Travel Guide
Thinking of traveling to Cuba? If your answer is yes, then take a chance because it might just steal your heart away, trust me, it happened to me. The country is beautiful lush green and vibrant with its colors, and people are amazing!
If you are wondering if it’s legal to visit, then your answer is YES. There are 12 categories that allow you to obtain a Cuba General License that allow you visit legally. I visited on my own under the category that fits my purpose. Support for the Cuban People is the most popular category for American travelers.
The U.S. airline carriers do have service to Havana Airport (HAV). I flew Delta Airlines in 2020 from Atlanta to Havana, & Havana to Miami. A tourist visa is also needed upon entering Cuba. You can purchase the visa at the airport before your flight for $50.
As of 2023, I flew American Airlines from service to Miami (MIA) to Havana (HAV) using my airlines miles for 30K roundtrip. You can purchase the visa at the airport for $50 plus a $50 processing fee from American Airlines through their partner Cuba Visa Services at the counter before boarding your flight. You can also purchase ahead of time through their website at https://cubavisaservices.com/product/touristvisa-card/.
Prior to checking in with the airline, you must filled out a digital form required by various institutions that allows entry into the national territory of Cuba. (You will not be allowed to check-in with your airline with out a copy of the form).
Here is the link https://www.dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/inicio , once filled out you will received a digital form via email with a QR code. Print or save a copy as you must present this upon entering Cuba.
Currency
Currency in 2020: CUP & CUC
Currency in 2021: CUP. Cuba is eliminating the CUC as of January 1, 2021.
Currency in 2023: CUP – ( I was able to get 1 US Dollar = 155 CUP by exchanging with locals) Official rate is 1 US Dollar = 24 CUP (Cuban Pesos)
- talk with your host to get the better exchange rates
Cellular data is non-existent, thought my T-Mobile service would work. Well cellular calls and text work, but NO data. You must rely on public WiFi at the parks, cafe’s, or at your host location. Recommended apps: 1) What sApp 2) Google offline maps 3) maps.me
If you have any further questions send me a DM at https://www.instagram.com/deucenickels/guides/
NO. 1
Central Havana
If you’re unsure where to stay in Havana, then look no further to Central Havana. Central Havana is close enough (walking distance) to Old Havana (el viejo Habana) and the Malecón.
The neighborhood is quite fascinating because it gets you a sense of how people live, you will see all the kids playing in the evenings after school, you see all the elderly people chatting, you hear music in the background whether it’s salsa or reggaeton, and believe me it gets loud with all the locals just hanging out.
You also get a glimpse on how Cubans live, many of the doors are open, so you can take a peak. The more you walk the streets of Central Havana more you fall in love. I stayed in an Airbnb. My host was exceptional and was willing to talk about Cuban life and American life in addition to showing us great hospitality and taking care of all our needs to make our experience comfortable.
Photo by: @deucenickels https://www.instagram.com/p/CHPYwQ8j7Ga/
NO. 2
Old Havana
Take a stroll through Old Havana or El Viejo Hàbana as it’s called in spanish. You will stumble upon all the vintage cars and buildings. The second thing you will notice is the Capitolio or the Capital building which resembles the D.C. Capital building.
The streets are cobblestone and colorful and it gives you a warm fuzzy feeling seeing the beautiful architecture and all the people smiling and chatting, having a wonderful time. Enjoy a mojito or a daiquiri as you cool off from the Caribbean heat.
Photo by: @deucenickels https://www.instagram.com/p/B7nPn6yhhd3/
NO. 3
La Guarida
This is definitely a must try restaurant or as they say in Cuba, paladar. A paladar is a private owned restaurant and paladar in spanish means “palate”.
You instantly fall in love with the place as the decor is beautiful and retro, the music playing in the background gives it that jazzy lounge vibe. The outdoor dining was beautiful. There are 3 levels, and on the top floor there is a bar with a espectacular view of the city. Feel free to lounge and zip on a cocktail while smoking a cubano!
Photo by: @deucenickels https://www.instagram.com/p/CFQwpUcDY7v/
NO. 4
Valle De Viñales
If you want to see the lush green hills that remind me of jurassic park or if you want to know more about the tobacco trade then head to Viñales.
Viñales is about a 2.5 hrs drive from Havana. You will see a lot of the country side as you drive there, this is a good opportunity to chat with your driver to learn more the Cuban life and hear their story.
I opted to do a day trip, but I would totally recommend to spend a day or two in the beautiful town of Viñales. Plenty of activities to do, as I opted to horse back ride through the tobacco fields and the hidden creeks for a total of 2 hrs.
I also learned about the tobacco process and how it’s made. Afterwards, head over to the local paladars to enjoy typical Cuban food!
Photo by: @deucenickels https://www.instagram.com/p/B7ZO6I6hk7o/
Traveling with Dimas 