Cuba

1. What are the best beaches in Cuba?
Top beaches include Varadero Beach, known for its white sand and turquoise waters, and Playa Paraiso on Cayo Largo for its serene beauty. Guardalavaca in Holguín offers great snorkeling, while Playa Ancon near Trinidad is perfect for a quieter escape with clear waters and proximity to history.

2. What is the best time to visit Cuba?
The best time to visit is from November to April, during the dry season, with temperatures between 70°F and 80°F (21°C to 27°C), ideal for exploring cities and beaches. May to October is the rainy season, with a higher risk of hurricanes (peaking in September), but it offers fewer crowds and lower prices.

3. Do I need a visa to travel to Cuba?
Most travelers need a tourist card (visa) to enter Cuba, which costs $20–$50 depending on your country and can be obtained through airlines or Cuban embassies. US citizens must also comply with one of 12 approved travel categories (e.g., "Support for the Cuban People") due to US restrictions. A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay is required.

4. What are the top things to do in Havana?
In Havana, stroll through Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site, visit the Malecón for sunset views, and explore the Museum of the Revolution. Take a ride in a classic car, enjoy live music at La Bodeguita del Medio, and visit El Morro Castle for history and views. Don’t miss a salsa dancing lesson.

5. Is Cuba expensive to travel to?
Cuba can be affordable, with daily costs averaging $40–$100 per person for accommodation, food, and activities. A mid-range trip can cost $500–$1,000 for a week. Staying in casas particulares (private homestays) and eating at paladares (local restaurants) can save money, though tourist areas like Varadero are pricier.

6. What are traditional Cuban foods to try?
Try ropa vieja, shredded beef in tomato sauce, and arroz con pollo, chicken with rice. Savor a Cuban sandwich with ham, pork, and pickles, and tostones, fried plantains. For dessert, enjoy flan or tres leches cake, and sip a mojito or Cuba Libre made with Havana Club rum.

7. What are the best cultural experiences in Cuba?
Top cultural experiences include attending a live salsa performance in Havana, visiting a tobacco farm in Viñales to learn about cigar-making, and exploring Trinidad’s colonial architecture. Join a Santería ceremony to understand Afro-Cuban traditions, attend the Havana Jazz Festival (January), and visit the Casa de la Trova in Santiago de Cuba for traditional music.

8. What are the best natural attractions in Cuba?
Top natural attractions include Viñales Valley for its mogotes (limestone hills) and hiking, and Topes de Collantes for waterfalls like El Nicho. Visit the Zapata Peninsula for birdwatching in Ciénaga de Zapata, explore the caves of Cueva de los Peces, and snorkel at the Bay of Pigs for coral reefs and marine life.

9. What are the best things to do in Trinidad?
In Trinidad, wander the cobblestone streets of the historic center, a UNESCO site, visit the Plaza Mayor, and explore the Valle de los Ingenios for sugar plantation history. Hike to Salto del Caburní waterfall, relax at Playa Ancon, and enjoy live music at Casa de la Música. Take a salsa class to immerse yourself in local culture.

10. How can I travel around Cuba?
Taxis and rental cars are available, with rentals costing $50–$80 per day (driving is on the right). Viazul buses are reliable for tourists, connecting Havana, Varadero, and Trinidad for $10–$25 per ride. Shared taxis (colectivos) are cheaper at $5–$15 but less comfortable. Domestic flights with Cubana de Aviación to places like Santiago de Cuba cost $100–$200.