backpacking in cuba

Is backpacking in Cuba really the cheapest option?  It may come as a surprise that a budget Cuba group tour could actually work out to be a more affordable and easier option. And less stressful than backpacking it around. Plus you have the added benefit of having a local guide!

Accomodation in Cuba on a Budget

Up until recently there were no traditional backpacking hostels. That has changed and there are more options now for sure.

Cheap hotels are plentiful in Cuba. As the country becomes more open to international visitors, it’s possible to find some good deals. Particularly in larger places such as Havana and Santiago de Cuba.

Some cheap hotels share many similarities with hostels in that you can find yourself sleeping in a dormitory style room with several strangers. 

Traveling alone can be really exciting. But if you’re not wanting to go down the hostel route, which let’s face it is for a certain age demographic… You can really save if you go with a friend or friends. Since you can stay in a private room with two or three beds and split the cost.

Casa Particular

You can also sidestep hotels and hostels altogether and opt to stay in a casa particular. This is accommodation in a private home – similar to a Bed and Breakfast establishment. These are generally cheaper and offer you a taste of the real Cuba.

In our humble opinion, casa particulares are a much better option than hotels/hostels in most destinations you’ll visit. The level of service, cleanliness and hospitality at a casa far outweighs that of most hotels or hostels in Cuba.

Eating on a Budget

When staying in a hotel, it seems a little silly to also dine in the hotel and not get out and see all the culinary delights on offer just outside your door.

When backpacking in Cuba, however, you can actually save significant cash by dining where you stay.

Most casa particulares will offer meals for a small additional price.  The fare is usually traditional Cuban home cooked food, which is guaranteed to fill you up. 

Most casa’s have a menu with a number of options to choose from.  However don’t expect them to be able to cater to special dietary requirements like the more formal restaurants will.

The food is can often be heavy, rich in meat and rice and vegetarian options are limited but definitely improving. Dining in a Casa Particular can mean that you’ll pay as little as the equivalent of $6 (USD) for quite a large meal.

Getting Around on a Budget

There are numerous train and bus services available for traveling long distances in the country, but when backpacking in Cuba you’ll want to keep your costs as minimal as possible.

Viazul offers a air-conditioned bus service to major destinations across Cuba and is often the best and most affordable bus option. 

Hitchhiking is also a viable option at least for getting around between major towns and cities

Exploring on foot doesn’t cost you anything and random exploration is fantastic for discovering the sights. Particularly in smaller areas like Old Havana.

When backpacking in Cuba or anywhere else, you’ll want to minimise your transport, food and accommodation costs and this is where a guided tour can be a good investment. Because all these bases covered and there is the added bonus of a well planned itinerary. Not to mention a local guide with an intimate knowledge of the workings of Cuba!

So before you go ahead and plan that backpacking travel option why check out one of our guided tours. Still not sure? Read about some of our travelers experiences here.

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