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Cuba Snapshot

Cuba's subtropical climate is ideal for travelling, with most places catching the cool trade winds that blow from the coast, giving Cuba pleasant temperatures year round. June, July and August are usually the hottest months, the dry season runs from November to April and the wet season from May to October. Even in the rainy season, downpours are short and heavy and shouldn't hinder travel plans. Tropical storms and hurricanes are more prevalent in September and October but rarely cause problems for travellers.
  • Cuba weather chart

Eating and Drinking in Cuba

  • Coppelia Ice Cream: Line up with locals to savour a sweet scoop of Coppelia ice cream. This Cuban institution serves tried and true favourites like chocolate and vanilla as well as exotic favourites mango and coconut.
  • Pastelitos: These small pastries can be either sweet or savoury depending on the filling. Cream cheese, guava and beef are the most popular fillings and make for a cheap, tasty meal on the run.
  • Fritura de Maiz: These deep-fried cheese and cornmeal fritters are a popular street food snack in Cuba and a great choice for vegetarians looking for a meat-free option.
  • Rum: The tipple of choice in Cuba is rum. Savour some Havana Club Rum straight-up, have it mixed up in a minty Mojito or sip on a Cuba Libre.
  • Coffee: Cuban coffee is of legendary quality, so be sure to get your caffeine-hit with a small yet rich cup of black gold.
  • Sampling local food

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savouring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. Cuba typically doesn’t have access to a wide range of ingredients, so your dining experience may not be as varied as you like. Regardless, there are still lots of great treats to savour.

Shopping in Cuba

  • Art: Cuba has a keen appreciation of the fine arts, so it’s not hard to find unique artworks by up-and-coming Cuban artists being sold at galleries and markets.
  • Cigars: The cliché is true - cigars are everywhere in Cuba. Be sure to buy authentic cigars from authorised sellers, as fakes are common. Purchasing straight from the factory is usually best.
  • Coffee: Cuban coffee is top quality, so stock up before you leave to enjoy a taste of Cuba from the comfort of your own home.
  • Music: With such a rich, musical heritage, Cuba is a great place to pick up a hand-crafted musical instrument or, if travelling light perhaps a CD.
  • Shopping in Cuba

Cuba may not be known for it’s shopping, but look closely and you’ll find lots of unique souvenirs to take home as a reminder of your stay.

Before heading home, check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to import some items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand for example have strict quarantine laws. The United States also has restrictions on the amount of tobacco and alcohol that can be brought back from Cuba.

Accommodation

Travelling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When travelling with us in Cuba you may find yourself staying in a:
Homestay

  • Homestay

  • Be welcomed by friendly families while staying with locals in Cuba. Be immersed in the cuisine and customs of the region on these stays that are high on authenticity.

  • Ecolodge

  • Stay right in the heart of nature in an impressive eco-lodge. Surrounded by trees and the calls of native birds, this is an enchanting, tropical wonderland.

Transport

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Depending on which trip you're on while in Cuba, you may find yourself travelling by:
Bicycle

  • Bicycle

  • Set out on the ultimate ride as you cycle through the changing scenery of Cuba. Pass plantations, mountains, national parks and beaches on this energetic and exciting ride of a lifetime.

Shortlist

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Cuba at a glance

  • 8
  • Havana (population 2.2 million)
  • 11.4 million
  • Spanish
  • CUC
  • (GMT-05:00) Bogota, Lima, Quito, Rio Branco
  • Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin), Type B (American 3-pin)
  • +53

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