¡Vamos a Cuba! 20 Essential Tips for an Epic Journey to the Island of Salsa, Cigars, and Vintage Cars
¡Vamos a Cuba! 20 Essential Tips for an Epic Journey to the Island of Salsa, Cigars, and Vintage Cars - Getting There: Flight and Visa Options for Americans
For American travelers, a trip to Cuba requires some extra planning compared to other destinations. This communist island was off-limits to US tourism for decades, but improved relations under President Obama opened up more options. While travel restrictions were tightened again under Trump, options remain for legal travel by US citizens.
The key is understanding the rules and finding flights within the guidelines. American tourists still can't just hop on a plane to sip mojitos on the beach in Varadero, but several flight and visa options make visiting this unique Caribbean destination possible.
Most travel falls under the "People-to-People Educational Activities" category. This requires visiting Cuba via a licensed tour operator or through a sponsoring organization. These providers handle the paperwork and ensure you comply with US regulations. Prices start around $2,000 per person for a one-week group trip.
Another option is flying via third countries like Mexico, Jamaica, the Bahamas or Canada. You can purchase one-way flights from those countries direct to Cuba without any special paperwork. Just don't admit to customs in Havana that you traveled from the US!
Charter flights offer the most convenience for getting to Cuba directly. Options include flights from Miami, Tampa, New York and Los Angeles operated by carriers like Eastern Airlines, World Atlantic Airlines and Xtra Airways. Prices are reasonable, often under $500 roundtrip, but seats sell out fast so book well in advance.
Regardless of how you fly, Americans must have a tourist visa issued by the Cuban government. Airlines and tour operators usually handle this paperwork behind the scenes. If booking independently, apply via the Cuban consulate in advance. A standard tourist visa costs about $50-$100.
Once in Cuba, prepare for an unforgettable cultural experience. Stroll along the Malecón seaside promenade in Havana, sip rum at Hemingway's favorite bars, and cruise around town in a 1950s Ford convertible. With some advance planning, this forbidden island getaway can be easy for US travelers to access.
What else is in this post?
- ¡Vamos a Cuba! 20 Essential Tips for an Epic Journey to the Island of Salsa, Cigars, and Vintage Cars - Getting There: Flight and Visa Options for Americans
- ¡Vamos a Cuba! 20 Essential Tips for an Epic Journey to the Island of Salsa, Cigars, and Vintage Cars - Old Havana: Exploring the Cobblestone Streets and Colonial Architecture
- ¡Vamos a Cuba! 20 Essential Tips for an Epic Journey to the Island of Salsa, Cigars, and Vintage Cars - Hit the Beach: Top Swimming and Snorkeling Spots
- ¡Vamos a Cuba! 20 Essential Tips for an Epic Journey to the Island of Salsa, Cigars, and Vintage Cars - Go Back in Time: Classic Car Tours Around Havana
- ¡Vamos a Cuba! 20 Essential Tips for an Epic Journey to the Island of Salsa, Cigars, and Vintage Cars - Light Up a Cuban Cigar: The Country's Famous Tobacco Tradition
- ¡Vamos a Cuba! 20 Essential Tips for an Epic Journey to the Island of Salsa, Cigars, and Vintage Cars - Sway to the Music: Experiencing Cuban Salsa and Rumba
- ¡Vamos a Cuba! 20 Essential Tips for an Epic Journey to the Island of Salsa, Cigars, and Vintage Cars - Eat Like a Local: Top Dishes and Where to Find Them
- ¡Vamos a Cuba! 20 Essential Tips for an Epic Journey to the Island of Salsa, Cigars, and Vintage Cars - Souvenir Shopping: What to Buy and Where to Get It
¡Vamos a Cuba! 20 Essential Tips for an Epic Journey to the Island of Salsa, Cigars, and Vintage Cars - Old Havana: Exploring the Cobblestone Streets and Colonial Architecture
Stepping off the plane in Havana feels like entering a time warp. Outside the airport, vintage American cars from the 1950s cruise by, relics from before the Cuban Revolution. The historic heart of the city, known as Old Havana, transports travelers back centuries with its cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved Spanish colonial architecture.
Wandering through Old Havana is a feast for the senses. Horse-drawn carriages clop along narrow alleys while salsa music drifts through open windows. The smoky aroma of roasting coffee beans wafts from old-fashioned street carts. Around every corner reveals vibrantly painted buildings with wrought-iron balconies and colorful laundry hanging out to dry.
Plaza de Armas is the centerpiece of Old Havana and the perfect place to begin exploring. Palm trees shade this lively square filled with art galleries, restaurants, and secondhand book stalls. Watch locals engaged in games of dominos while sipping a mojito or espresso. The Baroque architecture surrounding the plaza includes the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, formerly the residence of Spanish governors.
Another magnificent plaza is Plaza de la Catedral, home to Havana's most impressive church. The asymmetrical Catedral de San Cristóbal features twin bell towers inspired by its namesake cathedral in Cádiz, Spain. Come in the evening when the facade and square are beautifully illuminated.
No visit to Old Havana is complete without a stop at Plaza Vieja. Long abandoned and decaying, this historic plaza underwent a total renovation in the 1990s. Today it brims with art galleries, shops, and lively outdoor cafes. Check out the quirky planetarium and camera obscura located atop old merchant houses. Dancing fountains provide refreshment during the heat of the day.
Beyond the main plazas, countless architectural treasures are tucked along narrow cobblestone streets. Top highlights include the Moorish arches of the 18th-century Palacio Cueto, the elaborate stonework facade of the Jose Miguel Gomez House, and the leafy central courtyard of the Casa de los Árabes.
¡Vamos a Cuba! 20 Essential Tips for an Epic Journey to the Island of Salsa, Cigars, and Vintage Cars - Hit the Beach: Top Swimming and Snorkeling Spots
While Havana's history and culture may be Cuba's biggest draws, the island's miles of pristine beaches and coral reefs also entice travelers. If lounging on the sand or snorkeling turquoise waters is on your Cuban itinerary, these prime spots offer the best swimming and snorkeling in the country.
Varadero remains Cuba's most popular beach destination, especially for all-inclusive resort vacations. Over 10 miles of powdery white sand fringe an azure sea perfect for swimming. Rent a catamaran, kayak, or paddleboard and explore offshore. Snorkelers can spot colorful tropical fish off Playa Azul. Scuba divers can explore nearby reef walls and a WWII shipwreck. With gentle waves and gradual entry, the beaches around Varadero suit families.
Cuba's best coral reefs lie off the southern coast in the Jardines de La Reina archipelago. Accessible only by liveaboard dive boat, these over 50 untouched islands feature thriving marine ecosystems teeming with tropical fish, manta rays, sea turtles, and nurse sharks. Advanced scuba divers can drift dive among towering coral formations while snorkelers float above this underwater wonderland. With its remote location, Jardines de La Reina offers a true island getaway.
For a less touristy alternative to Varadero just 2.5 hours from Havana, head to Playa Santa Lucía. Its 20 miles of white sand and tranquil turquoise waters provide ideal swimming and snorkeling conditions. Rent a car and explore the uncrowded beaches east towards Guardalavaca. Swim out to nearby coral reefs to observe brilliantly colored fish. Come in May to spot humpback whales passing by on their annual migration. Laid back and affordable, Santa Lucía still remains an insider's secret.
On the southeast coast, Playa Ancón's protected waters make for excellent swimming and snorkeling. Located near the colonial city of Trinidad, the white sand beach stretches over two miles, rarely crowded even in high season. Rent snorkel gear on-site for exploring the adjacent coral reef. Lifeguards and beach attendants keep things safe and hassle-free. Families appreciate the shallow areas by the reef for splashing with little ones. Ancón offers beautiful vistas and amenities without the big resort crowds.
¡Vamos a Cuba! 20 Essential Tips for an Epic Journey to the Island of Salsa, Cigars, and Vintage Cars - Go Back in Time: Classic Car Tours Around Havana
Cruising down the Malecón in a candy-colored 1957 Chevy Bel Air or tooling through the streets of Old Havana in a cherry red Ford from the Fabulous Fifties – that's the quintessential Cuban experience many travelers dream about. And taking a tour in one of the island's many lovingly maintained vintage American cars offers the perfect opportunity.
Unlike most cities where automobiles fade into the background, Havana's mid-century fleet makes cruising the city feel like a journey back in time. Owning one of these cars is a point of pride among Cuban drivers who manage to keep them running despite the U.S. trade embargo. Parts are creatively fashioned from whatever materials can be found. Seeing the cars still navigating potholed streets 60 years on is a testament both to Cuban ingenuity and the time capsule-like nature of the island.
Tours allow you to sit back and soak up the nostalgia while someone else navigates the chaotic Havana streets. Having a knowledgeable local guide provides insight into these cars – true classics like Chevys, Cadillacs, Buicks, and Fords that disappeared from American roads decades ago. They'll point out unique models and details while adding commentary about sites passed along the way.
Some tours focus solely on cruising the Malecón, Havana's beloved waterfront promenade. Plying this picturesque route, the sea breeze in your hair, feels like a classic American joyride. Other options take you deeper into atmospheric Old Havana with its cobblestone streets and stunning colonial architecture. Sitting high in one of these boat-sized sedans provides a great vantage for people watching and photography.
For the most comprehensive experience, choose a tour that includes visits to important sites like the Plaza de la Revolución and Cemetery Cristóbal Colón. Having a car and driver makes it easy to explore sprawling Havana where public transportation options are limited. All tours will provide great photo ops – be sure to get a shot posing with your ride!
¡Vamos a Cuba! 20 Essential Tips for an Epic Journey to the Island of Salsa, Cigars, and Vintage Cars - Light Up a Cuban Cigar: The Country's Famous Tobacco Tradition
Cigar aficionados know that Cuban cigars occupy a place all their own in the pantheon of premium hand-rolled stogies. The unique terroir of Cuba's Vuelta Abajo region produces what many consider the finest tobacco leaf in the world. When artfully blended and rolled by a torcedor, or cigar roller, the result is a sublime smoking experience unmatched elsewhere.
While Fidel Castro was better known for guerrilla warfare, his love of cigars helped cement their place in Cuban culture and lore. Nothing quite epitomizes La Habana like the sight of old men relaxing with a cigar in one hand and a mojito in the other. When visiting Cuba, lighting up your own Cuban cigar offers a chance to partake in this time-honored local tradition.
The ritual begins by selecting the perfect stick, or puro, to suit your taste, budget and smoking experience. Novices may want to start with approachable mild brands like Jose L. Piedra or Guantanamera, made with lower-grade tobacco but still boasting that unique Cuban flavor. Aficionados seek out prestigious marcas like Cohiba, Montecristo or Romeo y Julieta, rolled from the finest Vuelta Abajo leaves.
Don't let opportunistic street touts pawn off fakes. Only purchase cigars from La Casa del Habano stores found in major cities. Humidors are kept at optimal temperature and humidity to ensure premium quality. An employee will offer recommendations based on your preference. Some even let you sample different vitolas, or cigar sizes, to help choose your ideal silhouette and duration of smoke.
Once selected, head to a comfortable smoking lounge or rooftop terrace. Use a double guillotine cutter to clip off the closed end, or cap. Avoid touching the body of the cigar to prevent absorbing oils from your fingers. Now comes the ritualistic lighting. Hold the flame an inch from the foot and gently rotate the stogie to achieve an even burn. Take a few puffs to get the ember established.
Sit back and savor the experience as flavors evolve from light, sweet grassiness to earthy, leathery notes. Retrohale for the full sensory impression. The thick, aromatic smoke should draw smoothly with no bitterness. Allow the cigar to burn naturally, taking a puff every minute or so. Sip rum or brandy between draws to cleanse your palate.
¡Vamos a Cuba! 20 Essential Tips for an Epic Journey to the Island of Salsa, Cigars, and Vintage Cars - Sway to the Music: Experiencing Cuban Salsa and Rumba
Music pulses through the streets of Cuba, pouring out of open windows and drawing dancers into the streets. Nowhere else moves to such infectious rhythms as this Caribbean island that gave the world mambo, cha-cha-cha, and other Latin beats. Visiting Cuba without experiencing its legendary music scene would be like touring Nashville and not hearing country. Salsa and rumba serve as the soundtracks to Cuban life.
Salsa represents the ultimate fusion of musical influences reflecting Cuba's cultural melting pot. It mixes Afro-Cuban percussion and vocals with jazz harmonies and touches of rock. The high-energy genre evolved in 1960s New York City when Cuban immigrants collaborated with Puerto Rican musicians. Classic salsa dura, with its full-bodied “big band” arrangements, blares from clubs and cabarets in Havana and Santiago de Cuba. Modern timba salsa incorporates more funk and hip-hop elements.
For the most authentic salsa experience, head to open air late night dance parties called descargas. Locals and visitors alike pack these informal gatherings fueled by rum cocktails and live bands. Members of the audience, known as coristas, spontaneously jump on stage to dance and sing choruses. Descargas run into the wee hours with dizzying displays of spinning and hip gyrations. Leading venues include El Gato Tuerto in Havana and Casa de la Trova in Santiago.
Of Cuba’s many musical gifts, rumba stands as the most African-influenced. Rumba originated in docks and tenements as a fusion of Spanish guitar and African drumming and vocals. UNESCO recognized rumba as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, a testament to its significance. Several distinct styles exist, all driven by interlocking rhythms played on conga, quinto, and batá hand drums.
¡Vamos a Cuba! 20 Essential Tips for an Epic Journey to the Island of Salsa, Cigars, and Vintage Cars - Eat Like a Local: Top Dishes and Where to Find Them
Cuban cuisine reflects the island’s rich history as a cultural crossroads. African, Caribbean, and Spanish influences blend together in flavorful dishes often featuring rice, beans, pork, and tropical produce. Eating your way through the local specialties presents a delicious opportunity to immerse yourself in Cuba’s one-of-a-kind culinary heritage. Here are some iconic Cuban foods every visitor should seek out.
No list of top Cuban dishes omits ropa vieja. Shredded flank steak simmers in a tomato-based criollo sauce infused with peppers, onions, garlic, and Latin spices. The name means “old clothes” referring to the strings of tender beef resembling tattered rags. For the classic experience, order ropa vieja with moros y cristianos, a side of black beans and white rice. Top restaurants like La Guarida serve elevated versions, but you can eat like a local at no-frills state restaurants or paladares.
Another iconic Cuban meal, lechón asado involves slow roasting a whole pig over a charcoal pit until the meat becomes fall-off-the-bone tender. The crispy, flavorful pork skin is the best part. For traditional lechón rustico, head to old-school Havana establishments like Los Nardos, El Chanchullero, and El Aljibe where the succulent pork is drowned in garlicky mojo criollo sauce. Fancy paladares put a contemporary twist on classic lechón.
No Cuban meal feels complete without fried plantains, another island staple. Savory maduros feature super ripe, blackened plátanos fried in oil and sprinkled with salt. For a sweet dessert version, try mariquitas made green plantains cut into thin slices then crisped up in the pan. Yuca con mojo, or cassava fries served with garlicky sauce, make another deliciously addictive side.
Refreshing mojitos may be Cuba’s most famous drink, but coffee ranks as the true national beverage. Sip shots of dark, potent Cuban coffee solo or with steamed milk. Order a cortadito to receive half coffee, half milk served piping hot. For a stronger caffeine jolt, go for the no-nonsense café Cubano brewed with sugar to balance the intense flavor. Scoop up coffee at walk-up windows and street carts around Havana.
Don’t leave Cuba without trying the quintessential street food sandwich called an empanada. Savory picadillo filling of ground beef, onions, peppers, and olives gets stuffed into a delicious fried dough pocket. Buy empanadas from mobile food carts, small shops, or street vendors carrying them on stacks. They make a perfect quick bite during a day of sightseeing.
¡Vamos a Cuba! 20 Essential Tips for an Epic Journey to the Island of Salsa, Cigars, and Vintage Cars - Souvenir Shopping: What to Buy and Where to Get It
Souvenir shopping serves as that final step in immersing yourself in a destination’s culture. Beyond mere trinkets, the keepsakes you select encapsulate memories from your journey. And Cuba offers abundant opportunities to take home unique, locally-made items. Once restricted and homogeneous, Cuban souvenir options have diversified along with economic privatization. Independent artisans now sell their wares in stalls and workshops. Rummage through eclectic antique and book shops. Seek out specialty cigar and music stores. Hunting for that perfect Cuban souvenir makes exploring backstreets rewarding.
Leather goods rank among the most popular items to purchase. Talented artisans craft wallets, purses, belts and more from supple Cuban leather. Havana's Calle Mercaderes overflows with shops specializing in these quality handmade goods. Prices run reasonable and you can buy items crafted from exotic cocodrilo (alligator) and crocodile skins. For custom-made pieces, head to Taller Experimental de la Piel in Centro Habana. They work leather into funky jacket designs and craft stylish oxfords straight out of a Hemingway novel.
Cuba's famed cigars tempt many travelers, but regulations limit Americans to 100 cigars. Still, picking up a few Cohibas or Montecristos straight from the island makes an ideal gift for cigar connoisseurs back home. Experience aficionados swear cigars taste better when purchased in Cuba. Consult hotel staff to find reputable stores like the La Casa del Habano franchises. They'll recommend top brands based on your budget and help you avoid counterfeits.
Music gets into your blood in Cuba. Bring home some vintage vinyl records of iconic Cuban artists like Celia Cruz, Beny Moré, and the Buena Vista Social Club. Dig through overflowing crates in stores like Discos Plaza in Havana and Artex in Santiago de Cuba. Chat with knowledgeable clerks to unearth rare gems. Can't find a turntable? Pick up CDs and cassette tapes of classic salsa and son cubano instead.
Locally-made rum and coffee make great edible souvenirs. Sip a mojito while browsing bottles of Havana Club or Santiago de Cuba rums aged anywhere from 3 to 15 years. Music aficionados should grab a bottle of the limited Elcano branded rum in homage to the famous ship that first brought African slaves and their rhythms to the island. For java lovers, carry home bags of whole bean or ground coffee from the Escandinavia and Café El Mercurio shops.