You’re traveling to Cuba with a group? Cuba is a phenomenal place to travel with a group of friends. This stunning experience is in many aspects is easier when in a group. So what are some of the best tips for group travelers who have made the sensible decision to go to Cuba together? Here are our best tips for group travelers to Cuba.
Accommodation: Cheaper With a Group
Casa Alta Habana
You probably know what it’s like trying to book a hotel as a group. There are some savings the more people who stay, but there are only so many people you can cram into a hotel room.
Various home rental websites allow you to rent an entire apartment or house and that’s an option.
But your best value option is to stay in a casa particular, which a Cuban bed and breakfast. Many of these places will charge a flat rate for the room. Often regardless of how many people are sleeping in it (within reason), and this is what you need to look for. For the breakfast of course there will be an additional surcharge per person.
If you are traveling in a small group and don’t mind sharing, this type of flat rate at a casa particular is an awesome way to keep your costs down.
Getting Your Group from Place to Place
Unless you’re planning to stay in one place for your entire stay you and your group will need to get around.
Viazul the national bus service is good service if not the most luxurious. But its route network and frequency of services make it a safe bet.
For shorter hops, look for a shared ‘caminone’. This is a sort of converted pickup truck that has wooden seating in the rear, usually along with a canvas canopy to protect you from the sun. A small group of people could hire one of these for short to medium distances. It can cost just a couple of dollars per person.
Taxi Collectivos
Another option is a taxi colectivo (shared taxi). These are used by usually for locals traveling to the same destination. Each person pays a set fee which is cheaper as the overall fee is shared.
It will be more expensive than a shared truck (but not by much). There are also some limitations, since it’s only worthwhile if your entire group can share the same vehicle.
Hiring a Car and Driver
It is possible to hire your own car and driver for cross country day
trips. You will of course be paying a flat rate for the whole day
service, there and back.
Longer trips of several days are possible too however part of the cost will be bed and food for the driver
Restaurants and Eating Out
It’s really a case of looking around for the best meal deal, depending on what your group’s general consensus might be in terms of what you want to eat. And you will need to look around for a bargain.
If you really can’t decide head for Calle 23. The avenue is a great spot to sit outside and drink a beer (or two, or three) before deciding which restaurant to go to. If you are part of a larger group, don’t be afraid to ask about a group discount at any of the restaurants. Most prices are fixed, but there can be some room for negotiation.
Shopping and Haggling
In terms of shopping, you’re not going to save a lot of money as a group in regular stores where most prices are fixed.
There can be some wiggle room at markets and stalls, where you can haggle about the prices. If a few different members of your group want to make a purchase, you might be able to negotiate a discount for everyone.
A piece of advice on how to save time and money when in Cuba. Some items that you might take for granted are either unavailable or ridiculously expensive in Cuba. So be sure to bring all your toiletry items you need with you. For a complete list check out our ultimate packing guide for Cuba.
This includes dental hygiene products, beauty products, feminine hygiene products, contraceptives, sunblock, mosquito repellent, shampoo, conditioner and razors. In fact any kind of grooming or personal hygiene product you might need. Because you will end up spending a lot of time (and money) if you need to go and hunt these items down upon arrival in Cuba.