#4 days - ​Private Havana Classic car tour

[searchingforstillness]

Havana

Our Havana Vacation

Earlier this year the husband’s brother and his wife took a cruise that had a stop in Havana. They enjoyed the day there so much, they said they’d love to go back to spend more time exploring the city. That got us thinking….this year is our 20th wedding anniversary and in June our only son would be traveling for 2 weeks with a school group…..maybe we should take the opportunity to visit Havana ourselves. I mean, we currently live just a 45 minute plane flight away, why not!

I’d like to get a few details out of the way before I start telling about our trip.

1) Traveling to Cuba from the U.S. is still allowed, you just can’t go there on a cruise ship. Through some research we discovered that the easiest way was flying there under the Support for The Cuban People visa. We found it as easy as traveling to Mexico.

2) I recommend changing your US dollars to Euros or Canadian dollars (which ever has a better exchange rate at the time) before you go to Cuba. There is a 10% tax on exchanging US dollars in Cuba (also, when we were there, Euros and Canadian dollars had a better exchange rate than US dollars regardless of the extra 10% tax). When you get to the Havana airport, only change what you need to pay your taxi. You can get a better exchange rate at the banks in town than you will at the airport.

3) Water in casas and hotels (anywhere, I assume) comes from a large blue tank on the roof that is filled by a large water truck. I’m not sure how often they are filled, but you see the truck all over the city constantly filling tanks. We found out the hard way that you can run out of water. Now before you go on the “wasteful American” kick, we don’t/didn’t waste water. We took quick showers and shut the water off while brushing our teeth, etc., but it seems that the toilet continued to run one day after we left our casa. That evening we ran out of water during our showers. While our host was quick to switch the tanks and get our water back running, it would have been nice to have been aware of the water situation (and toilet situation) when we got there so we could have kept an eye on it.

4) They don’t have any emissions standards, so be ready for some pretty noxious fumes (Thank You EPA Emissions Standards!).

5) The average salary in Havana is $15-$20/month….yes, MONTH. So you will have many friendly Cubans offering to show you around, sell you cigars, take you to the best restaurants, etc. as a way to try to make extra money. Also, what we Americans consider a normal tip (15%-20%) is often the monthly salary for these hard working people. So be generous, gracious, and tolerant. These folks are just trying to get ahead while sharing their wonderful hospitality and beautiful country.

6) We booked all of our trip, except for the flight, through AirBnB (we flew Southwest). You can rent a casa particular for much less per night than a hotel room in the U.S. There are homes, condos, apartments, or just rooms available, depending on the type of trip you want to have. The casas are privately owned by locals, so the money is going to the Cuban citizens. You can also book tours through AirBnB. That’s what we did. These are hosted by the locals as well. The tours we took were very informative and certainly recommended.

7) There are two forms of currency in Cuba, the CUC which is the tourist currency, and the CUP which is the local currency. The CUC is very close in value to the U.S. dollar, so keeping track of how much you're spending isn’t that difficult. The CUP is worth much less (the CUC is worth 25 times as much as the CUP). So when you are looking at prices, make sure to note whether it is in CUC or CUP.

Now, on to the trip……

Day 1 - We flew into Havana from Ft Lauderdale on a Wednesday afternoon. Our casa host arranged a cab to pick us up at the airport. Our cab driver was waiting when we got there. The airport is about a 30min ride from Old Havana, where we were staying. The cost of the cab ride was 30cuc and we tipped on top of that. Also, I want to note that the cool classic ‘50s cars you see in all of the pictures are not the cabs that will pick you up from the airport. If that is what you are wanting, you will need to make special arrangements, and those cabs will probably cost a little more. Otherwise you will get to ride in a Russian Lada. Our host greeted us at our casa, showed us around the area, and helped us get settled. We scheduled a walking tour of Old Havana for our first evening so we could get a feel for the area and what we wanted to see/do (FREE walking tour: Welcome to Havana is the AirBnB listing). This is a tour I would definitely recommend. Our guide, Daniel, was a great host, knew much about the city and its history, and was happy to answer questions. The tour was listed as free, but you should tip what you feel the tour was worth. As I said earlier, the people of Cuba offer these services as a way to make extra money. Daniel works as a journalist and does these tours on the side. Our tour started at Parque Central, just a block from the capitol building (Explanada del Capitolio) and where all the cool ‘50s cars park and offer city tours. From there we learned the history of the Gran Teatro de La Habana (Great Theatre of Havana), and that the Explanada del Capitolio was modeled after the U.S. Capitol, but is one meter taller ;). It also has a diamond in the floor in the middle of the rotunda and the distance to every place in Cuba is measured from that diamond. From there we toured on foot to the Revolution Museum, saw the remains of the original walls of the city, the fort protecting Havana Port, and visited the four Plazas. We ended the tour at the Plaza Vieja, which was just a few blocks from our casa and was the location of one of the restaurants our host recommended. That evening we enjoyed some Cuban beer on the balcony while people watching.

Day 2 - After a surprisingly restful sleep (I was worried because I didn’t bring my pillow and the beds there don’t have box springs, just a mattress) we went to meet up for our second tour. This was to be a 9.5 hour nature walk and swim at Canasí Ecological Reserve. Well, after meeting the guide and checking the weather, we opted to head back to the casa and just wing it that day. And after it stormed all afternoon, we were glad we made that choice! We spent the part of the day, before the storms, exploring some of the areas we were introduced to the night before. We also began the husband’s quest for authentic Cuban cigars. After the storms started, we found a nice rooftop bar (covered) and watched the storms roll across Havana. That evening we enjoyed dinner at El Rum Rum de la Habana where the husband had the biggest lobster tail we’ve ever seen. Delicious and inexpensive (by U.S. standards)!!

Day 3- One of the best things we found in Cuba was the coffee! So our mornings were spent coffee shop hopping (kinda like bar hopping, but for coffee instead of beer). All that caffeine made the 8 miles we averaged walking each day a little easier. Our favorite place to stop was the Iberostar by Parque Central. There we could get one hour of wifi with the purchase of a drink. So coffee and stalking the son became our morning routine (#StalkerMomReturns). After our coffee, we spent the rest of the morning on the quest for cigars. After visiting one the government stores, the only place you can ensure you’re getting authentic Cuban cigars, we tracked down a classic ‘50s cab (a beautiful ’56 Ford Fairlane) to take us to the Vedado neighborhood for our final scheduled excursion. This last tour was a cigar tasting. We met at Cigar Passion (which also happens to be the name of the tour on AirBnB) and ordered drinks. We each received a Cohiba to enjoy with the tapas and mojitos while our host, Luis, told us the history of cigars in Cuba and what makes Cuban cigars special. Luis has worked at the cigar factory for 20 years and is now one of the tour guides at the factory. We were joined by a lovely young Russian couple. This was probably the most splendid evening of our trip. Our 2 hour cigar dinner turned into 3 hours of wonderful conversation. Luis was a great host. A definite must do when visiting Havana. After returning to Old Havana we enjoyed dinner at Esquina de Cuba, then back to our casa for drinks, cigars, and people watching.

Day 4 - During our tour on our first day, Daniel told us there is an art show every Saturday at the Paseo del Prado just down the street from Parque Central. So we left our Saturday open for this and to check out all the things we had seen but hadn’t had time to explore. When we got there we were surprised by a fun run taking place along the Paseo de Marti. Of course I had to stop and cheer for the runners, and be jealous that I  wasn’t able to participate. The art show was very interesting with a mix from whimsical to political in a variety of mediums. Another recommended activity if you are in the Old Havana area on a Saturday. After the art show, we decided to take a city tour in a beautiful ’56 Cadillac. These tours last about an hour and cost 40cuc. Our driver spoke English very well and showed us all of the highlights of Havana…from Revolution Square and Lennon Park to the University and Hotel Nacional de Cuba. Another recommended experience.

Day 5 - Our host arranged a taxi to take us to the airport. We changed our left over CUCs back to Euros at the airport. While we probably should have done that at the bank in Old Havana, we didn’t think of it in time. The flight and customs was easy to manage. They just want to know what you purchased while in Cuba. I believe that you need to pay tax if it’s over a certain dollar amount, but with only a box of cigars and a couple of paintings, we were safe from extra fees.

While this was not your typical relaxation vacation, it was a wonderful cultural experience for both of us. The husband said that if he were asked to describe Havana in just one word it would be ‘alive’ and he is correct. The city is very much alive, and just like their music, there is movement everywhere.  

[cubaazblog-blog]

Everything You Need To Know About Cuba Vacations

Cuba is a unique country and therefore a holiday destination like no other. The political position for the last fifty years has made the island among the few areas in the world without mass marketing and mass media. It's a place which could confuse and delight in equal measure and well worth a trip before things change. Cuba holidays are easy to plan using the net since there is now tons of information about facilities on the island.

There are two approaches to visit Cuba; either by remaining at one of numerous all-inclusive resorts or as an independent traveler. The resorts are usually clustered along the north coast of this island to the east of Havana. There is some top class accommodation available and some great deals.

The shores are so phenomenal and the water is crystal clear so that they are great for a beach style holiday. Despite the fact that Cuba is a communist country you won't need for anything. However the hotels do not offer you much opportunity to really get acquainted with the island and its unique lifestyle.

Travelling independently to Cuba is fairly easy and extremely intriguing. There are some lovely hotels with great amenities or you can really get to satisfy the locals by remaining in a family house known as a casa particular.

What started out as a covert practice of residents renting rooms to people is becoming governed by the state so it is perfectly safe to use those houses. They change is style and comfort from basic to really beautiful as most Cuban houses are full of antique furniture. Food is available at country run restaurants or you can often make arrangements with the individuals you're staying with. There are also licensed private restaurants called paladares where you can get foods of a high quality.

The island of Cuba is amazingly varied and the holiday possibilities are many. You will find great cities, small cities each with another personality, national parks, magnificent Caribbean beaches and world class dive websites. There are a few exceptional ecosystems and wildlife species like the smallest bird in the world, the Bee Hummingbird.

The funds Havana is unlike any other capital in the entire world. Prepare to be astounded by the structure, culture and the individuals. There is a lot to see in the city and some of the highlights include the Cigar Factory, the Museum of the Revolution, the Malecon and the older part of the city, Havana Vieja. Cuban music is valued all over the world and you will hear it everywhere. A night out in the funding necessarily comprises rum, dancing, live music along with some new Cuban friends.

Santiago is the second city situated at the opposite end of the island in the capital and quite different from Havana. The culture is more African and this is the house of the Cuban carnival. It's packed outside for carnival week so in the event that you want to go be sure you have bookings in a lot of time.

Transport can be annoyingly slow in Cuba, however it's the slow pace of life which many visitors fall in love with. Drivers can hire cars to get around more easily. There are a number of businesses in Havana and Santiago that provide cars of a very good standard. You could even hire one of those old American classics.

Cuba Vacations are full of beaches, sun, friendly people and fascinating experience you won't get anywhere else. Check out the details on the internet to learn what you want to do in Cuba.

THE BEACHES

travel to b cuba b

Certainly the most important reason tourists adore Cuba are for the beaches that rank among the very best on earth. White powdery sand and warm turquoise waters bring guests from all over year after year. In case you're looking for an All Inclusive vacation set on a world-class shore, then consider Varadero, Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Guillermo, and Holguin. These destinations on the north side of this island are best for letting the warm Caribbean sun melt away your stress as you relax with a Mojito or two.

THE NATURE LOVER

Cuba offers a Selection of Destinations for Eco-tourists and nature fans alike. Though mostly known for its beaches and top hotels, keep in mind it is a tropical island with much of the interior covered in rainforest and jungle. As a ideal setting for hiking, bird watching, horseback riding and also for the more adventuresome - zip lining and rock climbing, there's plenty of scenery and fauna and flora to remain absorbed in your senses. The best location in Cuba to get back to nature and find is a remain in Santiago de Cuba in the South East of the island. Lots of excursions are offered in the region to the mountainous and jungle regions aimed towards Eco-tourism and adventure travel.

HISTORY AND CULTURE

From the times of the pirates through to the revolution led by Fidel Castro and Che Guevara and the ongoing differences with the United States, Cuba has a rich history that nonetheless provides people with a fascinating portrayal of this nation to this day. Seeing Santiago de Cuba in the south, one can find out about the invasion about the Moncada Barracks which began the revolution and take a trip to the Sierra Madres to research Fidel along with the Rebel's old hideout.

The City of Trinidad takes you straight back to the colonial days with remarkable design and that authentic Cuban sense. Time spent at the capital of Havana is a cross-section of this culture and history of Cuba with forts constructed to repel the pirates museums showcasing the revolution and where the sounds of Cuba come alive in neighborhood pubs and restaurants. Anywhere you go in Cuba has different references to the extraordinary history and culture of this island either through architecture, museums or just music and dance. The best locations to discover the culture and history of Cuba are Trinidad, Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba.

SPORTS

If you are a bit more active, Cuba offers an array of sports and activities. With its natural coral and clear waters, Cuba is an exceptional place for snorkeling and Scuba for both beginners and advanced divers. Many hotels offer you the conventional watersports (kayaking, parasailing, waterskiing, and jet ski) as well as trips to outer areas for diving. Though maybe not the first destination that comes to mind for golfing, there are two classes and much more slated to open shortly. As previously mentioned; trekking, ziplining and rock climbing can be found across the island.

HONEYMOONS AND ROMANCE

Best hotel chains such as Sandals and Sol Melia offer adults only resorts that cater to couples with extensive spa facilities, stylish restaurants, relaxed amusement and luxury rooms at Varadero. For a more tranquil experience, a stay at one of the Cayos of Cuba such as Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa Maria or Cayo Guillermo offer silent, serene regions to spend holidays and nights in your shore, or enjoy late night ocean-side candlelit dinners under the stars.

FAMILIES

The hotels and resorts in Cuba have made great strides in getting more family friendly. Many chains such as Iberostar and Barcelo possess "Kids Stay and Eat Free" programs and give an extensive variety of activities geared specifically to children with day supervised clubs. Off the resort, there are excursions which are always popular such as swimming with dolphins and discovering other unique wildlife from the many organic parks and reserves throughout the island. The very best place to take the children in Cuba is Varadero as it's the destination which has the most built up tourist infrastructure.

Cuba is a fascinating destination that has something for everybody. You can do as little or as much as you'd like and feel relaxed and rewarded. Couples, families, beach lovers and culture lovers play in this natural playground by the tens of thousands. Discover for yourself why they don't take just any vacation, they require a Cuba holiday!

As the biggest island in the Caribbean, Cuba is much more than a destination for lazing away on the perfect beaches. Such a land mass boasts terrain, wildlife, culture and an ecosystem that's unmatched by any other Caribbean destination. While Nearly All visits to Cuba have long endless days on miles of white sandy shores, there is opportunity To get more out of Cuba Vacations. Irrespective of your interests or degree of adventure, Cuba really has something for everyone.

1. Diving and Snorkeling in Cuba is very underrated. The plentiful marine wildlife and coral reefs are put in a number of the very best diving conditions to be found everywhere. Perfect water temperature and requirements along with amazing caves, walls and wrecks have experienced the great and late Jacques Cousteau calling Cuba one of the best dive locations in the world.

2. Hiking in Cuba through untouched rainforests, jungle regions and the largest wetland in the Caribbean along among 100 nature paths not only provides fantastic scenery but also a opportunity to discover hidden waterfalls, hot springs and part of their pure beauty of Cuba which can only be achieved by foot. Suffering through the Sierra Maestra Mountains near Santiago de Cuba you can come across the hideout of Fidel, Che and the rebels throughout the revolution.

3. Birding and Wildlife watching in Cuba is a hit among nature lovers. 6 UNESCO biospheres covering 22 percent of the island are a refuge to a number of the very exotic and endangered species of birds and reptiles. Several tours are available across the island as preservation is taken seriously in Cuba along with the Natural Parks are a source of national pride.

4. Architecture across the island is varied yet places such as Trinidad, Havana and Camaguey possess some of the best examples of Spanish Colonial architecture that serve up a glance not only Cuba's history however a looks at how things were back in the days of pirates and Spanish guideline within the Caribbean.

5. Adventure and adrenaline junkies can spend days off from the hotels by taking in zip-lining over jungle canopy, mountain and rock climbing, caving through broad mazes of stalactites or carrying a jeep safari through the rainforests. Excursions by horseback up the Sierra Maestra mountains is ideal for the laid back adventurer whilst paragliding off the summit will provide the rush to get a more extreme traveler.

6. Road Tripping round the countryside is an excellent way to observe the property and meet the natives. Cubans often hitch rides as way of public transport and will quickly become a manual eager to show off their country. While not for everyone, this is an excellent method to get insight to the Cuban culture and hang out with a brand new buddy all for the cost of a trip to another city.

7. Golfing in Cuba is the most recent venture in ways of bringing yet another clientele to the country. While still in its infancy, Varadero has the ideal location and spectacle for the 18 hole course that succeeds even the more advanced golfer. With more courses slated to start in the next few decades, Cuba could easily match areas such as the Dominican Republic for its wonder and challenge of hitting the hyperlinks in the Caribbean.

8. Deep Sea Fishing around the island can also be underrated as the abundance of fish can all but ensure a successful day on the water. Tuna, Swordfish, Sailfish, Barracuda and Grouper are Merely Some of the most Well-known fighters you'll land alone the North West Coast in the areas of Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo.

9. Carnivals and Festivals in Cuba are more than only a street festival; they are an all out party of music, dance, food and beverage. From Jazz festivals in Havana to Moncada parties in Santiago de Cuba, booking your Cuba Vacations during these festivals can get you off the shore and in the streets for an all out celebration you won't forget.

10. Historical Tours are one of the most well-known types of trips in Cuba mainly on account of the nation's incredible history from Spanish rule, to pirates and invaders, into the revolution. Che Guevara's iconic picture is everywhere in Cuba and you are hard pressed to prevent in any city without finding a museum or landmark dedicated to the revolution. Castles and Forts along the coast and in cities such as Havana and Camaguey remind of all those days when pirates always attempted to plunder the wealth from what was one of the richest nations in the Americas.

[tamboradventure]

How to Experience Cuba on a Budget

Posted: 11/28/19 | November 28th, 2019

As a Cuban-American, Talek Nantes has had a lot of experience traveling around Cuba. There’s a lot more to the country than just all-inclusive resorts! In this guest post, she offers some an in-depth breakdown of how to travel around Cuba like a local.

I’ve been traveling between Cuba and the US since I was born. (Actually, even before I was born: my mom came to the States when she was pregnant with me. I like to say I was made in Havana and born in the USA.)

As a Cuban-American who wrote a book on the country and runs tours there, I’ve made it my mission to share my appreciation for Cuban culture with everyone who wants to experience it.

People frequently ask me if Cuba is expensive.

It doesn’t have to be. It can be quite an affordable place to visit.

From obvious tried-and-true advice, like eat at locations at least three blocks away from popular tourist sites, to little-known tips only the locals know, here’s how to experience Cuba on a budget.  

1. How to save money on Cuban currency exchanges

Cuban currency cannot be purchased overseas, as it is not traded internationally, so you’ll need to get it on arrival.

Cuba has two currencies: the CUC, which is what tourists and visitors use, and the CUP, also called the peso, used by everyone else. As a visitor, all your transactions will be done in CUC, which is roughly equal to one US dollar. There are about 25 CUP to 1 CUC.

In a country with 2 currencies, it is important to know the difference between a CUP and CUC. For example, you don’t want to overpay in CUC when something is priced in CUP. And when you receive change from a CUC, make sure the change is not in CUP. The best way to keep them straight is to remember that a CUC has monuments on its face and a CUP, or peso, has pictures of people.

Once in Cuba, you should exchange money at the airport “CADECA.” A CADECA is the official government exchange location. Keep in mind that you will need your passport in order to exchange currency.

Change only enough to get you to your accommodation, then change more at the CADECAs in town, as they have better rates. Avoid exchanging currency at banks and hotels, as these offer less favorable rates.

US citizens should be aware that credit cards drawn on US banks are not accepted in Cuba and ATMs cannot dispense money from US banks, so you must bring enough cash to last the entire trip.  

2. How to save money on your accommodations in Cuba

For the best value for your money, you can’t beat a casa particular.

Casas particulares, or casas for short, are the homes of local Cubans who rent rooms to visitors like a B&B. You can rent a room in a private home for an average of 30 CUC per night.

The best part of staying with a Cuban family is that you can have an authentically Cuban experience. You eat with them, hang out in their living room, play with their kids or pets. You’re treated like one of the family while you are there. That’s a lot more rewarding than staying at a sterile hotel.

It’s easy to book a casa. You can reserve on Airbnb or any number of similar online sites (though Airbnb often has the largest selection and one of the few sites Americans can widely use). You should pre-book a casa from home at least for your first night’s stay in Cuba. Once in Cuba you can book the following nights yourself either through your host or just by looking for a house with the casa sign (a blue anchor with a roof on a white background) and simply knocking on the door.

Otherwise, hostels will be your best option for saving money. Some top-rated Havana hostels include the following:

Cuba 58 Hostel

Casa Rene & Madelyn

Hostal DRobles

Casa Novo Guest House

Hostal Corazón del Mundo

Casa Zeila

Prices per night range from around 5 to 15 CUC, though most are around 11 CUC.

I find casas to be the best accommodation option. A hostel may be cheaper, but there are many casas with hostel pricing, so you get the best of both worlds: low cost plus interaction with a local family. Isn’t the connection with other cultures one of the main reasons we travel?  

3. The best places to eat in Cuba without breaking the bank

The best places to eat in Cuba are paladares. These are privately owned (vs. government owned) restaurants. There are all types of paladares, from high-end establishments in renovated mansions to hole-in-the-wall stands.

Traditional dishes you will find at paladares include arroz con pollo (chicken and rice), ropa vieja (shredded beef), and lechón (roast pork). Typical drinks include the classic mojito, daiquiri, and Cuba Libre. Fruit juices are also readily available. The local beers, Bucanero and Cristal, are very good.

Any guidebook will point out the paladares. You can also find them in the A La Mesa app. Typical costs (in CUCs) for meals in paladares are as follows:

High-end paladar:

Lunch: 10–25

Dinner 15–35

Mid-range paladar:

Lunch: 7–10

Dinner: 10–25

Some of my favorite paladares in Havana include Doña Eutemia, near the cathedral; Los Mercaderes; and San Cristóbal, where US President Obama had lunch. A typical meal at one of these will cost about 15–20 CUC.

Street vendors are also found throughout the country and offer little sandwiches, pizza, croquettes, pastries, and other snacks for 1 to 3 CUC. The food is not great, but it certainly is budget-friendly.  

4. Cuban transportation on a budget

Transportation is likely to be your biggest expense, with taxis being the most common. Rule number one for getting around in Cuba is to negotiate before getting in. Tell the driver where you want to go, or show him in writing and ask how much (“¿Cuánto?”). Whatever the driver says, counter with a couple of CUCs lower. The drivers are used to this; they generally start at a higher rate, anticipating that they will end up with a lower fee.

Yellow taxis are government-run (vs. privately owned). These are used by tourists and tend to be the most expensive.

Coco-taxis are essentially motorcycles with a cover shaped to look like a yellow coconut (hence the name), and they are everywhere. They tend to be cheaper but can only take two people at a time.

Bici-taxis are rickshaw-like bicycles that’ll take you around Old Havana.

Another option is the colectivo, or collective taxi. These are cars that travel busy thoroughfares within city limits, picking up and dropping off people as they go along. A trip from one end of a busy, central street to the other, or anywhere in between, will cost about half a CUC. The taxi is shared with up to six people.

Buses are overcrowded, unreliable, and not air-conditioned but they are very cheap. They travel major routes mostly outside Old Havana.

Typical transportation costs:

Yellow government taxi: 10 CUC within city limits

Coco-taxi: 5 CUC within city limits; only fits 2 people

Bici-taxi: 2 CUC per person; only fits 2 people; not motorized

Collective taxi: Half a CUC per trip in a shared taxi

Bus: About 0.20 CUC

A fun way to explore a big city like Havana is by taking a tour in a classic American convertible from the ’50s, but at 40 to 50 CUC an hour, they aren’t very budget-friendly.  

5. Staying connected in Cuba without paying a fortune

Internet access in Cuba is iffy. It is not offered everywhere, and where it is, it is unreliable.

The best way to stay connected is to purchase an internet connection card, sold in increments of 1 CUC per hour, at the local ETECSA, the Cuban government’s telecommunications office with branches all over the island. You use the login and password on the card to connect your phone or computer.

You can also purchase an internet connection card at most high-end hotels, but the cost can be as high at 7 CUC per hour, so purchasing your card at an ETECSA is a huge savings.

Once you have your card, find a location where you can connect. Most parks have connectivity, as do areas around ETECSA offices. Just look for groups of people huddled over their phones.

Higher-end hotels also offer Wi-Fi at outrageous fees.

If you don’t use up your internet time, the leftover will be saved on your card and you will be able to use it again.

A typical daily budget For a typical day in Havana, Cuba’s most expensive city, you can expect to budget as follows:

Breakfast at your casa: 5 CUC

Street food snacks: 2–5 CUC

Lunch at a paladar: 5–7 CUC

Dinner at a paladar: 5–10 CUC

Alcoholic beverage: mojito: 2–3 CUC, beer: 2 CUC, rum: 5 CUC/bottle

Room in a casa: average 30 CUC

Intracity taxi: 2–10 CUC

Museum entrance fee: 2–8 CUC

Entrance fee to a music venue: free or 2–10 CUC

Internet connection card 1–2 CUC

To be on the safe side and leave yourself a little room to splurge, budget 100 CUC/day. Keep in mind you may want to purchase the world-famous cigars and rum. The local art you find at the many galleries around town may also appeal to you.

Traveling outside of Havana When traveling outside Havana, you’ve got a couple of options. The most convenient and expensive is to reserve a taxi that will pick you up at your casa and deliver you door to door. Your casa host or hostel or hotel staff can arrange one for you.

Another option is the national bus service, which extends across the entire country. The buses are air-conditioned, and the prices are very reasonable. Prices from Havana to popular destinations are as follows:

Havana to Viñales: 12 CUC

Havana to Trinidad: 25 CUC

Havana to Varadero: 10 CUC

Havana to Santiago, on the far side of the island: 51 CUC

You need to purchase your tickets at the Viazul bus station at Avenida Independencia #101, at the corner of 19 de Mayo. The buses will take you to the bus stations in your destination city, which are generally in very central locations convenient to wherever you want to go.

There are car rental agencies throughout Cuba with which you can organize a self-drive tour. However, keep in mind that the roads outside Havana can be in very poor condition and difficult to navigate. With easy transportation within the big cities and convenient bus service between cities, a car rental may not be your most budget-friendly option.

Domestic flights are pretty unreliable and I wouldn’t recommend it.

***

Before traveling to Cuba, US citizens should check the travel requirements. Ordinary tourism is prohibited for US citizens. All US visitors must travel to Cuba under one of 12 US government approved categories. “Support for the Cuban People” is the most commonly used category and can be selected when purchasing the airline ticket.

Experiencing Cuba on a budget certainly has its challenges, but it is totally worth it.

Cuba gets under your skin quickly. It bewitches and beckons you to explore more of it.

No matter how many times I return to Cuba I always find something to amaze me; a new art venue, a remarkable piece of 18th century architecture or an innovative take on traditional Cuban cuisine.

Cuba is a safe, beautiful country with welcoming people and a fascinating culture. Put it on your must-visit list and you won’t be disappointed.

Talek Nantes is an author, digital content creator and founder of the travel blog, Travels With Talek. She is a passionate travel enthusiast and enjoys sharing her travel experiences with others. She lives in with her husband in New York City and Miami. Talek leads tours to Cuba and her most recent book is Don’t just travel to Cuba, experience Cuba available on Amazon.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com, as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them both all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

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Havana Cuba: Travel tips for a great adventure

Disclaimer: The rules and regulations for Havana travel might change at any time and they may not be reflected at the time this article was published.

Oh Havana Oh Nah nah. Yeah, I got that song stuck on my head for a little while now, but with good reason.

Imagine this:

You are going down the Malecon in old Havana, hair flowing in the air dancing to the tropical rhythms that caress your body as the Caribbean sun kisses your skin. Top down on a classic 1950’s all American made car. Then, all the sudden, Cuban native, Camila Cabello’s song comes on the radio. The driver cranks it up. All volume. Yeah, you are dancing and singing “Havana, Oh nana” while riding on a classic convertible, on one of Cuba’s most famous roads. Cliche?

Perhaps, but it was awesome.

It makes me sad to say that there are many restrictions for American travelers when it comes to Cuba. I got lucky and we were able to get there when cruises were still allowed to arrive from the US. Since, as of right now, that is not an option any longer. I took the time to look it up and research other ways to visit that magical island once more.

Here are the good news for my American readers: You can still go and enjoy this underestimated paradise.

While the visas restrictions still apply. There are ways to visit. Check out this article explaining the truths and myths of traveling to Cuba.

So, if you are ready to pack your bags and go, here are some tips that will make your experience easy and hassle free.

1.TAKE CASH

There are not a lot of places where they will take dollars in the island. Yes, there might be some, but for the most part, most business are government own and they do not negotiate in dollars. Private enterprises (which are rare) will help you out in an emergency situation, but they prefer the Cuban Peso. It is very easy to exchange dollars for CUCs (the official currency for non residents) at a Hotel, or at the exchange sites located at the airport or Cruise port. Remember: American credit or debit cards do NOT work in Cuba. Don’t even take it.

2. SET UP TRANSPORTATION OR TOURS IN ADVANCE ONLINE.

Finding Tour agencies is very easy. There are great deals and recommendations in TripAdvisor. However, my experience with Cuban Connection was outstanding. Our tour guide was not only knowledgeable of the area and culture, but also friendly and eager to accommodate all our needs (and we are needy- wink wink). They are a small local agency that strives to make the tourist happy. It was easy to contact them by email. They will answer all your questions in advance, including pricing and ways of payment. Once you confirm you want to take the tour with them, they will let you know the pick up location, which is easy to find. Payment is done at the time of service, so they don’t take your card or information in advance.

3. RESEARCH THE PLACES YOU WANT TO GO TO SEE

Most tours will take you to the same places in Havana. Realistically, there are only so many landmarks in the city. So if you take a city tour, make sure it is one broad enough to cover the famous places you would like to visit. Also, you can always hire a “taxi” for the day, which most of the classic cars are, and the driver will serve as your city guide, taking you to all the places you want to see. If that’s the case, it’s recommended that you know where and what you want to see. I would personally do a city tour with a recommended agency like Cuban Connections or something similar to avoid any shady business.

4. KNOW YOU ARE PROBABLY SAFER IN HAVANA THAN IN ANY OTHER [BIG] CITY.

We were told that Cubans, by law, cannot harm tourists. Their penalties for robbing or harming tourists are punishable by jail and they are twice as harsh as if they did the same to a resident. Being that said, you should always be vigilant of your surroundings so you don’t fall for scams or other unfortunate events.

5. WHAT TO SEE?

Well, here is a list of my favorite sites and must sees while in Cuba:

ERNEST HEMINGWAY HOUSE AND MUSEUM (FINCA VIGIA)

We all know the famous author of “The old man and the sea”. Ernest Hemingway has a quite unique story and Cubans know how to tell it. When you go see the farm house that served as his residency, Finca Vigia, you will be able to hear the fascinating stories about his love life and social life in Cuba. The main house is sealed from entrance to the public, but you can see all rooms and other sections of the property through the open windows. There are employees that will take pictures for you inside the house for a small tip. Here, you can see Hemingway’s typewriter, and other artifacts of his collections. If you head down to the swimming pool area (empty of water, of course), it will also lead you to the pier where his beloved boat, “The Pilar” is still kept.

LA TERRAZA DE COJIMAR

Hemingway had several favorite spots in old Havana, including “La terraza de Cojimar". This bar/restaurant serves crafted cocktails in honor of Hemingway. They also have Hemingway’s favorite table on display…no body is allowed to sit at that table anymore. This place is usually packed, full of live music and hundreds of tourist, but they will still give you a drink fairly quickly.

WALK THROUGH OLD HAVANA

You just have to relax and walk down the energetic cobblestone roads of old Havana. Observe the architecture, the craftsmanship of the colonial homes, the feel of a small town and the opulent baroque-ish style of the Cathedrals and plazas. You will certainly feel transported back in time.

FLORIDITA

Another bar frequented by Hemingway. Floridita, a 200 year old bar and restaurant,is one of the world’s most famous bars, and it’s famous for seafood, and daiquiris. They claim to be the birthplace of daiquiris, and they also hold the record for the world’s largest daiquiri… a 71 gallon giant drink, that was taller than my hubby, and he’s 6”5”. You gotta check it out.

CASTILLO DE LOS TRES REYES DEL MORRO

Basically a sea fortress that is totally worth exploring. You can walk through the fort grounds, and climb up to see some of the best views of old Havana from the “morro”. Inside the castle, there are vendors with handmade souvenirs and a museum of artifacts and Cuban history. You can even see Che Guevara’s desk and office where he used to work from while in Cuba. Little known secret: There is a Cuban cigar shot within the walls of the castle, well, that’s not the secret, but what most people don’t know is that right beside the shop, there rests the world’s largest Cuban cigar ever made. The cigar is encased in glass and not displayed very often. There were not any signs to let visitors know. However, our tour friend knew about it and persuaded the employees to open the door for us to see it. Check out my Atlas Obscura article about it here.

TAKE A DRIVE DOWN THE MALECON

Take a classic car ride down the Malecon. This 4 mile section of the avenue stretches throughout Havana connecting the town. Feel the ocean breeze while admiring the wonders of this island.

FUSTERLANDIA

Right outside Havana, in the neighborhood of Jaimanitas, there stands a hidden wonderland not known by many. Cuban artist Jose Fuster, took it upon himself to transform this neighborhood into a true delirious paradise. When you walk into the world of Fusterlandia, you will feel as if you were in a psychedelic trance per SE. Thousands of ceramic tiles with a sort of juvenile feel, decorate, mosaic- style, the walls, walkways, pool, sculptures, benches, roof, archways, and every single square inch of the place. You must see it to believe it.

PARQUE ALMENDRARES

You don’t really have to get out of the car to admire the beauty of this park. Some of Havana’s oldest trees can be found smirking through the twisted vines and green walls that contain the corridors of the park. We just drove through it and it was enough to be mesmerized by the old twisted trees. The park does have activities and a large area to explore, but we were not brave enough. Riding by was a great way to see the old “elephant” tree that hangs out to the road saying hello to passersby and travelers.

There are many more attractions in Havana that I didn’t get to see, but do yourself a favor, before you go, research your destination to enhance your experience. If you have been to Havana, what was your favorite place? Let me know! I am planning a second trip soon!

Always,

Mia.

[cubaverdad]

Cuba From The Inside With Alternative Tour Guides

Cuba From The Inside With Alternative Tour Guides 14ymedio, Marcelo Hernandez, Havana, 21 June 2017 — Economic hardships turn many Cuban engineers to work as bartenders, doctors become taxi drivers and innumerable professionals become alternative guides for tourists. Among the latter, there are the experienced or the just-getting-started, but all of them earn more money than they would working in the state sector. "When they change a picture I know instantly," says Natacha, a Havana city guide who says she has visited "the Museum of Fine Arts more than 300 times" with her clients. She graduated from the Teaching Institute but she left the classrooms after five years of teaching in junior high. "I had to think about what to do with my life and I realized that I spoke Spanish very clearly, I knew the history of Cuba and I was good at dealing with people." A friend advised her to start offering tours to foreigners who came to the country. At first, Natacha stood in a corner of Old Havana and whispered her services to travelers. Now, after the relaxations regarding self-employment, she has been able to legalize part of her activities and form a team. "We have a network that includes rental houses, dance teachers, masseuses and chauffeurs," she says. With the increase in tourism, which last year exceeded 4 million visitors, the guide has "a surplus of work," but now fears that after the announcements of US President Donald Trump that "the business will decline." Natacha accompanies her clients "to places where a state guide will never take them…The program is flexible according to their tastes: from exclusive areas to poor neighborhoods, trips in collective taxis, a train ride and a santería party." She speaks English and French fluently and recently began studying Italian and Japanese. "Japanese tourism is still small but they pay very well and are very respectful people," says Natacha. Most of her clients end up recommending her services to a friend who wants to travel to Cuba. "This is a chain of trust that has allowed me to have up to 200 customers a year." The prices of a walk with the former teacher vary. "They can go from 20 to 100 CUC (roughly $20 to $100 US) depending on the place, the time and the complexity of the subject." For years she included visits outside of Havana but now she has left these to her younger colleagues because her mother is very old and she doesn't want to leave the city. "This work is hard because it takes a lot of personal involvement, learning something new every day and answering many questions," she explains. "I spend hours walking, most of the time under the sun, but I would not give up my independence by going back to teaching." She says that being a tourist guide has allowed her to "put a plate of food on the table every day… a good plate of food." A growing alternative is digital sites that advertise independent guides and offer a wide variety of services or entertainment packages. Recently a team of 30-something Cuban residents in Miami launched Tour Republic, a website to sell recreational activities on the Island. The site connects the traveler with urban guides with a marketplace – similar to Airbnb – but instead of offering lodging it markets tours of varied intensity and duration, from a ride in a classic car through Havana, to an escape through the unique natural landscape of the valley of Viñales. Máximo, a 30-year-old Italian newcomer to Havana, was hesitant Tuesday about whether to buy a three-day package worth $58 including visits to the Ernest Hemingway Museum, the University of Havana, the old colonial fortresses of the capital, and even an encounter with the sculpture of John Lennon located in a Vedado park. With Tour Republic the customer pays the online service and must be at the site where the itinerary begins at the agreed-upon time. In the case of the tour that interests Maximo, the guide is at the bottom of the steps of the Capitol and departs every morning at ten. The tourist says he prefers an independent guide because "the program is more flexible and can be adjusted more" to what he wants. In a small notebook he has noted some interesting places that escape the typical tourist route: the town of San Antonio, the Superior Art Institute and the Alamar neighborhood. "In this arena there are people very prepared and with excellent training," says Carlos, an alternative guide who leaves the statue of José Martí in Central Park every morning for a tour he has baptized Habana Real. "I take them through the streets where tourists do not normally pass, I have them try a drink of rum in a bar where the Cubans really go," he says. The young man, with a degree in geography, has been "wearing out shoe leather in the city for seven years." At first "I did not know much about history, architecture or famous people, but little by little I have become an itinerant encyclopedia of Cuba," he says. The GuruWalk platform has also risen to the crest of the wave of tourist interest in Cuba. The Spanish company runs an international website for free walking tours and has chosen Havana as their preferred site to begin operations. Communications director, Pablo Perez-Manglano, told 14ymedio that "the platform is completely democratic, anyone can join and create a tour." Site administrators check the offers one by one, but the reviews are left to users after each visit. "We are an open and free platform, we do not charge the guide or the visitor anything, and therefore, we hope that each person understands and takes responsibility to comply, or not, with the legality in their respective cities of the world," he clarifies. The site already has seven free tours in Havana, one in Santiago and another in Santa Clara. "In addition, we had about 200 registered users in the last month, which is a lot for such a new platform," says Pérez-Manglano. Unlike Tour Republic there is nothing to pay online and the money is delivered directly to the guide. The perspectives that the web offers for entrepreneurs like Natacha sound promising. GuruWalk does not deny "entry to someone for not having an official guide qualification." Rather, it seeks "people who are passionate about culture and history, who also enjoy teaching and transmitting that knowledge." One of the strategies of the company is to make itself known among "the owners of private houses" because it is to them that more often the foreigners ask: "What should we see in the city?" Pérez-Manglano underlines that the cornerstone of GuruWalk is the "collaborative economy." Instead of "certificates, rules, rules, or permits," they are interested in trust, which "is built little by little." Source: Cuba From The Inside With Alternative Tour Guides – Translating Cuba - http://ift.tt/2s0gU8z via Blogger http://ift.tt/2u0ACxu