It has been a remarkable exercise in establishing people-to-people contacts, and the results have been spectacular for everyone.
We have been working with our Cuban partners to update our programs and prices for 2022, and we expect to post the new dates on our website soon, and we look forward to assisting you in making alternative plans for the coming year.
Best regards,
Peggy
Peggy M. Goldman ● President
Tours & Packages
- Destinations: Cuba
- including closed packages
Trip Reviews & Photos
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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.
- 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.
- Classic American cars
Travel back in time as you ride in style in one of Havana’s classic American cars. In the early 20th century, these incredibly-maintained automobiles were imported to Cuba for around 50 years; however, importing the classic cars came to a halt after the Cuban revolution. Today, Cuba is seen as a living museum for the vintage cars, as it is common to see them in many different colors cruising along the streets. It's estimated that there are about 60,000 classic American cars in Cuba, with some dating back to the early 1930s!Casa Particular, Havana
El Encanto de Perserverancia, the Cuban Bed and Breakfast on our Authentic Havana and Authentic Havana & the Scenic Vinales Valley tours, 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.
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 | Please see our Entry Requirements page. |
| Staying Healthy | 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)! |
| Money & Credit Cards | Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card while traveling. |
| 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: 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. Learn more 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. |
| Did you know? |
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