Cuba Adventures: Your Ultimate Travel Guide 🇨🇺
Visa Essentials: Getting Ready for Your Trip
Heads up, future Cuban explorers! You'll need a couple of key documents before you can soak up that Caribbean sun:
- Custom Declaration (D'Viajeros form): I used visacuba.com, paid $85, and received it pronto. Super convenient!
- eVisa: cubavisaservices.com is your go-to. Another $85, and you get it almost instantly. BIG TIP: They often don't accept credit cards unless they're US-based. If you're transiting through a US airport like Miami, hit up those automated machines, load cash to get a prepaid card, and use that to pay. Problem solved!
Must-Know Facts Before You Touch Down
Prepare to be amazed, but also, be prepared! Here's the inside scoop:
- Sim Card Situation: Cubacel (government-owned) is your only option. Grab it near baggage claim. Seriously, do this first! The line moves at a glacial pace, and you don't want to waste precious time. It's about $7 for 7 days, and the LTE signal is surprisingly decent, except maybe in rural areas.
- VPN is Your BFF: Some apps are blocked in Cuba, so download a VPN beforehand. It might slow things down, but it gets the job done.
- Pina Coladas = Heaven: Seriously, they're delicious and cheap. Need I say more?
- Cash is King (and Queen): Everywhere except government-owned hotels like Kempinski demands cold, hard cash. Bring enough! Otherwise, you'll miss out on authentic Cuban experiences.
Uh Oh, No Cash? Here's How to Hack It:
Last-minute trip with only credit cards? Been there! Here's what I did:
- Airport Transfer: Book your airport pickup with your hotel *before* you arrive. Give them at least 48 hours' notice.
- Accommodation: Airbnb and hotels usually take cards. Book *before* you're in Cuba! Messaging hosts works fine in Cuba, but payment can be blocked.
- Restaurant Rescues: Eclectico (206 Av. Paseo) and La Guarida (418 Concordia) in Havana are my absolute faves and rare gems that accept cards.
Itinerary Inspiration: Where to Go
Spend at least a week in Cuba! Don't just stick to Havana. Vinales (cigar country), Varadero (insanely beautiful beaches), and Trinidad (colorful houses galore) are must-sees.
I traveled solo and wasn't keen on navigating public transport alone. I based myself in Havana and booked day trips or small tours (3-4 people) through Civitatis. They were punctual, had comfy cars, were safe, had reasonable prices, and the guides were fantastic. You can pay online (score!), but it's usually via Paypal (boo!).
Where to Stay: From Luxury to Local
I did both! I splurged at the Gran Kempinski and stayed in a humble home in Old Havana. Do both to experience the incredible contrast.
Kempinski is fancy and convenient. But even though it's a Swiss brand, the staff are government employees, poorly paid ($10-20/month), and the service wasn't great (especially for $400/night!).
Due to US-Cuba politics, Americans can't stay in big hotels, so they were practically empty. Many boutique hotels in Old Town were closed, and American tourists stay in Airbnb. I felt trapped in a bubble, fearing the outside world, when I stayed at the hotel, but it was actually safe and warm.
Leaving my hotel for an Airbnb was the best decision I made. Cuba isn't Cuba until you experience the neighborly warmth of the locals.
Acosta is the Place to Be!
Stay in Acosta! Here's why:
- Best Host Ever: During a blackout, Maykel and Bryan (my hosts) drove me around on their scooter and told me about Cuba while sitting on the porch to make sure I wasn't scared. Then, on my last day, they found a driver when I couldn't get cash. The best host ever!
- Affordable and Spacious: Maykel single-handedly renovated the penthouse after returning to Cuba from Belgium. It's huge, with two bedrooms and a kitchen. The Asian-inspired decor made me feel at home.
The house is in the middle of Old Town. Everyone knows everyone, and there's always music. Condé Nast Traveler named it the most beautiful penthouse in Havana! You can book it on Airbnb:
Airbnb Link - Acosta Penthouse
Cost Breakdown: How Much Does it All Add Up?
- Roundtrip Miami-Havana (American Airlines): $400 (last-minute, book ahead for cheaper!)
- eVisa: $170
- Airport Transfer: $30/one way
- Simcard: $7 for 7 days
- Accommodation (6 days, 5 nights): $1,100 (hotel $400/night, Airbnb $100/night – varies!)
- Food: $30-40/meal/person (restaurants mentioned above/hotel). Locals are cheaper with cash!
- Day Tours: Vinales (private) $200, Varadero $65, Trinidad (2 days) $165. Total: $430
Total: About 65 million VND for 6 days. But with planning and cash, you could easily cut that in half!
Cuba exceeded my expectations! It's safer than I thought, and the people are incredibly warm. Sometimes, in the modern world, we forget the joy of simple things. Stepping into an environment where tomorrow isn't guaranteed makes you appreciate life's little details.
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