travel talk cuba

Best of Cuba

10 Days Starting and ending in Havana

Visiting: Havana, Old Havana, Cigar Factory Tours, Bay of Pigs, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Santa Clara, Cayo Santa María, Varadero, Matanzas

Tour operator:

Travel Talk Tours

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

Physical rating:, special diets catered:.

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

Trip styles:.

Adventure Tours

Beach Tours , Cultural , History

Activities:

Art Galleries & Museums , Walking

NB: Prices correct on 21-Aug-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour overview.

Explore the unmissable sights of Cuba from the coastal boulevards covered in Cadillacs to the tobacco fields and the Caribbean's most picturesque white-sand beaches. This adventure offers up an exclusive look into the kaleidoscope of colour, chaos and charisma that is Western and Central Cuba! Get set for an abundance of Caribbean sun with three nights staying between the picture-perfect Cayo Santa Maria Islands and Varadero beach. Explore the famed tobacco factories and farms of the Vinales valley and delve into Cuba’s revolutionary history at the Bay of Pigs. Get a taste for Cuba’s true colours, culture and charm with our local, expert guides. Cuba is a country of undeniable enchantment with its butter-soft balmy beaches, lush green countryside, and colourful colonial cities, which crawl with 1950s Cadillacs and overflow with the scent of rum and cigar smoke.

Enjoy a walking tour of Old Havana

Journey through Viñales valley to the tobacco fields of Casa del Vegeuro

Visit Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city

Swim and snorkel in Cuba's azure blue water

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Day 1 : Havana

Location: havana, accommodation: hotel, accommodation name: casa particular havana.

Welcome to the island paradise of Cuba! Keep your eyes peeled at Havana airport for your shuttle transfer to the hotel. Explore the vibrant city of Havana at your own pace before an informal meeting with your new tour group and guide at 7.00pm, gathering at a Casa. Afterwards, join in on an optional group dinner at a local restaurant and get to know your new travel mates.

Day 2 : Old Town Havana

Location: old havana, meals included: breakfast.

There’s no city in all of Latin America with an Old Town quite like Havana’s. Today we'll hit the streets on an included walking tour through Old Havana and visit the main squares including Plaza de Armas, Templete, Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza Vieja and Revolution Square. Then hop on board a Coco Taxi (aka Havana’s quirky-looking TukTuks) for a zoom around the Old Town before cooling off with a mojito in hand at Hemingway’s favourite bar, La Bodeguita del Medio. The evening is yours to enjoy. Follow the rhythm of salsa throughout the streets or find a lively bar and get amongst the local atmosphere.

Day 3 : Havana, Cigar Factory &Amp; Tobacco Farm, Vinales

Location: cigar factory tours, accommodation: casa particular villa marilyn.

Today we'll head to the picturesque valleys of Vinales, home to some of Cuba’s most beautiful landscapes with dramatic limestone mountains and lush farming fields. Head through the vinales Valley to Pinar del Rio and visit a region famous for its tobacco growing grounds. We’ll head to the Francisco Donatién cigar factory and watch the art of Cuban cigar rolling by the ‘Torcedores’ (aka Cigar rollers). Please refrain from taking any pictures or videos while inside the factory. Then, journey through Vinales valley to the tobacco fields of Casa del Vegeuro as we continue our fascinating history lesson on cigars and tobacco. Next up is the Mural de la Prehistoria. Your guide will explain the significance of this 120 metre long and 80 metre high mural. Finish up the day with a visit to the private gardens of Jardine Carded. Located in the heart of Vinales, these private botanical gardens are amongst the most beautiful in Cuba with over 190 varieties of plant. Please note: Tobacco factories are closed to regular visitors during holidays, weekends, company holidays and festivals. We cannot guarantee factory hours and in case of closure an alternative itinerary will be discussed with travellers.

Day 4 : Vinales, Bay Of Pigs, Cienfuegos

Location: bay of pigs, cienfuegos, accommodation: casa particular cienfuegos punta gorda.

Kick-start the day at Cuba's largest wilderness area - Zapata Peninsula National Park! We'll stop at the picture-perfect beaches of Playa Girón or 'Bay of Pigs' to check out the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean. Your guide will then give you a detailed tour of the Bay of Pigs museum here to learn of the failed attempts of the USA and their invasion on Cuba soil back in 1961. We'll make plenty of stops throughout today's travels for breaks, including a visit to Finca Campesina at the rustic Finca Rest Area where you'll find a mini-zoo of native fauna and flora! Then throw on your swimsuit for a visit to Cueva de los Peces - this pretty spot is a popular inland sinkhole filled with tropical fish, making it the perfect destination for a dip or a snorkel! We'll finish our day in the portside town of Cienfuegos - Cuba's 'Pearl of the South' - with French-architecture and feisty Carribeans spirit. Take a stroll through the elegant plazas of Parque Martí, visit the Terry Theater, and marvel at the historical ocean-front villa of Palacio del Valle with your guide. The night is yours to enjoy in Cienfuegos.

Day 5 : Cienfuegos, Trinidad

Location: trinidad, accommodation: casa particular trinidad.

Set the alarms early for a morning walking tour through Cienfuegos with your guide before hitting the coastal roads as we make tracks to Trinidad. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed city was once a thriving port and sugar town. Today, Trinidad gives a glimpse of eclectic architecture and authentic Cuban lifestyle. Follow your guide on a walking tour through the cobble-stone city to unmissable sites including the Casa Templo de Santería Yemayá and restored sugar barons for a glimpse into the way wealthy families once lived in Trinidad. After a big day exploring, park up at La Canchánchara bar and enjoy one of Cuba’s lesser-known cocktails, the Canchánchara – made of water, lime, honey and sugar cane liqueur!

Day 6 : Trinidad, Santa Clara, Remedios, Cayo Santa Maria

Location: santa clara, cayo santa maría, accommodation name: dhawa cayo santa maria hotel - 4 star, meals included: breakfast, dinner.

Take a trip through Cuba’s history books as we head from Trinidad to Santa Clara. Stop by the Valle de los Ingenios lookout and Ingenio San Isidro de los Destiladeros to see the valleys and ruins of dozens of sugar mills scattered across the countryside. Next up is the historic city of Santa Clara, home to all things Che Guevara! Guevara is remembered as the symbol of revolutionary power throughout Cuba. While in Santa Clara, visit the Memorial Ernesto Che Guevara where his remains now rest, after he was assassinated by the CIA-backed Bolivian army. Next up, the tranquil town of Remedios. Famous for its firework Festival - Las Parrandas – the town sets the skies alight in a berserk display of fireworks every Christmas Eve. Take a stroll down main square and explore the beautiful church Parroquia San Juan de Bautista with your local guide. Then continue to the island paradise of Cayo Santa Maria. Arrive late in the afternoon and enjoy free time to relax by the beach with a few refreshing cocktails and a Caribbean sunset. The night is yours to enjoy

Day 7 : Cayo Santa Maria

Location: cayo santa maría, meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Throw on the swimsuits, grab a snorkel or try out a new water sport! The day is yours to enjoy in Cayo Santa Maria. Fringed with white-sand beaches and azure blue water, there is no better place to enjoy some Caribbean sunshine with like-minded travellers.

Day 8 : Cayo Santa Maria, Varadero

Location: varadero, accommodation name: hotel memories varadero - 4 star.

Enjoy a slower morning today, relaxing in Cayo Santa Maria. In the afternoon will head towards the seaside paradise of Varadero. With over 20 kilometres of uninterrupted sugar-white sand, Varadero is considered one of the largest and most stunning seaside resorts in the Caribbean. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore the peninsula, swim, sunbath or take it easy with a freshing cocktail in hand!

Day 9 : Varadero, Matanzas, Havana

Location: matanzas.

Enjoy a final morning in Varadero before we hit the coastal road back to Havana! On the way, stop in the seaside city of Matanzas – a place commonly referred to as a sunken galleon filled with hidden treasure. Dive deep into the history of this city's jewels from theatres to galleries and churches on a guided walking tour. Next up, we’ll stop at the Bacunayagua lookout that borders the provinces of Matanzas and Havana. Soak up the scenic mountain views with a Piña Colada in hand. We'll arrive in Havana with plenty of time to explore! Your trip wouldn’t be complete without a classic car ride through the city, so hop in an old-school convertible and coast the streets on an included one-hour tour. End the day with an included Cuban Salsa dance class at Casa del Son!

Day 10 : Havana

After breakfast at the hotel, our trip will end in Havana as we say goodbye to our new travel mates and check-out of the hotel by 11.00 am. Feel free to discover Havana on your own pace until your departure transfer to the airport.

What's Included

Accommodation

Casa Particular | 4 Star Hotels

Airport Transfer

Arrival transfer from the airport to the hotel on Day 1. Departure transfer to the airport on Day 10.

9 Breakfasts | 2 Lunches | 3 Dinners

Transportation

Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle

Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licenced by the Ministry of Tourism

What's Not Included

Travel insurance

Meals not stated in the itinerary

Items of a personal nature

Tips & gestures

Entrance Fees

Local Payment: £

Check out our q&as, are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour, are children permitted to take part in the tour, are the local guides on the tour english speaking, are all entrance fees included in the price, are flights included in this tour, are airport transfers included in this tour, do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work.

There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.

Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.

What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p

How long has the tour company been trading?

Over 20 years

Reviews of this operator

My travel talk experience was great and memorable.

My travel talk experience was awesome and fantastic. Me and my husband was on their Morocco and Turkey tours in 2019, they operated their tours in a culturally fun manner and the tour guides were very nice and very approachable. It exceeded our expection, we love to come back with them in our future travel. Thank you travel talk you made our 2019 as one of our memorable year!

First time doing a tour...

First time doing a tour overseas, wow what an amazing experience. Smaller tour group which was awesome, great hotel choices, professional transportation services and saw the best of Turkey in 12 days. Our tour guide Aykut's hospitality was second to none, he went above and beyond for every member of the group. His knowledge of his country's history and culture was outstanding and explained in a memorable way for a lasting memory. Aykut's has extensive experience as a tour guide and it shows in every way, many special tips from living/growing up in Turkey. Aykut's planning meant everything ran smoothly making our only job to turn up with your belongings and enjoy your experience. Thank you again Aykut for going the extra mile, making sure places had gluten free options for me and for all the funny jokes ☺️

We had an amazing time...

We had an amazing time on our 12 day tour of Turkey! Our guide Yild was attentive, always was there to help us make the most of our trip and great fun! Would definitely recommend this tour to others!!

Such an UNREAL EXPERIENCE! I...

Such an UNREAL EXPERIENCE! I cannot recommend the best of Turkey by Gulet for 12 day tour enough. On this tour we were able to see all parts of turkey from the coast line to the major cities and immerse ourselves in the culture and history! Mustafa is the best tour guide who priorities experiences, learning and safety of all tour participants (he also doubles as a comedian so ensures many laughs are had). From sailing on the Mediterranean Sea, experiencing the best food and culture in Istanbul, to paragliding over Pamukkale springs, and finally ticking off the bucket list moment of hot air ballooning over Cappadocia, this has been a trip not to forget. I cannot recommend this tour enough and would encourage anyone going to turkey to book this trip with Travel Talk!

Just finished the 10 day...

Just finished the 10 day ANZAC tour in Türkiye. Wow what an experience! The tour although busy was jam packed with amazing experiences made all the more richer by our highly knowledgable and very funny guide Aykut. The bus was full of 44 Aussies and Kiwis which would've been no easy feat to control. Aykut and our drivers Naci and Sevki were kind and patient making our long drives enjoyable. Gallipoli was a bucket list of mine, and what a beautiful humbling experience it was, especially the following day tour of the cemeteries. Other than that highlight, the early morning hot air balloon and all the other sites the Kapadokya offers was pretty special too. I will be using Travel Talk again. 5 stars!

We did the 11 Day...

We did the 11 Day Anzac Tour of Turkey. It. Was. Phenomenal. My husband and I absolutely love Turkey and were excited to explore the country. Highlights were definitely the Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia and the privilege of attending the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove. A bucket list item ticked off. This was my second Travel Talk in 2024 and I would absolutely do another one in the future. The tour was organised and our guide, Mustafa, was fantastic.

One of the best holidays I’ve had

We went on a tour of the Balkans and it was above our expectations. Bojan was the best tour leader gave us so much information about the places we were visiting but also a great laugh! The tour ran so smoothly and was the perfect way to see the area in a little amount of time. It was one of the best holidays I have been on, I loved every minute of it and I can’t wait to book another tour with travel talk. They are great value for money!

Just completed the exotic Morocco...

Just completed the exotic Morocco tour with our excellent guide Abdul! He was one of the best tour guides I have met, he brought so much energy and knowledge on the tour and could not imagine doing the tour without him. The tour itself was so diverse, seeing so many different landscapes. It has been one of the best trips I have done. Would highly recommend!

ONCE IN A LIFETIME! I...

ONCE IN A LIFETIME! I could not recommend ‘The Best of Turkey by Gulet’ tour highly enough. Mustafa was a fantastic tour guide who planned an incredible 12 days of sightseeing, history, food and incredible activities for us. This tour was a very safe, fun and informative way to explore the best that Turkey has to offer and I would recommend to anyone who wants to see Turkey!

12 day Best of Turkey...

12 day Best of Turkey by Gulet. Had an amazing tour seeing different landscapes of Turkey. From the Aegean Sea of archeological sites of ancient times to the best time sailing the Mediterranean and lastly the picturesque views of Cappadocia. Mus was the best tour guide with insights of the country and its history. A highlight of the tour was definitely the hot air balloon ride, a bucket list moment and the food in Turkey!!! Definitely recommend for solo travellers and made the best of friends from all corners of the world.

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Excellent tour company with quick service and support. We loved that there is 100% refund if you had to change anything as long as your within certain time limits. A very professional company with a huge selection of different tours and several dates to choose from.

The staff at TourHub were very responsive to all of my questions and more! They provided me with all the information I needed to book our trip in a very short period of time. I am very impressed with this company and looking forward to our tour in 2025!

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Book with Confidence

Free date changes.

Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.

Low Deposit

Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

Cancellation Policy

We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel talk tours charges.

Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.

At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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Welcome to Cuba

More than you imagined

Plan your holiday to Cuba

Cuba Up-Close

Six Essential Tips for Your Trip to Cuba 2022

From alternative accommodation to bypassing the restrictive internet in Cuba, check out these six essential tips for your trip to Cuba.

Cuba up-close

When is the best time to visit Cuba?

Planning a visit to Cuba? The island offers sunny skies and activities year-round. Learn more about its seasons, weather, and cultural calendar.

Is it safe to travel to Cuba?

Here are some of the best safety tips to follow as you enjoy your trip, and use public transportation in Cuba.

Greatest Waterfalls in Cuba

Imagine finding yourself in Cuba, surrounded by an exuberant natural environment - where the vivacious green mountains stretch out into a splendid blue sky - while the fresh Caribbean seabreeze brightens your face. And on this tropical voyage, you discover a land of waterfalls on every corner of the island.

El Nicho waterfall, Sierra de Escambray

Photo: Shutterstock

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The Cuban Cigar: Everything You’ll need to know

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Explore the lesser-known parks and gardens of Havana and dive

See Cuban Nature Up-close at Sierra Del Rosario

Reconnect with nature at Cuba's Sierra del Rosario nature reserve.

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Cienfuegos is a picturesque coastal town with laid back charm

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Visit the Museo de la Revolución, and Relive the Fight for Cuba

Havana’s Museo de la Revolución offers a thorough look at

Top Four Jazz Clubs in Havana

Cuba’s capital has always enjoyed a lively jazz scene, and has produced legendary musicians. It’s time to visit Havana’s best jazz clubs!

La Zorra Y El Cuervo jazz club, Vedado, Havana

Photo: Alamy

Winter activities and tips!

History & Heritage

Visit the Museo de la Revolución

Wildlife & Nature

Ciénaga de Zapata

Castillo del Morro

Beaches & Islands

Hit the Beach at Tarará

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Learn about the History of Cuba in the bay of

Ciénaga de Zapata: A Natural Cuban Treasure

Encounter the endemic flora and fauna of Matanzas Cuba, and

Learn about the curious and mysterious history of the Cuban cigar, how a Habano is made, and where you can buy quality tobacco like Cohiba cigars.

A Cuban woman with a cigar, Havana

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20 things to know before visiting Cuba

Jan 5, 2024 • 8 min read

Be ready for your visit to Cuba with these top tips on what to expect © Westend61 / Getty Images

To a first-time traveler, Cuba can seem like a confusing jigsaw puzzle, particularly if you’re breaking free of the resorts and traveling around on your own.

The Spanish spoken here is fast and hard to decipher, many streets have two different names and the country’s fickle and highly complicated monetary situation could fill its own guidebook. Yet the country’s pleasures are well worth the research you should do before you set off.

To help you be prepared, here is everything you need to know before planning a trip to Cuba.

1. Double-check your insurance

You are required to have medical insurance to visit Cuba and will need to bring digital or printed proof of your policy. Random checks are made at the airport. If you arrive without insurance, you’ll be asked to buy a Cuban policy at the airport for US$30.

2. Fill out your passenger information in advance

Cuba uses an online form called  D’Viajeros  to gather traveler information, including immigration and health data, in advance of travel. Fill out the form digitally up to 72 hours before your arrival in Cuba.

3. Every visitor needs a tourist card

To enter Cuba, all visitors need to present a completed tourist card . It’s usually available through your airline (ask when booking) and included in the price of your ticket.

If not, you can purchase one through a Cuban travel agency. Costs range from US$50 to US$85. Citizens of 20 African and Asian countries require a formal visa to enter Cuba. Check the situation for your country before booking.

4. Cash and currency: it’s complicated!

Money in Cuba is confusing, even to Cubans . Since the country abolished convertibles (CUC) in January 2021 and took the US dollar out of circulation in June 2021, there has been massive inflation and the emergence of a rampant black market. The knock-on effect is a bewildering dual economy.

The official currency of Cuba is the Cuban peso (CUP), but foreign currencies are also widely accepted, especially by private businesses who need hard cash to buy non-rationed goods in MLC (freely convertible currency) shops.

State-run enterprises and banks use official exchange rates. However, the prices of the superior services offered by private businesses generally reflect black market exchange rates.

Hence a main dish in a private restaurant in Havana will cost around CUP$500 (US$21). That’s an expensive meal if you’re paying in pesos bought from a Cuban bank.

However, most private restaurants will also accept payment in euros using a more favorable exchange rate. Some will even have a separate menu with prices printed in euros.    

When buying something from a private business – be it a restaurant, casa particular (private accommodation) or taxi service – it’s usually best to pay in a foreign currency. Always ask upfront what currencies they accept and what exchange rate they use for their published peso prices.

Euros is the most interchangeable currency and the one preferred by Cubans. You can also use and exchange Canadian dollars and pound sterling.

US dollars still circulate on the black market, but we don’t recommend bringing them. The best bet, when you arrive, is to keep most of your money in a foreign currency and only change small amounts into pesos for incidentals like museum entry, concert tickets and tips.

5. MLC is a currency with no cash form

The Moneda Libremente Convertible (MLC) is a currency approved by the Cuban government in 2020 that can be used in certain shops to buy higher-end goods.

The currency doesn’t exist as cash and its value is pegged with the US dollar. It’s used mainly by Cubans with special magnetic cards. 

Tourists needn’t worry too much about MLC$, although prices will sometimes be displayed in the currency in state-run enterprises such as cigar shops or airport souvenir stores where you can pay with a non-US credit card.

6. Only some credit cards will work

Credit cards are increasingly popular in Cuba and in many state-run businesses are the preferred (and sometimes only) method of payment.

Despite promises made in the Obama era, credit cards linked to US banks are not accepted. Private businesses almost never have credit card machines, meaning your only option is cash.

7. Pack your favorite casual clothes – and men need a shirt

Dress in Cuba is casual, so you can leave your high heels and tux behind. The only real dress code is in cinemas, theaters and nightclubs, where male patrons are required to wear long trousers and shirts with sleeves or half-sleeves.  

8. Cuban Spanish is fast and often informal

If you speak Spanish, you’ll find that Cubans mostly use the informal tú form of address, rather than usted . In the plural, ustedes is used over vosotros .

If you don’t know someone, it’s best to address them as señor or señora , though you’ll hear Cubans use all kinds of substitutes such as socio , hermano , papa , chica/o  and asere .

9. Cuban cities are where the streets have two names

In most Cuban cities , the streets have two names: a contemporary one that is noted on maps and marked on street signs, and a pre-revolutionary one that is still used widely by the locals.

This can become confusing, especially when locals, unaware of the new street names, start giving out directions or addresses using the colloquial nomenclature. Always double-check addresses and, if possible, get two potential names for the street you’re looking for.

10. Understand the local art of queueing

Cubans have to endure a lot of long waits in boring queues, so they’ve invented a way of doing it that doesn’t involve standing in line. In a Cuban queue, you simply roll up at the bakery/clinic/visa office and yell out to the assembled masses, "Quien es último?" (Who’s last?).

Hopefully, someone in a 400m vicinity will answer your polite entreaty with the word, "yo" (me). That person is your yardstick. As long as they’re still around, feel free to go for a walk, sit in the lotus position or buy ice cream. When they get called up, be on your toes, you’re next!

11. Ask questions more than once  

Thanks to heavy bureaucracy, answers to simple requests aren’t always straightforward – or even correct. Probe politely and ask at least five different people before you make important decisions.

12. Bring something to keep you warm on a cold bus journey

Cuba has a countrywide state-run bus service called  Víazul that connects all of the main cities and some of the smaller towns. Prices are charged in MLC$ (the same rate as the US$) and tickets must be paid for with a credit card either in person or online.

A second service called Conectando, run by Cubanacán, also puts on buses in peak season along some of the more popular routes. Bring a sweater/jacket for long bus rides – the air-conditioning is akin to a chilly day in Vancouver.

13. Cuba is considered a safe place to travel

Cuba is one of the safest countries in the Americas in terms of violent crime. Pick-pocketing is more common but not rampant, and is mostly avoidable if you follow a few basic precautions: Wear a money belt, use safe boxes in hotel rooms and don’t flash your cash in public.

14. Solo female travelers report receiving unwanted attention

Solo female travelers report experiencing a good deal of unwanted attention, but it didn't necessarily spoil their enjoyment of traveling in Cuba.

There is a fine line between being open and friendly and harassment, and some men can cross that line by being overly familiar or asking too many personal questions. Learn some key phrases in Spanish that make it clear when you're not interested.

15. Beware of forgeries

Never change money with unlicensed traders on the streets. You run the risk of receiving estafas (forged notes).

16. Bring your own medicines

On one level, Cuba has a good health system (it invented and quickly distributed three COVID-19 vaccines); on the other, it is perennially short of pharmaceuticals.

Bring all the prescription medications you think you’ll need, as well others you might like ibuprofen or paracetamol. If you’d like to donate some medicines to the people of Cuba, it is currently possible to bring in 10kg of medical supplies tax-free (pack them in a separate bag). 

17. Avoid dodgy cigars

Cuba has its share of jineteros (touts) spinning elaborate stories about super-cheap, high-quality cigars procured by their brother/mother/cousin from the factory. Don’t believe them. Instead, buy your cigars in state-run shops such as the Casa del Habano chain. Cigars sold on the street are invariably factory cast-offs and not genuine.

18. Driving is not as easy as you think

With light traffic on the road, driving might seem like an easy proposition , but with elevated rental prices and cars often in short supply, it’s not always so.

Add in sporadic signposting, potholed roads and a wide array of hazards – goats, horses, bicycles, kids and slow-moving, fume-belching trucks – and you might want to consider getting the bus or, at least, employing the services of a chauffeur .

19. Bring toilet paper and sanitary products

The pandemic made the provision of antiseptic hand lotion more common, but the same can’t be said of toilet paper. Carry your own roll and/or gravitate to four- or five-star hotels when you’re caught short in the city.

Re-usable pads and silicon cups, or disposable pads and tampons are must-pack items if you're expecting your period while you're in Cuba. These are in high demand here.

20. Don’t drink the water

The water won’t kill you, but it might give you a little queasiness or an upset stomach. Fortunately, bottled water is abundant and cheap. An even better idea is to bring your own filter bottle or water purification tablets.

This article was first published Feb 5, 2022 and updated Jan 5, 2024.

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CUBA CULTURAL TOUR

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About the trip

Experience cuban culture.

January 8 – 18, 2025 – 11 days (SOLD OUT) 

January 30 – February  9, 2025 – 11 days (Save your spot with a deposit here or below) 

 February 20 – March 2, 2025 – 11 days (Save your spot with a deposit here or below)

The island nation of Cuba remains one of the most beautiful and enigmatic destinations. Cuba has a culture full of music, color and friendly people. Learn more about this fascinating culture and an opportunity to interact with the Cuban people with a Cuban Culture Tour.

This tour is open to all. For U.S. citizens, this tour is 100% consistent with U.S. regulations under the approved category, “support for the Cuban people.”

Room sharing opportunities are frequently, but not always, available on these cultural tours. If you are a solo traveler seeking a roommate, please let us know. We will endeavor to match you with a same gender solo traveler.

Eleven days and ten nights visiting the most interesting and exciting cuban cities..

HIGHLIGHTS – All are UNESCO World Heritage sites

• V alley of Viñales
• Valle de Los Ingenios 

EXPERIENCES IN HAVANA

• Stay in a “casa particular,” a Cuban B&B, and interact with the local people.
• Eat at “paladares” privately owned Cuban restaurants. 
• See Havana in a classic American car.

• Meet with local Cuban experts, artists, performers, and the nascent entrepreneurial class, “cuenta propistas.”
• Explore the streets of colonial Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit its plazas, architecture, gardens and winding cobblestone streets.
• Explore Havana’s art scene and nightlife .

• Meet local farmers, learn about tobacco cultivation and hike in one of Cuba’s most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage sites. 
• Visit a Cuban country town and experience life in the countryside.
• Navigate an underground river in Viñales’ extensive cave system.
• Have lunch at an eco-paladar where everything you eat is farm to table.

• Stroll the French influenced Cienfuegos city center, the most beautiful in Cuba and a UNESCO World Heritage site. 
• Explore the elegant Cienfuegos Boulevard and Terry Theater 

• Explore the best-preserved colonial town in the Americas. 
• Take a salsa lesson and experience Cuba’s music culture in it’s nightclubs. 
• Visit abandoned coffee plantations in a UNESCO World Heritage site. 
• Learn to cook an authentic Cuban dish.

VISIT CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS, SCHOOLS AND INTERACT WITH THE LOCAL PEOPLE

You will visit charitable organizations in Cuba. You are encouraged, but not required, to bring donations. These include:

• Used clothing. 
• School supplies such as pens, pencils, notebooks, crayons.
• Soap, aspirin, toiletries.
• Wide-brim hat.
• Sunglasses.
• Loose breathable material T-shirts, shorts, sundress.
• Products not readily available in Cuba including sunscreen, feminine hygiene products, toiletries, over-the counter-meds, insect repellent. 

REQUIREMENTS: Tour participants must have travel insurance covering the entire trip for this tour.

Only $2,949.00 Double Occupancy. Additional $550.00 single supplement. 

READY TO JOIN US?

Everyone who paid the deposit for the Cuba Cultural tours will receive an email with a link to make the final payment 60 days prior to the start of the tour. 

Read a first-hand account of this tour written by one of our travelers.   

Check out what a small group tour to Cuba is like.  

Travels with Talek is selected as one of top 12 women owned and led tours by JourneyWoman, the world’s largest and most reputable travel resource for women over 50.  

About Talek (Your Guide)

Talek Nantes

Talek Nantes is an Amazon bestselling author, digital content creator and founder of the travel blog,  www.travelswithtalek.com . She is a passionate travel enthusiast and enjoys sharing her travel experiences with others. On her site, Talek shares information on unique destinations and provides actionable travel tips and advice to help travelers make the most of their time away from home. Her focus is on cultural immersion and interaction with local people to help travelers create their own unique travel experiences. Talek’s work has appeared in several travel publications and she is the author of two travel books.

Words of Praise

“A beautiful experience. Would love to go back and explore more.” John M. Tampa, FL

“I am in awe of my experience. Not only was the tour well organized, but it had so much substance. You not only see the country, you KNOW it. My favorite part of the tour was staying with the locals, eating the meals they prepared for us and even helping prep the food for them.” Jaems B. Utah   “

More testimonials below:

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualifying purchases. Posts may contain affiliate links. If you click on one of them, we may receive a commission at no cost to you.

EXPERIENCES IN SANTA CLARA AND MATANZAS

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Cuba: A Cultural Odyssey

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Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

Five days of "People-to-People" educational exchange

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

All hotel accommodations – 1 night in Miami at Hyatt Regency Coral Gables, Miami and 5 nights in Havana at GRAND ASTON La Habana

All day-to-day travel details taken care of for you 

Escorted travel from the moment your trip begins in Miami, accompanied by a professional Tauck Director and experienced local Cuban guides, all fluent in both English & Spanish

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Often robust – may include long days, active sightseeing, early starts, evening activities, significant travel times.

Experiences of a lifetime

Meet face-to-face with local residents from different professions, share thoughts, gain knowledge, and connect with Cuba's cultural heritage as you discover the traditions of Cuban culture through music, sports and more!

Through cultural exchange activities built around key themes including Cuban culture and the arts, history, architecture, agriculture, cigars, vintage cars, baseball and more, you'll interact directly with the people of Cuba on Tauck's Havana-based People-to-People trip. Meet Cuban students, educators, entrepreneurs, architects, artists and artisans, dancers, musicians, technicians, baseball players and coaches and more. Explore Ernest Hemingway's life in Cuba at his preserved home. Discuss art and private enterprise with artists in their studios. Visit with agricultural workers to talk about agrarian reform, tobacco production and organic farming. Interact with members of Havana organizations about their work, from dance to historic preservation to baseball. Learn about Cuban cultural traditions… have meals at paladares (small, privately operated Cuban restaurants)… and connect with the people of Cuba, their passions and their culture in many ways through unique Tauck Experiences.

Connect with Locals

Connect, learn and discover.

Connect with locals of all ages in various outreach programs throughout the island. You'll visit various organizations that teach language and traditional music skills to youth, as well as sustainable farming productions that benefit the communities. Immerse in an incredible Afro-Cuban cultural experience with Project Beyond Roots, and feel the energy of the students at Havana Compas Dance. A trip to Cuba wouldn't be complete without the chance to dance along to cultural classics.

Learn about Cuba's agricultural products

Private tour of a tobacco farm.

Meet the owner of a private tobacco farm, Tabacco de Benito Camejo, and hear stories about his experience living in the countryside. He'll teach you about the process of growing tobacco and cigar rolling. As a fifth-generation cigar farmer he'll have lots to show you across his picturesque farm in the tobacco-region of the Viñales Valley.

Learn about Vintage American Cars

American vintage cars.

The glint of chrome from countless American vintage cars swathes the streets in Cuba. From taxis to vintage cars that are locally owned, you can find more than 60,000 pre-1959 American cars cruising the city streets of Havana. You'll have the chance to ride around town in one too!

Explore Ernest Hemingway's Home

Discover the inspiration for "the old man and the sea".

American novelist Ernest Hemingway loved Cuba and its people. He called Havana home for over twenty years from 1939 to 1960, and wrote some of his most well-known works here. You'll see his extensive library and beloved typewriter and learn more about his life amongst Cuban people and his hobbies along the coastline.

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All the information you need for this journey at your fingertips – day-by-day details, map, hotel descriptions, key highlights and more.

Where you stay is an important part of your journey – with Tauck, accommodations have been handpicked and carefully selected for their location and ambiance, enhancing the destinations you explore. Download accommodation details and your travel plans begin!

Tour Planner

Download the details to make planning your trip easier - including an itinerary overview, pricing based on your selected departure date and accommodations, plus protection plan costs.

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GRAND ASTON La Habana

Havana, Cuba

Your Journey

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About Booking This Tour

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

Deposits and fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $600 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  90  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Travel Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Guest Protection

Tauck's Guest Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.
• Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $499  per person

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 1, 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPINTL .

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees. If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person 

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan :

60 days or more before departure = $600 per person

59-8 days before departure = $900 per person

7-1 days before departure = $1500 per person

Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note:  All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck trip for entry into Cuba. You will also need a visa to enter Cuba, the nature of which is somewhat different than what many other countries require. The Cuban government requires all foreign visitors to have a Cuban visa, sometimes referred to as a "Tourist Card," for which there is no official application process. Cuban immigration officials will collect one half of this two-part card upon your arrival in the country, and the other half upon your departure. Tauck will obtain your Cuban visa, which will be given to you in Miami, along with the documents for your included charter flight from Miami to Havana.

In addition, other special documentation will be needed to complete the requirements for travel to Cuba; more details about this required documentation will be sent to you with your booking confirmation. Please review the details in the Instruction Sheet and  Travel Affidavit . You must retain these documents for a period of at least five years.

Please Note: Because many of you are traveling as a U.S. citizen with Tauck on a People-to-People educational exchange travel itinerary operated under a license granted to Tauck by the United States Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), you are legally licensed and authorized to travel to Cuba.  Before departing on your trip, we will give you a Letter of Authorization from Tauck stating that you have permission to travel under that license, to keep as part of your travel documents.

If you are a citizen of another country but legally reside in the U.S., you may travel on Tauck's People-to-People trip to Cuba as long as you have a valid passport from your country of citizenship, as well as a residency card or alien card (or "green card") to establish your legal U.S. residency when returning to the U.S. from Cuba upon your arrival in Miami.

If you are a Cuban-born U.S. citizen, your travel document requirements depend on when you originally departed Cuba. If you departed Cuba prior to December 31, 1970, you will require either a PE-11 visa (which can take from six to eight weeks to process, is valid for a one-time entry for 30 days, and expires within 90 days of issue) or a Cuban passport; the choice is yours. If you left Cuba after January 1, 1971, you will require a Cuban passport, which can take from three to four months to obtain. If you will need help in obtaining one of these documents, please let us know at the time of booking.

If you are a citizen of another country and do not legally reside in the U.S., you may travel on Tauck's People-to-People trip to Cuba as long as you have the proper documentation that allows you to enter the U.S. for the start of the trip and return to the U.S. at the end of the trip. A multi-entry U.S. visa is required.

A travel affidavit is also required for all travelers to Cuba, regardless of nationality. Please use this link to apply for your travel affidavit at least 75 days prior to your trip: https://cubatravelservices.com/tauck-travel-affidavit/ 

Because all guests on this tour (U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens alike) will be arriving into Cuba from the U.S., a Cuban visa is required of all travelers. Tauck will obtain your Cuban visa for you during your tour.

Please note that you will not be traveling to Cuba as a tourist. You will be traveling as part of the People-to-People educational exchange.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen. You must retain these documents for a period of at least five years.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

Health Safety and Mobility

Our People-to-People cultural exchange include visits to rural areas, agricultural facilities and small villages, as well as to various sections of Havana with centuries-old streets and buildings with limited access. You should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances over unpaved and uneven terrain. Both hotels are equipped with elevators.  The road conditions in Cuba are improving; however, paved roads, especially in rural areas, are often in poor condition. Some roads to rural locations are not paved and some out-of-the-way destinations are accessible only by these roads; other roads may be unpaved and bumpy. Our People-to-People cultural exchange itinerary includes several early morning starts and leaves little scheduled free time.

AN IMPORTANT NOTE ON SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN AND MOBILITY ISSUES:  This Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate oxygen tanks, wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Oxygen tanks are strictly prohibited in many foreign countries on regional flights aboard small aircraft, such as those intra-tour flights featured on this Tauck journey.  Likewise, the very limited cargo capacity on such flights prohibits the transport of wheelchairs or motorized scooters.

Travelers should also bear in mind that the infrastructure in many foreign countries, particularly in developing countries, often presents severe and even insurmountable challenges for those with walking difficulties or other mobility issues.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one traveler.  Travelers requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it. While drinking water is generally safe at the hotels on the journey, bottled water will be available wherever the local water is not fit to drink. We also provide bottled water on your motor coach.

Airline Disinsection

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a guidance letter that requires airlines and travel agents to disclose to consumers countries that require the use of insecticides by airlines. Please click  here for more information.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

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Travel Talk: Cuba

Updated: Jun 13, 2022

A country at once utterly foreign and pleasantly familiar.

Some places just keep calling you back. For me, that place is Cuba. Ever since I was 16 years old, I've been captivated by the country and vowed that I would figure out a way to travel or study or work in Cuba at some point in my life. After many years, a few failed attempts to obtain a research visa, and too many movie nights featuring Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, I finally made it to Cuba for Christmas in December 2016. It was an eye-opening trip and I left with more questions than answers. So much of what I saw was so foreign - horse-drawn carriages trotting along the highway, immense social cohesion and a shared cultural vision, a country not yet addicted to screens and social media - and yet, the questions that Cubans ask about their lives and their futures are so very familiar. How do we move forward as a country? What economic model do we want? How do I be a good parent to my child? What should I study in university?

Some places just keep calling you back. For me, that place is Cuba.

When I was given an opportunity to return to Cuba in January of this year with a group of students and professors from my graduate school, I couldn't say no. I have far too many thoughts about my experience to fit into a single blog post, so stay tuned for some additional reflections in the coming days. For now, I've shared some of the highlights from my two trips to Cuba below.

In no particular order, here are a few of my top recommendations for how to pass the time in Havana: take a dance class; spend the afternoon wandering the streets of Old Havana with no destination in mind; walk the breezy Malecón; get a tour of the vibrant, inspiring Alamar Organopónico ; learn about the country's endlessly complex history at the Museo de La Revolución ; take in all the arts at the Fábrica de Arte Cubano (it was closed during my visit, but I've heard nothing but great things and am eager to see it on my next visit); be mesmerized by the dancers on the back patio at Bar 1830 on Sunday evenings.

Where To Eat

El Gato Tuerto (Havana) : Downstairs is a popular bar and music venue (unfortunately, we didn't stay for a show), but upstairs is a pleasantly elegant restaurant. The staff were friendly, the service was professional and prompt, and the food was tasty.

Habana Fusion (Havana) : If you're looking for a modern, lounge vibe, this is your place. Bright white furniture, a glittering bar, and young, well-dressed clientele. I opted for a glass of wine with a my delectable, savory pork dish, but the cocktails looked phenomenal.

Ajiaco Cafe (Cojimar) : This place knows how to go above and beyond. Start with their special mojito that features dark rum and Cuban honey and finish with a creamy flan and their classic Cuban coffee prepared table-side. The staff were warm, attentive, and helpful and even shared their prized homemade hot sauce with our table. A stellar spot!

Compay Gallo Restaurant (Santiago de Cuba) : A cozy space nestled above a narrow residential street, this restaurant would be easy to miss unless you set out to find it. And if you're in the mood for five-star chicken soup, you'll want to find this place.

Rumba Cafe (Santiago de Cuba) : Spend the afternoon walking the frenetic, sweltering streets of Santiago and you'll crave the shade and quiet of Rumba Cafe. Grab a table in the back courtyard and take a breather from the hustle and bustle. The fruit smoothies and cappuccinos are top-notch.

Where To Stay

"At the Copa, Copacabana; The hottest spot north of Havana." Recognize those lyrics? I stayed at the Copacabana Hotel in Havana and had that song stuck in my head for three days straight. The rooms are simple and clean, the breakfast buffet is extensive, the bar and lobby charming and comfortable. For dramatic sunsets and a glimpse of sea level rise in action, spend an afternoon lounging by the waterfront pool.

If you're a snorkeler, diver, or simply an adventurer, add Hotel María La Gorda to your itinerary. Perched on the western-most tip of the island and nestled in Guanahacabibes National Park , María La Gorda is remote and all the better for it. The beach is sandy-soft, the water a brilliant turquoise, the rooms clean and spacious. Be prepared for a very long drive, but after a few days snorkeling, hiking, and sipping mojitos on the beach it will all be worth it. If you can, visit the park headquarters to learn about some of the important conservation work happening in the area.

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The Cuba Paradox: Beyond Hemingway's Havana, and what remains of Che's revolution

O n a Daiquiri-drenched afternoon in October, somewhere on the streets of Downtown Havana, I bumped into an art-seller. A particular portrait of Che Guevara, oil-paint-on-newspaper, had struck my eye. It was a painting of that famous photo of Che by Alberto Korda. The photo was called 'Guerrillero Heroico' (Heroic Guerrilla Fighter). The words 'Hasta la victoria sempre — always toward victory' were written on this painting. It was stunning.

The customary haggling done; the guy asks me where I'm from.

"India? I love India. I love Bollywood."

I want to play along a little, "Who's your favourite Bollywood star?", half-expecting Shah Rukh Khan or Salman Khan, given that the former is the most-known face in Bollywood and the latter is the only one who shot a full-fledged big-budget movie in Havana ( Ek Tha Tiger , 2012). His answer is a hearty laugh. "Oh!! There is one guy I love. But I don't know the name. You know, our channel plays only one Bollywood movie in a week, and I cannot watch more of them."

On Sundays, the local television channel in Cuba plays out a Bollywood movie. No—Netflix, Amazon, YouTube and your OTTs are no answer here. Twitter and Tinder don't exist. Your dates are in jazzy clubs in the city centre and your holidays are for powdery beaches in the east.

This is Cuba. 15,000 kilometres and two oceans from India, with a hundred languages, literatures, cultures in between.

Havana, its capital, one foot in the 60s and another in this era, has learnt to get along with whatever hand Fate or the Castros have dealt it. It is at once a dreamscape and a victim of sanctions. Cuba has very few friends in the twenty-first century. India, China, Russia -- you could count them on a palm.

US, the Big Bad Apple, has kept the good apples and oranges out of its southern neighbour. At its shortest, Cuba is 90 miles from the States but the two are light years apart. These are two worlds, and the twain perhaps shall never meet. Cuba is a socialist heaven. America is the mecca of capitalism. Cuba's history of revolution goes back half a thousand years; the US, well. There is so much culture and so many stories packed in this narrow strip of land in the Caribbean that you don't quite know how to make sense of it. There is that deep feeling of being overwhelmed, like a dinghy out in the torrential waters of the ocean.

So, writing about a 'trip to Cuba' will be quite a task.

Cuba, today, broadly, is about its history, its culture, its music, its tourists, and the all-encompassing revolution and its dregs. But to get to the Cuba of 2023, you need to go back to the Cuba that Europe first set foot on.

COLUMBUS'S CUBA

The year was 1492, and Christopher Columbus's three ships hurtled on a piece of land somewhere on the northeastern coast of Cuba. The jury is still out on where the word Cuba came from (some accounts say Cuba is from the indigenous Taino language's 'cubao' or 'where fertile land is abundant'; some say Columbus named the country Cuba after the town of Cuba in Portugal). What Columbus saw all those years ago in Cuba are the Taino people, mostly hunter-gatherers, farmers, and fishermen.

Soon after Columbus's 'discovery' and 'claiming' of Cuba for Spanish King Ferdinand II, his patron, the settlers began arriving in Cuba from Spain. The Spanish people brought with them their culture, language, songs, and diseases that Cubans had no idea of. A measles outbreak then wiped out almost one-third of the native population. In about a hundred years since the first settlers reached Cuba, the real Cubans had almost all been deemed extinct.

The Spanish brought their slaves along, and by the mid-sixteenth century, the population had a mix of Spanish, African and Taino heritages.

MARTI'S CUBA

Cuba went through several political upheavals before the country got a national hero in Jose Marti, who began a revolt for independence while in exile in New York in 1892. Marti died before seeing Cuba free from Spain.

In 1902, Cuba finally shook off its Spanish shackles, returned the tag of a US protectorate, and became independent.

The Republic of Cuba today is 121 years old. Havana just celebrated its 504th birthday.

CASTRO'S CUBA

In the hundred and twenty odd years since its independence, Cuba has overthrown dictators, embraced communism, and stuck on to its work ethic for dear life. Cuba made peace with its Rolex-wearing revolutionaries in Fidel Castro and Che Guevara. Fidel ruled Cuba for fifty years, and then steered the country from the backseat while his brother Raul took the reins.

A drive along the Moncada Barracks in Santiago today has signs of the revolution everywhere. This is where Castro's first act of rebellion took place, when he attacked the barracks on July 26, 1953, to overthrow the dictator Batista. Castro adopted the date as the name of his revolution. From the cigar factories to the roundabouts across Cuba, you see 26 Julio in glowing letters everywhere. There are massive murals and photos of the Castro brothers across Cuba. The blue, white and red of the flag are intertwined with Che, on totes to storefronts.

The best-known Communist in India, arguably more famous than even Marx himself, is Che Guevara. The Argentinian doctor who got Cuba freedom from Batista and gave his life trying to do the same in Bolivia, is a hero in universities in India where Humanities is a way of life. Take Jadavpur, Calcutta or even Delhi University, and you know who Che is. You perhaps know more about Che and Castro and the Cuban Revolution than when the Mughals landed in India.

At the heart of Che's incorruptible story is that undying rebellion; the communism that no cigar could contaminate. He was Cuban Revolution at its purest. While Castro embraced capitalism and drove around in a Mercedes, Rolex on his wrist and a Cohiba dangling from his lips, Che battled disease to 'do' revolutions in countries from Africa to Latin America till he was killed at 39. So, Che finds himself immortalised in the murals and magnets today, while Castro evokes a stray frown in roadside souvenir shops.

THE CUBA OF TOURISTS

Today, Cuba is a melting pot of cultures. Old Havana is a riot of colours. A walk down this part of the city takes you through a Soviet church next to a Spanish quarter as American cars from the 60s ply down the Malecon.

There's the 'Coco Taxi'—an autorickshaw that resembles a scooped-out coconut—to hop on for short rides.

The sea in Havana hits you in the face with sky-high waves. The Malecon, that seafront road that stretches 8 kilometres, is barricaded shut when the waves get too high. Get yourself a ride on one of the vintage Chevys or Fords around Havana, the living museum of classic cars. For US $50, you can squeeze in all the sites to see, from the Revolution Square to the Malecon, while the wind tousles your head and the driver in the Havana hat turns up a Camila Cabello song for you. Havana hits you hard. Quite like the waves of the Gulf of Mexico.

Cuba's geography is exquisite. While Havana is on the Gulf of Mexico; Cayo del Guillermo is on the North Atlantic; while Varadero, in the south, is the Caribbean. The sunset pounces on you. It's sudden. One moment you've got your eyes on the sun; the next, it's rising somewhere in Japan.

I spent 11 days across the length and the breadth of the country; on buses, cars, flights, even a catamaran! This was Cuba's big tourism moment. Years of sanctions have taken its toll on Cuba and kept it out of the luxury/tourist circuit, so to say. The country is now shedding its chequered past. At the centre of this tourism revolution is the MGM Muthu Group of Hotels, headquartered in Portugal and run by Muthu Maran, a man from Chennai, who has a bouquet of 8 hotels all over Cuba. That number is going up to 14 by the end of the year.

We joked that the Cubans did not know what hit them, but truth is, Cuba has been hosting tourists forever.

Gaviota, one of Cuba's three tourism boards, is in charge of a trade and tourism fair called Destinos Gaviota every year. This fair sees a carnivalesque mood in the country for five odd days, and Cayo Paredon was the 2023 location chosen for the event.

The Cayos of Cuba boast some of the best beaches in the world. Playa Pilar, in Cayo del Guillermo, was Ernest Hemingway's favourite beach and had Castro often down for holidays. It is currently the third-best beach in the world. The sand here is white, with a calm North Atlantic greeting you. The Cayos—islands—have numerous beaches like Playa Pilar.

Out of these 11 days in the archipelago, we spent five at the MGM Muthu Rainbow in Cayo del Guillermo, Cuba's first LGBTQIA+-friendly, all-inclusive resort. Their private beach is one to envy. There are plunge pools in the bungalows, and from an in-house masseuse to Indian food, name it, and they will get it—in a country like Cuba, where life isn't all rosy.

THE CUBA OF CUBANOS

The five-star life in this country is poles apart from what I saw on our numerous road trips. The dichotomy is stark. You will be served Mojitos at every turn of the corner, but finding milk is a task Herculean. So, your coffee is black, sweetened with that famous sugar that gives Cuba its moniker: the Sugar Bowl of the World. Electricity, water, and diesel are all to be used sparingly. Don't forget your sanitisers, wet wipes, and toilet-seat disinfectants when you visit.

The daily essentials that we so dismissively call essentials are not quite in Cuba. There are no industries here save cigars and rum. The sugar factories have dwindled from 156 to 26. There's an embargo in place over the import of cars from the US and its allies. Apart from the cars from the 50s-60s, some new Kias have found their way to the streets of Cuba now, but they are few and far between.

The real basics in Cuba are healthcare and education. This socialist country ensures free education and healthcare for all its citizens. Healthcare is superb, but medicines are not easy to get by thanks to, again, the US sanctions.

Education is mandatory. There are no private schools in Cuba, and students wear the same uniform all across. Red and white are its primary-school uniforms. High-school students wear blue and white; and all three colours of the Cuban flag are beautifully amalgamated into the education system.

The government puts students up next to the university if their homes are far. Everyone is entitled to a weekly quota of rice, eggs, vegetables, and fruits. Free vocational training for young adults is also part of Cuban system.

At the cigar factories, workers are paid 2,000 Cuban pesos (USD 10 / INR 840) a day. The men and women at the factory are rewarded with 5 cigars after their daily shift and most of them end up selling these in black to tourists later in the day. A visit to a tobacco farm tells us about the cigars that the Cuban heroes smoked. While Castro was a fan of Cohiba, Che loved his Montecristo. The price of a Montecristo ranges from USD 2/3 to 5. Of course, depending on who you're buying from.

Rum, meanwhile, is ubiquitous in Cuba; in its Mojito, Daiquiri, Pina Colada, and the Cuba Libre. The most popular rum here is Havana Club. You have some of them strong enough to get you high in a sniff. Cuba Libre is the most famous cocktail in Cuba, named after itself, and Libre, that beautiful Spanish word for 'free'. To the Indian tongue, Cuba Libre is simply rum and coke.

Havana is the birthplace of both the Mojito and the Daiquiri. Its Daiquiris were made famous by Ernest Hemingway at his frequent halt, Floridita.

True to its reputation, El Floridita in Havana has 10 kinds of Daiquiri, a Hemingway special, and a 200-year history. Hemingway has been cast in bronze, life-sized, on the seat that was his favourite. The corner is a hit with your Insta folks.

From its walls, Castro, Hemingway, and their guests all look upon you as a live band plays out Guantanamera, and you're taken to a world where time is but a technicality.

A glass of Daiquiri at Floridita will set you back by 1,200 pesos or INR 650, amount inclusive of history, fame, live music, and vibe. When the rum goes to your head, life feels surreal. Like a Fitzgerald novel.

Out of the bar, wandering around the alleys of Old Havana, as the breathtaking dome of the Capitol came into view, an old man walked up to ask for alms.

"Dollar?" He didn't want the pesos we had.

The man disappeared at the next turn and I boarded an 'American-taxi' back, wondering what have six decades of communist rule done to Cuba, this tiny country that once brought the mighty US to its knees.

Guantanamera billowed out of my blue Chevrolet, and as it snaked through the Revolution Square, the colossal frame of Che winked an answer: Hasta la victoria sempre.

Always toward victory.

How to get to Cuba: There are flights from India to Havana, mostly from Delhi. The routes are via Istanbul (without a transit visa), and via Europe and the US, both of which require a transit visa.

Where all to visit: Havana, Camaguey, Ciego de Avilla, Cayo del Guillermo, Varadero, Santiago de Cuba

Connectivity: Buses run by the national tour operator take you around the country. There are various domestic flights too.

Best time to visit: November to April is the tourist season in Cuba. Temperatures are mild and the Caribbean sun is not as harsh. It can get nippy in the evenings if you're by the sea.

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Renewed interest in travel to Cuba expands beyond the beaches and historic Havana

Carley Rojas Avila, Wealth of Geeks, Associated Press // August 15, 2024 //

Photo courtesy DepositPhotos.

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Privacy Overview

Elon Musk is super mad at Mark Cuban again

• Elon Musk sent a jab Mark Cuban's way on Wednesday.
• Cuban went on Jon Stewart's show on Monday, where he made some comments about X's algorithm.
• In response, Musk flung an insult at Cuban, complete with a poop emoji.

Elon Musk is beefing with Mark Cuban on X again.

After the "Shark Tank" star posited that Musk may have adjusted X's algorithm to show content based on the Tesla chief's own preferences, Musk responded with an insult.

It started when Cuban went on "The Daily Show," speaking to Jon Stewart in an interview that aired on Monday.

"When you write an algorithm — I haven't written a lot, it's been a while — but when you write one, you get to set the parameters of what you want to see happen," Cuban told Stewart.

"And he certainly has done that to the things he likes," he added, referencing Musk.

"That was hilarious," Musk wrote on X on Wednesday in response to the clip.

"Unlike the other platforms, our algorithm is open source! And if you interact and argue with 'right wing' accounts, which Cuban does a lot, the algorithm will assume that's what you *want* to do and give you more of it lmao," he added.

Cuban did not provide any evidence to back up his claims that Musk has manipulated X's algorithm. Cuban has been known to respond to a wide variety of accounts on X.

Then came the "poop" emoji, with Musk calling Cuban a giant turd in human form. Cuban, for his part, responded to Musk's insult with a series of heart hands emojis.

🫶🫶🫶 https://t.co/ByayAZlB7q — Mark Cuban (@mcuban) August 14, 2024

Cuban also took some shots at Silicon Valley's billionaires in Monday's interview with Stewart.

Related stories

"Watching what's happening in Silicon Valley is insane. It's not so much a support thing. It's more like a takeover thing, trying to put themselves in a position to have as much control as possible," Cuban said of the tech and business titans backing former President Donald Trump .

Silicon Valley's elite, Cuban said, wants to become a pseudo board of directors to Trump, who they've begun to envision as "CEO of the United States of America."

"You get to that point sometimes where I think they've lost a connection to real world," Cuban said of Silicon Valley's tech billionaires.

Musk, for one, has endorsed Trump . Earlier this week, he held a live stream in support of Trump's 2024 presidential run.

To be sure, Cuban isn't exactly against Musk's ownership of X. Cuban is an avid X user . In a September GQ interview , he said a Musk-led X could succeed if Musk "can get out of his own way."

"I think he's on the right track to make it a good business. Unless he fucks it up himself with his posts on X," Cuban told GQ.

This isn't the first time Musk has snapped at Cuban over their differences.

Musk ridiculed Cuban when the latter said he would still vote for President Joe Biden over Trump even if the sitting president " was being given last rites. "

In June, Cuban told Business Insider he has no issues with Musk despite their disagreements.

"I have fun sparring with Elon. He likes to troll and so do I," Cuban said at the time.

Cuban and representatives for Musk didn't immediately respond to requests for comment for this story from BI sent outside regular business hours.

Watch: Crowd boos Elon Musk at Dave Chappelle's comedy show

• Main content

Former President Donald Trump to visit Howell on Tuesday to talk about crime, safety

Former President Donald Trump is to visit Howell on Tuesday to talk about "crime and safety," his campaign announced Saturday.

Trump will speak at the Livingston County Sheriff's Office, his campaign said in a news release.

The planned visit to Howell is Trump's sixth visit to Michigan, a key battleground state in the November presidential election, this year. Polls show the race has tightened since Vice President Kamala Harris replaced President Joe Biden as the Democratic presidential nominee, in July.

Howell is located in Livingston County, a Republican stronghold.

"The people of Michigan and the rest of the country can’t take another four years of weak, soft-on-crime leadership," the news release said.

Statistics show violent crime has been declining after a spike during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or [email protected]. Follow him on X, @paulegan4.

CDC warns clinicians about Oropouche virus disease that has turned deadly

Between Jan. 1 and Aug. 1, more than 8,000 cases of the illness were reported in the Americas.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning clinicians to be on the lookout for a viral disease that is spread by small flies and some types of mosquitoes and that causes sudden fever, severe headaches and chills.

Cases of Oropouche virus disease have been climbing in South America and the Caribbean in the past two years, and turned deadly for the first time this year.

The CDC advisory issued Friday recommends that pregnant people reconsider nonessential travel to Cuba, which reported its first confirmed case in June.

Between Jan. 1 and Aug. 1, more than 8,000 cases of Oropouche were reported in the Americas, the advisory said. That includes two deaths in Brazil this year in women who were otherwise healthy. Transmission of the virus during pregnancy resulted in one fetal death, one miscarriage and four cases of newborns with microcephaly , a condition characterized by an abnormally small head.

“This was the first report of deaths and Oropouche virus [mother-to-baby] transmission and associated adverse birth outcomes,” the CDC said.

In the United States and Europe this year, travelers returning from Cuba and Brazil have been diagnosed with the condition. Florida has reported 11 travel-related cases this year, according to the state health department.

No locally acquired Oropouche cases have been reported in the United States.

No vaccines to prevent Oropouche or medicines to treat it exist. The best form of protection is avoiding bites from midges and mosquitoes, the CDC said.

The virus is endemic to the Amazon basin region and has been reported in many countries, including Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Panama and Peru. In late 2023, the virus caused large outbreaks in new areas in South America.

Oropouche virus is spread to people primarily by the bite of infected midges. Some mosquitoes can also spread the virus.

The disease typically starts with sudden fever, often with severe headache, chills, muscle and joint pain. Other signs and symptoms include extreme light sensitivity, dizziness, eye pain, nausea and vomiting, or a rash that starts on the trunk and spreads to the extremities.

Symptoms typically last less than a week. But in up to 60 percent of patients, symptoms can recur a few days or even weeks later.

In many countries, outbreaks of dengue are occurring in areas with reported Oropouche transmission. The CDC is urging clinicians to rule out dengue virus infection in patients with suspected Oropouche virus disease.

WHO declares mpox virus a public health emergency of international concern

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The chief of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the rise in mpox cases constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) , following advice from members at Wednesday’s International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee meeting.      

A PHEIC is the highest level of alarm under international health law. 

The WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, called for the meeting last Wednesday to seek advice on whether the mpox – previously monkeypox – outbreaks are cause for international concern. 

On Tuesday, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared the situation a public health emergency.

“The Emergency Committee’s advice to me, and that of the [Africa CDC], which yesterday declared a public health emergency of regional security, are aligned,” Tedros said in a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter. 

Clades and cases 

Mpox cases have been spreading throughout many countries in Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighbouring Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. The potential for further spread in Africa is worrying, said the WHO chief. 

“In addition to other outbreaks of other clades of mpox in other parts of Africa, it’s clear that a coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives,” Tedros said. 

This year already saw over 14,000 reported cases of the virus with 524 deaths, a significant increase in reported cases from 2023. 

Tedros previously mentioned that the mpox outbreaks have occurred due to different viruses called clades.

At Wednesday’s meeting , he said there was transmission of the so-called clade 1b virus in the DRC last year which was caused “mainly through sexual networks”. This clade is reportedly deadlier and more easily transmitted from person to person.

Clade 1 has been circulating in the DRC for years while clade 2 was responsible for the global outbreak of 2022 which was declared an international public health emergency.  

Tedros said in the past month that around 90 cases of successor clade 1b were reported in countries neighbouring the DRC which had not reported mpox cases before. 

“Stopping these outbreaks will require a tailored and comprehensive response, with communities at the centre, as always,” Tedros said. 

Addressing outbreak drivers

The WHO chief said the UN agency is working with governments of the affected countries, the Africa CDC and other partners to “understand and address the drivers of these outbreaks”.

“For example, we are providing machines to analyse blood samples and confirm cases of mpo [and] supporting laboratories to sequence viral samples,” he said.

He further mentioned “supporting case investigation and contact tracing” on the ground, training for health care workers and much more . 

WHO regional response

“WHO has developed a regional response plan, requiring an initial $15 million to support surveillance, preparedness and response activities,” Tedros said.

This response was funded by $1.45 million from the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies.

More funds will be released in the coming days and the WHO chief is also appealing for more donor support. 

Emergency vaccines 

Currently, two WHO-recommended and approved vaccines are being used to combat the mpox virus outbreak.

Under an Emergency Use Listing (EUL) call last week , Tedros also invited manufacturers of mpox vaccines to express interest in producing them to “accelerate vaccine access for lower-income countries which have not yet issued their own national regulatory approval”.

EUL will allow partners like the UN Children’s Fund ( UNICEF ) to gather vaccines for distribution.

 “We are working with all partners to facilitate equitable access to diagnostics, vaccines, supplies for clinical care and other tools," Tedros said.

WHO recommendations

Last August, the WHO chief released standing recommendations under the IHR to monitor mpox cases. 

These recommendations were set to expire in five days, on 20 August 2024, but will be extended for another year to “support countries to respond to the chronic risk of mpox".

Some of the recommendations include enhancing community protection through adapting public health and social measures to local contexts, providing guidance and resources for delivering clinical mpox care and more. 

Tedros said WHO is “committed in the days and weeks ahead to coordinate the global response, working closely with each of the affected countries and leveraging our on-the-ground presence t o prevent transmission, treat those infected and save lives ”.