Wander Across Cuba

March 7th – 15th, 2025

What to Expect

It’s Time to Get Excited!

Your exciting journey to Cuba is on the horizon, and it’s sure to be a trip to remember. Please read the following document carefully as it contains important information to help you prepare for the adventure ahead. If you have any questions at all, simply let us know!

The Destination

What to Expect of the Tour

Get ready to embark on a one-of-a-kind 9-day itinerary through Cuba, featuring exclusive access to experiences that most tourists never get to see. We’ll begin in Havana, taking you beyond the usual sights—exploring the city in classic cars, visiting vibrant art spaces, and meeting local artists. You’ll also enjoy a special visit to a Children’s Circus School and a private evening at Fabrica de Arte Cubano, a creative hub that offers a unique insight into contemporary Cuban culture. From there, we’ll head to the stunning valleys of Viñales to learn about traditional cigar-making on family-owned farms, explore the countryside on horseback, and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on a secluded island. Back in Havana, we’ll capture the city’s charm with a sunset photo session featuring professional ballerinas and gain an intimate understanding of Cuban dance traditions. We’ll also explore the fishing village of Cojimar, once a favorite spot of Hemingway, and conclude our journey with a celebratory dinner to toast to these unforgettable experiences. This is one of our most unique itineraries, offering an authentic and immersive look at the real Cuba.

Facts About Cuba

Population: 11.21 million people
Religion: Cuban people are predominantly Roman Catholic, with a significant portion of the population also practicing Afro-Cuban religions like Santería. There are also small communities of Protestants, Jews, and Muslims.
Languages: Spanish is the only official language of Cuba and is spoken by the majority of the population. English is generally understood throughout the country.
History: Cuba has a rich and complex history, shaped by indigenous cultures, Spanish colonization, and African influences brought by the transatlantic slave trade. After gaining independence from Spain in 1898, the country went through a period of political turmoil before the Cuban Revolution in 1959, which brought Fidel Castro to power and established the current socialist government.
Politics: Cuba is a socialist republic with a one-party political system. The government is led by President Miguel Díaz-Canel, who took office in 2018, succeeding Raúl Castro.

Travel / Entry

Entry Requirements

You will need a passport to travel to Cuba. Your passport should be valid until at least November 2025 and it should have 2 full empty pages. If you don’t have enough empty pages, please contact us and we will send you instructions for getting a new passport in time for the tour.

Please note that it’s important to carry a photocopy of your passport details page with you at all times while in Cuba.

Citizens of the USA, EU countries, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand require a visa to enter Cuba. Currently the country is transitioning to an e-visa system, which was rolled out in the summer of 2024 and is replacing the “Tourist Card” system for 2025.

For this tour you will use the new e-visa system. The application is done completely online and, for US residents, it MUST be paid by “USPS Money Order” mailed to the Cuban Consulate in Washington, D.C. Please allow at least four weeks for the Consulate to process your e-visa. We will send out the detailed instructions to obtain it once the dates get closer.

Arrival and Departure Information

The official arrival day for the tour is March 7th, with Havana as the starting point. Please book your flight to the José Martí International Airport (HAV) to arrive before 3:00 PM to have enough time to settle in before our 5:00 PM orientation meeting. Due to Cuban regulations, we cannot offer pre-trip accommodations, so it’s essential that you arrive on March 7th. The tour concludes in Havana on March 15th. Please book your departure flight from Havana International Airport (HAV) before 3:00 PM. If your flight is scheduled later, you may experience a long wait at the airport, as the latest drop-off time is 12:00 PM. We also cannot provide post-trip accommodations, so your departure must be on March 15th.

Preparation

Accommodation and Transportation

This trip includes a mix of comfortable boutique hotels in Havana, as well as casas particulares in Viñales. A casa particular is a private family residence transformed into a guesthouse. All rooms are comfortable and feature a private bathroom.

Please be aware that Cuba has come through a tough time since the pandemic. The Cuban people are ready to welcome guests with open arms, but flexibility will be required as short power outages could be a reality during our stay.

During the trip, we’ll travel in comfort in private vans and mini-bus in order to ensure flexibility, plenty of space for each guest and access to areas that larger vehicles simply can’t go. Additionally, we’ll enjoy a tour in classic convertible cars in Havana.

Immunization

Currently, Cuba doesn’t require any specific immunizations to enter the country. However, it is always worthwhile to consult with a healthcare professional about any optional vaccinations that might be beneficial for you during the tour. These may include Covid-19, Dengue, Zika, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Typhoid, Yellow Fever and Meningitis.

Money

Cuba used to operate with two currencies: the Cuban Peso (CUP) and the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC), which was primarily used by tourists and pegged to the U.S. dollar. However, in January 2021, the Cuban government eliminated the CUC, making the CUP the sole official currency. This change was part of a monetary reform aimed at simplifying the dual currency system and improving the economy. Since then, most transactions in Cuba, for both tourists and locals, are conducted in CUP, although some venues still prefer USD.

For daily expenses, you should budget around $40 USD per day, covering meals not included in the tour, basic purchases like snacks or laundry, and any additional activities. We recommend bringing cash in USD, which can be exchanged at official exchange houses (CADECA), banks, or hotels. ATMs are available but are unreliable, and U.S.-issued cards will not work due to embargo restrictions.

Always exchange money at official locations to avoid complications, and only exchange what you need since CUP cannot be converted back outside of Cuba. Our guides will help facilitate exchanging currency.

As for tipping, it is customary and in most cases it is expected. Here’s a general guideline:

Restaurants – 10% if a service charge is not already added to the bill
Hotel staff – $1 – $2 USD
Our driver and local guide – At the end of the trip, we recommend that everyone gives $100 USD that will be split among our drivers and local guides. We will collect this on the last day and give it to them before we say goodbye.
Tour leader – If you wish to tip your tour leader, they will always be greatly appreciative.

*Tips for waitstaff at included meals are already included.

Food / Water

Tap water in Cuba is not recommended for drinking, and it’s best to stick to bottled water, which is widely available. While brushing your teeth with tap water is generally considered safe, many travelers prefer to use bottled water as an extra precaution.

Meals during our tour will be a delightful mix of ordering from menus at local restaurants and enjoying family-style sharing of traditional dishes. We are able to accommodate all dietary requirements to ensure everyone can fully enjoy the culinary experiences. Prior to the trip, we will send out a form to collect your dietary preferences and requirements so that everything will be in order.

Staying Connected

Wi-Fi in Cuba can be inconsistent, especially outside major cities like Havana. Our hotels and guesthouses will offer Wi-Fi, but they will require purchasing an access card, which will grants you a limited amount of time online. The connection speed is generally slower than what you might be accustomed to, and access can be intermittent.

If you need to stay connected, some cell phone services offer limited texting and calling to the U.S., but these can be costly and coverage in rural areas is minimal. Communication with home may be challenging, so it’s best to come prepared to embrace the experience of being less connected to the internet and more immersed in your surroundings. However, rest assured that our team will always be available and can reach your contacts if necessary.

Drones / Cameras

You can bring personal camera equipment, such as digital cameras and small video cameras, to Cuba without any special permits.

Drones are not allowed to be brought into Cuba. If you bring one, it will be confiscated upon arrival and held until your departure, which could involve a lengthy process.

Outlet Adapters

Although the most common plugs in Cuba are the American-style (Type A and B), you may also find European plugs (Type C) in some locations. If you’re traveling from the U.S., your devices should be compatible with most outlets, but it’s a good idea to bring a universal adapter to be prepared for all types.

As for electricity, check your chargers to see if they say 110 – 230 V. If they do, you will not have any problems charging your device while on the tour.

Safety

Safety Tips

Cuba is considered one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean, with very low rates of violent crime. While petty theft, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas, it’s easily avoidable by remaining mindful of your belongings. Always keep your bags zipped, carry purses securely in front of you, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Our accommodations are secure, so you can leave your belongings safely when exploring. With these basic precautions, you can enjoy your time in Cuba with confidence and peace of mind.

Scams

It’s important to be mindful of a few common scams to ensure your trip goes smoothly. One common issue is the sale of fake cigars. Street vendors may claim they have authentic cigars at discounted prices due to a “special event,” but these are often counterfeit or of low quality. Short-change scams are also common, so make sure to count your change and be familiar with the local currency. Additionally, avoid exchanging money on the street as counterfeit currency is a risk, always stick to official exchange houses our team will show you. Be cautious of overly friendly locals offering unsolicited help or deals on goods and services, as they may lead to overcharging. By staying aware of these situations, you can enjoy your time in Cuba with confidence and peace of mind.

Weather / Packing

Weather

During this trip, we can expect relatively consistent weather. March is one of the driest months, with most days being sunny and only a few rainy days. Here are the average temperatures for each destination we will visit:

Havana: 82°F/28°C high – 66°F/19°C low
Viñales: 82°F/28°C high – 63°F/17°C low

Clothing Requirements

While traveling in Cuba, you are free to wear whatever clothing you wish as Cubans generally dress as they do in any Western country.

We highly recommend bringing comfortable shoes with good traction for Viñales, as well as one dressier outfit for evenings out in Havana.

Packing

We recommend packing the following items:

Pants (1-2 pairs – comfortable, lightweight)
Shirts (3-4 short-sleeve shirts, 1-2 long-sleeve shirts)
Shorts (3-4 pairs)
Swimsuit
One dressier outfit (for nights out in Havana)
Underwear and socks
Shoes (comfortable walking shoes or sneakers) and Sandals
One pair of good-traction hiking shoes
Warm clothing (1-2 light jackets for cooler nights)
Rain coat
Toiletries
Medications (bring enough of any prescription medicines you take)
Small daypack (for daily excursions)
Gadgets and chargers (don’t forget a travel adapter)
Earplugs (helpful if you’re a light sleeper)
Sunglasses
Hat
Insect repellent (as you might not find any in Cuba)

If you have any questions about specific items you’re considering bringing, please send us an email, and we’ll be happy to advise you on whether they’re necessary for this trip.

WhatsApp Group

We will set up a WhatsApp chat 2 weeks prior to the start of the tour that will include all of the participants as well as your tour leader. This will allow everyone to get to know each other in advance, ask questions and communicate with your tour leader both before and during the tour. It will be very useful for you to have WhatsApp available to you during the tour as this will be the main method of communication.

Additional Details

Tour Leader

Your tour leader for this trip will be none other than Derek Baron, the founder of Wandering Earl Tours. His journey in the world of travel began in 1999, and since then, he has led many successful tours across the globe. His extensive knowledge and experience will ensure you’re in the best hands for this adventure.

He will introduce himself and share more details when we create the group WhatsApp chat.

Is There Any Free Time?

Yes! Some days will include time together as well as free time for you to enjoy a destination at your own pace. With that said, your tour leader will always be available to offer personal recommendations and suggestions as to things you might want to do or see, places to photograph and other interesting activities that you might want to check out when there is free time.

Donations

If you choose to bring small gifts for the local people, it can make a meaningful difference and is greatly appreciated, especially in the more rural areas of Viñales. Items like basic snacks, sewing supplies, or over-the-counter medicines are warmly welcomed. Should you have any questions about donations or what to bring, please feel free to email us at team@wanderingearl.com.