Accommodations, Meals & Services
Your Home in Cuba: Casa's Particulares
Since 1997, the Cuban Government has permitted Cubans to rent rooms in their homes to tourists on the island. This revolutionized the lives of many, providing a much needed source of extra income as well as a broader view of life outside Cuba.
Today, Casa's Particulares are essentially family-run bed & breakfasts (think AirBnB’s with private breakfast in the morning). Families invest in making sure their houses are up to international quality standards, and they greet you with Cuban hospitality - but also give you the privacy and comfort you desire.
While houses vary in style from eclectic to classical, they all provide a comfortable glimpse into Cuban life and will be your home while on the island. Which Casa you'll be staying in changes from trip to trip, but there are a few photo examples below.
Each Casa features & provides:
Double or single occupancy rooms
Air conditioning
Hot and cold water
Private or “Jack-and Jill” style bathrooms
Key to lock your room
Linens / blankets
Pillows
Hand soap
Bath towel (please feel free to bring an additional towel for bathing if you prefer, generally 1 is provided)
Bottled water (for purchase)
Electricity - *Note: Electrical adapters are not needed, they are the same as the US*.
Things to Keep In Mind:
Cuban septic systems often cannot handle toilet paper so you will need to dispose of this in trash cans at the Casa's.
Water pressure can sometimes be weak and hot water may not always be as hot as you'd like, or cold water may not always be as cold as you'd like;
Electrical blackouts could happen. *Note: Bring a flashlight just in case.
Please always let your guide know if you have any questions or need anything along the way, they will be there to support you!
The photos below are examples of “Casa’s” where travelers have stayed in the past and are not necessarily the Casa's you will experience on your trip.
Meals & Drinks
Most meals & drinks are included in your Discover Corps trip with the expectation of 1-2 depending on your itinerary. We also do our best to accommodate any dietary restrictions and allergies such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose intolerant, etc.
Food in Cuba is wide-ranging, however it in short is simple and fresh, relying heavily on ingredients produced organically on the island. Therefore, you can get excited about a distinct change from processed fast foods to slow-cooked organic dishes. The island is also home to a diverse array of fruits, such as mango, pineapple, papaya, and guava that you will be sure to enjoy over breakfast. Also, you can expect lots of yummy mojitos!
Rice, beans, salad or vegetables, and protein is a meal that's part of the Cuban culture. Discover Corps will do our best to vary the type of protein and vegetables, but please expect a lot of that as Cubans will eat rice and beans for lunch and dinner almost every day. Italian food is also an option, but hard to find, especially in the countryside.
*Note: We also will be providing you with safe drinking water, we do however ask you to bring a reusable water bottle to be able to refill easily.
Laundry Service, Room-Service & Cell-phone reception.
We do not offer Laundry Service, Room-Service or Cell-phone reception. If you would like to receive cell phone service, we recommend you call and consult your phone provider directly, or search online an eSIM that works in Cuba.
