Hola Cuba

The guesthouses (casas) we use are much nicer than your average Cuban dwelling and each room is unique. Regardless of where you stay, power cuts and breaks in hot water supply are sometimes unavoidable, as in any developing country – but we believe that this is all a part of the local experience. To help set your expectations correctly, please read the ‘Accommodation’ section of the Essential Trip Information.

Part of Cuba’s appeal is its old-fashioned style – this includes the banking systems. Funds in Cuba can be difficult to access. Please read our Essential Trip Information to be fully prepared.

Luxuries such as air conditioning, plush pillows, and fly screens, are often scarce. Part of the experience here is learning to appreciate everyday Cuban resourcefulness.

Internet access can be hard to come by, and when it's available it's often unreliable and expensive. Treat this as a great opportunity to take a break from modern devices and have a true holiday.

Cuba is different, and that's a big part of its allure. Things don't always go according to plan, and many things don't work the same way as back home. Patience and good humor will go a long way in this beautiful destination.

Due to licensing restrictions, only 1-night pre-tour accommodation may be requested. Post-tour accommodation cannot be offered.

1. A visa or tourist card, organised prior to arrival, is required for all nationalities visiting Cuba. American citizens and residents also require a signed and countersigned travel affidavit for this trip. Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions in the Itinerary Disclaimer as well as the ‘Passports, visas and entry requirements’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.

2. Our licensing agreement allows one night of pre-tour accommodation to be booked only when airline scheduling impedes your ability to arrive in time for the welcome meeting on Day 1 (subject to availability). Post-tour accommodation cannot be offered under our license.

3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

4. Complimentary airport arrival & departure transfers are included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days before travel.

5. The Cuban government has declared that travel insurance is compulsory for all travellers. Proof of insurance may be requested at Havana Airport by immigration officials. US airlines that fly directly to Cuba include travel medical insurance in the cost of the airline ticket. Your boarding pass serves as proof of insurance.

6. Please advise bedding configuration requests to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel to aid guesthouse and rooming allocations.

7. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 in Havana. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time.

8. If you wish, you may request your confirmed guesthouse name and address inside 7 days from departure from your booking agent. You don’t need to request this – your arrival transfer driver will know the address of your assigned guesthouse.

9. Intrepid US, Inc. ("Intrepid US") provides legal tours to Cuba for Americans under the ‘Support for the Cuban People” category (§ 515.574); to be declared when selecting from the 11 permitted categories of travel. United States law specifies that to comply with this category, travelers must engage in the full-time schedule of activities provided by our program. The responsibility of tracking and recording activities and interactions with Cuba people is on the onus of the traveler which will be encouraged and facilitated by your tour leader. The US government is allowed to ask you for receipts and records from your trip to Cuba for up to five years.

Most travellers prefer to take a small to medium wheeled suitcase, which is a great size for the packing capacity in our private vehicles. Whatever you take, be mindful that you will need to be able to carry your own luggage, handle it at airports, take it in/out of accommodation and perhaps even walk short distances. We recommend you pack as lightly as possible.

If your trip includes travelling on overnight trains or primarily using public transport, the smaller your luggage, the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful, especially when travelling on public transportation as well.

When you're exploring during the day, you'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, a camera, a jacket and activity-specific items like a swimsuit, a waterproof pouch/bag for your phone, or hiking shoes.

Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list, Other than the items and clothing you always need on a trip, below we have listed packing suggestions specific for this trip:

ESSENTIAL:
- Warm as well as light clothing. Cuba has a tropical hot climate, but it can get cold in the countryside, mountains and at night in the winter so we suggest you check the expected temperatures en route and bring clothing that you can layer
- Closed-in shoes will help to protect your feet from cuts and scratches and will also act as a barrier protection in rare cases against bites or stings
- Sun protection - hat, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses

RECOMMENDED:
- Soft and/or hard copies of all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, travel insurance etc. and keep the hard copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a copy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary
- Universal travel adapter. Cuba uses both 110V and 220V outlets, and Types A, B, C and L sockets are used. Types A and B are encountered most frequently (two flat prongs commonly used in North America)
- Rechargeable personal fan to use when no air conditioning is available
-A power bank/portable charger (Only permitted in carry-on luggage)
-A headlamp/small flashlight/torch
-Tissues or a small supply of toilet paper to use in public toilets
-Antibacterial hand gel
-Personal medical kit. Your guide will carry a large kit but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes and Band-Aids
-We highly recommend you consult with your doctor or a travel health clinic before traveling to Cuba to ask about any precautionary medications they might recommend bringing
- Insect repellent
- Watch/Alarm clock or phone that can be used for both
- Swimwear
- Travel beach towel
-Small travel umbrella for sun or rain protection
- Toiletries. We recommend you take your own supply of shampoo, soap and toilet paper to use in the guesthouses and public toilets. We also encourage women to take their own supply of sanitary items as these items are not widely available for purchase in Cuba
- Despite their low income levels, Cubans love to dress up smartly and fashionably whenever they can. For going out in the evenings, casual dress is acceptable everywhere although one collared shirt for males is recommended

OPTIONAL:
- Ear plugs to guard against a potential snoring room-mate
- Phrase book

Do NOT pack drones, satellite phones, or walkie-talkies as these are banned in Cuba

VALUABLES:
Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, and use your safe if available. It’s also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden

LAUNDRY:
A laundry service is offered at some hotels used on this trip, or in some guesthouses if you’re travelling in Cuba. You might need to wait for a two-night stop to make sure you get it back in time. While laundry at hotels is usually charged by the item, laundromats which are also an option, usually charge by the kilo, which is generally inexpensive (approximately USD$5 per kilo)

GIFTS FOR THE CUBAN PEOPLE:
Given the difficulty of securing basic goods in Cuba, surplus items that you have at home such as soap, shampoo, perfumes, over-the-counter medications, sewing kits, toothbrushes and pens or pencils are warmly accepted. We do encourage you to discuss gift giving with your leader so that items can be distributed to organisations in need. If you decide to hand out gifts without the leader’s guidance, we suggest you distribute as a sign of appreciation after a genuine interaction, whether that be a conversation or offered help, rather than a means to create engagement. Please always refrain from handing items directly to children. It is not necessary to bring gifts for the guesthouse owners in Cuba; these are not a homestay experience and as they are a business they are most likely run by some of the more well-off families who will be happy enough with just your good-natured presence., WATER BOTTLE
Please bring your own water bottle to refill. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. Some travellers like to bring a bottle with its own filtration system or water purification tablets. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip, you will need to carry at least 2 litres of water with you.

None of the activities featured in this trip require special training or skills, just a reasonable level of fitness and a willingness to participate. Stairs are prevalent in Cuban homes, and cobblestones and uneven roads are common. If you are in any doubt, please share these concerns or issues with your sales consultant so that your leader is aware prior and can pre-empt your needs. 

A Comfortable Guesthouse, Please read Joining and Finishing Point Instructions in the Essential Trip Information Document for details about your assigned guesthouse, Havana, CUBA

We have recently renamed the accommodation style on this trip to better reflect the different standards of accommodation we use across our different trip styles in Cuba. The standard of accommodation on this trip has not changed.

Cuban guesthouses (known locally as casas) are similar in style to B&Bs, where families do not necessarily live in the residence. While some guesthouse managers and owners speak English, interaction mostly consists of gestures, smiles and ‘Spanglish’. Just like the residences in your own neighbourhood, each casa is unique; expect there to be differences between the rooms you and your travelling companions stay in. Generally, there will be 1-4 group members in each guesthouse. Each room has a private bathroom with towels, and some basic toiletries may be provided. Occasionally two rooms will share one bathroom. Power cuts do occur on occasion, meaning that hot water can’t always be guaranteed regardless of the guesthouse standard.

Alternate Joining Point

A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.

For your confirmed arrival transfer, you’ll be met outside your arrival terminal by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact the transfer operator: +53 5333 8121 or +53 5438 9140. Our transport provider, ECOTUR, also have an office in Terminal 3 and you can approach them directly for assistance.

LOCAL ASSISTANCE
We have a desk located in the listed address below; providing a 24-hour service with English speaking employees if any assistance is required.

La Gargola Guesthouse
1st floor
#82 Cuba Street
Old Havana (between Cuarteles & Chacon Streets)
+53 (7) 8605493

A Comfortable Guesthouse, Please read Joining and Finishing Point Instructions in the Essential Trip Information Document for details about your assigned guesthouse, Havana, CUBA

Alternate Finish Point

Intrepid can assist with pre-booking a departure transfer to the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight details at least 14 days prior to the start of your trip.

If you have a confirmed departure transfer you will be collected from your guesthouse 3.5 hours before your flight departure time. Your leader will confirm this with you the day before your departure. If your driver has not arrived within 15 minutes of the scheduled pick up time, or your departing flight is cancelled or changed, please contact the transfer operator directly: +53 5438 9140.

A taxi from your hotel to the airport will take approximately 25mins, depending on the traffic, and cost approximately EUR30. Please ask your leader or guesthouse staff for assistance in arranging a taxi.

Breakfasts included: 8

Lunches included: 6

Dinners included: 7

To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Our groups tend to eat dinner together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will also be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
More restrictive diet requirements (vegans, celiac, gluten intolerance, fructose intolerance, lactose intolerance, etc.) can be accommodated along this trip but you should expect a lesser variety than what you can expect at home. We recommend bringing your own supply of snacks with you.

Vegetarians should be aware that while you can get vegetarian meals in Cuba, you generally won't find much variety and you may get tired of being offered the same every day (i.e. - rice, beans, omelette and salad). Vegetarians are often surprised that their meals are no cheaper than those containing meat, and this is because vegetables on the free market in Cuba are of similar prices to those of meat.

Please let us know your diet requirements before your trip starts.

FOOD IN CUBA:
Food in Cuba has a reputation for being bland and lacking variety, however it has improved dramatically over the last two years. There are very limited snacks available in Cuba; convenience stores exist but are certainly not as prevalent nor sell the quantity or variety of snacks or junk food you may be used to at home. You may wish to bring your favourite chocolates, candy or healthy snacks like muesli bars.

Beans and rice are the staples, with cucumber, tomato and cabbage being the conventional ingredients for a Cuban salad. Chicken and pork are the most common meats served in Cuba, however fish and a variety of seafood is also frequently on offer. Please be aware that it is a cultural trait to serve meals larger than you are expected to finish, but be assured nothing will go to waste.

It can be hard to find a suitable place to eat while travelling in Cuba, as roadside restaurants tend to cater for large tour groups and either offer a fixed meal or a very limited selection of snacks. In the cities and towns small privately-owned restaurants, paladares, offer a little more choice but can often only seat a maximum of twelve people (the number for which they are officially licensed).
 

Please note that Hurricane season is June to November, when landslides, mudslides, flooding and disruptions to essential services can occur. Intrepid monitors these situations as they may arise, so that itineraries or activities can be amended as necessary.

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:

Intrepid's Local Operator (located in Havana): +53 5333 8121 or +53 5438 9140.

In Cuba, if necessary, you may use *99 prior to dialling to make a reverse charge call.

If you cannot reach the operator using the above numbers, alternatively you may try our Cuba representative located in Australia +61 430 504 636.

Communication lines in Cuba are unreliable and establishing a clear line requires patience. Please follow these instructions to ensure our operators can assist you in times of need. Since voicemail isn't an option and most incoming call phone numbers are automatically blocked, our operator will not be able to return any missed calls. The only solution to this problem is persistence. Keep calling the line until an operator answers the call. Alternatively, the emergency line is a mobile number that can be reached via text. If you cannot establish a connection to our operators over the phone, please send a text with your full name, any booking numbers (if known), the issue at hand and a return contact number. You will most likely receive a response via text.

Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +53 5333 8121 +53 5510 5525

CUBA GUESTHOUSES
We have classified guesthouse rooms into three standards for the comfort levels of our trips: standard, comfortable and premium. Most differences can be a little hard to tell at first, particularly when taking aesthetic into account which varies greatly not only between rooms but also between cities and provinces. Be assured though that the comforts to which foreign travellers are accustomed have been taken into account when classifying guesthouses.

You can read more about the guesthouse we use here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/cuba-casa-particular/

Stairs are prevalent in Cuban homes. If this presents a problem to you, then please advise us at time of booking so we can request rooms on or closer to ground level.

For this itinerary, the comfortable guesthouse rooms will have an ensuite, split system air-conditioning, imported mattresses and windows with natural light (outside or interior courtyard). An in-room or in-house safe is available for use.

Guesthouse Assignments
Since we partner with small, privately owned guesthouses, our groups may be split between 2-3 nearby properties. We cannot finalize your specific guesthouse assignment until we have all confirmed guests and bedding configuration requests, which happens approximately 7 days prior to departure. This is why your Joining Point instructions do not specify a guesthouse name. If you do not have a transfer booked through us, or if you'd like to know your assigned guesthouse before you travel, you may contact us no earlier than 7 days before departure.

If you have a confirmed transfer with us, rest assured that your driver will have your guesthouse information when they pick you up.

We maintain a 24-hour helpdesk at the following location if you need any assistance locally:
La Gargola Guesthouse
1st floor
#82 Cuba Street
Old Havana (between Cuarteles & Chacon Streets)
+53 (7) 8605493

PRE-TOUR ACCOMMODATION

Our licensing agreement allows one night of pre-tour accommodation to be booked (subject to availability) only when airline scheduling impedes your ability to arrive in time for the welcome meeting on Day 1. We aim to confirm the first night of your tour in Old Havana however occasionally due to availability we will confirm it in either Central Havana or Vedado. Post-tour accommodation cannot be offered under our license.

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.

Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

POWER CUTS IN CUBA
Power cuts (apagones) are common throughout Cuba due to the country's aging electrical infrastructure. Scheduled outages typically occur daily, with schedules varying from week to week. Depending on local weather conditions or increased demand for electricity, the frequency and duration of power cuts can increase. Many guesthouses, restaurants, and tourist facilities are equipped with generators to maintain essential services during these interruptions. While this is part of daily life in Cuba, it rarely impacts the overall quality of your experience if you come prepared. We recommend bringing a small flashlight, a rechargeable personal fan, and a power bank (in carry-on luggage only), to ensure your comfort.