Beaches, tobaccos fields and Caribbean beats, picture-perfect Cuba is an island unlike any other.

Cuba has a vintage charm. Chipping painted houses and rusting Chevys sit in front of stunning backdrops of crop plains and coasts. Discover the incredible history of this communist state as you wander through its colonial streets and revolutionary monuments. Friendly locals open their hearts and culture to travellers, and fill the streets with music and colour. Cuba’s idiosyncratic spirit wins every visitor over. 

Cuba travel highlights

Our Cuba trips

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

Articles on Cuba

Cuba holiday information

Cuba facts

Local culture of Cuba

Geography & environment

Shopping guide to Cuba

Cuba festival calendar

Food & drink in Cuba

Further reading

Cuba travel FAQs

Most nationalities require a ‘tour card’ to visit Cuba. This is issued instead of a visa and must be obtained from the Cuban embassy or consulate in your home country. Some airlines allow you to buy a tour card at the airport when you depart from home, but please check with your airline for more information.

American citizens, permanent residents and visa holders are subject to special rules. Please refer to the US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs website - travel.state.gov - for the latest advice.

Tipping isn’t common practice in Cuba, but due to the low wages of the locals, you may like to leave a few extra pesos to express your gratitude for the service.

Accessing the internet can be difficult and expensive in Cuba. Some hotels have internet access and there are a few government run internet cafes in the cities. Service is slow and some websites may be blocked. 

Cuba doesn’t have very good mobile coverage and depending on your phone type and provider, you may not be able to use it at all. Check with your phone company for more information. 

Public toilets are uncommon in Cuba, but most hotels, bars and restaurants have Western-style toilets. 

Can of soft drink = 1 CUC
Cup of coffee = 1 CUC
Cocktail = 3-4 CUC
Meal in a nice restaurant = 9-12 CUC

Drinking tap water is not considered safe in Cuba. For environmental reasons, avoid buying bottled water and bring a bottle or canteen with you. Ask your leader where you can access filters to refill your supply, or carry your own purification tablets with you. 

Credit cards like Mastercard and Visa are sometimes accepted in Cuba, but cards with connections to American banks won’t be accepted. It’s better to rely on cash and other forms of payment in Cuba. 

Cuba has a few ATMs in cities like Havana and Santiago but there are virtually none outside of these areas. Cards linked to American banks won’t work at Cuban ATMs.

Yes. All peregrine passengers are required to purchase travel insurance prior to their trip. Your insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day.

Please note these dates are for 2013. For a current list of public holidays go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/Cuba/public-holidays