It’s Official: Cuba is open for travel

After a much-anticipated wait, Cuba is ready to welcome back international travelers. Restaurants, bars, hotels and museums have been gradually opening over the last couple of months and are eager to serve. 

Travelers do not need to show a negative PCR test or proof of vaccination as of April 6, 2022. We recommend bringing hand sanitizer and wipes to stay healthy as these items may be hard to find in Cuba. Click here for a full packing list.

With 90% of the country receiving at least one COVID-19 vaccine as of November 15th, Cuba boasts some of the highest vaccination rates in the world. Travelers looking to escape the cold or seeking a cultural experience without the long flight time should add Cuba to their list of 2022 destinations. Here are some of our top experiences for this winter: 

Immerse Yourself in the Local Culture 

Dive into authentic cultural experiences from a local’s perspective. Go off-the-beaten-path, behind the tourist façade, away from the tour buses, talk with locals and go into locals’ homes. Our travelers interact with members of the community and see how the real people of Cuba are and how they live. Hear their stories and genuinely connect. When our guests leave Cuba, they walk away with a real, from-the-heart understanding of this once closed island nation. It’s not what most people expect and has been a life-changing experience for many. 

See the Island’s Impressive Architecture 

Havana’s rich history has endowed it with perhaps the most varied architectural styles in the Western hemisphere. Impressive Colonial (1600s), Baroque (1700s), and Neoclassical (1800s) architecture of heavy Moorish and Spanish influence abound. As well as some of the best Art Deco, Eclectic, Art Nouveau and Modernist structures in the Caribbean. Discover Havana’s architectural marvels through a meandering exploration of Old Havana or with a more informative architecture tour with Cuba Candela. 

Ride in a Classic Car 

No trip to Cuba is complete without cruising in a classic American convertible car. There is truly nothing quite like it on this planet. Step back in time and take in the sights, sounds and smells of the city from the backseat of a perfectly restored bright blue 1957 Chevy Bel Air convertible. Don’t forget to dress island chic for the perfect photo! 

Smoke Cigars and Drink Rum 

Cigars and rum are integral to Cuba’s culture and history, and there is no shortage of activities to explore. No trip to Viñales is complete without a visit to a local tobacco farm and private cigar rolling demonstration with a guajiro (Cuban cowboy). Back in Havana, Cuba Candela can arrange a private cigar rolling demonstration, with a rum and coffee tasting or a visit to a cigar factory to witness puros rolled right before your eyes. Skip the rum museum and enjoy a glass of Cuban rum on a private rooftop gazing out across the city as the sun goes down on Havana. Rum distilleries are not open to the public, but ask us about our exclusive rum tasting experience if you are interested! 

Take in Cuba’s Abounding Natural Beauty 

Cuba is an ecological phenomenon. Rumor has it that when Columbus first arrived in Cuba, he declared it “the most beautiful land that human eyes have ever seen.” Aptly nicknamed “The Pearl of the Antilles,” Cuba boasts the largest expanse of unharmed reefs, swamplands, and rainforest, as well as the greatest diversity of plants, birds, and marine species, in all of the Caribbean. The island’s unique geological composition and strong emphasis on preservation have helped it maintain a natural mystique. Two popular destinations for nature lovers are the Viñales Valley and the colonial city of Trinidad. Viñales offers impressive views with its unique mogotes, as well as great horseback riding, cave exploration and hiking. While Trinidad is known for its beautiful waterfalls, distinctive wildlife and hikes.  

Ready to start planning your next trip to Cuba? Browse our handmade Cuba tours.