US to Cuba Travel Guide 2025
Traveling from US to Cuba? Here is everything you need to prepare for your trip
Cuba Travel Blog
Check out our selection of Cuba travel articles!
Includes contributions from some of our travellers, guest writers, and from our very own tour guides and staff.
A unique collection of Cuban Adventures
5 Tips for Spending Money in Cuba
Learn how to deal with Cuba’s currency situation like a pro with these 5 tips to simplify spending money in Cuba.
How to Fill Out Cuba’s D’Viajeros Immigration Forms
Follow these step-by-step instructions to get the Cuba D’Viajeros QR code required to enter Cuba. Filling out the D’Viajeros form before departing for your trip is a requirement to enter Cuba.
Best Cuban Cities to Visit
Discover the best Cuban cities to visit and other popular vacation spots in Cuba while exploring the island from Havana to Viñales, Trinidad and Varadero.
Things to Know When Going to Cuba
Your Cuba adventure checklist with things to know when going to Cuba—climate, clothing, where to stay & eat, documents needed for travel to Cuba and more!
Facts about Cuba
Did you know Cuba has the highest adult literacy rate and the tiniest bird in the world? Uncover amazing facts about Cuba and Cuban culture and traditions!
The Best of Havana Nightlife
Our guide to the best bars and nightclubs in Old Havana, Centro Havana, Vedado, and Miramar will help you party like a local in Havana
What You Need to Know about Cuba and the US ESTA
Read which rules and laws you need to know about traveling to Cuba via the US. The US visa waiver called the ESTA is not valid to enter the US if you have been to Cuba after Cuba was listed as a country that sponsors terrorism.
3 Best Hikes in Cuba
Favourite treks in Cuba in order of best hike first. See what our tour company founder John Ahrens recommends as the best walks to do in Cuba including Pico Turquino
Christmas in Cuba
The winter months of Nov, Dec, and January are a great time for birdwatching in Cuba. This is when migratory species are present on the island and the weather is fine and mild.
Birding in Cuba - Which Month is Best?
The winter months of Nov, Dec, and January are a great time for birdwatching in Cuba. This is when migratory species are present on the island and the weather is fine and mild.
Why it’s Time for Cuba
For the traveler who wants to learn about the “real” Cuba, both its folly and its magic, there is no better time to visit than now.
The Hypocrisy in the call for Democracy in Cuba
The call by the US government for democratic elections in Cuba is hampered by some glaring hypocrisies. This article identifies 6 areas where America could be more democratic itself.
Club Atenas: Social Club for Havana’s Black Elite
A local nonagenarian shares his recollections of Cuba’s most celebrated and exclusive club for the black aristocracy.
5 Important Cuban Historical Figures
One of the most captivating aspects of Cuba is its fascinating history, which travelers should study to better appreciate the country. Here are five of the most important and beloved figures in Cuban History.
Cuba’s 5 Best Historical Films
Cuban cinema provides an entertaining history lesson, here are five exemplary films set in Cuba’s most noteworthy historical periods.
Why is Cuba so Addictive?
What is it about Cuba that has travelers returning again and again? Our guide Yanna explains what gets visitors so addicted to Cuba.
Why Cubans Love Baseball
Cubans are known baseball fanatics, and many of the MLB’s heavy hitters had origins on the island, but did you know the historical importance of baseball in Cuba’s revolutionary history?
Escape the Grind in Topes de Collantes
Just a short distance from the bustling Cuban city of Trinidad, lies a peaceful salvation among the cold clear waters and verdant nature of Topes de Collantes national park which features a network of nature trails, waterfalls and mountain streams.
6 Cool things to do in Cuba
From nightlife to nature, if you’re traveling throughout Cuba you won’t want to miss Natalia’s list of cool things to do in Havana and beyond.
5 Havana Fashion Designers
Havana’s young entrepreneurs have created a landscape of hip and unique shops. Here are five places to find great additions to your hipster wardrobe.
5 Free Experiences You Must Do in Havana
The best things in life are free. Here are the five must-do activities in Havana that will cost you absolutely zilch.
5 Traditional Cuban Desserts
Cubans are known for having a sweet tooth. Margarita will have your mouth watering as she shares her 5 favourite local sweets with you
Authentic Cuban Musical Styles
Cuba is synonymous with salsa, but here are five other music styles that you should know that are important to Cuban national identity and culture.
Fact Check: In Cuba is Killing a Cow Worse Than a Person?
Many Cubans say that the punishment for killing a cow in Cuba is more severe than killing a person, but is it true?
5 Animals that Only Exist in Cuba
Cuba is a treasure trove of flora and fauna, many species of which are only found in Cuba. Here are five animals unique to this tropical island.
How to Smoke a Cuban Cigar
A Cuban cigar, more than a smoke or a prop for a photo, is a local delicacy to be savored and appreciated to the fullest for its craftmanship and symbol of national identity.
The Seven Wonders of Cuban Civil Engineering
An interesting look at seven clever feats of civil engineering that made a major impact on Cuba’s development.
Colon Cemetery: Havana’s Eclectic Necropolis
Christopher Columbus Cemetery is one of the most fascinating sites to visit in Havana. Here is a guide to its stories, secrets, and symbolism.
How the Cuban Revolution Affected my Family
Yummet is a young black Cuban woman. She tells the story of her family through 3 generations of black women in Havana.
4 Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know About Cuban Cigars
Learn a few interesting facts that you may not know about Cuban cigars. Discover popular habano brands and lesser known ones.
The Pink Cars of Havana
So many of Havana's classic 1950s American cars are painted pink. Have you every wondered why that is? The reasons and history behind it will surprise you.
Havana Jazz Festival
The Havana International Jazz Festival is an outstanding music event in Cuba featuring renowned international jazz musicians. Ccatch some great music, and experience the fascinating city of Havana.
Birds of Cuba
The 6 most interesting, beautiful and truely endemic species of Cuban birds. Some of these can be seen without much birdwatching effort in the natural areas and forests of Cuba.
What our guests say about travelling with us
Excellent
Based on 1,295 reviews
KeeleyOctober 17, 2025I really enjoyed experiencing Cuba with my local guides and tour leaders, learning so much about the socio-political past, the creativity and innovation of Cuban people, learning about Cuba's melting pot of religions and Afro-Cuban practices such as the Santeria belief system and of course the greenery and beauty of Vinales! Thank you all for making it an incredible experience and for opening your homes, hearts and way of life with me.
AlexandraOctober 12, 2025My trip to Cuba was perfectly organised and the tour guides were really knowledgeable and super friendly, so I felt really welcome with them.- Susan KatzAugust 4, 2025
Classic Cuba 15 day trip gave my husband and I an INCREDIBLE overview of several of the cities, culture and people of Cuba. A beautiful, challenging, humbling and hopeful combination as we explored the streets, passed the countryside, met the people and marveled at the architecture, past and present (re-habed and not). Often we felt like we were on a movie set, stuck in time. Each city had it's own vibe, with Baracoa, Santiago, Trinadad, Cienfuegos and of course, Havana, an important place to see. The blackouts, outside of Havana, added to our understanding of a few of the challenges of life of the Cuban people. But, we were prepared! Cuban Adventures website, communications and FB page helped us overcome questions and smoothed the way for a great trip. As the only 2 on our trip (low season?), we had 100% of the attention and enthusiasm of our guide, Benny and capable driver, Emilio. Knowing some Spanish, bringing items to donate, light clothes, chargable fans and a flexible, open mind made all the difference. We can highly recommend this organization and our experience with Cuban Adventures on the Classic Cuba trip.
CieraAugust 1, 2025I really enjoyed my tour guide as she showed me around Cuba. It was great to see the beauty of an island from multiple different locations. It was a great experience where you are immersed in the culture there. I also loved the mango/mango smoothies throughout my food experiences there as well.
TeresaJuly 29, 2025I give Cuban Adventure a 5 star rating. If you are American, and choose supporting the Cuban people as your reason for travel, you will have an exceptional experience. We learned so much and now we are intrigued to learn even more.
- PaulJuly 20, 2025I took part in an 8 day original tour in July 2025 . It was extremely well organised and the guide Yoli was very knowledgeable and great fun . Apart from having a great time and experiencing all the cities, beaches and great countryside I learned a lot about the history and culture of Cuba and could interact with local people much more than booking a package deal . I would recommend this trip to anyone thinking of visiting the island.
- JenniferJuly 13, 2025Friends in Australia and NZ! Cuban hospitality awaits for your travelling pleasure! Don’t miss the ‘anti-stress’ cocktail in Viñales, the political history and music culture everywhere and the snorkelling in the Bay of Pigs!
- SonjaJuly 4, 2025This trip was a wonderful way to experience the joys, beauty and hardships of Cuba. The people are warm and friendly, and the music and dancing is a true highlight. If you are lookiing for a travel experience that allows you to connect with the people and culture, Cuban Adventures makes it happen in a safe , comfortable and informative way. Highly recommend.
- CharlesJuly 3, 2025Recently booked with Cuban Adventures for a 5 day tour. Wonderful experience. Accommodations were clean with no issues at all. The tour had very interesting excursions. I enjoyed the City walking tour the best. It was good to see different areas of the city and to learn the Cuban culture. Also enjoyed hearing how US politics and mafia had influence in Havana. Overall was a great time and glad that I had this experience.
Andrew CJuly 1, 2025Cuban Adventures, and local guide Yuri, went above and beyond to ensure our trip to Cuba from the US was knowledgable and fulfilling. We learned so much about the Cuban culture and people, and they are memories we will never forget! Thank you so much!!
Explore your other Cuba vacation options
Multi-Day Group Tours
Experience the highlights of Cuban culture and natural attractions with a small group of up to 16 people on 5 to 20-day tours of the island. Tours depart weekly from Havana. Places are limited to ensure personalised attention and genuine local interaction.
Cuba Day Tours
Discover insights into local life in Cuba on one of our half or full-day Cuba day tours. Choose from experiences in arts, culture, history, cuisine, events, entertainment or active adventures with activities such as salsa lessons and historic walks.
Short Stay Packages
Perfect as a standalone short getaway or add-on before or after a group tour. Stay in Havana, Trinidad or Santiago de Cuba and choose from language immersions, cooking or dance class packages, food tours, local events, photography tours and much more!
Custom & Private Tours
See Cuba the way you prefer, accompanied by a local guide. Take a private Cuba tour and travel solo, with a partner or in your own small group. Follow one of our existing tour schedules, or create a customised itinerary departing on a date that suits you.