Cuba Trip Details

Welcome to Cuba!

Cuba is a beautiful destination known for its rich culture, stunning beaches, and relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can explore its fascinating history and enjoy the lively rhythms of traditional music. With crystal-clear waters and lush landscapes, Cuba possesses a unique charm that invites travelers to relax and soak in the island's beauty.

Duration: 5 days & 4 nights

Trip begins at Havana’s José Martí International Airport (HAV) in Cuba at 11:00 a.m.
Trip ends at Havana’s José Martí International Airport (HAV) in Cuba at 12:00 p.m.

Arrival and departure times are flexible, but group transportation is included.

Airfare booking details will be sent after registration. Please wait for further instructions before booking your flight.

• 5 days & 4 nights in shared accommodations
• 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, & 3 dinners
• City tour in Old Havana
• Snorkeling in Punta Perdiz or Caleta Buena
• Full-day catamaran in Trinidad 
• Visit to the Che Guevara Mausoleum
• Cigar-rolling experience
• Private airport pick-up upon arrival
• Private airport drop-off upon departure
• Under30Experiences Trip Leader
• Personal recommendations for optional activities
• The chance to meet some kick-ass people
• Access to the Under30Experiences Community
• All taxes always included, never hidden fees, & NO blackout dates

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

• Travel Insurance
• International airfare to and from Cuba
• Meals not mentioned above or on the itinerary
• Optional activities not covered in the price

Book confidently: Switching your trip more than 60 days in advance is free!
Airfare booking details will be sent after registration. Please wait to book your flight until you get further instructions.
All Under30Experiences trip prices are in USD.

• City tour in Old Havana
• Snorkelling in the Bay of Pigs
• Visit to the Che Guevara Mausoleum
• Full-day catamaran in Trinidad
• Experience live Cuban music 
• Cigar-rolling experience

Interested in history and culture? The itinerary includes visits to important historical sites such as Old Havana, Trinidad's beautifully preserved colonial city, the Che Guevara Mausoleum, and Revolution Square. Additionally, you’ll get a chance to experience Cuban cigar-making firsthand.

Looking to enjoy nature and outdoor activities? The trip provides opportunities to relax and swim in the Bay of Pigs, with snorkel options. You’ll also embark on a catamaran adventure to cays with white-sand beaches, where you can swim and snorkel in vibrant coral reefs.

-Age requirement: 21+
-Group size: 16 max, average 15
-Physical rating: Moderate. Some activities involve physical activity, like swimming.

Travel connects us. Community keeps us connected.

Before your trip, you're welcome to join a custom WhatsApp Group and connect with other members in your group. Many travelers meet at the airport or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Others make plans to stay in a country after their trip.

During your adventure, our Trip Leaders do their best to create an open and supportive environment where everyone feels safe to be themselves truly.

After your trip, you'll be an official U30X Alumni and part of our larger online Travel Community; You'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We often host meetups, ranging from simple happy hours to hikes to outdoor movie nights.

More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but they all leave with friends.

Travel can be unpredictable, and we aim to give you the most rewarding experience possible.

Although we always strive to adhere to the itinerary, it is somewhat flexible, and alterations may occasionally be necessary or desirable.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and may change depending on local circumstances.

You will be traveling by private ground transportation throughout your trip.

• Private ground transportation to and from the airport (included)

You will be staying in shared Casas Particulares:

• These are private homes or guesthouses where Cubans rent out rooms or entire apartments to tourists.
• They are similar to Airbnb and offer a more authentic cultural experience by staying with local families.
• Casas particulares are generally safe, clean, and more budget-friendly than hotels.
• The casa particulares where we stay include air conditioning, private bathrooms, and home-cooked breakfasts.
• The U.S. State Department maintains a “Cuba Prohibited Accommodation List” that includes hotels, but casa particulares are not on that list, and the money directly supports local business owners. 

Laundry service is available near the accommodations for an additional fee. Ask your Trip Leader for details.

Accommodations may vary, but will be of the same quality standards.

Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same gender.

Private room options are available upon request, subject to availability, for an extra charge.

You agree and acknowledge that in order to participate in any Under30Experience, travel insurance is required. The insurance that you obtain must adequately cover you for medical expenses, accidents, property loss, and curtailment or cancellation of your trip. Such insurance is not included with your purchase on the Site. Proof of insurance will be required prior to departure, and failure to provide it will result in cancellation of participation in Under30Experiences.

It is mandatory that all attendees obtain travel insurance with a minimum coverage of 200,000 USD while traveling with Under30Experiences. Such insurance must cover personal injury, medical expenses, loss of or damage to luggage, repatriation expenses, and evacuation expenses.

Please note that World Nomads, Safetywing and Wanderwell do not cover trips to Cuba. Please see allianztravelinsurance.com for a policy that covers Cuba. 

For trips to Cuba,  you are required by the Cuban government to purchase mandatory Cuban medical insurance.

U.S. citizens = Many U.S. airlines include this required insurance in the cost of their tickets. Specifically, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines incorporate the Cuban health insurance fee into their fares. For instance, American Airlines adds a 25 USD fee for this coverage, and passengers are advised to keep their boarding passes as proof of insurance while in Cuba. Similarly, Delta Air Lines includes a 25 USD surcharge for the mandatory Cuban medical insurance, with the boarding pass as evidence of coverage. Travelers should verify with their airline whether this insurance is included and keep their boarding passes as proof of coverage while in Cuba.

Most U.S. airlines include this mandatory insurance in the ticket price, but it's a good idea to confirm this with your airline. The insurance must cover medical evacuation, emergencies, and repatriation. Generally, U.S.-based travel insurance policies are not accepted in Cuba. If you do not provide acceptable documentation, you will need to purchase travel insurance from the local provider, Cuba Asistur, which has an office in the immigration area of the airport. U.S. citizens are specifically required to choose the "Special" option.

U.S. airlines that fly directly to Cuba typically include Cuba Asistur travel medical insurance in the cost of the airline ticket, and your boarding pass serves as proof of insurance. You can verify this information on the airline's website. However, avoid calling the airline for confirmation, as call center staff are often misinformed.

If your boarding pass is from a US airline like American Airlines, you must keep your boarding pass with you at all times. This will serve as your proof of travel insurance and allow you to be treated for free, up to the plans' limit at any hospital or clinic in Cuba.

Other non-US citizens = You must show proof of valid health insurance to enter Cuba.

All health insurance policies are recognized in Cuba, except those issued by U.S. insurance companies. However, the Cuban immigration authorities will decide which proof of health insurance is acceptable.

If you don’t have proof of health insurance or if the proof you present doesn’t satisfy the Cuban immigration authorities, you will need to purchase travel insurance from the local provider, Cuba Asistur, which has an office in the immigration area of the airport.

Very Flexible

If you give us at least 60 days' notice, you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.

For emergency cancellation within at least 60 days before your trip, please refer to your travel insurance company, as they may cover you for some expenses. We cannot transfer trips or hold experience credits within 60 days of the trip because we have already secured reservations for you.

All Under30Experiences trips are accompanied by experienced Trip Leaders.

The goal of every Trip Leader is to ensure everyone has a fantastic experience and the best trip possible. They will share information about the places you are traveling through, suggest things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends.

They will know much about the countries you visit, from their history and culture to their religious and social customs.

Tipping Trip Leaders: While gratuities for Trip Leaders aren’t mandatory, they can make a big difference for locals in the tourism industry. If you’re happy with the services you’ve received, a tip is a great way to thank them. Though it may not be customary to you, it is significant to the people caring for you during your travels. It inspires excellent service and is a part of the tourism industry across many destinations. If you’re pleased with their guidance, consider tipping 3-5 USD per person daily for Trip Leaders.

Please be eco-friendly!

• Bring a reusable water bottle to refill from the water stations.
• Minimize plastic usage by declining straws and plastic bags at restaurants and shops.
• Please avoid aerosol bug sprays as they harm the environment.
• Use "reef-safe" sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate because they kill coral reefs.

We recommend a travel backpack or a medium-sized suitcase for your convenience. A daypack is also essential for carrying your everyday items. Since space on transportation is limited, only one main piece of luggage per person is allowed. You are responsible for carrying your luggage.

Below are our staff picks for the best essentials.  All products selected are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size and are organically inspired when possible.

We highly recommend packing active gear to explore hidden beaches and coastal towns during the trip.

Do not forget: water bottle, sunscreen, sandals, beach towel, waterproof rain jacket, sunglasses, and a hat!

Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning that Under30Experiences will earn a small commission if you purchase them at no additional cost.

Guidelines for U.S. Passport Holders

Make sure your passport is up to date. It must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the last date of your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State for any further questions.

Ensure your passport is not damaged. If it has water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn-out visa pages, a hole punch, or other damage, you may need to change it.

Travelers will need to apply for an e-visa through https://evisacuba.cu/en/inicio.

Once you click on the link above, you will have the option to apply for a new visa. First, select the country where you wish to submit your application. If you select “United States” you will be asked to send a "United States Postal Service (USPS) money order for 50 USD" (bank money orders and checks are not accepted) to the Cuban consulate in Washington, D.C. 

Cuban Embassy
2630 16th St NW 
Washington, DC 20009

After completing this step, you can proceed with the application form. You will need to provide your personal information and upload proof of payment before submitting your request. Please allow 72 hours to receive a response.

After your visa is approved by the Cuban government via email, you will be asked to complete the visa process by clicking the link in the email and filling out the "D'Viajeras" form. You will then receive your official visa with a QR code on it from "MITRANS" the Transportation Minister (Ministerio del Transporte).

Reason for Travel under a General License: Support for the Cuban people

Travel to Cuba is allowed under a specific category of the General License, which permits activities that support the Cuban people. This broad category with specific requirements often involves engaging with individuals and small businesses, rather than government-controlled entities.

Additionally, Cuba requires all travelers to have medical and health insurance. Most U.S. airlines include this mandatory medical insurance in the ticket price, so confirming this with your airline is advisable. The insurance must cover medical evacuation, emergencies, and repatriation. U.S.-based travel insurance policies are generally not accepted in Cuba.

Although tap water in Cuba is treated to meet safety standards, it is generally recommended that tourists avoid drinking it directly from the faucet. Our accommodations will provide a water station where you can refill your water bottles.

Please consult with your doctor before traveling regarding physical activity and vaccinations.

No inoculations are required to enter Cuba from the United States, but we recommend checking the Center for Disease Control before traveling.

Mosquito-borne viruses are common in most Latin American countries. Please cover exposed skin and use mosquito repellent.

We recommend bringing 400 USD in cash for use at establishments that do not accept credit cards. This will cover meals and incidental expenses. Please note that credit and debit cards issued in the United States are not accepted in Cuba. This means you will not have access to cash if you run out of money. If you're from the United States, consider bringing extra cash in case of an emergency. If you had to be hospitalized in Cuba, your medical insurance should cover it, but when traveling this far off-the-beaten-path, having at least a few hundred dollars that could cover accommodations if your flight was cancelled, for example, is highly advised.

This 400 USD is not the total cash you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.

The official currency of Cuba is the Cuban Peso (CUP); however, foreign currencies, particularly the US dollar (USD), are widely accepted in the country. One Cuban Peso is divided into 100 cents. You will find banknotes of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 pesos in circulation, as well as coins of 1, 3, and 5 pesos, and 5 and 20 cents.

You can exchange foreign currencies for Cuban Pesos (CUP) in Cuba at various locations, including airports, banks, hotels, exchange offices (CADECA), and some shopping centers. The exchange rate fluctuates in response to current global market conditions.

Cuba has a wide banking network, which includes banks and ATMs. However, it is advised not to exchange money at official establishments like banks or exchange offices.

There are two exchange rates to be aware of:

• Official rate: 1 USD = 110 CUP
• Unofficial (street) rate: 1 USD = 300–310 CUP

Although it is not officially permitted, many private businesses do accept payments in USD. On the street, the value of USD tends to be higher than the official rate due to inflation.

Our Recommendation

We advise against exchanging large sums of money. Approximately 50 USD per person is sufficient to get started.

Your Trip Leader can assist you in exchanging your money at a favorable and secure rate.Please avoid exchanging money on the street, as scams are common in this area. Additionally, refrain from exchanging money at banks; while they offer the official rate (110 CUP), street prices are usually based on an unofficial rate (around 310 CUP), which can make things much more expensive.

If you need to exchange more money during the trip, your Trip Leader will assist you in ensuring a safe and fair exchange.

For an up-to-date exchange rate, download the XE Currency Exchange App.

Please note that U.S. Dollar notes that are slightly torn, heavily marked, or faded may be difficult to exchange. Bringing notes in fairly good condition is best, with denominations lower than 100 USD.

Cuba is generally a safe tourist country with a low crime rate. However, taking precautions to protect yourself and your belongings is still essential. 

U.S. citizens should consider registering with the U.S. State Department's “Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP),” which allows them to contact their family in an emergency.

General Safety Tips

• Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to who is around you, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots like Old Havana.  
• Avoid displaying wealth: Do not wear expensive jewelry or watches, carry large amounts of cash, or keep electronics out of sight.  
• Keep valuables secure: Store passports, travel documents, and excess cash in a hotel safe or a secure pouch under your clothing. Carry a photocopy of your passport and health insurance separately.  
• Don't leave belongings unattended: Be vigilant on beaches, restaurants, and public transport. Theft can occur in hotel rooms and casas particulares.  
• Trust your instincts: If a situation feels unsafe or uncomfortable, remove yourself from it.

Prepare for power outages: Power cuts can happen, so consider carrying a small flashlight. Avoid using your phone's flashlight in dark areas.

Cuba enjoys a tropical climate, generally warm to hot year-round, with distinct wet and dry seasons.

Dry season (November to April) is generally the best time to visit Cuba due to the following reasons:

• Significantly less rain. March is often the driest month
• Clear blue skies and plenty of sunshine
• While still warm, the lower humidity makes the heat more comfortable

Wet season (May to October) is characterized by:

• More frequent and heavier rain showers, often in the afternoon. June and September tend to be among the rainiest months.
• The increased humidity can make the high temperatures feel more intense.  
• The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, with the peak typically in August and September. While Cuba is well-prepared for hurricanes, it's good to be aware.

Temperature

• The mean annual temperature in Cuba ranges from 24-26 degrees Celsius (75-79 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Average maximum temperatures typically fluctuate between 27-32 degrees Celsius (81-90 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Average minimum temperatures range from 17-23 degrees Celsius (63-73 degrees Fahrenheit).
• August is generally the hottest month, with average daily highs potentially reaching around 32 degree Celsius (90 degree Fahrenheit). The high humidity makes it feel even warmer.
• The average year-round temperature is approximately 26 degree Celsius (79 degree Fahrenheit).

Cubans are known for their warmth, hospitality, and resilience. Despite economic hardships, they have a strong sense of community.

People enjoy gathering in public spaces, socializing, and having lively conversations.

The official language of Cuba is Spanish. Cuban Spanish has its specific accent and some unique vocabulary.

Cuban cigars are world-famous. For Cubans, smoking a fine cigar is a social ritual.

Key Phrases

• Hello -- Hola
• Excuse me -- Perdón
• How are you? -- ¿Como está?
• Thank you -- Gracias
• Please -- Por favor
• A beer please -- Una cerveza por favor
• Boy - Chico
• Asere - Dude, Friend
• Bus - Guagua 
• What’s up? - ¿Qué bolá? ‍

Tipping Customs‍

Tipping is certainly appreciated, especially when you have received great service. When tipping, it’s best to use the local currency (CUP) to ensure the recipient does not have to pay additional fees when exchanging USD.

• On day 1, visit the Fabrica de Arte Cubano (FAC), a lively creative space that highlights contemporary Cuban art and emphasizes social and community engagement. Once an oil factory, FAC promotes diverse art forms and supports artists in film, music, dance, theater, and visual arts. It’s a great spot to interact with local artists and exchange ideas.
• On day 2, you can immerse yourself in the fascinating world of wildlife by visiting the crocodile farm in the Bay of Pigs. You’ll see these creatures up close and learn about their conservation here. Alternatively, you can enjoy a peaceful walk through the lush botanical garden in Cienfuegos, which is stunning. A garden of exotic plants and colorful flowers creates a serene oasis, perfect for relaxation and exploration.
• On day 3, you can explore a bar within the stunning confines of a natural cave at Discoteca de Ayala. The mesmerizing rock formations and ambient lighting create an enchanting atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to sip refreshing drinks surrounded by breathtaking nature.

While your Trip Leader will assist you with optional activities, please note that any activities you undertake are not part of the Under30Experiences itinerary. We offer no guarantees on the safety or quality standard of these activities.

Under30Experiences has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, and hate speech. Violations will result in immediate removal from the trip.

Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes, but is not limited to, fellow travelers, Trip Leaders, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.

Always prioritize your safety and the safety of your fellow travelers.

It’s important to obey local laws and customs while on our trips. This includes, but is not limited to, wearing appropriate clothing while visiting certain communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, and avoiding any illegal activities such as drug use, having weapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re unsure about something, educate yourself or ask for clarification.

Travel involves contact with new cultures. When exposed to a way of living different from your own, do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different, so approach these differences with an open mind and respect.

Know your limits in every situation, whether physical ability, emotional space, social situations, or alcohol consumption. If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Stop drinking before you get too drunk.

Our Trip Leaders work in the travelers’ best interest. If they say something or ask you not to do something, it’s not because they want to hinder you, but because it is for a good reason, and they want you to have a good time!

Be honest about your health. Lying or withholding information about any physical or mental condition that might affect your ability to participate in any activities may be grounds for removal from your trip with no refund.

Recommended accommodations in Havana 

• Hotel Conde de Ricla Old Havana 

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