Cuba Beyond All-Inclusive Resorts: Travel Guide and Itinerary

A must-visit island in the Caribbean and the largest in the region. Cuba entices visitors with its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and its rich history tied to Spanish colonial heritage and the revolution of 1959.

Cuba’s fascinating culture is steeped in African, Spanish and Caribbean influences. Salsa, rumba and mambo punctuate daily life, and the varied landscapes stretch from the seaside resorts of Varadero to the fertile valleys of Viñales.

Renowned for the excellence of its Cohiba cigars and the distinct flavour of its rum, Cuba possesses a far more precious treasure: the warmth and authenticity of its people who, despite economic difficulties, welcome visitors with remarkable generosity.

Following an invitation to the FITCuba 2025 international tourism festival last April, I had the privilege of exploring this destination on a press trip. I’d like to share my experience with you, with an overview of the main destinations, activities and practical tips for making the most of this fascinating island.

Cuba has been a favourite sunny destination for Canadians for many years. In less than a 4-hour flight from Montreal or Toronto, you’ll be greeted by palm trees and Cuban warmth (from both the people and the climate!)

Already renowned for being an affordable country, it’s possible to save even more on a trip to Cuba with reward points.

Cuba’ s main airports are Varadero (VAR), Havana (HAV), Cayo Coco (CCC) and Holguín (HOL).

Airlines operating flights between Canada and these airports include WestJet (formerly Sunwing), Air Transat and Air Canada.

Most flights are seasonal, with a large increase in winter service between November and April.

For flights operated by Air Canada, you can use your Aeroplan points to fly to Cuba. Expect to use between 30,000 and 50,000 Aeroplan points and around $150 in taxes for a round-trip flight during the high season from Toronto or Montreal, depending on the dates.

With WestJet, it’s the WestJet Rewards points that will reduce your flight bill. A round-trip between Toronto or Montreal and Varadero costs about 50,000 WestJet Rewards points and $100 in taxes during the high season.

Sunwing has been acquired by WestJet, which will take over flights to sunny destinations. All Sunwing flights will be operated by WestJet starting from May 29, 2025.

Finally, you can also shop for your flights via National Bank À la carte Travel, then use your NBC Rewards points to cover all or part of the cost of your ticket.

There are no Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Cuba. The major international chains established on the island are mainly Meliá, Iberostar, Barceló and Gran Caribe.

Cuba‘s hotels are not on Expedia, Hotels.com or Booking.com: nor are they on the booking platforms of loyalty programs such as Scene+ Travel, powered by Expedia, CIBC Aventura or Expedia for TD.

You need to book these hotels directly on their website and pay in advance or on the spot. Then you can use the flexible points of your choice, such as those from Scene+, CIBC Aventura or NBC Rewards, to reimburse your accommodation.

Don’t miss a visit to the famous Hotel Nacional de Cuba, a hotel steeped in history. End your day sipping a cocktail on the panoramic rooftop terrace of Bar Capablanca, named after the Cuban chess champion, or in their courtyard, animated by lively peacocks (yes, real ones!).

The bar at the Royalton Habana Paseo del Prado also flaunts stunning views of the sea and old Havana.

Two and a half hours from Havana, Viñales plunges you into authentic rural Cuba. This UNESCO-listed valley is famous for its rock formations and is the center of Cuban tobacco production.

Start by taking in the stunning views from the Mirador de Los Jazmines, which reminded me of northern Vietnam. Nearby, be sure to stop by the Mural de la Prehistoria to see this vibrant 120-metre-high mural painted on the mountainside.

Then visit the tobacco plantations, where local farmers will show you the art of making a genuine Cuban cigar. Don’t miss the Cueva del Indio, a natural cave where you can navigate an underground river in a small boat.

One day is enough for most of the trip, but an overnight stay allows you to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and home-cooked meals in the casas particulares.

Nicknamed “The Pearl of the South,” Cienfuegos stands out for its unique French architecture in Cuba. Its UNESCO-listed historic centre is organized around Parque José Martí, featuring a magnificent cathedral.

Don’t miss the Palacio de Valle, an extravagant coastal palace combining Gothic and Moorish styles. Enjoy the view from the terrace, mojito in hand.

The town is also an ideal base for visiting the Bay of Pigs (for history buffs) or the El Nicho waterfalls. You can ask your accommodation to organize your excursion, or book it online with Civitatis.

I recommend a day to explore Cienfuegos before continuing on to Trinidad.

Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the best-preserved colonial cities in Cuba. Its historic centre is characterized by cobblestone streets, pastel-coloured houses, and the Plaza Mayor, surrounded by period buildings. The tour can be enjoyed on foot or by traditional horse-drawn carriage.

The Museo Nacional de la Lucha Contra Bandidos offers panoramic views from its tower. In the nearby Valle de los Ingenios, the Manaca Iznaga tower stands as a testament to the region’s sugar history and provides equally remarkable views.

If you have a little more time, the Topes de Collantes park is well worth a visit. Located in the Escambray mountains, some 20 km from Trinidad, this natural sanctuary is a popular destination for locals, with its lush jungle and waterfalls.

For a cultural break, head to La Canchanchara to try the local cocktail made with rum, honey, and lime. The nightlife comes alive at Casa de la Música and Disco Ayala, a nightclub set within a natural cave.

On the practical side, currency exchange services can be found near the Plaza Mayor, and there’s an ETECSA office where you can buy or recharge a SIM card. The Iberostar Grand Trinidad hotel is located in the heart of the old town, while the Meliá Trinidad Peninsula offers an all-inclusive option just a 25-minute drive away, near Ancón Beach. The modern complex has just opened and offers a magnificent setting.

Trinidad was my favourite part of this trip to Cuba. The city deserves at least two days’ exploration to appreciate its architecture, atmosphere and surroundings.

Varadero boasts a 20-kilometer beach considered one of the most beautiful in the world, with its powdery white sand and turquoise waters. It’s the perfect spot to relax after exploring some of Cuba‘s vibrant culture.

I recommend the Meliá Internacional Varadero (recently renovated), Meliá Varadero, Meliá Las Americas (adults only), Grand Aston Varadero, Royalton Hicacos (adults only), and Iberostar Laguna Azul for their exceptional service.

The main activity remains the beach, but a catamaran excursion to nearby cayos with snorkeling can be a wonderful addition to your itinerary.

In the evening, the Club Los Beatles offers excellent live music, and the La Barbacoa restaurant serves tasty grilled meats.

Varadero fits perfectly at the end of your tour for a day or two of relaxation before returning home. Varadero International Airport (VAR) is about a 30-minute drive away. Your hotel will be happy to organize your transfer.

Cuban culture is characterized by its passion for dance and colourful costumes. Here are a few activities to help you immerse yourself in the spirit of the island.

Havana’s Tropicana cabaret offers a dazzling open-air show featuring dancers in extravagant costumes and traditional Cuban music. Although a tourist attraction, this 1939 institution is well worth a visit for its artistic excellence. Standard admission is around USD 85, including a welcome drink. I don’t recommend the meal option, which is generally disappointing and more expensive.

Additionally, the Habana Café, located in the Meliá Cohiba Hotel in Havana, is a treat for jazz enthusiasts. Talented musicians perform in a setting adorned with vintage cars and objects, accompanied by excellent Cuban cocktails. You can book your tickets on-site at the hotel’s reception.

For diving enthusiasts, Cuba offers exceptional sites that are largely unspoiled and less crowded than other Caribbean destinations.

I had the pleasure of meeting Nathali, founder of Cuba Plus Travel. This young Canadian-Cuban living in Havana often compares her native country to Bali for its lush nature and pristine waterfalls.

The Dive and Revive program lets you adopt your own coral and help plant it in Cuban reefs. The touching aspect? Nathali regularly sends you photos and updates about your coral, creating a lasting connection with the Cuban ecosystem.

Through responsible tourism, she hopes to see Cuba become a major ecotourism destination, like Mexico or Costa Rica, while preserving its authenticity.

Visiting Cuba today means understanding the island’s day-to-day reality. Despite its undeniable charm, the country is going through a particularly difficult economic period, which is having a direct impact on tourism.

The COVID-19 pandemic hit Cuba hard and the island is still struggling to recover. Visitor numbers remain well below pre-pandemic levels, exacerbating an already precarious economic situation. This drop in tourism has direct repercussions on the local economy and the living conditions of Cubans who depend heavily on this sector.

Drinking water cuts are frequent in several regions, including tourist areas. Food supplies remain problematic, with shelves often empty in local supermarkets. Restaurants for tourists are generally well stocked, but at higher prices.

Access to drinking water is a challenge. Plan to buy or bring enough bottles of water before your excursions: a single bottle can cost up to USD 3.

Fuel shortages can occasionally disrupt travel, while power cuts are common in Havana and other tourist areas. However, major hotels are equipped with generators.

Milesopedia had the opportunity to participate in FITCuba 2025, the island’s international tourism festival, which allowed me to closely observe the efforts being made to revitalize Cuba’s tourism sector.

Despite these challenges, I thoroughly enjoyed my trip and the discoving an authentic Cuba. The island needs tourists more than ever to support its economy and its people.

By being well-prepared for local realities, Cuba reveals itself to be an extraordinary destination of adventure, cultural richness and remarkable landscapes, comparable to Colombia or Ecuador for travellers in search of authenticity.

The resilience and warmth of the Cuban people, their genuine hospitality, and contagious zest for life more than make up for the logistical challenges encountered along the way.

Cuba offers three main types of accommodation for travellers: All-inclusive resorts, conventional hotels and casas particulares (homestays).

All-inclusive resorts dominate seaside areas such as Varadero and Holguín, offering the typical experience of swimming pools, restaurants and unlimited activities. The Meliá and Iberostar chains are well established here, offering 3 to 5 star establishments. Note that Cuban standards are generally lower than in other Caribbean destinations, even for high-end establishments.

Conventional hotels, found in cities such as Havana, Cienfuegos and Trinidad, offer packages without meals included. Some occupy charming renovated colonial buildings.

Casas particulares (homestays) offer the most authentic experience. These affordable accommodations (USD 25 to 40 per night) offer a privileged contact with Cubans and their culture. These guesthouses usually offer hearty breakfasts and can sometimes organize transportation and excursions.

To book, use Airbnb or this site for casas particulares and the official websites of hotel chains (Meliá, Iberostar). Cuban accommodation is not available on standard platforms such as Booking.com or Expedia.

The official currency in Cuba is the Cuban peso (CUC), but the US dollar is also widely accepted. It is difficult to pay by credit card outside hotels and large stores. Make sure you have enough cash for the duration of your stay, as it’s almost impossible to withdraw money once you’re in Cuba, and banking options are very limited outside Havana and Varadero.

Cuba operates with two exchange rates for the Cuban peso: the official rate and the “industry” rate (or street rate). The difference is considerable! In April 2025, the street rate was around CUP 370 to USD 1, while it was only CUP 120 at “official” exchange offices.

Never exchange your money at the hotel exchange office, as you will only receive a third of what you could get by exchanging on the street. Discreetly ask hotel employees or trusted locals where you can safely exchange your money.

U.S. dollars are clearly preferable to Canadian dollars. Street exchangers, who offer much better rates than banks, rarely accept Canadian dollars. Make sure your bills are in perfect condition: damaged bills, even slightly, will be rejected.

Important: don’t bring coins, as Cubans can’t deposit them in banks.

To minimize withdrawal fees, use ATMs that dispense U.S. dollars in Canada. Scotiabank, CIBC, TD, and RBC have machines available throughout the country.

The Wealthsimple card is accepted at all Canadian ATMs, including Scotiabank, CIBC, TD and RBC. Withdrawal fees are automatically refunded to your account a few days later. That’s how I managed to withdraw U.S. dollars with minimal fees before my departure.

The Wise and Wealthsimple cards do not work in Cuba. The EQ Bank Card could potentially work, but I have not been able to verify this personally.

Tipping is highly appreciated in Cuba, where it serves as an important source of additional income for locals. Make sure to have small denomination bills for guides, drivers, servers, and hotel staff. A tip of 1-2 USD per service is generally appreciated.

You can also give Canadian bills for tips, as Cubans can exchange them at the bank.

Internet access in Cuba has improved considerably in recent years. While the connection is not yet up to North American standards, it is now fully functional, particularly in tourist areas.

Wi-Fi connection in hotels is now decent and allows for web browsing, video calls and photo sharing without any problems. On arrival, the hotel will usually provide you with a Wi-Fi code valid for the duration of your stay.

To stay connected on the move, the Airalo eSIM remains the most practical solution for travellers. You can also opt for a SIM card from Cuban national operator ETECSA, available from their offices in town for around USD 7. Avoid buying one at the airport, where the same service will cost you up to USD 20.

Mobile network quality varies according to your location. In major cities and tourist areas, coverage is generally good, but becomes patchy in rural areas.

Despite these improvements, certain restrictions remain. Many popular services such as TikTok, Spotify and streaming applications are not accessible in Cuba. Using a VPN is therefore recommended to access all your usual services.

Before you leave, download maps, translations and travel guides in offline mode for added peace of mind. Also, let your loved ones know that your connection will be limited and irregular. Finally, take this opportunity to disconnect and live the Cuban experience to the fullest!

Cuba is generally a safe destination, but a few precautions should be taken to protect your health.

There is a risk of tropical diseases such as dengue fever, particularly during the rainy season. Before you leave, make sure your vaccinations are up to date (tetanus, hepatitis A and B, typhoid). If necessary, consult a health professional.

Bring a good mosquito repellent and use it frequently, day and night. Malaria is not transmitted in Cuba.

Drug shortages are common in Cuba. Bring all your usual medicines in sufficient quantities, as well as a first-aid kit including painkillers and remedies for digestive disorders (loperamide, calcium carbonate, antibiotics, electrolyte sachets), as you probably won’t find any on site. Your pharmacist is your best resource for advice on a complete travel kit adapted to your situation.

Tap water is not drinkable. Drink only bottled water or water filtered by your hotel.

As far as personal safety is concerned, the major risks are pickpocketing and tourist scams. Keep your valuables in a safe place, and beware of improvised “guides” or offers that are too good to be true.

Finally, don’t leave home without travel insurance! Check your credit card coverage or purchase insurance before you travel. I personally use soNomad, a Canadian company that offers the best prices on the market.

The formalities for entering Cuba have recently changed. From July 1, 2025, the tourist card will be replaced by an electronic visa system (eVisa).

Canadians are exempt from visa requirements for tourist stays, but must complete an entry form. This form is available online, free of charge, on the government website D’Viajeros. This form should be completed no earlier than 48 hours before departure.

Next, you’ll receive a QR code that will be required at the airport before boarding. Without this proof, you won’t be able to board your flight to Cuba. Remember to keep a copy of the QR code (digital or printed) easily accessible, as you may also be asked for it on arrival.

Cuba offers a unique travel experience, both culturally rich and exotic. With its enchanting music, idyllic beaches, colonial architecture and friendly people, the island has left me with unforgettable memories.

Don’t forget that travelling in Cuba also means adapting to a different rhythm and accepting a few unforeseen events with grace. Flexibility and patience are your best allies in making the most of this destination.

So pack your bags, slip in a few gifts for your Cuban hosts and set off to discover this pearl of the Caribbean.

¡Buen viaje!