Cuba offers travelers a myriad of artistic, social, and sensual pleasures.  The art, music, and architecture are unparalleled in the Western Hemisphere, the tropical waters are sparkling blue, and the people are as warm as a Caribbean breeze.  Though Cubans are proud of their island and their historical accomplishments, they have been living through many hardships in the past several decades.  Western tourists were all but absent during the Soviet years and only began to return in earnest in 1997.  As a result, Cubans are very interested in us.  Many speak English and will want to talk to you.  Their curiosities will range from what you think about Cuba, to opinions on our country and world events.  Few, if any, will be even remotely unpleasant, let alone hostile.  Cuba is a safe country with little petty crime.  Many Cubans are entrepreneurs of one sort or another who hope that being helpful might earn them a few dollars.  Much of the Cuban economy is bolstered by black market activities.  Hustling is benign and not intended to be threatening in the slightest. If anything, Cubans will try to sell you good cigars and a good “paladar” (family-run restaurant), the two most easily hustled items. 

Room Safes are available in  every room for your cash, passport, and other travel documents. Sometimes a small fee is charged to use it-- ask at the front desk of the hotel.  You do not need to carry your passport on you while in Cuba.  Leave passports, airline tickets and cash in the safe. Make several copies of your passport before traveling.  You will want to carry one on your daily excursions and keep the original in your room safe.

Bathrooms:  If you need to go, simply ask:  “Donde está el baño (pronounced "banyo")?”  Bathrooms in Cuba are not as neat or clean as what we are used to.  The bathrooms in restaurants, museums, etc. are the best of the lot and they usually have attendants who are tipped in exchange for toilet paper and cleanliness.  $0.25 cents is adequate.  It's always a good idea to carry a pack of tissues anyway. 

Clothing:  If traveling in spring or fall, the weather is warm, so pack for the tropics.  Much of the joy of Cuba is walking its streets, and many of those streets are cobbled so bring good walking sandals and shoes.  It is a good idea to bring clothes that you won't mind leaving behind, as they are very much appreciated by hotel housekeepers and other people you meet.  Shorts and T-shirts are fine for the day; skirts, nice shorts, slacks and shirts are good for evening.  You might want to bring a special outfit for a gala evening.  Some places are air-conditioned, so you might want to bring a ligh,t long-sleeved jacket or sweater.  Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential.  Winter can be quite cool because Havana is so breezy.  Check the weather report and consider the wind chill caused by the island breezes.  Please leave good jewelry at home. If you bring costume jewelry and the occasion arises, it can make a great gift for someone special you may meet. Don’t forget your swimsuit for the beach or pool.

Electricity:  Electricity is erratic and both U.S. and European systems are used in hotels.  The Hotel Parque Central, for example, uses the European system, while the Nacional uses the American system.  You might want to bring an adapter for shavers.  Our hotels have hair dryers so there's no need to pack one.  (Keep in mind that the airlines charge a hefty $2.00 per pound for excess baggage and the total weight allowed for normal baggage is 44 lbs.)

Food:  The Cuban cuisine is Caribbean, but not Mexican. Food is not spicy though it is flavorful.  Cubans do not use chili peppers or tortillas.  Expect a choice of fish or lobster and chicken, pork, or lamb for the main course accompanied by rice, beans, plantains, yucca, or other root vegetables.  Salads are small when we get them.  Desserts of flan (custard) or ice cream are the standard.  The hotel serves a breakfast buffet every morning with lots of choices.  Most restaurants are run by the State but, in recent years, "paladars" (private restaurants run in people's homes) have sprung up throughout the city.  Paladars have many government imposed restrictions.  For example; beef, shrimp, and lobster are highly controlled by the government and paladar owners are not supposed to serve them but they do anyway. One must always be prepared to accept that when going out to a paladar which may be known for its great lobster, it may not be available because the goverment inspector is due to arrive that day.  Going to a paladar is a great way to see a Cuban home and people who are bridging the gap between a collective and private economy.

Special Food Needs: The Cuban diet is heavy on rice, beans, and animal protein.  We can arrange vegetarian plates at dinner with advance notice. However, if you have special dietary needs, we will need to know in advance.  Low-carb diets are difficult to maintain in Cuba; however, the breakfast buffets at most hotels are amply stocked with cheese, hardboiled eggs, fruits, and vegetables.

Snacks: Snacks are not easily obtained in Cuba.  We will be eating hearty meals, and breakfast is a large buffet.  However, if you want to have something to take along on the bus or on a walking tour, we recommend bringing granola bars, nuts, trail mix, and such.  Vegetarians in particular may want to bring along something to supplement their diet. 

Among the best paladars in the city are:

 PLAYA
 La Esperanza: Calle 16 #105, % 1a y 3a; Teléfono: 202-4361

 La Cocina de Lilliam: Calle 48 #1311 % 13 y 15; Teléfono: 209-6514

MARIANAO

La Paila

La Fontana

VEDADO

Gringo Viejo

 Water:  Though you will see Cubans drinking the water and it is generally fine, it is prudent to stick to bottled water.  You can brush your teeth with the hotel tap water. Bottled water is easily available throughout Havana. Drink plenty, especially if you are not used to the tropical heat.  Make sure your bottle is properly sealed when purchasing.

Money:  Cuban currency issues are so bizarre they are almost comical.  At present, 4 currencies circulate in Cuba: The Euro, the Dollar, the Cuban Peso, and a new currency which is the one that is most used of all:  the Convertible Peso, or "CUC."  The CUC is a currency that only circulates in Cuba's tourist sector.  It is essentially a bill that is worthless outside of Cuba and is comprised of a tariff on the US Dollar of 20%.  One CUC is equal to $1.20.  It is not illegal to have Dollars or Euros in Cuba; however, you are restricted from spending those Dollars in government stores. To buy at Cuban stores, restaurants, taxis, and other services, you have to convert your dollars to the CUC.  This can be done at the airport or at the hotel, and there is no additional charge for exchange in either locale.  At the end of the trip, you will be able to convert any unused Cuban currency back into Dollars without any additional charge. U.S. citizens cannot use credit cards or checks in Cuba because our banks are not allowed to pay monies to Cuba.  There are also no ATMs, so you will need to plan to bring as much spending money as you need.  If you are interested in buying works of art, most artists and local galleries will allow you to leave a small deposit for work and then wire transfer money to them at a bank in either Spain, Canada, or Mexico.   Some travelers  will bring most of the money home; others will be borrowing, for example, to pay for the Cuban airport tax of $25.00.

Shopping:  At present, no U.S. travelers may purchase any goods or products in Cuba that are not for Educational purposes. There are a lot of arts and crafts markets for browsing. The best “shopping" you can do is for music CDs, antique books, photography, and visual arts but only in the form of informational material. Cigars, coffee, and Rum are not allowed under the terms of the Embargo; however, you will not be fined if you bring something in and it is found.  It will only be confiscated.  Art, books, CDs, crafts, and even works of art worth thousands of dollars may be brought in as they are considered educational materials.  If in doubt, please ask us about specific items.

Telephones, Internet, and FAX machines:  Calling from your room is the most costly method available for calling the U.S. but it is reliable and easy.   You can also buy phone cards and call at a reduced price to use at pay phone kiosks. The cost is $2.00 per minute for calls to the U.S. Insert the card and dial 119-1 + area code and number. All the hotels we use have e-mail service available.  It is usually available in their business center. The Hotel Nacional  has a business office on the first floor and you can send Faxes or use the Internet.

Medicines:  Bring anything you might need with you.  There are no pharmacies or CVS stores in Cuba and medicines are hard to obtain.  Cuban medical care is good in general but medicines are hard to come by.  Cubans will therefore also need anything you can bring in the way of medicines:  Vitamin C, aspirin, Ibuprofen, cough and cold medicines, asthma inhalers, antibiotics, and any over-the-counter medicine will be much appreciated.   We can arrange to distribute any medicines that you bring. (Please remember that the total weight restriction is 44 lbs.  After the 44 lbs, FEES will apply depending on the charter company used.)

Airport taxes:  The Miami  airport tax  is included in the air price; however, to leave Havana, the airport tax is $25.00 CUC cash (remember that this is equivalent to $30.00 U.S. Dollars.) and this tax is not included in the price.  Please keep the $25.00 CUC with your passport to be used when you depart Cuba.

Taxis:  For extra transportation, there are regular taxis throughout Havana. Just flag one down and it will stop. The tariffs on different taxis vary, but most are quite reasonable. When you get into the car, ask if the meter is running.  Some cars or taxis, however, will charge a flat fee.  One example is the taxis from the airport which charge a flat fee of $25.00 - $30.00 CUC to any place in Havana.  When you exit Customs, the taxis are right outside. They have regular taxi decals and lights like here in the USA. There are also "bicitaxis" which are man-powered tricycle taxis that you can hail at any time. You might also see “Coco taxis” available. These are essentially a scooter with a fiberglass shell but good for travel in warm weather. Also, Havana is a walking town…walk as much as possible. 

OPTIONS FOR FREE TIME

Souvenirs and Gifts

Cuban stores are thin on items for sale; however, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Artisans Markets (open Wed. - Sun.) have nice items to take back.  The best gifts from Cuba are handmade crochet and wooden items, as well as musical instruments and CDs of Cuban music.  

The Artists’ Market has quality paintings, jewelry, and a wide variety of crafts.

Music Venues:  If anything defines Cuba, it is its exceptional music.  The country is noted for being the origin of the Mambo, cha-cha-cha, rumba, danzón, Cuban bolero, Latin jazz, and the son, which is the precursor of salsa.  Modern rhythms that are not well known in the United States include timba.  Havana has a great music scene, though, like much else, it is sometimes hard to find out what's going on in town.  We will always make recommendations, but ask the hotel concierge as well.