Leave your expectations at the door because this is one country that dances to the beat of its own Afro-Cuban rhythms. Decades of hefty embargoes marooned Cuba in the 1960s, but behind closed doors, this Latin gem continued to cherish its traditions and lively spirit. Today, walk the streets of Havana Vieja (Old Havana) and you’ll feel like you’ve been propelled back in time. Cadillacs in every imaginable colour whiz past pristine colonial buildings. Kids kick fútbols (soccer balls) in the alleys, as they would have before the advent of mobile phones. The city’s sherbet facades lay peeling after decades of neglect, yet they exude a raw beauty that is unmistakably Cuban.
Venture out of Havana and you’ll find countless cobbled towns with vibrant casas particulares (private homestays) and a fascinating fusion of Caribbean and Latin cultures. Head west to rural Viñales, where you can tour the famous tobacco farms, sip mojitos and salsa the night away, or kick back on the white-sand beaches of Varadero. Visit with an open mind and you’re bound to be blown away.
We offer carefully curated Cuba tours as part of our Small Group tours collection. These tours are limited to just 12 travelers, allowing for a more personal experience and deeper cultural connections.
For families or friends traveling together, we also offer Tailor-made Cuba tours for private groups of four or more passengers. These tours are perfect if you're after a more flexible itinerary or have specific interests in mind.
All of our Cuba tour packages include accommodation in authentic casa particulares (local homestays), expert English-speaking guides, transportation, and many meals and activities, all designed to help you experience the real Cuba.
Our tours of Cuba typically include visits to:
The specific destinations may vary based on the Cuba tour you select. Call us at 1 888 356 2021 to discuss the best itinerary for your trip.
Dry season (Nov – Apr): Expect warm, sunny days (75–84°F) and low humidity, ideal for sightseeing and travel. December to March is peak season, so we recommend booking early.
Wet season (May – Oct): More humid with tropical showers and a higher chance of hurricanes (especially from August to October), but also fewer tourists and lower prices.
Our Cuba tours operate exclusively during the dry season to give you the most comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.
We recommend bringing US dollars only. Cuba is largely a cash economy, and while some tourist establishments accept credit cards, many do not—particularly those issued by US banks, which will not work at all.
It’s important to bring bills in good condition, as damaged notes may be rejected. We strongly suggest carrying a supply of small denominations (USD 1, 5, and 10), which are useful for tipping and small purchases. Your Cuba tour leader will assist with currency exchange and help you find the best available rates.
Credit cards generally work in Cuba, provided they're not connected to American banking systems. However, coverage is limited, and technical issues are common. Check with your bank that your card is not routed through a US processor, as those transactions are blocked.
We recommend bringing enough cash for your entire trip, with some extra for emergencies. ATMs are unreliable, may not work during power cuts and often have withdrawal limits. During our group tours of Cuba, your tour leader can direct you to functioning ATMs when available.
For Americans visiting Cuba, we recommend budgeting:
This includes accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities beyond what's included in your tour package. When booking our group tours to Cuba, many of these costs are already covered, making budgeting simpler.
Cuba is generally considered one of the safest countries in the Caribbean for tourists. Violent crime is rare, though petty theft can occur in busy areas of Havana. Our guided tours of Cuba include experienced local guides who ensure your safety and help you navigate the country confidently. As with any international destination, we recommend exercising normal precautions and following your tour guide's advice
Power outages are common in Cuba, particularly in rural areas, but they’re typically scheduled and short-lived. These rolling blackouts help maintain grid stability and are part of everyday life. Despite this, tourism remains steady, and most travelers experience only minor disruptions.
Local guides and casa particular hosts are well-informed about outage schedules and do their best to minimise the impact.
To stay comfortable during any power cuts, we recommend packing a few helpful items:
These aren’t always essential, but they can make a big difference when the lights go out.
Staying connected in Cuba can be a bit of an adventure. Internet access can be unreliable—some days it works well, while other times it may be limited or unavailable altogether. Wi-Fi is available in some guesthouses (casas particulares), though not all, and your tour guide will be there to help you purchase access to government-run Wi-Fi hotspots, which are a popular option for both locals and visitors.
Connection speeds are typically slow, and service can be inconsistent, so it’s a good idea to come with flexible expectations. Many travelers embrace this as a chance to unplug, relax, and truly immerse themselves in the Cuban experience—a digital detox that often becomes one of the most memorable parts of the journey.
Our Cuba group tours include authentic experiences such as:
Read more about what to expect on your trip in our A First Timer’s Guide to Cuba guide.
Most of our Cuba tours feature Casas Particulares, charming family-run guesthouses that allow you to experience Cuban hospitality up close. Rather than staying in large hotels, you'll wake to the smell of fresh coffee, chat with your hosts over breakfast, and get personal recommendations for the best spots in town.
This style of accommodation is consistently rated a highlight by our travelers, who love the cultural exchange and the knowledge that their stay directly supports local families.
Cuban cuisine offers a flavorful mix of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. During our tours of Cuba, you'll enjoy:
Vegetarian options are increasingly available, especially in Havana. Our tour leaders ensure you'll find suitable options regardless of dietary requirements. You can read more about Cuba’s food scene in our guide, Food and drink you need to try in Cuba.
For guided tours of Cuba, we recommend packing:
Detailed packing suggestions will be provided in your pre-departure information.
We recommend booking your Cuba tour package at least 3-6 months in advance, especially if traveling during the high season (December- March). Our Small Group tours have limited capacity and often sell out quickly. Booking your tour early will also help with securing better priced airfares.
During our Cuba tours, you'll interact with locals who are generally very warm and friendly. Understanding a few cultural norms will enhance your experience:
Your tour leader on our guided tours of Cuba will provide specific guidance on local customs throughout your journey.
No specific vaccinations are required for visiting Cuba. As always, we recommend consulting your GP or a travel medicine specialist 4-6 weeks before departure to ensure your individual medical needs are reviewed. Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is mandatory for our tours to Cuba.
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential and required for all of our Cuba tours. Cuban authorities may request proof of insurance upon arrival. Your policy should include medical coverage, emergency evacuation, and trip cancellation. We can recommend suitable policies for American travelers that meet all Cuban requirements.
From the moment you book a guided tour to Cuba with us, you'll receive:
The Inspiring Vacations team is here to provide you with assistance every step of the way. Call us at 1 888 356 2021 with any questions you may have about our Cuba tours.
Before heading to Cuba, you’ll need to arrange an electronic visa (eVisa), which is required for most travellers. The good news is that it’s easy to obtain either online, through your airline, at a Cuban Embassy, or via an authorised visa service. This tourist visa allows a single entry into Cuba and covers a stay of up to 90 days.
Once your eVisa is approved, you’ll receive a personal link to complete the mandatory D’Viajeros customs and immigration form. This step is essential, as it validates your eVisa, and the form becomes available within 7 days prior to your arrival in Cuba—so be sure to complete it during that window.
We recommend flying to Cuba via Canada, South or Central America, or Europe, as it's the smoothest route for most travelers. Keep in mind that once you’ve visited Cuba, you’ll no longer be eligible for the U.S. ESTA Visa Waiver Program and will need to apply for a full tourist visa when entering or transiting through the United States.
For specific requirements, visit our Visa Entry Requirements page.
Yes. In addition to a valid Cuban tourist visa, US citizens (and anyone transiting through the United States) are required to complete a travel affidavit. This document confirms that your visit falls under one of the 12 permitted travel categories approved by the US government.
Most travelers on our Cuba tours select the “Support for the Cuban People” category, which aligns with the nature of small group travel, stays in casas particulares, and cultural experiences included in our itineraries. Your eVisa provider or airline will usually supply the affidavit during booking or check-in.
Planning your Cuban adventure with Inspiring Vacations couldn't be easier. Browse our full range of Cuba tour packages on our website, where you'll find detailed daily itineraries and clear pricing. When you're ready to turn dreams into solid plans, you can book online or call our friendly team at 1 888 356 2021.
Our consultants, available 7 days a week, can assist with practical concerns, from visa requirements to packing suggestions, and often share personal insights about the best times to visit specific destinations on your Cuban journey.
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