Our Cuba specialists are experienced and passionate about the country - between them they have spent many weeks a year researching new experiences and ensuring everything is of the highest standard. They know Cuba inside out.
Practical Information
There is no doubt Cuba is a stunning destination and visitors flock to its sun-drenched shores mostly on all-inclusive package holidays because, compared to other Caribbean islands, it’s inexpensive: often they never leave their holiday complex. We do not deal with the all-inclusive package side of the market but instead concentrate on designing tailor-made journeys throughout Cuba to discover the country’s fascinating history, passionate people and beautiful landscapes.
We use knowledgeable local guides to help you make the most of your time and experienced drivers to navigate surprisingly long distances. At the time of writing the Foreign Office advice is to avoid internal air travel within Cuba, hence we do not recommend flying as a means of transport around the country. Although Cuba’s focus is now on tourism to ensure its future prosperity, the country is a law unto itself when it comes to service levels and quality of food. Our trips are designed to discover the less-visited places, avoiding high-rise hotels and though they may not be luxurious, are in unique locations that incorporate the essence of the country.
UK passport holders require a Cuban Tourist card to visit Cuba: we can arrange this on your behalf. As well as being a fantastic country to visit in its own right Cuba can very easily be combined with Costa Rica or Mexico.
Language
Cuba's official language is Spanish. English is only widely spoken within the tourist industry so having a few choice phrases of Spanish is always useful, especially in more rural areas.
Food and drink
Dining in Cuba is an experience that is enjoyed for the atmosphere and ambience, not for the quality of the food. This is due to food shortages and the restrictions on private enterprise. Most of the restaurants in the country are state owned and offer wholesome but not gastronomic cuisine. Dining in a 'Paladar' is a much more entertaining experience. Paladares are small, private, family run restaurants often found in a family home, giving them a unique atmosphere. The cooks at Paladares are usually more imaginative with the food available and the best meal you have in Cuba will often be in a Paladar. Vegetarians are not well catered for in Cuba as vegetables are often cooked in fat.
Money and expense
Cuba has a dual currency, the Cuban Peso (CUP) and the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) which was introduced to offer an alternative to the US dollar. Some places only accept Cuban pesos and others only Convertible Pesos (usually tourist related establishments). Since 2004 US Dollars are no longer accepted, and an 18% commission is charged to exchange them, so you are better off taking Euros and Sterling to exchange for Cuban Convertibles. You can find ATMS in the main cities such as Trinidad and Havana but outside of these it can be difficult and even here they often do not function.
Tipping
Tipping customs have recently changed and now it is recommended that tourists tip a small amount, not necessarily a percentage. At times taxi drivers, hotel porters, waiters and ubiquitous musicians will expect (or even demand) a tip. Most Cubans earn an average of £13 to £15 a month so it is no surprise that many Cubans have turned to tourism as a good tip can easily triple their salaries. However many Cuban's, especially in more rural areas, are proud people and offering a tip to someone giving you directions or inviting you into their homes for a coffee can be an insult.
Social etiquette
Please ask permission before taking photographs.
Under The Skin
Read
'The Old Man and the Sea' by Ernest Hemingway. The tale of an aged and frail Cuban fisherman fighting a magnificent Marlin.
Listen
'Ry Cooders Buena Vista Social Club'. Old veteran Cuban musicians such as Ibrahim Ferrer and Compay Segundo have formed the foundation of modern Cuban music. They play traditional 'Son' or 'Trova', a beautiful fusion of Spanish guitar and African drum reflecting the countries roots and its people.
Watch
'Fresa y Chocolate' is probably the most famous film to come out of Cuba. Oscar nominated in 1994, it is perhaps not surprising to learn that politics are the underlying theme of this work but above all it's a joyous celebration of life and non-conformity.
Eat
Cuba is not known for its good food, in fact many tourists think it difficult to find good restaurants. Since the privitisation of 'paladares', the old state-run family restaurants that were limited to 12 seats and obliged to cook purely Cuban cuisine, things have improved dramatically though.
Drink
Mojito is the Cuban cocktail and it's found all over the world. It's a tasty combination of mint, sugar, lime juice, white rum and soda water.
Word
La Musica. It's all about the music in Cuba.
Trademarks
Music, colonial, beach.
Coffee, honey, rum.
