Bonjour,
Mon mari et moi arriverons à Varadero le 22 janvier 2017. Nous avons les 2 premières nuits réservées.
Nous serons à Cuba jusqu'au 18 février mais nous comptons revenir à Varadero le 16 février.
Nous aimerions nous limiter +/- entre La Havane, Santa-Clara et Trinidad, si possible en train ou en partie du moins ou en bus. Bien entendu nous nous arrêterons ça et là suivant les endroits intéressants à nos yeux (ou aux vôtres, vous qui y êtes allés). L'itinéraire initialement prévu :
Arrivée à Varadero, de là aller à Santa-Clara, puis Trinidad et enfin La Havane. Nous comptons rester une dizaine de jours à La Havane.
Nous voyageons sac à dos.
Voici nos questions :
- Avez-vous des casas particulares à nous conseiller (Santa-clara, Trinidad, La Havane) ?
- Vaut'il mieux réserver maintenant les casas particulares ou est-il possible de réserver au fur et à mesure ?
- Nous aimons les endroits moins touristiques également pour alterner. Nous ne cherchons pas nécessairement les endroits hyper connus, nous avons besoin de nous reposer un peu aussi.
Merci de votre aide.
Pierlou
En autobus, vous avez Viazul. Très bons autobus climatisés. Tarifs et horaires sur:
www.viazul.com Vous pouvez y faire vos réservations. La période où vous irez sera la haute saison. Préférable de faire des réservations 1-2 jours d'avance sinon arrivez au moins 1 heure avant le départ. A La Havane le terminus est loin du centre. 7-8 CUC en taxi pour y aller depuis le centre-ville.
Voici des suggestions pour des casas où je suis resté. Il serait bien de faire vos réservations le plutôt possible. S'il n'y a pas de place, les proprios pourront vous en trouver une ailleurs. Ils ont tous leur réseau. Ils peuvent aussi se charger de faire des réservations pour votre prochaine destination.
Santa Clara: Casa Hector Martinez, Calle Buenviaje, No 8, Entre Parque Vidal et Maceo.
Quelques mètres du Parque Vidal. 2 chambres avec 1 lit double et 1 lit simple.
Populaire. Un peu bruyant car proche du centre. Superbe accueil et bouffe.
Tél: (42) 21 74 63 Cell: (53) 38 23 11
Remedios: Hostal La Rueda, Independencia No 35, 2 minutes du centre. 25CUC. 3 chambres.
Excellents hôtes et très bonne bouffe Tél: (42) 39 59 15 Cell: (53) 12 39 99
Courriel: hostallarueda@gmail.com
Sinon, Casa Los Chinitos située à quelques maisons avant Hostal La Rueda.
Trinidad: Hostal Nuvia, 2 chambres dont 1 avec 2 lits doubles. Calle Colon No 164
5 minutes du centre. Entre Frank Pais et Miguel Calzada
Tél: (41) 99 39 42 Cell: (53) 28 08 92
Excellent accueil et bonne bouffe. Cour arrière avec bananiers et manguiers.
La Havane: Casa de Raquel. Calle Villegas No 443, à l'étage. Havana Vieja. 3 chambres double
Entre Teniente Rey (Brasil) et Muralla. Proche de Plaza del Cristo et du Capitolio
Raquel est super accueillante. Bonne bouffe.
Tél: (78) 67 50 26 Cell: (52) 90 11 06
Plusieurs casas dans ce secteur.
Un grand merci pour votre réponse bien fournie 🙂
Je vais prendre note de tout ça et commencer nos réservations. Au fur et à mesure de notre préparation je reposerai peut-être une ou l'autre question mais là il y a de quoi faire.
arriverons à Varadero le 22 janvier. 2 premières nuits réservées; à Cuba jusqu'au 18 février, mais retour à Varadero le 16 février. nous limiter +/- entre La Havane, Santa-Clara et Trinidad, si possible en train ou en partie du moins ou en bus. nous nous arrêterons ça et là. itinéraire prévu :Varadero, Santa-Clara, Trinidad et La Havane. une dizaine de jours à La Havane. voyageons sac à dos. Questions :
- Avez-vous des casas particulares à nous conseiller (Santa-clara, Trinidad, La Havane) ?
- réserver maintenant les casas particulares ou au fur et à mesure ?
- endroits moins touristiques pour alterner. pas nécessairement les endroits hyper connus, besoin de repos.
Bonjour Pierrette,
Pour commencer, je serais curieux de savoir par quel moyen ou quel détour vous arriverez de Belgique à Varadero. Vous avez raison de vous limiter à quelques villes. Cependant, comme vous passerez obligatoirement par Cienfuegos avec Viazul, je vous recommande au moins deux nuits dans cette ville où il y a beaucoup de casas, comme à vos 4 autres escales principales. Je vous déconseille le train, à la fois très lent, inconfortable et horaires aléatoires. Si vous décidez de vous arrêter « ça et là », je vous conseille de choisir des endroits proches des grandes villes, car vous aurez peut-être besoin d'un taxi pour en repartir et rallier une gare routière de Viazul. Parlez-en au chauffeur ou son accompagnateur dans le bus; ils savent parfaitement tout ce qu'il y a le long de leur route et ils seront trop heureux de récolter ensuite leur petite commission de la part de la casa qu'ils vous auront indiquée. Je vous conseille les casas « au fur et à mesure ». Ainsi, dès votre arrivée à Varadero, vous pouvez mentionner à la dueña (proprio) que vous aurez besoin d'une casa à Sta Clara. Elle vous arrangera ça et vous serez sûrs d'avoir la casa prévue. Sinon, si vous réservez trop tôt, avant votre arrivée à Cuba p. ex., vous risquez de vous retrouver dans une casa du voisinage de celle prévue. Les dueños sautent sur les premiers qui se présentent, c'est trop souvent comme ça à Cuba, notamment dans la Vieille-Havane. C'est la règle du Un tien vaut mieux que deux tu l'auras. Et la dueña prévue se fait ainsi une petite commission en passant, auprès de son voisin qui vient parfois d'ouvrir une casa. Plutôt déroutant ! Quant aux endroits moins touristiques et propices au repos, il faut tout de suite vous faire à l'idée que dès que c'est moins touristique, c'est aussi moins confortable : ni climatisation, ni eau chaude pour la douche. Ainsi, vous pourriez décider de vous faire déposer à Esperanza, juste avant Sta Clara. Il faudrait demander au premier passant de vous indiquer une casa. Vous risqueriez de vous retrouver dans une casa pour Cubains (logo rouge pâle sur la porte). Ce serait moins cher (peut-être même payable en pesos cubanos ou CUP), moins confortable, nourriture sommaire, mais le tout hypersympa! Dans le même genre, je vous recommanderais plutôt un arrêt à Palmira, juste avant d'arriver à Cienfuegos. On y trouve un Museo Municipal dont la spécialité est le rite afro-cubain de la santeria. Au besoin, à chacun de ces deux endroits, vous trouverez assez facilement un chauffeur particulier qui vous conduira directement à une casa de Sta Clara ou de Cienfuegos, advenant le cas où vous n'auriez pas trouvé votre minimum de confort dans ces deux petites localités. Si vous êtes à La Havane début février, ne manquez pas d'aller à la Feria Internacional del Libro de la Habana. C'est très pittoresque : cuisine variée, livres de toutes sortes en espagnol, musique, beaucoup de monde et vue spectaculaire sur La Havane et son port. Une navette fréquente à 1 CUP part en face de Kid Chocolate.
D'autres questions?
Léo (Hallonzy)
Pour ce qui est du vol, nous partirons de Duesseldorf.
Un tout grand merci pour ces informations précieuses, nous allons pouvoir potasser le tout. Nous cherchions des idées d'endroits où nous arrêter et bien voilà, on a de quoi voir venir...
De Düsseldorf directement à Varadero, cela m'étonnerait, mais bon, pourquoi pas, après tout. Quelles sont vos correspondances? C'est cela qui m'intéresse. Je vous envoie mon n° de tél. personnel à Cuba, en message privé. On pourrait peut-être prendre un verre. Je serai surtout à LH, de la mi-janvier à la mi-mars. Cuba fait de la bière qui se défend, mais c'est le rhum qui coule à flot !
Léo
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We all know the raft is taking on a bit of water.
No discussion threads about the island for weeks...
Have all travelers really moved on elsewhere? No one who could come to the rescue with recent info?
I’m in the Caribbean and still kinda feel like swinging by in September/October...
Looks like there are still direct flights from Mexico and the Dominican Republic for getting in and out.
I'm heading to the Dominican Republic for 5 days in December.
I arrive and depart from Samana Airport (AZS). I'm looking to rent a car, ideally right at the airport, but I don't see any options. Are there no rental agencies at Samana Airport?
If not, do you know where I could rent a vehicle closest to the airport and how to get there?
Hi,
I’m heading to Miches for the first time in November 2026 (no all-inclusive)
I’d love some tips to plan my stay—accommodation, things to do, places of interest nearby.
Is it possible to rent a scooter there to get around the area?
Thanks for your help!
Best,
hi there, I’ve never been to Martinique. my girlfriend, who’s of Martinican origin, has never had the chance to go either (life isn’t always easy). now we can plan a little trip, but we don’t know which airline to choose or how to find accommodation.
basically, I need quite a few tips.
we’re planning to go in September—no chance before that.
Hi! We spent 10 wonderful days in Guadeloupe’s gorgeous climate. Our arrival got off to a shaky start, though—our suitcase was left behind at the airport, which caused quite a stir. A police officer was shouting at us to get out and cross the street. Then, a taxi driver refused to take us after we showed him where we were staying, right by the port in Pointe-à-Pitre. "No one goes there," he told us! Good thing we arrived during Carnival! A second driver finally agreed to take us, and I can say he knew every nook and cranny of his city.
The rest of the trip was amazing. The locals were smiling and welcoming. We didn’t rent a car, so we didn’t get around much and stayed in the Deshaies area—a real favorite. Plage de la Perle (Pearl Beach) truly lives up to its name! We liked Grande Anse Beach less because of the steep slope, which made walking tricky, and the waves were pretty intense. The landscapes in this part of the island are idyllic. We visited the botanical garden—it’s worth it—and went to the port in Deshaies. If we ever go back, we’ll rent a vehicle so we can explore more, because taxis aren’t cheap!
Hi, I’m leaving soon for Punta Cana—what kind of money should we bring: Canadian dollars, US dollars, or are we forced to exchange once we arrive?
Thanks
We spent 15 days in the Exumas from March 10th to 26th.
I should mention that we’ve been traveling to islands for 20 years, so we have points of comparison when it comes to prices, hospitality, and landscapes.
First, the flights: we now live in the Luberon, so we flew out of Marseille. We took British Airways, which we’ve used several times before for trips to the English-speaking Caribbean and which offers flights via Heathrow. We had an overnight layover in London on the way out, then a flight to Nassau. After that, we took a connecting flight (we had a 2h20 layover in Nassau, which was more than enough) to George Town with Sky Bahamas. We had initially ruled out Bahamasair based on very negative reviews.
Immigration and customs were very quick.
When we arrived, we took a taxi to our hotel, Augusta Bay. Cost: $30.
We rented a car through Sure and Shore. It was delivered to our hotel the day after we arrived, and we kept it until we left for Stocking Island. For 9 days, we paid $470 (which is a great price) for a small Honda that wasn’t very new, but we didn’t have any issues with it. One thing we’d never experienced before: they’d put newspaper sheets on the floor, and we were told not to get any sand in the car if we went to the beach!
We stayed 5 nights at Augusta Bay. A 5-minute walk away is the beautiful, uncrowded Jolly Beach, perfect for swimming. We visited the southern part of the island to see the beaches of Little Exuma, especially Tropic of Cancer Beach and the one next to Santana’s restaurant. We also went to Hopper Bay Beach, where you can see a group of about ten turtles near a small boat dock. We went kayaking from the hotel.
Then we stayed at Paradise Bay in the north. While we hadn’t encountered the sandfly problem before, here it’s important to know that the beach is infested with them. The hotel’s restaurant, which is very good otherwise, even provides repellent for guests— that’s how bad it is!
From there, we visited Coco Plum Beach, Three Sisters Beach (where you can snorkel), and others. We also went kayaking again.
We ended our trip with 3 nights on Stocking Island at Saint Francis Resort. If we were to do it again, we’d spend 4 nights there. The island has many trails, snorkeling spots, and you can get around by kayak. We saw rays, turtles, and even a harmless shark, as well as some beautiful beaches. Plus, the welcome at Saint Francis was the warmest we experienced.
Be aware that everything is very expensive on the island—much more so than in the English-speaking Caribbean. Clearly, the purchasing power of Americans plays a role. They say everything is imported, but that’s the case on all islands!
Some places only accept cash or charge a 5% fee if you pay by card.
We didn’t find the locals particularly friendly. If you’ve been to Dominica or Grenada, for example, you’ll know what I mean.
We explored the whole island. The beaches are stunning, but the roads tell a different story. There are a lot of car wrecks—some houses have two or three in front of them, which really spoils the landscape. There are also many abandoned, ruined houses.
The vegetation is lush but not tropical, and you’ll be served apples and oranges for breakfast because there are very few exotic fruits.
As for the climate in March, there was no humid atmosphere, and the heat was very manageable (26°C). It was very pleasant. The seawater, however, is definitely cooler than in the Indian Ocean, for example.
There’s not much snorkeling, but we knew that before coming.
In conclusion: beautiful beaches, sand as fine as flour, and a very pleasant climate. But honestly, for the same cost, I’d prefer the Seychelles, for example.
Hi everyone,
I need your help!
We’re planning to visit Guadeloupe and take the opportunity to explore the islands La Désirade, Marie-Galante, and Les Saintes.
I initially planned to rent a car to get around the main island and then take the ferry from Trois-Rivières to Les Saintes, from Pointe-à-Pitre to Marie-Galante, and finally from Saint-François to La Désirade, following that route.
But when I look at it, the car would sit unused for at least 5 days—that’s paying for nothing🙁.
Is it possible to go from LES SAINTES to MARIE-GALANTE and then on to LA DÉSIRADE? We’d only rent a car once we arrive in Saint-François to continue exploring Guadeloupe. What do you think—is that doable?
This trip is planned for April.
Thanks so much for your help
Just a quick update on the state of this road: the unpaved section has been significantly improved. You can now complete the journey in about 4 to 4.5 hours instead of 6. Great news! For me, the most hazardous part is actually the paved section before and after Sagua. It encourages higher speeds, but there are deep, dangerous potholes that appear without warning. Be careful!
I’d also note that despite occasional power outages—which casas and paladares know how to handle—tourism remains perfectly doable. Cuba is still magical! I was just told, with a touch of humor, that the official German government website suggests bringing your own toilet paper and candles… Hmm, maybe an update on rechargeable gear would be in order…
Hi! We’re visiting Guadeloupe for the first time in January. We’re looking for accommodation near Deshaies to start our trip. A quiet spot, not too far from the sea so we can walk there. Any suggestions are welcome!
I’ve just returned from 15 days in Cuba and wanted to share my experience along with some practical tips for those planning a trip there.
1. Formalities:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months after your return.
- E-visa: apply online (payment by bank transfer only via the embassy of your choice): evisacuba.cu or through an agency novelacuba.com (card payment on their site—I had to go with this option and recommend it because the Cuban embassy in Brussels apparently never received my transfer...)
- Digital D’Viajeros form to fill out a few days before departure
- Mandatory health insurance
2. Currency/budget
- Plan your entire budget in cash; card payments are rare, and withdrawals at the official rate aren’t great.
Local currency: CUP (Cuban Peso)
Official rate: ~1 € = 120 CUP → state-run restaurants and shops.
Current unofficial rate: ~1 € = 490 CUP → private restaurants, local bars, Cuban-owned shops.
For exchanging money:
The easiest way: ask at your *casa particular* or a local restaurant.
3. My itinerary (15 days)
Havana: 3 nights
Viñales: 3 nights
Cienfuegos: 1 night
Trinidad: 3 nights
Varadero: 3 nights
Havana: 1 night
Flights: Air Europa from Brussels, with a layover in Madrid. Smooth and pleasant service.
Accommodations: *casas particulares* booked on Airbnb except for Varadero (Iberostar Playa Alameda hotel).
Practical tips
Install a VPN before departure (many blocked sites like Instagram and Airbnb).
Download the El Toque app to check the updated CUP exchange rate.
Internet via ETECSA SIM card (~30 € for 10 GB) or Wi-Fi in hotels/*casas*.
Download Maps.me for offline maps.
Intercity travel: shared taxi, Viazul bus, or private transfer through your *casa*.
Electricity: 110 V, sometimes 220 V.
Bring basic supplies and medications—hard to find there.
Cuba requires flexibility and openness: regular power outages, unstable internet (especially in Trinidad).
Finally, my personal take:
I loved my trip to Cuba! It’s a disorienting yet deeply charming country.
Poverty is visible, especially in Havana: crumbling buildings, many people asking for help (but no safety concerns!). Bringing some essentials for locals is a good idea (soap, toothpaste, medications, clothes...).
Cubans are incredibly welcoming and friendly. A few basics in Spanish help a lot! The vibe is unique: music in every street, musicians everywhere, salsa all around.
The variety of landscapes is amazing: colonial architecture, paradise beaches, mountains, waterfalls, lush valleys—you’ll never get bored.
Only downside: Varadero, less authentic than the rest of the country, but I expected that!
Overall, it was a wonderful trip, and I’d love to go back!
Hi,
Several comments recommend bringing mosquito repellent. Got it. Are there a lot of them during the day? And by the seaside? Or are they more present (and voracious) in the evening? Thanks.
I bought tickets for Martinique in April 2025 for 15 days, without really looking into what there was to do, and with the idea in my head that we could: hike, do water activities, swim, visit rum distilleries...
But... I’m worried I’ll get bored over 15 days and I’m considering maybe spending 1 week in Guadeloupe and 1 week in Martinique.
For example, I don’t know how to spend a whole afternoon at the beach. 2 hours, max.
I know it’s a personal question and depends on how you travel, but I’d love to hear your thoughts if you’ve done it:
- Did you feel too rushed?
- Is it reasonable to do?
- How much time would you spend on each island?
I’ve just returned from Havana after an 18-day stay from October 8th to 26th.
From Montreal, you have to go through Varadero Airport. I now break up the airport-to-Havana transfer with a SUPER pleasant stopover halfway, in the historic village of Hershey (Camilo Cienfuegos). Quebecer Anne-Marie has renovated a century-old house there, and every stay of mine feels like a peaceful oasis. Amazing food, a pool, impeccable hospitality—I highly recommend it! Casa Cub'Anita.
Life for Cubans remains just as tough, made even harder right now by tropical viruses spread by mosquitoes. It’s absolutely essential to protect yourself properly. That said, the purchasing power of foreign currency hasn’t changed much, despite skyrocketing inflation. As of today, the US dollar exchanges for nearly 500 pesos on the "informal market."
This was my first time staying in Vieja, in the non-touristy part. I discovered some great little restaurants run by the younger generation. Affordable, excellent food, and remarkably friendly service: El Chanchulero (it was about time I checked it out—unbeatable value for money!), El Café, Jibaro...
Cubans are still as warm and welcoming as ever—bicitaxis, servers, markets. Speaking the language is a huge plus.
Essentials to download from abroad before you leave: the maps.me offline maps app, and the La Nave taxi/motorcycle taxi app, which is super efficient for getting around the capital.
Sending my best to all my friends in Oriente as the hurricane passes, especially to Baracoa. I’m planning to visit this winter.
I’m planning a trip to Cuba this summer and I’d love some info: Is travel insurance really necessary? Can you easily get online by buying a local SIM card or internet card? Apparently, there’s only one currency now—is it better to exchange money with your *casa particular* host?
Thanks for all these valuable tips!
Hi!
I’m heading to Havana for a week in February. I’m looking for a casa particular that’s affordable, clean, and cozy. Since I’ll be traveling alone, I’d love a place where people are welcoming!
Also, I really want to stay in Habana Vieja...
Do you have any recommendations for places you’ve stayed before?
I tried booking the casa particular *Chez Nous*, but I never got a response.
Hi fellow travelers,
We're heading to Martinique for a month from mid-January to mid-February.
Our plan is to explore the island by staying in three different spots for 10 days each, on both sides of the island...
Could you share some great tips on where to stay for an authentic experience and what we absolutely must see?!
Hi there,
In March 2026 I’ll be at the Club Med in Sainte-Anne and I’m thinking of heading to Les Saintes at the end of my stay.
Do you know what the most convenient way to get there is?
Thanks so much!
Hi everyone.
For those traveling to Cuba and then planning to go to the USA, you won’t be able to get your ESTA for the United States (same applies) if you’ve been to Cuba after 2021 due to a law passed by Donald Trump (a law that Biden later repealed).
You’ll have no choice but to apply for a visa, which costs 200 € (and approval isn’t guaranteed even after payment).
If you’re in this situation, the process to get this visa will be a real hassle—you’ll need to book an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Paris. It’s the only embassy in France authorized to handle your application after you’ve filled out the visa request on the official website.
If you try to cheat by applying for an ESTA for the USA, just know that the American administration has ways of finding out if you’ve been to Cuba. 😉
I'm looking for information on the islands of Puerto Rico, St. Barthélemy, and St. Martin for March 2026.
What is there to see, and if possible, prices or tips, please?
Thanks, Michel V.
I’ve booked a room at an all-inclusive in Varadero for January 2025. This will be my 3rd trip to Cuba, the last one was 20 years ago.
The whole tipping and gratuities thing is wearing me out. Even though it’s an all-inclusive package, I think it’d be rude not to leave any tips for the bar staff and the housekeeping team, especially.
Here’s what I’m aiming for:
1. Not feeling stingy (or “feeling cheap” for my fellow Quebecers);
2. Not disrespecting Cubans by offering junk or, on the flip side, going overboard and creating unrealistic expectations for future tourists;
3. And most importantly, not spending the whole week wondering if I’m doing the right thing. I’m going there to relax, not to stress!
Hi there,
I’m planning our upcoming trip to Guadeloupe. We’re looking for a place to stay where human contact is a priority, with air conditioning, close to the beaches, and clean.
We’ve had several responses. After doing some research online, I was able to rule out quite a few options.
But now I’m deciding between:
Kokoplaj, tipayoune (issue: no AC, just fans—is that a problem?), Résidence Le Zandoli, and Gwada Rêves.
If you have any info or experiences to share, I’d love to hear them! ;-)
Thanks for your help!
See you soon...
I’m heading to Blau Costa Verde next February and I’d like to rent a scooter to explore the area. Are the roads around Holguín in good condition? I’m thinking of renting one for 1–2 or 3 days to visit Holguín, Gibara, and Banes on my own. Do you recommend it (I’ve got a great sense of direction)? How much does it usually cost to rent a scooter for 2 or 3 days (or a car, though I’d prefer a scooter)? Also, are there any other interesting spots nearby you’d suggest checking out?
Are there any excursions to Santiago, and how much do they typically cost?
Hi,
When booking the tickets to Martinique for our family, I must have made a mistake, and on one of the tickets, the third first name is wrong. Michel instead of Joel...
CORSAIR Airlines is telling me I have to buy a new ticket for 1200 € (Christmas period). I think that’s outrageous and, above all, impossible for us.
I’m desperate—I feel like Corsair is really overdoing it.
Is there any recourse? How can I get out of this?
I’m throwing this message in a bottle, just in case...😕
Hi, I'm looking for a car rental for January 2020 in Guadeloupe. There are several agencies I've seen reviews for—has anyone dealt with Autolagon before?
Thanks!
