Culinary Tour

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Overview
Our Standard Culinary Tour is an exploration of the undiscovered food scene in Cuba. Witness the contrast between traditional agricultural practices in Viñales to innovative flavor combinations in Havana. Eat your way through Old Havana on a tapas and cocktails tour and learn the story of a local paladar.
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Prices are $USD, per person and based on double occupancy.

We strongly encourage all travelers to book with a travel advisor to elevate their travel experience. Include your advisor’s name with your reservation to receive a $100 personalized welcome gift, access to exclusive amenities and a free room upgrade at select properties.

Custom Tour
StartEndDouble OccupancySingle SupplementAvailability
Your ChoiceYour Choice$2,995$300BOOK NOW
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“The BEST way to do Cuba. Flawless execution. Amazing and kind local hosts. Terrific service all around. Food was amazing, accommodations were really cool, and the experiences were truly unforgettable… One of the best trips of my life!”

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Itinerary
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Day 1
Welcome to Havana

Island Arrival: Your driver will meet you at the airport, and you’ll be taken to your accommodation to freshen up. 

Sunset Cocktail Making Class: Welcome to Havana! Kick-off your cultural immersion with a Cuban food scene connoisseur and learn to make some of Cuba’s classic cocktails.

Dinner: Sit down at one of Havana’s trendiest restaurants, located inside the VIP section of the famous Fábrica de Arte Cubano. 

Private Tour and Night Out at La Fábrica: Enjoy a private tour of Fábrica de Arte Cubano, a must-see Cuban art installation and center of Havana nightlife! Enjoy a classic mojito as you explore three floors of art galleries, live music, DJs and more.

Day 2
From Street Food to Chef’s Table

Exploring Old Havana Food Tour: Dig into delicious snacks and local specialties as you eat your way through the iconic, colorful, historic Habana. Highlights include open air markets, bodegas, and Cuba’s best street food! 

Lunch: Enjoy a midday break at an authentic Cuban paladar. 

Vintage Convertible Ride: Hop into a vintage classic American convertible car and cruise throughout Havana’s neighborhoods.

Salsa Lesson: Learn salsa with one of our resident dance instructors, the most talented in all of Cuba.

Private Dinner with Local Chef: Visit the home of a Cuban Chef and learn about the challenges of preparing gourmet food in Cuba with limited resources. Hear about the Chef’s creative inspiration and story as you enjoy a dinner with the Chef in their home.

Day 3
Cuban Food Roots and Traditions

Farm to Table Adventure & Lunch: Begin your journey at the farm where a local paladar sources their ingredients and follow your food back to the restaurant where you will enjoy a tasting menu made from these local products.

Cultural Immersion Tour: Explore a vibrant neighborhood in Havana and witness an inspiring view of Cuban culture that tourists rarely see. Visit private homes and businesses, communing with locals all along the way. 

Rum Tasting Experience: Relax and enjoy a rum tasting with a professional sommelier. Sample different types of Cuban rum and learn the proper way to taste it! 

Dinner: Enjoy a restaurant run by one of Cuba’s most renowned chefs. 

Salsa Dancing with Locals: We’ll take you to our favorite local spot in Havana.  

Day 4
Cuban Culture Immersion

Hemingway House: Famed novelist Earnest Hemingway lived at this sprawling mansion from 1940 – 1960. The home’s interior has been virtually untouched since the day that “Papa,” the U.S.- ambassador-in-spirit left.

Learn about Paladars over Drinks and Lunch: Go beyond the ordinary paladar experience to meet the Cuban chefs preparing your food. Dive into the complexities of operating a restaurant in Cuba.

El Gran Teatro de La Habana: Explore an architectural beauty that offers some of the best Cuban music, theater, and classical dance.

National Museum of Fine Arts: View historic Cuban art not found anywhere else in the world, in the visually stunning Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes.

Tapas and Cocktails Crawl: Indulge your senses as you eat and drink your way through some of Havana’s most innovative restaurants and try specialties you won’t find on the regular menu.

Farewell Dinner: Dine at one of Havana’s most beautiful restaurants, an architectural treasure with quintessential Cuban ambiance.

Live Music: Enjoy your last night in Havana at a local live music show.

Day 5
Island Farewell

Optional Morning Activity: Visit Hotel Nacional, built in 1930 to resemble the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. The art deco–neoclassical Hotel Nacional is one of Havana’s architectural symbols. 

Departure

Representative Accommodations
4-Star Boutique Home or Hotel
4-Star Boutique Home or Hotel
4-Star Boutique Home or Hotel
Flight and Visa

Flight: Flights are not included in Cuba Candela trips. Book your flight to Havana from the U.S. or other country of origin. Learn more.

Visa: A Cuba Tourist Visa is required for all travelers visiting Cuba and is included in our luxury tours. We process visas electronically on behalf of travelers and assist with all pre-trip customs and immigration documents. Learn more.

What’s Included
  • U.S. travel license
  • 4-star accommodation*
  • All activities listed on the itinerary**
  • Engaging bilingual local guide
  • All transportation, airport and excursion transfers
  • Compliance with all U.S. travel regulations
  • Breakfast daily

—Not Included—

  • Cuba Tourist Visa
  • Flight and any airline fees
  • Lunches and dinners
  • Discretionary tips for guide, driver and other activities
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Trip insurance (highly recommended)

*Note: Accommodation standards are based on what is widely available in Cuba. 4-star accommodation is charming, clean and safe.

**Note: Itinerary is representative of your experience. Activities are subject to change based on availability and adjustments required due to the realities of island life in Cuba.

Before You Go
Weather and Hurricanes

Cuba has mild temperatures year round with a dry season from November – April. Prepare for your trip by staying updated on weather in Cuba. Learn more.


Cuba Essential Information

From what to pack and how to connect to the internet to information on money and souvenirs, we have compiled everything you need to know for a smooth and carefree trip. Learn more.


Trip Insurance

We recommend that all guests purchase travel insurance in the event of an emergency. You may purchase coverage from a travel insurance provider like Allianz for a smooth and carefree trip. Learn more.


CDC Health Information

Visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for information on vaccines and COVID-19 in Cuba. Learn more.


FAQ
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Can I still travel to Cuba?

Yes! Travel to Cuba is still legal under the “Support for the Cuban People” travel authorization. We take care of required documents including the visa.

Read our blog “Yes, You Can Travel To Cuba. Here’s How” to learn more.

How do I obtain the Cuban visa?

Clients booking standard tours may purchase the visa from us as an add-on to your trip, or you may choose to purchase it on your own.

How do I fly to Cuba?

Commercial flights are the most common method of transportation for most travelers from the United States to Havana. Major airlines offer nonstop flights to Cuba, including American, Delta and Southwest Airlines. You may book your flight to Cuba directly with your preferred airline, just as you would to any other destination in the world.

When booking your flight, you’ll be asked to select a purpose for travel. The preferred license for our travelers is the “Support for the Cuban People” license.

Read our blog “How To Get To Cuba” for more information on flying to Cuba and direct flight locations.

What is the difference between Standard and Luxury Tours?

The main differences between these packages are in the accommodations, experiences and visa processing. Luxury tours include 5-star accommodations, Cuba visas, VIP airport arrival, welcome gift, wifi hotspot, daily private driver, expert bilingual host, all activities, and 24/7 support from our local team. Standard tours include 4-star accommodations, airport transfers, daily private driver, expert bilingual host, all activities, restaurant reservations and 24/7 support from our local team.

Learn more about our pricing and packages here

What type of transportation is included?

We provide all transportation from the moment you land until the moment you leave (airport pick-ups, drop-offs and all excursion transfers included) in an air-conditioned private car, van or similar vehicle with a professional driver. 

How will I exchange currency in Cuba?

We recommend travelers keep their money in USD instead of exchanging it, as this allows them to pay for things at the preferred rate used by businesses and vendors. If guests want to change some, we recommend that they defer to the guidance of their host to ensure they get the best rate, and avoid official exchange kiosks, which disadvantage the USD.

Read more about money in Cuba here.

Will I have Wifi in Cuba?

Yes, but we recommend that travelers expect to be disconnected from WIFI during their trip and embrace the digital detox to the extent possible. WIFI is generally available at hotels and by connecting to a local phone hotspot if provided in your tour package.

Is travel to Cuba safe?

Yes. Cuba is one of the safest countries in the world to visit and has a track record of keeping tourists safe. It has always welcomed and embraced American travelers with open arms. 

Visit our Safety First page to learn more.

What is Cuba Candela’s cancellation policy?

Due to the nature and complexity of Cuba travel planning, all payments are non-refundable.

If the need arises to change trip dates, we will do our best to offer you up to 100% credit for the amount already paid. However, depending on your travel dates, there may be additional fees charged due to hotel cancellation policies and change in hotel prices.

If the trip cannot proceed specifically due to travel policy changes by the U.S. government, travelers will receive a full refund.

Still have questions?

Visit our FAQ for a more comprehensive list of frequently asked questions.