CUBA · HAVANA · VIÑALES · TRINIDAD
Cuba
Architecture, music and landscape, with an honest view of current shortages and infrastructure.
Current planning warning
As of August 2026, the UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Cuba. Power-grid failures, fuel shortages and limited food, water, medicine and medical care can severely disrupt travel. Check official advice immediately before booking and departure; insurance may be affected.
Plan the journey
Allow 12–15 days for Havana, Viñales, Cienfuegos and Trinidad. Long transfers, fuel scarcity and changing availability make dense itineraries fragile. Confirm accommodation and transport while keeping alternatives flexible.
Best time
November–April is drier. June–November is hurricane season with greater heat and humidity.
Money
Do not rely on one card. International card acceptance and ATMs may fail; check current rules and distribute permitted cash reserves securely.
Transport
Arrange transfers, Viazul buses or reputable drivers in advance and allow extra time during fuel disruption.
Havana
Allow four nights for Old Havana, Centro Habana, Vedado, the Malecón and museums. Look beyond restored squares and classic cars: markets, residential streets, music spaces and conversation add context.
Use known routes and organised taxis after dark. Blackouts can make navigation and personal security harder. Carry water, snacks, a torch and a charged power bank.
Viñales
Viñales combines mogotes, farming and caves. Two or three nights allow a walk, cycle ride and quiet village evening. Choose tours that respect local labour rather than romanticising tobacco production.
Ask private stays about backup electricity, water storage and current transport options.
Cienfuegos & Trinidad
Cienfuegos works as a one-night stop. Trinidad deserves two or three nights for colonial streets, music, Valle de los Ingenios and the coast. The region’s sugar and enslavement history should be part of a responsible visit.
Playa Ancón or Varadero can add beach time, though nature and smaller towns often offer more than resort-only stays.
Suggested 14-day route
- Havana – 4 nights
- Viñales – 3 nights
- Cienfuegos – 1 night
- Trinidad – 3 nights
- Playa Ancón or Varadero – 2 nights
- Havana – final night
Food, shopping & supplies
Paladares and casas particulares can be more reliable than spontaneous dining. Availability changes daily and online menus may not reflect reality. Bring all essential prescription medicine, hygiene items, electrolytes, water treatment and specialist food where legally permitted.
Safety & health
- Monitor power, water and fuel daily; avoid protests and large gatherings.
- Medical care and medicine can be severely limited. Insurance must explicitly cover Cuba and medical evacuation.
- Use strong mosquito protection against dengue and Zika; seek care promptly for fever.
- Drink sealed or safely treated water; refrigeration may fail during outages.
- Keep documents, emergency contacts and reservations offline and on paper.
Your journey. Your story. Your horizon.
Cuba currently requires exceptional preparation, flexibility and respect.