Cuba is generally considered safe for tourists, with low violent crime in major tourist areas. Petty theft occurs in crowded spaces. Avoid displaying valuables, travel in groups at night, and stick to established tourist zones. Police presence is visible. Health facilities in Havana are adequate, but rural areas lack resources. Get travel insurance covering medical evacuation.

Budget travelers spend $30–50 USD daily (guesthouses, street food, local activities). Mid-range travelers budget $75–150 daily (decent hotels, restaurant meals, tours). All-inclusive resorts cost $100–250+ daily. Currency exchange rates affect costs significantly. Carry sufficient cash; credit cards face restrictions. Negotiate prices for taxis and private services.

Five to seven days works well for first-timers: 3–4 days in Havana exploring Old Town, museums, and nightlife, then 2–3 days beach relaxing or visiting Trinidad's colonial streets. Two weeks allows deeper exploration of Santiago de Cuba, mountain trails, and lesser-known towns. Many visit 7–10 days balancing culture and beaches.

November to April offers ideal conditions: dry weather, 25–28°C temperatures, and minimal rain. May–October brings humidity and afternoon showers. Hurricane season peaks August–October, though direct hits are rare. December–January peak season means crowds and higher prices. September–October offers fewer tourists and lower rates, accepting occasional rain.

Havana is walkable or accessible by cheap taxis and shared rides. Long-distance travel uses buses (Viazul and Astro), though schedules are unreliable. Hiring a car with driver costs $50–100 daily. Domestic flights connect major cities but are expensive. Many rent motorbikes or bicycles locally. Ride-sharing apps don't operate; negotiate taxi fares beforehand.

Attend live salsa performances in Havana's casa particulares or bars like Tropicana. Visit cigar factories for rolling demonstrations and tastings. Take vintage car tours through Havana's streets. Explore Afro-Cuban spiritual practices and museums. Learn Spanish from locals. Participate in street festivals and cultural events. Stay with families in casas particulares for authentic connections and meals.

Trinidad's colorful colonial streets feel frozen in time. Viñales Valley offers spectacular tobacco plantations and mogote formations. Baracoa combines beaches with mountain hikes and Taíno culture. Cayo Levantado provides secluded beaches without resorts. Los Haitises National Park features mangrove kayaking. Remedios hosts Cuban Christmas celebrations. Soroa waterfall and orchid gardens offer nature escapes near Havana.

Bring lightweight, breathable clothes for tropical heat and humidity. Pack reef-safe sunscreen; Cuban pharmacies lack quality options. Insect repellent prevents mosquito-borne illnesses. Comfortable walking shoes handle cobblestone streets. Medications and first-aid supplies aren't readily available. Carry cash in USD, EUR, or CAD; exchange rates favor USD. Portable charger is useful. Formal attire rarely necessary.

Varadero offers developed beach resorts and water sports. Cayo Coco and Cayo Santa Maria feature pristine, quieter beaches. Playa Ancón near Trinidad has calm, clear waters. Viñales has cenotes for swimming and snorkeling. Baracoa's beaches combine culture with nature. Scuba diving is excellent around the Keys. Beach resorts typically include water sports; independent travelers find local outfitters offering reasonable rates.

Touratu maps Instagram photos and YouTube travel videos to real destinations across Cuba, helping you discover authentic locations beyond guidebooks. Filter by experience type—colonial architecture, beaches, local food—and see exactly where creators filmed content. Find hidden gems in Trinidad, Havana's neighborhoods, or Viñales Valley that match your travel style.