Cuba Food Tours - Hidden Culinary Allure

Take a step back in time and a step forward in cultural relations as you discover Cuba’s culture through its cuisine on our legal, ground-breaking Cuba food tours. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with locals and immerse yourself in the Cuban food scene as you visit farms and markets, learn from local chefs, and dine at some of the island’s most renowned private restaurants, or paladares.

Our Cuba culinary tours spend eight action-packed days based in vibrant Havana, engaged in meaningful interaction with farmers, chefs and artists. We’re welcomed inside the kitchen of one of Havana’s finest paladares, learn to salsa with professional dancers, and enjoy a farm-to-table meal on an organic, sustainable farm. You will even be invited into a local’s home for home-made tapas and daiquiris. And you’ll also have an opportunity to explore some of Cuba’s iconic sights, such as Revolution Square and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Havana Vieja.

On day trips from our deluxe our deluxe Havana accommodations, we’ll venture far off the beaten path to the Viñales Valley, a serene and beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its tobacco plantations. We’ll also journey to the Bay of Pigs, site of the failed 1961 invasion and home to the beautiful beach of Playa Larga. 

Top Cuba Food Tour Experiences:

• Join in a Cuban cooking demonstration at a renowned paladar

• Make your own mojito class with a master mixologist

• Enjoy happy hour and daiquiri class in a local’s home with home-cooked tapas

• Visit an agricultural market, ration store and supermarket for true insights into the daily lives of Cubans

• Tour a sustainable farm and enjoy an organic farm-to-table lunch

• Explore the Vinales Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Discover the Bay of Pigs and beautiful Playa Larga

• Dine at Cuba’s top private restaurants

Don’t miss this opportunity to join one of our legal Cuba culinary tours during a pivotal moment in history. For more information, please call 1-800-567-9400 or email us at info@accesstrips.com today. Our Cuba food tours are operated under a license granted by the US Treasury Department.

Top Press Coverage:

• Fodor’s shares why now is the perfect time to support the Cuban people as you travel to Cuba legally with Access Culinary Trips, one of their top tour operators.

• Our trips to Cuba are featured in National Geographic Traveler’s 15 Food Tours Worth the Travel.

If you are looking for a shorter trip, please check out our 5-day Weekend in Havana Tour!

Is a Cuba Culinary Tour for You?

Our Cuba culinary tours offer access to authentic experiences that independent travel and other tours simply can’t provide. You won’t just taste the food, you’ll meet the people behind it – locals who proudly welcome you into their homes. This is more than just a culinary tour of Cuba. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make meaningful connections across cultures, through shared food and experiences.

You’ll learn about the practices and traditions, handed down through generations, and the important role cuisine plays in Cuban culture, with its Spanish, African, and Caribbean roots. You’ll even discover how access to food is impacted by government regulations and geopolitics.

Please note that although this trip is not exceptionally active, there is quite a bit of walking, including some on uneven pavement, and the weather can get hot. Cuba travel requires flexibility, and changes to accommodations and activities may occur. We believe this is a small trade-off for the rich and authentic experiences you will have as you get to know the Cuban people.

QUICK FACTS

8 days
Year-round
Max Group Size 10
Prices from $4,290 USD 

HIGHLIGHTS

Exclusive access tourists rarely get

Bustling markets & organic farms

Renowned chefs & mixologists

Deluxe, privately-owned lodging

Travel by classic car, no buses

Intimate & fun groups of 10 or fewer like-minded guests

Trip Details

Detailed Itinerary … learn more

Food: All breakfasts, 6 lunches & 2 dinners (including happy hour) … learn more

Accommodation … learn more

Travel info … learn more

Recommended Reading … learn more

Cuba Travel in the Blog

Your 8-Day Cuban Food Tour Itinerary

DAY 1: Our Cuba Food Tour Begins When you Land in Havana

Welcome to Cuba! After you pass through immigration and customs, you will step outside into Havana’s tropical breeze, where a driver will be waiting for you. Climb into a 1950s classic car, your ride for the week and one of the highlights of our Cuban food tour, and head to your upscale guesthouse where you will check in and relax until dinner.

Tonight’s welcome dinner is at one of our favorite restaurants in Havana. Consistently ranked as one of the top paladares (privately owned restaurants) in Havana, this restaurant offers Cuban and other favorites for an excellent introduction to the culinary gems of Havana.

Meals included: Dinner

DAY 2: Havana Vieja, Art, and Dancing with Local Experts

This morning it’s time to get to know Havana and the Cuban people. Starting with a walking tour of Havana Vieja (Old Havana), we will explore the two of the four main squares: Plaza de la Catedral, dominated by the stunning 18th century Catedral de San Cristóbal & Plaza San Francisco de Asis, near Havana’s harbor.

On our way to see Havana’s famous street art, we’ll stop at one of our favorite lunch places with delicious food and excellent service.

After lunch, we will wander through the street art gallery of muralist and painter Salvador Gonzales. Heavily influenced by the traditions of Santeria, an Afro-Caribbean religion, Salvador’s street art uses everything from bathtubs to car parts. We will peruse Salvador’s gallery and meet with the curator who is happy to answer any questions about Santeria or the artist’s interesting work.

Next up is a salsa class at the home of Johan, one of our fabulous dance instructors. Whether or not you choose to dance, visiting his home will be an eye-opening experience. Climbing two stories on a rickety spiral staircase (the main staircase is continuously under repair), you will get a sense of how Cubans make do with the status quo, while maintaining their passion and optimism. Once upstairs, the dance troupe’s infectious smiles and joie de vivre will have you dancing in no time!

This evening, those who are interested in Cuba’s legendary music can attend an optional musical performance or a cabaret show at a local hotel. Our guide will be happy to assist you with the details.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 3: Explore Havana’s Markets & Plaza Vieja

Learning how food is purchased in Cuba is an important part of our Cuban food tour as it gives you an understanding of how communism and an embargo impact the lives of everyday Cubans. Our first stop this morning is a trip to a mercado agropecuario (produce market) where you’ll see what fruits and vegetables are available to local Cubans and chat with the friendly vendors. Then we’ll head next door to a ration store where you will observe how basic staples are procured in very specific quantities. Our last market stop is a supermarket, where you will get a stark sense of what is, and is not, available to ordinary Cubans.

Next we will explore the Museum of the City and Plaza de Armas. We will then enjoy lunch at the famous La Guarida. This paladar is renowned for its innovative cuisine and of course, its part in the movie “Fresa y Chocolate”.

After lunch, we will head to Plaza Vieja, which dates back to 1559 and whose buildings have been lovingly restored to their former glory. Here we will stroll through the plaza to visit art galleries and a coffee roastery. If you still have room, perhaps try some refreshing coconut ice cream from an ice cream street cart.

Later in the evening, those who are interested in Cuba’s legendary music might enjoy the Buena Vista Social Club show (touristy, but fun) at a local hotel. Our guide will be happy to assist you with the details.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4: Day Trip to Viñales Valley & Las Terrazas

We’ll get a very early start this morning with a drive to the lush, green, and peaceful Viñales Valley. Surrounded by limestone karsts, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the origin of some of the finest tobacco in the world.

Our first stop is an organic tobacco farm where we’ll meet with a third generation tobacco farmer. He will teach us how the cigars are made, explain the difference between Cohiba and Montecristo, and give you an opportunity to try a cigar dipped in honey. The cigars are very mellow and reasonably priced, should you decide to purchase them (for use in Cuba only), but there is no pressure.

Next we’ll head to a lovely family-run paladar, with delicious farm-to-table Cuban food served family-style, and breathtaking, panoramic views across the entire Viñales Valley. Before we sit down to our feast, we will walk around the organic gardens that provide produce for the restaurant.

After lunch we will drive to the town of Las Terrazas, which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Nearby, we will explore the ruins of one of the oldest coffee plantations in Cuba, built in the 18th century. Next up is a stroll through the picturesque whitewashed village, enjoying views of the lake and native birds, and if the artist is at home, stop for a visit to a local art studio.

After a long, fun day exploring Cuba’s countryside, we will drive back to Havana in time for a late dinner.

Drive time: Approximately 6 hours round-trip
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 5: Cooking Class, Hemmingway’s House & Fuster Gallery

We’ll start the day in the fishing village of Cojimar, most famous as the setting for Hemmingway’s Pulitzer Prize-winning The Old Man and the Sea. Visiting the top restaurant in town, we’ll begin at the bar with a fun mojito cocktail class. Bring your mojito along as we are invited into the kitchen for a cooking demonstration to learn the executive chef’s secrets to preparing traditional Cuban fare (think paella or ropa vieja) with a modern twist. 

In the afternoon we’ll explore Finca Vigia, Hemingway’s house just outside Havana, where he was inspired to write three of his most famous novels. We’ll then visit Fuster Gallery, where we will see José Fuster’s incredibly colorful mosaic sculptures that have spread throughout his neighborhood. Finally, we’ll pass through Revolution Square on our way back into Havana.

Once we arrive back in the city, the late afternoon is yours to explore Old Havana on your own or your guide will bring you back to your casa to relax. You could also continue on to the (touristy, but fun) El Floridita, for a Hemingway approved daiquiri!

For those who are interested in Cuba’s legendary music, tonight is another opportunity to enjoy an optional musical performance or a cabaret show. Our guide will be happy to assist you with the details.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6: Bay of Pigs and Playa Larga

Today we’re off on a road trip to the southern coast of Cuba to explore the infamous Bay of Pigs, known for the ill-fated invasion in 1961. Along the way we’ll stop at a hummingbird sanctuary to spot the Bee hummingbird, which is the smallest bird in the world and native to Cuba. We’ll enjoy a hearty lunch of fresh fish or seafood, cooked in front of you by the friendly chef-owner. And then we’ll stroll the beautiful beach of Playa Larga and maybe even dip our toes in the warm Caribbean waters.

Drive time: Approximately 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Sustainable Farm & Happy Hour

This evening is the last of our Cuba culinary tour. For those who are interested in Cuba’s legendary music, tonight is another opportunity to enjoy an optional musical performance or a cabaret show. Our guide will be happy to assist you with the details.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (happy hour)

DAY 8: Cuba Culinary Tour Ends

Alas, it is time to head home. We will pick you up in the morning and drive you to the airport, where your guide and driver will see that you are checked in for your flight. Goodbyes may be tough, because at this point they are far more than just your guide and driver – they are your new Cuban friends.

Meals included: Breakfast

In order to maintain our license for travel to Cuba, Access Culinary Trips provides a full schedule of activities during each day of our Cuba food tour itinerary, and our guests must participate in those activities with the group. This will not only give you the opportunity to explore Cuba through its cuisine, but also to see some of Cuba’s iconic sights that you wouldn’t want to miss.

Please also be aware that Cuba is an adventurous destination where things do not always go as planned. We urge you to bring a flexible attitude and a sense of humor. The above itinerary reflects our best planning, but there may be times when we have to substitute different activities and accommodations on our Cuba food tours. That is la aventura Cubana – the Cuban adventure!

Havana Restaurants

Introducing the Paladar
Havana’s food revolution began 20 years ago when private citizens were again allowed to operate family-run restaurants, or paladares. The rise of the paladar is leading to unprecedented innovations in Cuban cuisine and vast improvements in customer service. Some paladares are still family-run affairs offering traditional, delicious, down-home Cuban food. Other private Havana restaurants offer eclectic Cuban cuisine using organic produce and a fusion of international flavors, served up in magnificent settings with stunning artwork and expansive patios.

On our Cuban culinary tour we will dine at some of the finest paladares in all of Cuba. You will also have several free nights to choose your own paladar and sample additional Cuban cuisine options.

Cuban Cooking Experiences
Access Culinary Trips is pioneering culinary travel in Cuba by offering access inside local Cuban kitchens at top restaurants for the first time ever. You will have the opportunity to meet with talented chefs and mixologists at some of the top private Havana restaurants as they share the secrets to making authentic Cuban cuisine and cocktails. One of the many highlights of this tour is a Cuban cooking demo, exclusively for Access Culinary Trips guests, in one of Havana’s best paladares. 

Cuban Cocktails
Rum-based cocktails are a highlight for many people visiting the Caribbean, and Cuba, the original home of Bacardi rum is no exception. You will have a mojito class with the bartender of one of the original (and best) private Havana restaurants. We will also visit El Floridita, a historic bar famous for two things: being the birthplace of the daiquiri and being the favorite watering hole of Ernest Hemingway. You will not only get a chance to taste a daiquiri at El Floridita, you will also learn how to make the perfect Cuban daiquiri for your friends back home at a happy hour hosted by our local Cuban guide!

Casa Particular In Cuba

We have scoured Havana to find the nicest casas particulares, or privately owned guest houses for our tours. While many casas rent simple rooms within the family home, the lodgings we use on this tour more closely resemble deluxe vacation rentals or even small boutique hotels. Some of the luxury Havana casas particulares we reserve are old colonial homes and others are mid-century villas with swimming pools. There are only a handful of rooms in each casa particular in Cuba, so the accommodations will vary based on trip dates and group size, but will always be the finest available. All of the bedrooms have en suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and are very clean and comfortable.

In the last 25 years, there has been a surge in the popularity of the casa particular in Cuba. We use these for our tours, rather than hotels, because they are an ideal way to be immersed in the culture and engage meaningfully with the local community. Due to the generosity and hospitality inherent in Cuban culture, the casas often have higher service levels than hotels. Also, the government controls Cuba hotel inventory, and hotel rooms of international standard are extremely limited. We feel that we can better manage the quality of your accommodations and the authenticity of your cultural experience by seeking the most upscale casa particular options in Cuba.

As with all travel in Cuba, your flexibility is appreciated. Despite our best planning, things might not work as expected in your Cuban casa particular, as it might not in a Cuban hotel. Power outages can occur, water pressure might not always be ideal, hot water might not be available sometimes, and if something breaks, your landlord simply may not be able to replace it in a timely manner due to shortages of most household items. We believe that these minor inconveniences are not just a small price to pay for an immersive experience into Cuban culture, but also an opportunity to get an authentic sense of what life is really like in Cuba.

NOTE:  There will not be internet service or international phone service in any of the accommodations. However, we have built a couple of times into the itinerary to go to internet access points and we provide each group with a mobile phone for use in emergencies.

Cuba Travel Information from Access Culinary Trips

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE TRAVEL INFORMATION

Arrival
On Day 1 of the tour, we will provide group transfers from the José Martí International Airport (HAV) in Havana for flights scheduled to arrive by 5:30 PM. A driver will be waiting for you with an Access Culinary Trips sign once you’ve claimed your luggage and cleared customs. Terminal 3 arrivals should exit the terminal and head left to the currency exchange kiosk, where you will find a driver with an Access Culinary Trips sign. Terminal 2 arrivals should exit the terminal and a driver will be waiting for you with an Access Culinary Trips sign. If you have any concerns when you arrive in Havana please feel free to have an airport official call the Local Operations Manager.

Note: We recommend arriving by 5:30 PM (or earlier) to be able to enjoy the included group welcome dinner on Day 1. If you arrive after 5:30 PM, we can arrange your transfer at an additional cost.

Departure
On Day 8 of the tour, we will provide a group transfer to the José Martí International Airport (HAV) in Havana. Group airport transfers are generally scheduled for late morning and late afternoon. We will not know the final times until we have received the flight information from all guests. We will notify you in advance should there be a wait time longer than three hours from your flight’s scheduled departure time. In this case, you may choose to take the included group transfer or we can arrange in advance of your trip a private car and driver for an additional cost.

Pick-up & Drop-off Information
Group airport transfers at the specified airports/times in Cuba are included. If you require a private airport transfer, please contact us for more information.

Flights
If you would like assistance with purchasing your flight/visa or travel insurance, please let us know and we will forward your contact information and trip details to our travel agent partner.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Nationality
This is a licensed tour of Cuba that is legal for US citizens as well as citizens from other countries. In order to comply with the Support for the Cuban People license granted by the US Department of Treasury, Access Culinary Trips provides a full schedule of immersive activities each day designed to enhance contact and meaningful interactions with the Cuban people, and our guests must participate in those activities with the group.

Health & Travel Insurance
Cuban health insurance is mandatory for travel to Cuba and is bundled into the price of your airline ticket. Your boarding pass will serve as proof of your insurance, so please keep this with you throughout the duration of your trip. The insurance policy does not cover any pre-existing conditions. If you have a pre-existing condition or would like increased health benefits coverage, we recommend purchasing supplemental travel medical insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation. Please see more on pre-existing medical conditions under “Health Requirements”.

We require that you purchase a trip insurance policy, and recommend one that includes “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage. It must cover the entire cost of the trip and flights, so that you will be covered in the event that you are unable to attend our trip due to injury, illness or other unforeseen circumstances. Depending on the insurance provider, CFAR must be purchased within 7 – 21 days of booking your tour. Please check with your travel insurance provider for specific guidance on what policy may be best for you.

You must purchase a trip cancellation insurance policy and provide us with documentation within 14 days of booking your trip. If you need to cancel your trip, we will assist with any documentation needed to file a claim. There will be no exceptions to our cancellation policy.

Please note: proof of insurance is due within 14 days of booking, and delay in receipt may result in late documentation charges.

Note: For residents of NY, some insurance policies (including CFAR coverage) may not be available, please check with your travel insurance provider for additional details.

We do not provide travel insurance for our clients. Additional details are on our website here.

Passports & Visas
Travel to Cuba requires a valid passport (with a minimum of 6 months validity) and visa. A travel visa (sometimes referred to as an entry card or tourist card) is required for all US citizens. This trip operates under the category of Support for the Cuban People, general license #515.574. You will need this number and the address of the accommodations in Havana (provided by Access Culinary Trips) to complete the visa paperwork. Each airline has its own process and recommendations regarding visas. Please contact your airline for more information.

Arrival Document
Cuba has an online arrival document called the D'Viajeros Advance Information of Travelers Form which must be filled out in advance for each traveler within 48 hours of arrival. It includes questions about your health and customs declarations. When you complete the form you will receive a QR code to present upon arrival in Cuba.

To learn more about visa and entry requirements for Cuba, please check out the Cuba page of the US Department of State website at: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/cuba.html or consult a travel agent.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documentation.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Emergency Contact 
If your friends or family need to contact Access Culinary Trips due to an emergency while you are on the tour, please have them refer to the pre-departure email that is sent out approximately three weeks prior to departure, which will have specific contact information relevant to your trip. If you need to contact Access Culinary Trips while traveling, please also refer to the emergency contact information in the pre-departure email.

Health Requirements 
Guests with preexisting medical conditions are required to disclose this information prior to traveling with Access Culinary Trips, and all guests with preexisting conditions are required to provide a note from a doctor clearing them for travel to Cuba. The US Department of State recommends that travelers with medical prescriptions consider bringing small additional amounts of prescribed medicines as well as a copy of the prescription and a letter from the prescribing physician explaining the need for prescription.

We strongly recommend that all of our guests visit a travel doctor before embarking on international travel. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that you receive any necessary vaccinations before traveling on your trip with us.

Please carefully review the following webpage for up-to-date health information, including information on the quality of medical care, the availability of medications and the necessity for vaccinations in the destination country, and the latest updates on the Zika virus: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/cuba. If there is a chance that you may be pregnant during your trip, please discuss your travel plans with your doctor.

Fitness Requirements
Our trips are open to anyone who wants to explore our exotic destinations through cuisine. Unfortunately Cuba does not yet have adequate facilities for disabled travelers. The accommodations and restaurants may not have elevators, the sidewalks may not be even and we will be walking on cobblestone streets. We also engage in walking tours, some of which last several hours.

Age
Children ages 12 and up are welcome on group trips. Children under 12 are welcome on private tours. Please contact us with any questions.

Safety & Security
To maximize your safety during our tours you should exercise common sense and caution at all times. We recommend that you always stick to set travel arrangements and avoid unknown areas. We also recommend that you wear minimal jewelry and that you keep valuable items (including cell phones) safely stored. Always keep a copy of your passport, airline tickets, and credit card numbers separate from where you keep the originals.

For more information on safety and security in Cuba, please review the safety and security section of the following webpage: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/cuba.html

Since the vehicles used in Cuba are classic (vintage) cars, they generally do not have seat belts available.

Note: As a rule, do not drink tap water or use unfiltered ice in Cuba, even in hotels. We strongly recommend drinking bottled water only. Eating uncooked or unpeeled fruits and vegetables can also be a potential risk if they have been washed in tap (unfiltered) water. Please eat street food at your discretion.

CURRENCY, BANKING & SPENDING MONEY

Cuban Currency

Note: This information can and does change frequently, and is current as of October 4, 2023. The local currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP). While there is a penalty to exchange US Dollars to CUP, it is not big enough to warrant exchanging money into Canadian Dollars or Euros prior to your trip to Cuba. Due to rampant inflation, US Dollars are in high demand, and you will often be able to pay with them in privately owned businesses.

Cash vs Credit Cards in Cuba

Although there are some American banks that offer credit cards for use in Cuba, credit card service is still not widely accepted in private Cuban businesses. There are also issues with connection to servers, due to limited internet access. Therefore, please be prepared to bring as much cash as you need to cover all personal expenses. We recommend bringing $600-$1,000 US dollars (per person) to spend in Cuba. You should also consider bringing some of this in smaller bills ($5, $10 and $20) as many private businesses in Cuba will take dollars. Your bills should be clean and untorn. If you plan to purchase many souvenirs, artwork, enjoy evening shows, or dine at higher end restaurants, you should consider bringing the higher end of the range, or even more.

Exchanging Money in Cuba

Do not exchange all of your money at the airport, $100 is more than enough. If the airport currency exchange office is closed when you arrive in Havana, your guide will provide you with local currency for your first evening in Cuba. The following morning the guide will bring the group to an exchange office to change money into CUP. There is often a long line at the exchange counters, so we recommend exchanging as much money as you think you will need for the entire tour at this time. If you choose not to, please let your tour guide know when you need to exchange more and the group will make another stop later in the tour. 

Spending Money

We provide bottled water during tour activities. In addition, bottled water and other beverages are usually available for purchase in most guest houses. Payment for any extra beverages is generally due upon checkout. We recommend keeping track of what you buy. At the end of your stay, if there are any discrepancies, please let your guide know and they will help clear up any possible confusion. 

Meals

All breakfasts, six lunches, and two dinners are included. Please plan to budget at least USD $10-$20 per lunch and USD $20-$30 per dinner for those meals that are not included, as well as money for snacks, drinks, and extra bottled water. 

Your guides are happy to help you arrange transportation and make reservations for restaurants once you arrive in Cuba. However, the average Cuban does not have the luxury of eating out and they may not be able to provide a multitude of recommendations. All of the paladars included in our itinerary and recommended for non-included meals are privately-owned. Some of our guests have expressed an interest in trying a government-run restaurant. These restaurants generally lack the service and quality of privately-owned paladars. However, if you would like to experience one, please ask your guide for a recommendation.

It is currently challenging to make advance dinner reservations at restaurants in Cuba. Even if it is possible to make them before the trip, reservations frequently become “lost” as Cuban restaurants largely still take people on a first-come basis regardless of advance reservations. We recommend talking with your guide when you arrive in Cuba if you have any specific restaurants (including addresses and phone numbers) that you would like to visit. Also, the guides will have a much better gauge of when each day’s activities will conclude and how much time you will need before you are ready for your dinner plans.  At this point, we have not had any guests be unable to dine at their chosen restaurant, however, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Tipping

Restaurants: A 10% tip is appreciated in restaurants. Sometimes a gratuity is added to the bill in advance. Please check before adding an additional tip. 

Restrooms: Most public restrooms are staffed and a tip of 0.25 USD is expected. Please ask your guide if you are in need of a small coin to tip the attendant. 

Tour Staff: We pay all of our providers a fair wage for their services, however, tipping is prevalent in Cuba and most people in the hospitality industry view a tip as an affirmation of a “job well done”. If you receive exceptional service and choose to tip providers, here are some guidelines:

Salsa instructor: 3-5 USD per guest

Helpers at the happy hour dinner: 2-5 USD per guest

Discretionary Tips for Guides & Drivers: We recommend 10 USD per guest, per day (80 USD total per guest) for the guide and 5 USD per guest, per day (40 USD total per guest) for the driver. If you have more than one guide or driver, please divide the 80 USD (guide tips) and 40 USD (driver tips) between them as you see fit. 

Other expenses: You should also plan to take spending money for incidentals such as taxi rides during your free time, internet cafes, souvenir shopping and nightlife, or for street musicians or people you take photographs of.

Helpful Hints
- You will need your passport to exchange money.
- Please keep all exchange receipts. You may need to show them when you convert back at the end of the tour.
- It is not currently legal to bring Cuban alcohol and/or tobacco products, even for personal consumption, into the US. You may bring back other items purchased in Cuba, including art, books, and CDs, to the US provided they are for personal use only.

Please click here for more information on importing goods from Cuba on the US Customs and Border Protection website.

CULTURE

Cuba is known for its distinct Caribbean culture with influences from Spanish, African, and French traditions. The people are warm, engaging and passionate about sharing their culture with tourists as well as learning about other cultures. It is part of Cuban culture to serve an abundance of food at meals, in both homes and restaurants. It is one of the many ways that Cubans show generosity and hospitality to their guests. They do not expect that everything will be eaten and ensure that no food goes to waste.

Most people are open to being photographed but it is courteous to ask first. Also, if you are photographing a street performer or someone in a working environment, it is appropriate to give a small tip of about $1 or its equivalent.

Cuba is a communist society and many of the businesses are owned by the government. The government has allowed some recent entrepreneurial reforms that have led to a rise in innovation and customer service levels in privately-owned businesses, such as restaurants and guesthouses. With that said, there are still many things not available in Cuba as a consequence of both the US embargo and Cuban government restrictions.

Please keep in mind that Cuba is still a developing nation whose service standards, timeliness, available resources, and cultural norms may differ from our own. It is an adventurous destination where things do not always go as planned. We urge you to bring a flexible attitude and a sense of humor. The itinerary on this trip reflects our best planning, but there may be times when we have to substitute different activities or accommodations. That is part of the adventure of Cuba travel right now, and we believe this is a small trade-off for the rich and authentic experiences you will have as you get to know the Cuban people. That is la aventura Cubana – the Cuban adventure!

Language
Most Cubans speak Spanish only and occasionally some will speak English.

CLIMATE

Our Cuba food tours explore the vibrant, bustling city of Havana, with day trips outside the city.

Havana has two seasons, rainy (May-Oct) and dry (Nov-Apr). In the dry season you can expect sunny, warm and humid weather, with average daytime temperatures between 75F and 85F and nighttime temperatures between 65F and 70F. The rainy season is slightly warmer (average daytime temperatures between 85F and 90F, average nighttime temperatures between 70F and 75F) and more humid, with a greater likelihood of rain and thunderstorms.

You should be prepared for the possibility of unexpected, cooler weather in January and February and unexpected, warmer weather in April and October. Also, please be prepared for the possibility of rain on all of our Cuba tours, even in the “dry” season.

Notes:

June to November is considered hurricane season, with September and October historically seeing the highest number of hurricanes, although many years have no hurricane activity. We do run tours during this season and if you book a tour during this period you should be aware that, although unlikely, hurricanes could disrupt the normal tour itinerary.

Please check specific weather for your dates before you travel. You may consider a website such as Weather.com.

ELECTRICITY AND COMMUNICATION

Cuba mainly uses the same electrical plugs and voltage as in the United States (110 V/60 Hz). However, there are a few guesthouses that do however use European style outlets, so it is a good idea to bring a universal adapter just in case.

Internet access is not widely available and you will likely need to visit an internet café or hotel to stay connected. Also, even with internet access, certain websites and apps, like Skype, may not be available.

Cable TV stations may not have US or international stations.

Most major phone carriers have expanded their cell phone service to include Cuba. However some may still not work in Cuba and even with coverage, service may be unreliable. Please do not expect to be able to make or receive non-emergency calls. Please contact your carrier for more specific information and fees.

WHAT TO TAKE

We strongly recommend using TSA approved luggage locks on your bags and to hand carry valuables on the plane.

Many of our trips require us to move our base several times, so we recommend that you pack as lightly as possible. There may not always be someone available to help you carry your bags so you should only bring as much as you can carry on your own up a flight of stairs.

Laundry services are available at most accommodations.

We suggest that you bring the following items:

Clothing & Equipment

• Warm weather casual clothes (Cubans dress very casually and the emphasis is on comfort)

• Slightly nicer clothing for upscale restaurants

• Bathing suit (some guesthouses may have a pool)

• A pair of comfortable walking shoes and sandals. Rainy season can be muddy so closed-toe shoes are a good choice.

• A light jacket/fleece/raincoat (It can be breezy in Havana in the evenings and possible low temperatures in January and February.)

• An umbrella (for shade and/or rain protection)

• If coming from outside the US or Canada, power adapter for 110v, 60 Hz

• Toiletries (Please bring all the toiletries you need, including shampoo and soap, as they are not readily available for purchase in Cuba.)

• Toilet paper and hand sanitizer (for public restrooms) Note: No paper products can be put in any toilets in Cuba.

• Hair dryer

• Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat

• Bug repellent with DEET

• Over-the-counter steroid or antihistamine cream for possible bug bites/stings (like AfterBite™)

• First-aid kit with lip balm, aspirin, band aids, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea

• An extra amount of prescription drugs you may be taking

• Travel laundry detergent

• Universal travel plug adapter

• Optional gifts for Cubans: gum, pens, travel toiletries, batteries, or unopened over-the-counter medications (Advil, Tylenol, Antacids), dried spices & herbs

Travel Documents

• Passport (with photocopies)

• Travel insurance (with photocopies)

• Travel visa (sometimes referred to as an entry card or tourist visa)

RECOMMENDED TRIP RESOURCES

We strongly recommend that you bring a map of Havana with you on your trip. Here are two suggestions:

Available on Amazon: Street Smart Travel Map by Van Dam

Available on iTunes and Google Play: OsmAnd Maps. (This is a free app where you can download a map to your phone for use offline.)

Click here to view our recommended reading list.

Also, you will be dining at La Guarida, which is featured in the film Fresa y Chocolate (Strawberry and Chocolate). You might consider watching it before you go!

FINAL NOTES

Please keep in mind that Cuba is still a developing nation whose service standards, timeliness, available resources, and cultural norms may differ from our own. It is also an adventurous destination where things do not always go as planned – in fact they often do not go as planned. We urge you to bring a flexible attitude and a sense of humor on your Cuba tour. This trip reflects our best planning, but there may be times when we have to substitute different activities and accommodations. That is la aventura Cubana – the Cuban adventure!

This is a tool meant to help you decide what you should bring on your upcoming trip. It is by no means comprehensive. While we do our best to be as thorough as possible, we cannot foresee every possible condition. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

The information contained in this document is provided in good faith. Due to the nature of travel, details in this document may change. You should thus use the above information as an indication only and not as a contractual obligation on the part of Access Culinary Trips.