A road trip in Cuba, renting a car and experiencing the Pearl of the Caribbean in total freedom: is there a better way to discover the charm of this place unique in the world? Road trips in Cuba are not easy: you have to start armed with a large backpack and lots of patience, but the encounters, the emotions, the sensations you feel are destined to remain etched in your memory and in your heart forever.
A fly&drive tour in Cuba is the ideal choice to delve deep into the essence of the place, meeting local people and getting to know the real local traditions. But how can one arrange such a trip? The only way is to trust qualified local operators (like the one we rely on to organize our tours), who know the places, the streets and can provide assistance for visa and documents.
Renting a car in Cuba
To rent a car in Cuba you need to have your passport, your driving license and a driving insurance. Renting a car in Cuba costs approximately 50 euros a day (60-65 CUC) to which you must add the cost of fuel.
You don't need to have an international drving license to rent a car in Cuba, it will be enough to show a non-rechargable credit card headed to the person who signs the rental contract. Cars for rent in Cuba are usually modern models, but there are also old American vehicles, certainly more evocative but also more likely to break down (don't worry in this case, these cars are quite common and repairs are quick).
What should you do in case of car accident? The car insurance generally covers part of the damage, while the rest is charged to the driver, so pay attention when you drive. Driving is on the right.
Information on the roads in Cuba
The roads in Cuba are not up to European standards. The likelihood of finding yourself on bad roads could increase travel times. Due to the conditions of the road network, it is always advisable to travel by day.
Road signs are similar to European ones meaning they are easy to understand. Oil stations are open 24/7.
The maximum speed limit in Cuba is 50 km/h in built-up areas.
In the main roads the limit is 70 km / h, it can rise up to 90 away from population centers and 130 on motorways. It is mandatory to drive with seat belts.
Cuba on the road: the must-see stops
Here are the recommended stops for your itinerary.
Havana
The first city you will visit on your tour will probably be Havana, the capital city of Cuba, divided into three parts: Habana Vieja, new Habana and the Vedado district.
Let's begin from the old city center, including Plaza Central and Plaza de la Catedral, an impressive historic center and UNESCO heritage, full of museums, old churches and art galleries. Pay a visit to Bodeguita del Medio, a tiny bar famous for the excellent Mojito (go ahead and try it!). Do not be discouraged by the dilapidated and somewhat humble appearance of buildings: it is an integral part of the great charm of Havana.
Continue towards the modern part of Havana, featuring colorful buildings, the Capitol Hill, resembling the US White House. Stop by at the Floridita, an elegant bar loved by Hemingway and famous for its Daiquiri. There you are now in Vedado, once the infamous district in Havana, which can be now easily visited. Vedado develops around Plaza de la Revolucion, where you'll find the world famous building with the face of Che on the facade.
Viñales
Leave the city behind to lose yourself in the rural Cuba. Viñales is an agricultural area with rich tropical vegetation and limestone hills with a peculiar shape.
Here you'll have the chance to explore the tobacco plantations, taste the famous Cuba cigars offered by local farmers and take tours on a horseback.
Cienfuegos
The road trip of Cuba continues to Cienfuegos, a port city once under French control.
Highlights include the Museum Palace, the Arch of Triumph and the theater.
Trinidad
Trinidad is a small, exciting village, with its colorful houses, a legacy of the past Spanish rule.
Perfect for those who love taking pictures and for those who want to experience the local culture in depth: in particular, taste the Canchanchara, a delicious cocktail based on ice, lemon, honey, water and local rum, typical of this city.
Varadero
Not all fans of Cuba love Varadero: it may be because of the modern and western-style resorts, with swimming pools and wi-fi, which perhaps clash with the genuine and free-range soul of the rest of the island.
In Varadero you get to enjoy a bit of relaxation on the beach with some extra comfort: for this reason it can be the final stop on your road trip.
And if you are not tired yet...
If you have time and the desire for adventures is not lacking, here are two more steps to add to your Cuba fly & drive tour!
Santiago de Cuba
Santiago de Cuba is very far from Havana, so if you want to visit it, we recommend taking a domestic flight and renting a car to pick up at the airport.
Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city in Cuba and is completely different from Havana. Here the atmosphere is decidedly more "Caribbean", in fact the Haitian and Dominican influences are very evident, just looking at the buildings of the historic center: Museo de Ambiente Histórico Cubano, Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, Museo de la Lucha Clandestina and the unmissable Ron Museum.
The cayos
We cannot forget the beaches when we talk about Cuba! The expanses of pure white sand caressed by the blue sea and dotted with swaying palm trees are another of the attractions of the island. Where can you the most beautiful beaches for a little well-deserved relaxation at the end of the road trip?
If Varadero is very touristy, drive to Guardalavaca, a wonderful beach a couple of hours from Santiago. But the real jewel of Cuba is the cayos, almost entirely unspoiled islets off the coast. For example Cayo Largo, where there are only a few all-inclusive hotels, while the rest is wild nature. Ah, obviously the car is not needed here!
