Cuba-5-day-itinerary

Cuba Travel Itinerary - 5 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Havana

  • Morning: Arrive at José Martí International Airport (HAV). Proceed with your visa application process if not pre-arranged.
    • Visa Requirements:
      • Tourist Card: Must be purchased upon arrival for $20-$30 USD, depending on the type of stay and nationality.
      • For citizens of countries with a bilateral agreement (e.g., Canada), no pre-authorization is needed. Otherwise, purchase an e-visa or apply at an embassy/consulate in advance.
  • Afternoon: Check-in to your hotel in Havana’s Old Town area for convenience to many attractions.
  • Evening: Explore the city by walking along the famous Malecón seaside promenade, especially beautiful during sunset. This is a great time to capture some unique photographs.

Day 2: Havana’s History and Culture

  • Morning: Visit the Plaza de la Revolución, one of the largest squares in the world, featuring monuments to José Martí and Che Guevara.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Museo de la Revolución (Museum of the Revolution), which houses an impressive collection of memorabilia from Cuba’s revolution.
  • Evening: Head to Old Havana. Visit Plaza Vieja, a vibrant square with shops and cafes. Enjoy traditional Cuban music in one of the many bars or restaurants.

Day 3: Beach Time in Varadero

  • Morning: Take a domestic flight (approximately $50 USD each way) from Havana to Varadero. This beautiful peninsula on Cuba’s northern coast is known for its beaches.
  • Afternoon: Spend the day at the beach of your choice, such as Playa Azul or Playa Kawama. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in this tropical paradise.
  • Evening: Visit one of Varadero’s many restaurants to enjoy local seafood.

Day 4: Exploring Trinidad

  • Morning: Travel from Varadero to the town of Trinidad by bus (approximately $10-$20 USD each way), a scenic route through Cuba’s countryside.
  • Afternoon: Explore Trinidad, known for its cobblestone streets and beautiful colonial architecture.
  • Evening: Enjoy live music in one of the many bars or cafes in this historic town.

Day 5: Return to Havana

  • Morning: If not already done so, visit any last-minute attractions in Trinidad you might have missed.
  • Afternoon: Return from Trinidad to Havana for your flight back home. Consider purchasing souvenirs here if you didn’t do so earlier.
  • Evening (optional): Depending on your travel schedule, you could enjoy a last night in Havana or head directly to the airport.

Transportation:

  • Domestic Flights: Use Cuba Air or Cubana Airlines for flights within the country. Book these well in advance during peak season to ensure availability.
  • Buses: For bus travel between cities, use Viazul (State-run) or more private operators like Gaviota Tourist Services for a higher standard of comfort and service.

Health & Safety:

  • Consult your doctor about any health concerns before traveling.
  • Be mindful of sun exposure during outdoor activities.
  • Always drink bottled water to avoid waterborne diseases.

Additional Tips:

  • Dress Modestly: Respect Cuba’s conservative dress code, especially when visiting churches or rural areas.
  • Local Currency: While USD is widely accepted, it’s more convenient and cost-effective to exchange for local currency (CUC) at the airport or use an ATM once you have a Cuban bank card.
  • Language: While many Cubans speak some English, Spanish is the primary language. Consider learning basic phrases like “gracias” (thank you), “¿Cómo estás?” (how are you?), and “¿Dónde está…?” (where is…?).