Cuba Travel Report — Havana, Trinidad & Caribbean Beaches

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Cuba travelogue: Route between cities and the Caribbean

Good to know: A round trip of 14 to 21 days is ideal. The Cuba route begins in Havana, continues to Viñales and Trinidad, and ends in Varadero. Havana, Viñales, and Trinidad can be comfortably combined in two weeks. With three weeks, Cienfuegos, the Cayos (islands of untouched islands), and a few days on the beach in Varadero can be added. This way, the trip connects the capital, the Tobacco Valley, a colonial city, and a Caribbean beach, without reducing each stop to a brief stopover.

Cuba route including Havana, Viñales and Trinidad

Almost every tour starts in Havana at José Martí Airport. From there, Viñales is two to three hours further west. Tip: Plan at least two nights for the valley, as one night is not enough. Trinidad is located in the center of the island and deserves at least two full days, ideally three. The first day can be dedicated to the old town and the evening music, the second to the Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of the Engineers). Playa Ancón is a possible addition for the third day. This beach on Cuba's southern coast is a 15-minute taxi ride from the city center.

Those with 21 days to spare can extend this itinerary to include Cienfuegos, the Cayos, and Varadero. The Viazul bus connects these major destinations. Tickets can be booked online or at the terminal; popular routes sell out quickly during peak season. Colectivo taxis offer a faster, more flexible alternative. Private rental cars, on the other hand, are rarely available, and gasoline can be scarce. For day trips from Havana, private drivers are an option, but the price should be agreed upon in advance.

Havana travel tips for the old town, Malecón and classic cars

Discover Havana on foot in this Cuba travelogue

Old Havana (La Habana Vieja) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pastel-colored colonial houses, cobbled streets, and salsa music characterize the old town. Tip: Set aside a whole day for strolling around. The Malecón complements this walk along the Atlantic coast: This waterfront promenade stretches for eight kilometers. During the day, fishermen cast their lines there, and in the evenings, musicians and couples gather along the wall. At sunset, the promenade becomes a destination that requires no set itinerary.

The American classic cars date back to the 1950s. For over 60 years, Cubans have been repairing Chevrolets, Buicks, and Fords themselves, as the US embargo blocked the import of new vehicles for decades. These vintage cars are therefore not only an attraction but also serve as a form of public transportation. They are a common sight on Havana's streets and simultaneously stand as rolling witnesses to history.

Trinidad travel report: Old town, music and Caribbean beach

Trinidad's UNESCO-protected Old Town is exceptionally well-preserved. Colorful houses, cobblestone streets, and church steeples against a mountain backdrop define the cityscape. The distances remain manageable, as everything is within walking distance. Despite tourism, the city is not merely a backdrop. The Plaza Mayor is the heart of city life; in the evenings, it comes alive with music, dancing, and laughter.

Trinidad travel tips for three days

The Casa de la Música is located on the steps leading up to the upper town. Salsa music is performed there outdoors, free of charge. Outside the old town, a day trip to the Valle de los Ingenios, the Sugar Cane Valley, reveals how Trinidad acquired its colonial wealth. There are two ways to get there: a private driver or the old tourist train. This makes the second day of your trip a perfect blend of the colonial city and its rich history.

Playa Ancón adds a perfect beach day to Trinidad: white sand, turquoise water, and no mass tourism await. The beach is among the most beautiful on Cuba's southern coast. This allows you to combine the old town, evening music, and the sugar cane valley with a Caribbean experience without leaving the Trinidad region.

Cuba travel tips on money, accommodation and entry

Plan your money reliably for your trip to Cuba

The national currency is the Cuban Peso, abbreviated CUP. Credit cards from US banks are not accepted, and European cards often do not work reliably at ATMs. Tip: Bring cash in euros or US dollars and exchange it for CUP locally, exclusively at official CADECA exchange offices or hotels. Street solicitations carry a risk of fraud. A sufficient cash reserve is important because card payments and ATMs are not universally reliable.

Electricity and internet access also require preparation. Planned power outages, called Apagones, can last eight to twelve hours. During these outages, restaurants sometimes cook on gas; casas particulares often have generators or at least candles and fans. Internet access is available via government-run ETECSA hotspots in public squares. A NAUTA card from an ETECSA store is required for this, and the connection can be interrupted frequently. Travelers should therefore save important maps and information offline beforehand.

Accommodation and entry requirements for the Cuba tour

A casa particular is a state-licensed room rented out by private individuals in their own homes. Often, only one or two rooms are available. Breakfast is homemade, hosts can offer local advice, and the income goes directly to the family. Tip for Viñales: This Cuban form of bed and breakfast is a more personal alternative to state-run hotels.

Good to know: German citizens are eligible for a tourist card, the Tarjeta del Turista, instead of a traditional visa. It can be booked with your flight or applied for in advance at the Cuban embassy. It is valid for 30 days and can be extended once to 60 days at the immigration office (Inmigración) upon arrival. Additionally, written proof of health insurance is required upon entry. This can be checked at Havana or Varadero airport; without proof, a policy must be purchased locally. Entry and visa regulations are subject to change and should therefore be checked with the Cuban embassy before traveling.

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