2017 Guide to Cuba
/Miles
- Cuba has a population of 11.5 million people with Havana occupying 2.5 million of that.
- The primary language in Cuba is Spanish but English is also spoken among many. Tourism is the country’s main source of income but exports such as rum, sugar, coffee, cigars, and coco beans contribute to their income as well.
- Imports are rice, wheat, powdered milk, and oil.
- Cuba’s national dish is Ayako soup, which is a soup with everything in it like pulled pork, potatoes, and yucca to name a few of the ingredients. They also eat rice and beans with pork. Fried foods and pork are popular in Cuba.
- I received mixed vibes from the people of Cuba. Some were friendly while others were not.
- Contrary to popular belief, there are a lot of American cars from the 50s in Cuba but they do have modern cars from countries like Russia and Korea.
Airbnb
As of right now, Airbnb is one of the simpler (cost efficient) ways to stay in Cuba as an American. American credit cards aren't accepted in Cuba so in order to book a hotel you must reserve it first and book/pay once you get to Cuba. I opted for a beautiful one bedroom Airbnb apartment in a residential area named Miramar which is 15 minutes outside of the city. The Melia Habana is a 10 minute walk from where I stayed. The apartment was very comfortable and homie equipped with AC, a kitchen, and essentials. The host was absolutely AH-MAZING! They were hospitable and accommodating. I used a taxi service they recommended (also airport pick up and drop off), booked tours through them, they made reservations at restaurants for me when needed, and they even picked up a few groceries I was unable to find on my own! I 100% recommend staying here if you are a couple traveling, two people traveling, or traveling alone.
Traveling to Cuba has become more attainable since Obama lifted various travel and financial restrictions, and opened embassies there. Several airlines offer direct flights from America to Cuba. Flights can be inexpensive if you plan in advance. I saw round trip flights for $204 leaving from JFK! However, you do need a visa and health insurance. Your travel must fall into one of 12 categories of authorized travel under OFAC's regulations.
The 12 categories are:
1. Family visits
2. Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations
3. Journalistic activity
4. Professional research and professional meetings
5. Educational activities
6. Religious activities
7. Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions
8. Support for the Cuban people
9. Humanitarian projects
10. Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
11. Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materials
12. Certain authorized export transactions
Once you pick a category that best describes your reason for your trip to Cuba, you pay for and pick up your visa at the airport before you board your flight (if you are traveling with JetBlue). JetBlue includes your health insurance in the price of the flight. I can’t speak on other airlines but this is the process you will go through if you are traveling through JetBlue.
US Embassy is a helpful site to get a better understanding of these 12 categories.
Meals
Food is one thing you will not have to splurge on in Cuba. It's definitely where you'll save money. You can have a really good meal including a drink for $3-$6! The following are some of the places I ate at.
Red Cafe Restaurante
Red Cafe Restaurante was conveniently located 2 blocks away from my Airbnb. It is a cute intimate restaurant with friendly staff and delicious food. My only complaint is that the food was a bit salty. Below you’ll find my grilled pork with white rice and plantain.
Lunch at Santa Maria Del Mar beach
This meal consisted of fresh fish with white rice, fried sweet potato, tomatoes, cucumber, and a yummy mojito.
Betty Boom
I never thought I'd go to Cuba and eat pizza but I did lol. The Margarita pizza, which was actually really good as was the daiquiri.
La Fontana
La Fontana is a well-known restaurant and praised by locals. I celebrated Valentine's Day, my favorite holiday. I'm not sure if it was because it was Valentine's Day but service was very slow. I waited close to an hour to receive my food. The pork with white rice and black beans was pretty good
Food at the book fair
Here I had traditional fast food. I was able to try brochetas which is a shish kabob with pork, pineapples and peppers.
The arroz fritos is fried rice with pieces of ham, carrots, and peppers with a side of fried sweet potatoes was absolutely delicious.
Lastly, I tried the pan con lechon which is a pork sandwich with a vinegar sauce.
Los Nardos
Los Nardos is beautiful! The restaurant has several floors with each offering something different. There’s a pianist playing live as you eat. Service and staff were great as well as the food. The Bistec de res encebollado with moro rice and fried plantain was a great pick. I also had one of the best sangrias here. It’s called the Espanola Sangria.
He asked where I was from and then this happened!
Rio del Mar
Rio del Mar offers lovely scenery of the water as you eat your meal. The chicken Milanese and moro rice was pretty good. I don’t remember the name of the cocktail but it’s made with watermelon, pineapple, papaya, and rum which was also really good.
Leyidi’s Helados
This was the cutest little ice cream shop down the block from my Airbnb. You pick what flavor ice cream you want and they dip it in chocolate! The strawberry was so good.
Shack
This shack is a 15 minute walk from where I stayed. There are a few other food options in this area including a super market. This was a very simple ham and cheese sandwich with a side of fried plantain.
Memories
Santa Maria Del Mar beach
Veradero beach is one of the most talked about beaches in Cuba. The biggest downfall is that it is 3 hours away from Havana by car. Round trip is 6 hours! That’s basically a whole day. I opted for Santa Maria Del Mar beach which is only an hour and a half away from Havana by car. The beach is stunning! It was clean, nice sand, nice water, not too crowded, and great vibes. I even met some people from the tristate lol. I would recommend Veradero if you have the time to go. Maybe even do an overnight trip. But, if you’re pressed for time, Santa Maria Del Mar beach is just fine.
Walking tour
As someone who isn’t a fan of walking, I must say this walking tour was well worth it! The tour truly allowed me to see the country and absorb all of its culture and beauty. The first stop on the tour was Morro Castle. The fortress was built in 1640 to avoid attacks from pirates. You can also find a souvenir shop with great prices there.
The tour continued on to the book fair which was a carnival. There were plenty of rides and food galore.
We continued to the military school where you can see the Cuban missile that lead to the Cuban Missile Crisis and parts of the American U2 plane that the Cubans shot down.
We saw the El Cristo de La Habana (Jesus statue), Casa Blanca neighborhood, saw a elementary school, road a ferry to get from one side of the island to the other, saw the capitol, ballet theater, Bacadi building, Old Havana, and El Floridita.
Along the way, I came across this amazingly talented artist!
We had the most amazing tour guide named Santiago. Very friendly and knowledgeable. He offers a variety or tours from walking, to car, to even day trips. If you’re looking to tour Cuba, I absolutely recommend him. Below is his information. Contact him to set up your tour today!
Santiago Flores
Email: Santiago.flores@nauta.cu
Phone Number: 0053 53833855
Sunset car tour
The sunset tour hit many of the same sightseeing destinations that the walking tour did BUT you get to ride in a cool 1950s Chevy 😏. If you are looking for a more in depth tour, the walking tour is definitely your best bet. If you're looking for something brief just to get some knowledge of the country, then the car tour is better. The car tour is great for photo opps. You drive from one location to another with 15-20 minutes to take pictures. You can even let your driver know where you’d like to go. Additional stops we made on this tour were to Isla Josephina, a breath taking forest, and Revolution Square.
Exploring on My Own
I had a better understanding of where things were after both tours so I decided to do a tour on my own. I went back to Old Havana and bought more souvenirs.
In addition, tried the churros, took pics with the Viejas that smoke cigars dressed in the traditional Cuban attire, and stopped to watch a salsa band play.
I bought cigars and Cuban rum from Casa Del Ron y Tobaco Cubano which is right next to El Flordita. You are allowed to bring Cuban cigars back into America.
Paratagas is a famous cigar factory where you can see an older woman hand rolling cigars. Unfortunately, I did not get to see the live cigar making. The woman is only there 9am-1pm so you have to get there early.
I passed by China town but didn’t actually get a chance to go.
El Floridita
The famous El Floridita, known for its daquiris, is a historic must see when visiting Cuba. The bar is equipped with a live band and great vibes. Both the daquiri and mojito are a must! Hemingway didn’t love this place for no reason.
Casa De La Musica
Salsa dancing was on my to do list when I decided I was going to Cuba. I was recommended to go to Casa De La Musica. The people were very aggressive and will try to hustle you. It is very important to take extra precaution as a female when you are traveling. If you're put in an uncomfortable situation, remove yourself. Listen to your intuition. It will never steer you wrong. I grew uncomfortable and left. I wouldn't advise going unless you're with a local or male.
Bolabana
Bolabana is another club I went to and had a TOTALLY different experience from Casa De La Musica. It has a nice mix of locals and tourist; the music is great combining top 40 and current Latin music. I had a great time partying here and recommend it to anyone interested in seeing Cuba’s night life.
Tropicana
Dance is one of my first loves and Tropicana reminded me why! The cabaret is a hour and a half long extravaganza. The vibrant costume and fiery dance moves are one to see! You have to pay to bring your camera in so I would advise to make sure it is not plain sight. There is a party after the show so you can hang out and dance before leaving.
Travel Tips/Travel Hacks
· It is helpful to know at least basic Spanish when traveling to Cuba especially if you choose to stay in the residential areas.
· Cubans, like most of the Caribbean, are hustlers. They'll try to get every cent that they can. Make sure you negotiate.
· Wi-Fi is government monitored and service is very limited. You would have to go to a Wi-Fi destination and buy a Wi-Fi card for $3 CUC. The card gives you an hour of service. However, the quality of service varies and greatly depends on the amount of people using it.
· Souvenirs are very inexpensive but always be sure to negotiate deals and pricing. They are willing to work with you.
· Be sure to bring towelettes and tissue wherever you go. They usually don't give napkins when you buy street food.
· I recommend bringing $500-$800 in spending money. Food is cheap but taxis and tours start to add up. You might not use all of it but it is better to have it rather than not and end up in a struggle.
· There are two types of currency in Cuba. The CUC and the CUP. The CUC is the money you will use as a tourist. The CUP is used by the residents. The CUC and the CUP hold two different values with the CUC holding more weight. It is important to know which currency you are paying for something. Tourist areas will always use the CUC but the CUP will be more present in residential areas. For example, I bought cotton candy for $5 CUP which turns out to be .25 cents in CUC.
· There is a 10% tax to change your money from USD to CUC. No other currency is charged this tax. Your best bet is to change your USD currency to Euros (before you leave the country) and then CUC upon arrival in Cuba. You’ll save a few dollars. However, you can change USD to CUC in Cuba.
· Tips are always nice and should be given if you feel it was deserved but another great thing you can do is bring clothes to give away. If you have clothes that you no longer need, and are gently used, the people of Cuba would love them! Clothing stores are limited and pricey there.
So, I hope by now I’ve been able to convince you to take that trip to Cuba! I have one final checklist for you to review before you go.
Cuba checklist
- Passport
- Visa/Health Insurance
- An open mind
- $500-$800 in spending money
- Sunscreen
- Towelettes/wipes
- Imodium
- Bug Spray
- Benadryl
- Hand Sanitizer
- Pads/tampons - ladies, these things may be hard to come by in Cuba. Make sure your sufficiently stashed if you're going during your time is the month.
If you're staying in an Airbnb:
- Beach towel
- Bottles of water
- Snacks
- Cereal for breakfast
- Toilet paper (just in case)
