Havana Adventures Day Tours

30/12/2022

Happy birthday to Jorge!

"Jorge Llanes the local guide with Havana Urban Adventures made our day in Havana the best we could have asked for. I highly recommend the American Classic Car tour. We were in a Caravan of 8 Convertibles and the sights and history of the city were fantastic. Then I asked Jorge for a night spot with live music and dancing.The Buenavista Social Club turned out to be the best. Thanks Jorge"

American Classic Car Tour
Feedback from TripAdvisor

29/12/2022

Social media is an excellent resource for finding things to do for the holidays. Most of Havana's best restaurants will have dinner with a live show, and nightclubs will compete to bring you the best acts, yes, some even with a champagne toast. A little planning ahead will make sure you have a holiday to remember:⁠
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⭐ Start filling your feed with local restaurants and night clubs as soon as possible. They generally start making announcements only a week to a few days in advance, but the more of these types of accounts you follow, the more that will be suggested to you.⁠ Find recommended restaurants on or in guide books such as
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⭐ Follow the social media for embassies such as UK, Germany, Spain, and Italy, they sometimes have events or post about events. ⁠
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⭐Listen to Cuban music and follow the artists that are still in Cuba for concert announcements. ⁠
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⭐Follow accounts of local tour companies (Check out the events in our highlights section 👀) and other accounts focused on Havana life, such as .alissa and .palacio. On Facebook, Havana Edge has great info. You can also ask your casa for recommendations.
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⭐ The upscale hotels will have celebrations, but if you can celebrate at a privately owned venue with locals, its going to be a more unique experience.

⭐ There is a big New Years Eve party in Cathedral Square, and venues such as Tropicana, and Buena Vista Social Club will also have parties, these are specifically aimed at tourists.

⭐ On NYE watch out for splash zones when walking through neighborhoods. Local tradition is to rid the home of all the bad vibes by giving it a good scrub and throwing the bucket of dirty water out in dramatic fashion. A tourist passing might make a tempting target accidentally on purpose.

⭐ For Hanukkah celebrations reach out the local synagogues such as Beth Shalom, Adath Israel or the Sephardi Center to see if they have any special events. Also check with Kosher boutique hotel Chateau_cuba, you may be able to arrange a special holiday meal during your stay.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Hire a local guide, even for a walking tour, and you can learn about the history of the holidays and traditional ways to celebrate as well as their own personal traditions for the holiday.

Any other tips? Comment below.

20/12/2022

New option to get from Montreal to Havana

07/12/2022

🔦Carry a small flashlight with you. If you are outside in the streets in a poorly lit area (or during a power outtage) you will want to use a flashlight, NOT your phone, to light your path.

📱Why? Because phone theft is on the rise in Havana, and using your phone as a flashlight may draw the attention of a thief. In general, it's good to be more careful with your phone in public, making sure you are aware of your surroundings when you have it out.

15/11/2022

You'll have a better time in Cuba if you come prepared with whatever you need when you don't feel well. Here are 7 items to help you deal with the most common health complaints in Cuba:⁠
1) Pain Killers - e.g. acetaminophen, ibuprofen⁠
2) Cold medicine - e.g. Sudafed⁠
3) Anti-diarrheal- e.g. Immodium⁠
4) Upset stomach medicine- e.g. Gaviscon, Pepto, Alka Seltzer⁠
5) Electrolyte powder ⁠
6) Anti-itch cream - e.g. Benadryl cream⁠
7) Good quality elastic bandage to wrap ankles, wrists, etc. ⁠
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Hopefully you will not have any health issues during your stay, and you can leave your supplies behind at the end of the trip. All of these items would be really helpful for a local family. ⁠
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What do you keep in your travel first aid kit?

02/11/2022

As of today the tourist visa now allows a stay up to 90 days instead of 30 days, and it can be extended an additional 90 days. This is good news for ex-pats, families, and tourists who want to discover every nook and cranny of this beautiful island 🌴

26/10/2022

Cuba is a magical place to visit, but for those that are unprepared, there are "surprises" that can really put a damper on their trip. Here are three tourist mistakes and how to avoid them:⁠
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1) Thinking "I'll just get it there". ⁠
In some ways you should think of visiting Cuba like going camping. Bring everything you need, because the shops may not have what you want, or you could spend hours/days trying to find it. Grocery stores and pharmacies are often empty. ⁠
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2) Assuming you'll find plenty of drinking water. ⁠
Sometimes there is lots, sometimes there is none. The solution to this is to drink boiled water or to bring a water filter and not rely on finding bottled water. ⁠
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3) Not knowing you have to pay for the internet.⁠
Although connectivity is better than ever, there are still very few places with free wifi, you usually have to buy an ETECSA wifi card to connect, which means going to an ETECSA store or to a hotel to buy the card. To prepare yourself for the times when you can't connect, have maps and important information downloaded to your phone. Cuba is one place where its useful to have information printed out, even if you normally don't like to waste paper. You can also pre-purchase a tourist SIM card for your smart phone to have data, calls, and messaging locally. ⁠
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Hiring a professional guide or joining a tour is the best way to ensure you have the best possible Cuban experience. Professional guides work hard to make sure that you enjoy their country, and have the resourcefulness to smooth over Cuba's rough edges and navigate its complications. Visit our link in bio for fun and interesting experiences with locals.

10/10/2022

Happy birthday to Dayana Caballero Cortina !

"HAVANA AND DAYANA are AMAZING!
Our "Sights and Bites" tour with Dayana was delightful. We took our tour with our 7 year old son, and Dayana was very kind and made sure our son also enjoyed the tour, tailoring some of the fun facts toward him. The food was delicious and Dayana's insight into the Cuban life and traditions was great. Great food, great sights and GREAT CONVERSATION from an AWESOME tour guide! Thank you DAYANA!"

TripAdvisor
Feedback from: OARANZUBIA

05/10/2022

💵USD is overtaking EUR for the most desired currency, at least in Havana. However, you should bring whichever is most convenient for you.

💷GBP and CAD are runners up but may not be accepted in as many shops, casas, and restaurants. ⁠
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🏦Be aware that when changing money at Cadecas and banks the conversion fee for USD is 8% and for everything else it is 2%, the cash exchange rate is 120CUP/1USD. Black market rates are hovering around 200CUP:1USD/EUR 😳

27/09/2022

Most of the time the taxis you use will not be on meter, so you should agree on the price before accepting the ride. Rates from airport are generally not negotiated. Late night taxis may charge a premium. ⁠Here are some common fares around Havana:
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Jose Marti Airport to main tourist areas €25, casas arranging pick up usually charge €30⁠
Old Havana to Vedado €5-10⁠
Old Havana to Centro Havana €5⁠
Old Havana to Playa/Miramar €10-15⁠
Old Havana to Fusterlandia/Marina Hemingway €15-20⁠
Vedado to Playa/Miramar €10-15⁠
Tourist areas to Jose Marti Airport €25-30, casas arranging it will usually charge €30⁠
Collective taxis (fixed route) 50-100CUP⁠
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Questions? Comments? ⁠👇

26/09/2022

Cuba's constitution will now define marriage as between two people, no longer limiting matrimony to between a man and a woman. ⁠
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This change is one part of Cuba's new family code, which was approved yesterday after many public hearings and input from Cubans both on the island and in the diaspora. With 66.9% Yes votes vs 31.2% No votes, the code tackles many different areas of family life. It contains over 400 articles which address household violence and elder abuse, adoption rights, surrogacy, gender identity, equality in the household, and much more.⁠
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The Family Code was controversial for many reasons, including the usual conservative outcry against same s*x marriage, adoption and gender identity, but also because some believe that in a country with Cuba's political climate, the decision to give what is considered basic rights of marriage and family to the LGBTQ+ minority should not have been left to popular vote.

24/09/2022

How to eat a street pizza like a local and other food culture tidbits on our . Link in bio.

16/09/2022

🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️🏃🏿‍♂️Join us Nov 20th to run/walk the Marabana marathon in Havana and earn money for CeDA, a local animal rights and welfare non-profit. It's a fun and festive event that distracts you from your burning legs with the beautiful sites of Havana. There is no better way to see the city than while exercising and earning money for charity! ⁠
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🍻Afterwards, we head to a restaurant to celebrate with the other members of our team. See link in bio for more info and to sign up (closes Nov 6).

13/09/2022

🍹Trying one of the world famous daiquiris at Floridita is now more difficult. They are only accepting card payment💳, meaning that if you have a US credit/debit card or if your card is affiliated it won't work (You'll have to get an MLC pre-paid card). Also, when we went there the system was down. If they can't process cards, they can't serve drinks! ⁠😒

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07/09/2022

🚍 If you want to save money on a taxi from the Jose Marti airport to your hotel or casa particular, Havanatur is offering a shuttle service for US$5/person to the principal tourist areas: Old Havana, Vedado, and Playa.

🚍The shuttles run from around 11am to 4pm, departing hourly and can be booked in advance online. Oddly this service is categorized under Experiences, and each zone is a separate listing. Link in bio⁠.
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🚖A taxi from the airport will cost around 25EUR or some casas will organize an arrival transfer for you for around 30EUR. ⁠
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🚍If you have used this shuttle service, share your experience in the comments ⁠👇

02/09/2022

🇨🇺 Photo by (tour leader)

23/08/2022

⚫ : You might experience a prolonged power outage in Cuba, particularly in the provinces. Be prepared by bringing these 3 items:
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💡Portable charger
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💡Flashlight/Headlamp - many of us use our phones, but we recommend a flashlight, or even better a head lamp so you can be hands free.⁠
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💡Mosquito repellant - Bring DEET mosquito repellant. A concentration of 23.8% DEET is ideal, higher concentrations don't make a big difference.⁠
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✅Other items to consider: A mosquito net (some casas may have hooks) and a portable rechargable fan.

17/08/2022

📱Nowadays in Cuba most everyone is on WhatsApp. Make sure you have it installed to communicate with locals and with people back home. You can also order food and other services to your casa particular. Telegram is also a popular app for communicating in Cuba. You can use these when you're connected to wifi or data.

16/08/2022

🍹🥃Aug 16 is National Rum Day!

Why not celebrate with our Rum Legend tour? A visit to a factory, tastings, and cocktail lessons is the perfect way to appreciate one of the world's most popular spirits. ⁠Link in bio

📷: (tour leader)

12/08/2022

"Paying a visit to the great artist and friend Lester Campa" -Armando (guide). is known for his imaginative and accessible art highlighting his love for nature and the Beatles. His studio is in the gorgeous sustainable community of Las Terrazas, where you will also find excellent coffee, lush greenery, and several outdoor activities. Contact us to visit Las Terrazas, link in bio⁠.
📷:

10/08/2022

Did you know that Havana Adventures is the day tours branch of ? Meet our family! Part 1 ♥️

05/08/2022

https://variety.com/2022/film/news/james-franco-fidel-castro-alina-of-cuba-1235333786/

James Franco has been cast as Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro in the independent film “Alina of Cuba,” Variety has confirmed. Franco joins the previously announced Ana Villafañe, who p…

03/08/2022

📱Downloading a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on your phone/laptop before you go to Cuba will help you access websites and features that are normally blocked for Cuba. If you want to access certain booking sites (e.g. airlines, Airbnb), Zoom, Netflix, or your usual features of Instagram, you're going to need to connect through a VPN.⁠
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➡️Some popular options are Windscribe, Psiphon, and NordVPN. ⁠
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⚠️Armando's Bonus Tip: Use caution when connecting at public wifi spots, because hacking has recently become more common. It is better to connect through non-public wifi such as in your casa or via phone data.

27/07/2022

📰Last week, Cuba announced 75 measures aimed at alleviating the economic crisis. One the biggest changes is that the government will begin selling foreign currency, including USD, which will likely affect the black market exchange rates. Also the government will allow foreign investment in small and medium sized private sector businesses. We hope lead to another exciting wave of entrepreneurial activity! ⁠
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📷:

19/07/2022

📱An easy way to stay connected while you're in Cuba is to buy the CubacelTur tourist SIM card before your trip. It includes 6GB data, 100 min talk time, 100 SMS for USD$30.

🛂You must buy it at least 2 days in advance and you can pick it up in Terminal 3 before going through immigration, or in the Etecsa office across from the airport or around the city. You must show your passport to pick up the sim card. ⁠
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📶The data is not 4G, so it works well for Whatsapp, email, and for checking social media, but wifi would be better for uploading. You can recharge the data online, it cannot be recharged at an Etecsa office. ⁠Link in Bio to purchase.

19/07/2022

"I was cycling through Vedado and Miramar and ended stopping for some food and a cold beer at this place. The food and beer were 👍, but the view was best part!🤩" -Karell (Guide)⁠
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📍Paseo Marítimo, 1era y 70

12/07/2022

Cuba's entry forms are now online on the D'Viajeros website (linked in bio). It will only allow you to fill out the forms beginning 3 days in advance.

Once you fill out the form, you will be emailed a QR code, save it or screen shot it, you'll need this code at various check points prior to and at arrival in Cuba, in addition to your visa and passport.

You can switch the language of the website to Spanish or English.⁠
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If you don't fill the forms electronically, you will be given paper forms on your flight or at arrival. If you are offered forms on your flight and you already have the QR code, you don't need to take them.

10/07/2022

Happy birthday to Marcos!

"If you are traveling to Cuba, you have to use Havana Adventures to be your guide. We have traveled to Havana over the Thanksgiving holiday. We have traveled to Mexico and the Caribbean many times, but this was our first trip to Cuba. Our guide Marcos was amazing and looking back on the trip, there is no way we would have gotten half as much stuff done or had near the experience. Two teenagers in house and both said this was by far our best trip ever. (Remember no internet and no phone for these teenagers, and they loved it.)I would highly recommend Havana Adventures."

Feedback from: Explore62994864677
Private guide

08/07/2022

"If you're in Vedado and find yourself craving a thin crust Italian style pizza in a pleasant urban setting, don't miss Woow! They have excellent service and the house-made hot sauce is wonderful. Move over Tabasco, this stuff is 🔥. Woow indeed!" 🥵🥰
-Rioger (guide)⁠

📍Calle L No. 414 between 23 and 25, Vedado