# 1  ATM’s do work in Cuba

We had heard of all sorts of horror stories about not being able to use the ATM’s in Cuba and so tried to take out what we thought was enough money. Turns out the CUC is the equivalent of about 1 US dollar and therefore everything was a lot more expensive than we had anticipated. The stories were not true, or very outdated, because our Commonwealth Bank Visa Travel Card worked a treat at every ATM with a $2.50 transaction fee charged accordingly.

# 2  Night out in Havana – King Bar

Find a local to take you to King Bar in Havana, or try your luck getting in on your own. It was definitely a highlight! I’d say washing your hair and changing out of your Havaianas for the occasion would better your chances of making it through the door!

# 3  Vinales walking tour

Opt for a walking tour/hike through the Vinales countryside – you will be taken to a coffee and tobacco plantation as well as being able to see other smaller villages off the beaten track.

# 4  Salsa Lessons

Take salsa lessons in Vinales. It is cheap and accessible without the crowds of people to judge your stiff awkward moves.

# 5  Cigars

Buy your cigars in Vinales. The experience of going to a tobacco farm and having them rolled for you is amazing in itself, but it also means you are not buying
“fake ones” from the black market in Havana, as so many tourists end up doing.

# 6  Collective taxis are hit and miss

Collective taxis are hit and miss. You may want to opt for shorter hauls in the collective taxis and longer trips using the air-conditioned Viazul Buses.

# 7  Best restaurant in Trinidad – La Botija

You must eat at La Botija when in Trinidad. It was by far the best meal we had eaten in Cuba, the portion sizes are massive, the price is economico and there is always live music playing. There may be a line but it is well worth the wait.

# 8  Aldava – the most authentic bar in Trinidad

The most lively and local bar we came across in Trinidad was Aldava. It’s located off a side street when walking toward the main square and was bursting with Cuban energy. Bodies and old and new were shaking and grinding to an incredible 12 piece band each time we went to grab a drink (and spectate).

# 9  Escambray Mountain hike in Trinidad

Trinidad offers access to beach and mountains and of the two I would highly recommend the Escambray hike. There are hikes catering for various levels of difficulty. We opted for the “hardest”, which was by no means, out of any average persons depth. The incline was steep but it only took a couple of hours to reach the end point and the tour guide stopped to explain much of the flora and fauna on the way, providing many breaks.

Where we stayed:

Havana – Hostal Calle Habana (Address: Calle Habana 559)

Vinales – Casa Leyanis Jesus Alejandro (Address: Adela Azcuuy Norte #20-E)

Trinidad – La casa Manuela (Address: Lino Perez No. 372)