Is This Trip Right for You?
Is This Trip Right for You?
Discover Corps wants our travelers to be as prepared as possible.. Please read the points below thoroughly to see if this trip is right for you. Reach out to the Travel Coordinator for any additional clarification or questions.
Accommodations: In Cuba, accommodations are typically "casas particulares," which are family-run guesthouses, similar to bed & breakfasts (like AirBnBs with a private breakfast). While these casas can be comfortable, they are often more basic than what you may be accustomed to. For example, water pressure can sometimes be weak, and hot water might not always be as hot or cold as cold as you'd like.
Power outages: Scheduled power outages are fairly common in Cuba, particularly outside of Havana. It's a good idea to be prepared for this by bringing a flashlight or other light source, just in case.
Extensions: In Las Terrazas and Viñales, you could face 5 hours of no electricity, then 5 hours with electricity, continuing this pattern during the day. In Trinidad, power outages can last up to 10 hours. Some of the casas particulares have generators, as well as the restaurants in the region, so the trip can continue as planned even during power outages.
Meals: Despite the challenges posed by the embargo, which limits access to many food items and ingredients, Cuba still manages to create delicious meals using locally grown, organic produce. On this trip, you can expect family-style meals that typically include rice, beans, meat, chicken, vegetables, and salads. Fruit juices and the famous mojitos are also commonly available. While we do our best to offer variety, it's important to note that finding options like pizza, pasta, or hamburgers can be difficult.
Healthcare: Cuba’s healthcare system is quite different from most countries. Accessing certain services, such as pharmacies, can be challenging, as they may not be as readily available or as well-stocked as in the U.S. When traveling to Cuba, it’s important to ensure you’re in good physical condition to participate in the planned activities, as the itinerary often involves a lot of walking, sometimes over uneven terrain.
Road conditions: Please be prepared for bumpy roads and potholes, especially outside of Havana.
Extension Driving time: Due to road conditions and speed limits, some of our trips or extensions from Havana to Trinidad involve long drives. The journey takes about 6 hours without stops, but with stops in Cienfuegos, it can take up to 8 hours. From Havana to Las Terrazas should take about 2 hours, and from Las Terrazas to Vinales takes about 3 hours. Please check your itinerary or ask your Travel Coordinator to understand more about the places you will be visiting.
Crab Season: Crab season in Cuba typically occurs from March to April (sometimes a little later than that), when thousands of land crabs migrate from the forests to the coastline to spawn. This spectacular migration often leads to crabs crossing roads in large numbers, especially near coastal areas like Cienfuegos. The event is a unique natural phenomenon but can cause road delays and slippery conditions.