A question I get regularly: what does it actually cost to go on vacation to Cuba?
There is not just one answer to that. The costs mainly depend on how you want to travel, where you want to spend the night and what you want to do.
Some people like to travel a little more luxuriously, with a private driver and comfortable accommodations. Others prefer to discover Cuba in a more adventurous and affordable way.
And that’s exactly the fun part: you can completely adapt your trip to your own wishes and budget!
Because I have lived in Cuba for years and have many local contacts, I can give you a good idea of what you can expect.
Where to stay in Cuba
One of the best ways to discover Cuba is to spend the night in a casa particular.
These are private accommodations, often run by Cuban families. You usually have your own bedroom and bathroom and can enjoy the personal hospitality.
Moreover, you directly support the local population.
Prices vary per place and accommodation.
To give you an idea:
- Havana: About €30 per room per night.
- Viñales: About €15 per room per night.
Of course, there are also more luxurious accommodations and casas with extra amenities, for which you pay a little more.
I am happy to help you find a nice casa that suits your wishes and budget.
What is the cost of food and drinks in Cuba?
You can also make it as expensive as you want in Cuba when it comes to food and drink.
You can eat simply at a local cafe, but also have an extensive dinner in a cozy private restaurant, a so-called Paladar.
For a meal in a private restaurant, you can count on about €20 to €60 per person, depending on the restaurant and what you order.
Do you want to eat more cheaply? Then there are often simpler local options. Many casas particulares offer dinner in addition to breakfast.
Don’t forget to enjoy Cuban cuisine!
How much does transportation cost in Cuba?
Transportation is an important part of your vacation budget, especially when you want to visit multiple places.
There are several options for traveling around Cuba.
Round-trip with a private driver
Do you want to travel comfortably, stop wherever you want along the way and set your own pace?
Then a private driver is a wonderful way to discover Cuba.
The driver will travel with you during your tour and take you from one destination to another.
Count on about €120 to €150 per day, including fuel and the driver’s costs.
This amount is for the car with driver, not per person. If you are traveling with several people, you can share the costs.
The big advantage is the freedom. Do you see a beautiful view, a cozy village or something special along the way? Then you can stop in consultation to enjoy it.
Travelling by taxi colectivo
Would you rather travel a little cheaper? Then a taxi colectivo is a great alternative.
These are shared taxis that allow you to travel from one place to another together with other travelers.
For example, a ride from Havana to Viñales takes about €30 per person.
You have a little less freedom than with a private driver, but it can make a big difference in costs.
Through my local contacts, I can help you arrange transport that suits your trip.
Excursions and fun trips
Of course, you also want to experience all kinds of things during your holiday!
Think, for example, of horseback riding through the beautiful Viñales Valley, a walk through nature, a city tour of Havana or a visit to a tobacco farm.
The prices of excursions vary per activity, location and the number of participants.
Some trips are fine for you to do on your own, while for other activities you need a local guide.
I am happy to tell you about the possibilities and help you make reservations where necessary.
How much holiday pay do you need?
As you can see, the total holiday budget depends a lot on your way of travelling.
A couple staying overnight in casas particulares and traveling by shared taxis will generally spend significantly less on transportation than travelers who take a private driver with them throughout their tour.
The number of excursions, restaurant visits and the accommodations chosen also make a big difference.
In addition, don’t forget the costs for your flight tickets, visa, travel insurance and personal expenses.
That’s why I prefer not to give a fixed amount per person per day. That can give a wrong picture of what your holiday will ultimately cost.
The prices mentioned are indicative prices based on my own experiences and local contacts. Prices and availability are subject to change, especially given the current situation in Cuba.
Paying during your holiday
Paying in Cuba doesn’t always work as you might be used to.
That’s why it’s important to find out in advance what payment options are available and how much cash you need.
On my page ‘Life in Cuba financially’ I will tell you more about this.
There you can also read more about the economic situation and what you should take into account as a traveler.
Your Cuba trip, matching your budget
Everyone has different wishes and that makes organizing trips so much fun for me!
Maybe you dream of an extensive tour with a private driver. Or maybe you prefer to travel on a small scale, with cozy casas particulares and taxis colectivos.
Whatever your plans are, I am happy to think along with you.
Thanks to my years of experience and local contacts, I can help you put together a nice trip, find accommodations, arrange transport and fun excursions.
For extensive personal travel advice and organizing your trip, we agree on a fee in advance.
Curious about what your holiday to Cuba will cost?
Feel free to contact me and tell me your wishes. Then we will look at the possibilities together!
Your wishes, your budget, your Cuba!
“A trip is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” – Anonymous
