Cuba Culinary Food Tours
Legal for USA Citizens, you have both 8-Days and 5-Days Foodie Itineraries to choose from. Monthly departures with maximum group size of 10 participants. Ask us about special departures led by chefs.There is no island in the Caribbean more unique and fascinating than Cuba and we are truly excited to offer licensed and legal Cuba travel options for Americans. You will take a step back in time and a step forward in cultural relations as you discover Cuba’s culture through its cuisine.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy opportunities to connect with locals, stroll the colonial plazas of Old Havana, drink the perfect daiquiri and hear Cuba’s legendary music.
Take a step back in time and a step forward in cultural relations as you discover Cuba’s culture through its cuisine on our legal, ground-breaking Cuba culinary tour. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with locals and immerse yourself in the Cuban food scene as you visit farms and markets, learn from local chefs, and dine at some of the island’s most renowned private restaurants, or paladares.
Our Cuba tours spend five action-packed days in vibrant Havana engaged in meaningful interaction with farmers, chefs and artists. We’re welcomed inside the kitchen of one of Havana’s finest paladares, learn to salsa with incredibly talented dancers, and enjoy a farm-to-table meal on an organic, sustainable farm. You will even be invited into a local’s home for home-made tapas and daiquiris. And you’ll also have an opportunity to see some of Cuba’s iconic sights, such as Havana Vieja and Revolution Square.
Our Cuba tours then venture far off the beaten path to the Viñales Valley, a serene and beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its tobacco plantations. And finally, we journey to the colonial town of Trinidad, where the sounds of street music and clip-clopping horse carriages evoke centuries past.
Cuba Tour Experiences:
◦ Exclusive access tourists rarely get
◦ Bustling markets & organic farms
◦ Renowned chefs & mixologists
◦ Deluxe, privately-owned lodging
◦ Travel by classic car, no buses
◦ Intimate & fun groups of 10 or fewer like-minded guests
◦ Cuban cooking demonstration at a renowned paladar
◦ Mojito class by master mixologist
◦ Happy hour and daiquiri class in a local’s home with home-cooked tapas
◦ Visit an agricultural market, ration store and supermarket for true insights into the daily lives of Cubans
◦ Tour a sustainable farm and enjoy an organic farm-to-table lunch
◦ Connect with local fishermen and select fish to grill
◦ Dine at Cuba’s top private restaurants
Cuisine On Our Cuba Tours
Cuban cuisine represents a food culture situated at the crossroads of African, Latin American, Indigenous and Spanish influences. At the center of former Caribbean trade routes, Cuba’s food story is a melting pot of those vibrant cultures that once came through its ports. Rice, beans, peppers, fresh greens, fish, chicken, pork, and tropical fruit from across the Caribbean come together in stews, on the grill, and on your plate. ‘Creative’ describes today’s Cuban cuisine, as chefs are inspired to experiment with what’s available locally – produce directly from the farm you’ll visit, and seafood straight from the fisherman’s net.
On our Cuba tours, you will have the opportunity to meet with talented chefs and mixologists as they share the secrets to making authentic Cuban cuisine and cocktails. You’ll also enjoy traditional Cuban breakfasts of bread, ham and eggs served with hot coffee and fresh tropical fruit smoothies. Lunch and dinner bring dishes like Paella Cubano, Ropa Vieja, freshly caught grilled fish and lobster to the table enjoyed with classic Cuban cocktails such as daiquiris or mojitos.
Cuba’s food revolution began 20 years ago when private citizens were again allowed to operate family-run restaurants, or paladares. The rise of the paladar is leading to unprecedented innovations in Cuban cuisine and vast improvements in customer service. Some paladares are still family-run affairs offering traditional, delicious, down-home Cuban food. Other private Havana restaurants offer eclectic Cuban cuisine using organic produce and a fusion of international flavors, served up in magnificent settings with stunning artwork and expansive patios. On our Cuban culinary tour we will dine at some of the finest paladares in all of Cuba. You will also have several free nights to choose your own paladar and sample additional Cuban cuisine options.
The food tour offers access inside local Cuban kitchens at top restaurants for the first time ever. You will have the opportunity to meet with talented chefs and mixologists at some of the top private Havana restaurants as they share the secrets to making authentic Cuban cuisine and cocktails. One of the many highlights of this tour is a Cuban cooking demo, exclusively for our guests, in one of Havana’s best paladares.
Another culinary highlight begins in Playa La Boca, just outside Trinidad, where we will purchase the catch of the day fresh from local fishermen. Later on, our fisherman turned chef will grill it up, Cuban-style, at his restaurant in Casilda. This is a fun and easy going lunch demo and the restaurant has an open kitchen – perfect for chatting with the chef while he prepares the fish we brought him from the market.
HAVANA & BEYOND: CUBA FOOD TOUR: 8-days Itinerary
Monthly departures with price per person (in double occupancy) starting at $3,990.
DAY 1: Our Cuba Food Tours Begin When you Land in Havana (D)
Welcome to Cuba! After you pass through immigration and customs, you will step outside into Havana’s tropical breeze, where a driver will be waiting for you. Climb into a vintage 1957 Chevy, your ride for the week and one of the highlights of our Cuba food tours, and head to your upscale guesthouse where you will check in and relax until dinner.
Tonight’s welcome dinner is at one of our favorite restaurants in Havana, El Biky. Consistently ranked as one of the top paladares (privately owned restaurants) in Havana, this restaurant offers Cuban and Caribbean favorites for an excellent introduction to the culinary gems of Havana.
Meals included: Dinner
DAY 2: Art, Cocktails, and Dancing with Local Experts
This morning it’s time to get to know Havana and the Cuban people. Starting with a walking tour of Havana Vieja (Old Havana), we will explore the two of the four main squares: Plaza de la Catedral, dominated by the stunning 18th century Catedral de San Cristóbal & Plaza San Francisco de Asis, near Havana’s harbor.
We will then head to one of Havana’s oldest and most renowned paladares for a delicious lunch prepared especially for us, and served in a beautiful garden setting. But first, we will have a fun mojito cocktail class at the paladar’s stunning bar! Bring your mojito along as we are invited into the kitchen for a cooking demonstration to learn the executive chef’s secrets to preparing traditional Cuban fare (think paella or ropa vieja) with a modern twist.
After lunch, we will wander through the street art gallery of muralist and painter Salvador Gonzales. Heavily influenced by the traditions of Santeria, an Afro-Caribbean religion, Salvador’s street art uses everything from bathtubs to car parts. We will peruse Salvador’s gallery and meet with the artist or curator who are happy to answer any questions about Santeria or the artist’s interesting work.
Next up is a salsa class at the home of Johan, one of our fabulous dance instructors. Whether or not you choose to dance, visiting his home will be an eye-opening experience. Climbing two stories on a rickety spiral staircase (the main staircase is continuously under repair), you will get a sense of how Cubans make do with the status quo, while maintaining their passion and optimism. Once upstairs, the dance troupe’s infectious smiles and joie de vivre will have you dancing in no time!
This evening, those who are interested in Cuba’s legendary music can attend an optional jazz performance at the Jazz Café in Vedado or a cabaret show at a local hotel. Our guide will be happy to assist you with the details.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 3: Explore Havana’s Markets & Happy Hour Tapas in a Local’s Home
Learning how food is purchased in Cuba is an important part of our Cuba food tours as it gives you an understanding of how communism and an embargo impact the lives of everyday Cubans. Our first top this morning is a trip to a mercado agropecuario (produce market) where you’ll see what fruits and vegetables are available to local Cubans and chat with the friendly vendors. Then we’ll head next door to a ration store where you will observe how basic staples are procured in very specific quantities. Our last market stop is a supermarket, where you will get a stark sense of what is, and is not, available to ordinary Cubans.
Next we will explore the Museum of the City and Plaza de Armas. We will then enjoy lunch at the famous La Guarida. This paladar is renowned for its innovative cuisine and of course, its part in the movie “Fresa y Chocolate”.
After lunch, we will head to Plaza Vieja, which dates back to 1559 and whose buildings have been lovingly restored to their former glory. Here we will stroll through the plaza- visit art galleries, a coffee roastery, and even take a short break at a chocolate cafe, where you might like to sip a cup of hot or cold chocolate and taste their delectable chocolate treats. And, if you still have room, perhaps try some refreshing coconut ice cream from an ice cream street cart.
Our last stop of the day is a real treat and definitely highlight of our Cuba food tours, as our guide and his wife invite you to their home in Centro Havana for happy hour tapas. Your charming host will show you how to make the perfect daiquiri. Then enjoy home-cooked tapas for dinner, along with great conversation and more than a few laughs with our hosts.
Later in the evening, those who are interested in Cuba’s legendary music might enjoy the Buena Vista Social Club show (touristy, but fun) at a local hotel. Our guide will be happy to assist you with the details.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, (Happy Hour) Dinner
DAY 4: Day Trip to Viñales Valley & Las Terrazas
We’ll get a very early start this morning with a drive to the lush, green, and peaceful Viñales Valley. Surrounded by limestone karsts, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the origin of some of the finest tobacco in the world.
Our first stop is an organic tobacco farm where we’ll meet with a third generation tobacco farmer. He will teach us how the cigars are made, explain the difference between Cohiba and Montecristo, and give you an opportunity to try a cigar dipped in honey. The cigars are very mellow and reasonably priced, should you decide to purchase them, but there is no pressure.
Next we’ll head to a lovely family-run paladar, with delicious farm-to-table Cuban food served family-style, and breathtaking, panoramic views across the entire Viñales Valley. Before we sit down to our feast, we will walk around the organic gardens that provide produce for the restaurant.
After lunch we will drive to the town of Las Terrazas, which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. We will stop for a quick pick-me-up cup of coffee at a local cafe and then explore the ruins of one of the oldest coffee plantations in Cuba, built in the 18th century. Next up is a stroll through the picturesque whitewashed village, enjoying views of the lake and native birds, and then a visit to the home and art studio of a local artist.
After a long, fun day exploring Cuba’s countryside, we will drive back to Havana in time for a late dinner.
Drive time: Approximately 6 hours round-trip
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5: Fuster Gallery & Farm Tour
We’ll start the day with a visit to the Fuster Gallery, where we will see José Fuster’s incredibly colorful mosaic sculptures that have spread throughout his neighborhood.
Then we will take a 40-minute drive to an organic farm just outside the city of Havana. This farm is a new venture started by a young entrepreneur with a PhD. in agricultural engineering. He will show us around, telling us about the herbs and vegetables that are produced, and talk about the sustainable farming methods he develops and shares with farmers in his community and across Cuba. We will also learn about honey production, as they have several swarms of bees. After a delicious farm-to-table lunch cooked by his lovely wife, we’ll drive through Revolution Square on our way back into Havana.
Once we arrive back in the city, the late afternoon is yours to explore Old Havana on your own or your guide will bring you back to your casa to relax. You could also continue on to the (touristy, but fun) El Floridita, for a Hemingway approved daiquiri!
This evening is our last in Havana. For those who are interested in Cuba’s legendary music, tonight is another opportunity to enjoy an optional jazz performance or a cabaret show. Our guide will be happy to assist you with the details.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6: Discover Trinidad
After the hustle and bustle of the city, it’s time to relax and soak it all in. So, today we bid farewell to Havana and drive five hours south to Trinidad, a small colonial town on the southern coast of Cuba, where you may just forget it’s the 21st century. Please be aware that this drive involves several hours in our vintage cars. If you do not wish to do the 9-hour round trip drive to Trinidad (over the course of two separate days), you may choose to book just the Havana portion of the tour. Please contact us for more information.
Once we arrive in Trinidad don’t be surprised if you see more horse carriages and bicycles than cars! We will check into our simple, but clean, guesthouse, and enjoy a late afternoon walk around town to orient yourself to the area. Trinidad is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the main plaza, or Plaza Mayor, has stunning colonial architecture and museums galore, and as we walk the cobblestone streets we’ll enjoy the sound of Cuban street musicians.
After dinner, you may want to visit the Casa de la Musica, an outdoor music venue that congregates on the enormous staircase behind the main church, just behind Plaza Mayor.
Drive time: Approximately 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 7: Valle de los Ingenios & Seafood Lunch with Local Chef
Today is the last full day of our Cuba Culinary Tour and it’s going to be great! In the early morning, we’ll head to Playa La Boca to greet fishermen as they return with their catch (if the fish are on). We will see first-hand how local fisherman make a living, learn about fish selection, and meander around this typical Cuban fishing village.
Then we’ll take a 20-minute drive to the Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugar Mills) to wander among the old colonial plantation house and barracks that flourished in the late 18th century. We’ll also have an opportunity to see this beautiful valley from the top of La Torre Iznaga, a 150-ft tower. The view is well worth the climb!
Speaking of views, next we will head to the stunning Playa Ancon followed by a delicious seafood lunch with a former fisherman turned chef. This is a fun and easy going lunch and the restaurant has an open kitchen – perfect for chatting with the chef while he prepares the fish we brought him from the fishermen. The afternoon is yours to relax and wander through town, perhaps pick up some souvenirs or rum.
This evening we’ll have a lovely farewell dinner at Trinidad’s most popular paladar. It’s hard to say goodbye, but if we have to, at least it should be over fabulous food and drinks!
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8: Drive Back to Havana & Cuba Tour Ends
Alas, it is time to head home. We will drive approximately 5 hours to the airport in Havana for your evening departure where your guide and driver will see that you are checked in for your flight. Goodbyes may be tough, because at this point they are far more than just your guide and driver – they are your new Cuban friends.
Drive time: Approximately 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Please note: This trip involves a lengthy 10-hour round-trip drive to the colonial town of Trinidad. While the drive is beautiful, please be aware that there will be two separate days with approximately 5-hours of driving. If you prefer not to do the journey to Trinidad, this trip can be shortened to just the Havana portion for 5 days.
In order to maintain our license for travel to Cuba, Access Culinary Trips provides a full schedule of activities during each day of our Cuba food tours, and our guests must participate in those activities with the group. This will not only give you the opportunity to explore Cuba through its cuisine, but also to see some of Cuba’s iconic sights that you wouldn’t want to miss.
Please also be aware that Cuba is an adventurous destination where things do not always go as planned. We urge you to bring a flexible attitude and a sense of humor. The above itinerary reflects our best planning, but there may be times when we have to substitute different activities and accommodations on our Cuba food tours. That is la aventura Cubana – the Cuban adventure!
8 Days Cuba Food Tour price per person (in double occupancy) starting at $3,990.
Please note:
- Solo travelers are required to book the Cuba private room upgrade of $790 - $990 depending on dates.
- If you would like assistance with purchasing your flight/visa or travel insurance, please let us know.
- If you are interested in a private trip, please contact to discuss availability and pricing.
Standard price includes:
- 7 nights (double occupancy, one bed): 5 nights deluxe vacation home, 2 nights guesthouse
- All breakfasts, five lunches & three dinners (including happy hour)
- Expert bilingual tour leader
- Guided sightseeing in Havana, Viñales Valley & Trinidad
- Mojito class & private cooking demo at top paladar
- Daiquiri class & happy hour tapas in a local home
- Guided market & farm tours
- Excursions to tobacco farm & fish market
- Salsa dance lesson
- All ground transportation for activities included in itinerary
- Airfare to and from Cuba (available for purchase on major US airlines)
- Required visa & Cuban health insurance (available for purchase on major US airlines)
- Mandatory trip cancellation travel insurance ("Cancel for Any Reason" coverage is strongly recommended)
- Private room upgrade for solo travelers
- Drinks, snacks & remaining meals
- Optional evening excursions & taxi rides for non-included excursions/meals
- Discretionary gratuities
HAVANA CUBA FOOD TOUR: 5-days Itinerary
Monthly departures with price per person (in double occupancy) starting at $2,990.
DAY 1: Weekend in Havana Tour Begins
¡Bienvenido a la Habana! We will be waiting for you when you step outside the airport to take you to your upscale accommodations. Give yourself a moment to soak it all in first though – you are about to spend the next five days in Havana!
In the afternoon you will check into your accommodations and get settled. Tonight’s welcome dinner is at one of our favorite restaurants in Havana, El Biky. Consistently ranked as one of the top paladares (privately owned restaurants) in Havana, this restaurant offers Cuban and Caribbean favorites for an excellent introduction to the culinary gems of Havana.
Meals included: Dinner
DAY 2: Santeria Art, Mojitos, and Salsa Dancing
This morning it’s time to get to know Havana and the Cuban people. Climb into a vintage car (think ‘57 Chevy) and take in the sweeping ocean views as we drive along the malecon to Havana Vieja. Here we explore two of the four main squares: Plaza de la Catedral, named for the impressive 18th century Catedral de San Cristóbal and Plaza San Francisco de Asis, facing Havana’s harbor.
After our walking tour in Old Havana, we will head to Miramar, an upscale neighborhood whose expansive boulevards are lined with foreign embassies. Miramar is also home to one of Havana’s oldest and most renowned paladers where we will enjoy a delicious lunch, prepared especially for us, in a beautiful garden setting. But first, we will lounge at the paladar’s stunning bar to try our hand at making mojitos with an expert bartender. Don’t forget to ask what his favorite cocktail to make is! Then, bring your drink with you as the executive chef invites you into his kitchen for a brief cooking demonstration to learn the secrets to preparing classic Cuban fare with a modern twist, like paella – Cuban style. After lunch, we will make our way to Centro Havana and wander through the street art gallery of muralist and painter Salvador Gonzales. Heavily influenced by the traditions of Santeria, an Afro-Caribbean religion, Salvador’s street art uses everything from bathtubs to car parts. As we stroll through the outdoor alley cum art gallery, the curator will happily answer any questions about Santeria or the artist’s interesting work. Keep an eye out for Salvador himself, relaxing around the gallery.
Next up is a salsa class at one of our fabulous dance instructor’s home. Whether or not you choose to dance, visiting Johan’s apartment will be an eye-opening experience. Climbing two stories on a makeshift spiral staircase (the main one is always under repair), you will get a sense of how Cubans’ passion and optimism help them overcome many obstacles. Once upstairs, the dance troupe’s bright smiles, joie de vivre, and endless patience will have you dancing in no time!
This evening, those who are interested in Cuba’s legendary music can attend an optional jazz performance at the Jazz Café in Vedado or a cabaret show at a local hotel. Our guide will be happy to assist you with the details.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Fuster Gallery & Hemingway’s Home
Our weekend in Havana tour continues with a morning visit to the Fuster Gallery, where we will see José Fuster’s vibrant and colorful mosaic sculptures that he has created throughout his home and surrounding neighborhood.
We will then visit Finca Vigia, Hemingway’s house just outside Havana, and where he was inspired to write three of his most famous novels. We continue on to Cojimar, a small fishing village where Hemingway docked his beloved boat, Pilar, and the inspiration for his famous novel, “The Old Man and the Sea”. After a delicious lunch overlooking the water at one of Hemingway’s favorite watering holes, we’ll pass through Revolution Square on our way back into Havana.
Once we arrive back in the city, the late afternoon is yours to explore Old Havana on your own or your guide will bring you back to your casa to relax. You could also continue on to the (touristy, but fun) El Floridita, as Hemingway surely would have, to enjoy another drink!
Later in the evening, those who are interested in Cuba’s legendary music might enjoy a visit to the Casa de la Musica in Miramar or the Buena Vista Social Club show at a local hotel. Our guide will be happy to assist you with the details.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Peruse Farmer’s Market & Happy Hour in a Local’s Home
This morning, we begin with a trip to a mercado agropecuario (produce market) where you’ll see what fruits and vegetables are available to local Cubans and chat with the friendly vendors. Then we’ll head next door to a ration store where you will observe how basic staples are procured in very specific quantities. Next up is a visit to the local supermarket. Cuban supermarkets are different than what you might expect and will give you a stark sense of what is, and is not, available to everyday Cubans.
We then head to Old Havana to wander through the Museum of the City and Plaza de Armas. We will enjoy lunch at the famous La Guarida, renowned for its delectable cuisine and of course, its role in the movie “Fresa y Chocolate”. After a hearty lunch, you will be more than ready to walk around and explore the last of Havana’s four historic squares, Plaza Vieja. Dating back to 1559, most buildings have been lovingly restored to their former glory and now house art galleries, a coffee roastery, and cafes. Be sure not to miss the chocolate café, where you may choose to sip on a cup of hot or cold chocolate and taste their delectable chocolate treats. Feel free to wander around the cafe and check out the historic chocolate molds and artifacts. Afterwards, if you still have room, perhaps try some refreshing coconut ice cream from the ice cream street cart!
The perfect way to cap off your five days in Havana is happy hour at your guide’s home in Centro Havana. Your guide and his family warmly invite you into their home for tasty tapas and cocktails. Your charming host will show you how to make the perfect daiquiri. Then enjoy home-cooked tapas for dinner, great conversation, and more than a few laughs with our hosts before heading back to your casa or out to enjoy your last evening in Havana.
This evening is last of our long weekend in Havana. For those who are interested in Cuba’s legendary music, tonight is another opportunity to enjoy an optional jazz performance or a cabaret show. Our guide will be happy to assist you with the details.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, (Happy Hour) Dinner
Day 5: Weekend in Havana Tour Ends
Alas, your weekend in Havana is over and it is time to head home. Your guide and driver will take you to the airport in time for your flight. Be prepared, good-byes may be tough, because at this point they are far more than just your guide and driver – they are your friends from Havana!
Meals included: Breakfast
5 Days Cuba Food Tour price per person (in double occupancy) starting at $2,990.
Please note:
- Solo travelers are required to book the havana private room upgrade of $590.
- If you would like assistance with purchasing your flight/visa or travel insurance, please let us know.
- If you are interested in a private trip, please contact to discuss availability and pricing.
Standard price includes:
- 4 nights deluxe vacation home (double occupancy, one bed)
- All breakfasts, three lunches & two dinners (including happy hour)
- Expert bilingual tour leader
- Guided sightseeing in Havana
- Mojito class & cooking demo at top paladar
- Daiquiri class & happy hour tapas in a local home
- Guided market & Finca Vigia tours
- Salsa dance lesson
- All ground transportation for activities included in itinerary
- Airfare to and from Havana (Now available for purchase on major US airlines)
- Required visa
- Private room upgrade for solo travelers
- Mandatory trip cancellation travel insurance ("cancel for any reason" coverage is strongly recommended)
- Drinks, snacks & remaining meals
- Optional evening excursions & taxi rides for non-included excursions/meals
- Discretionary gratuities
NOTES
HAVANA HOTELS & CASA PARTICULAR OPTIONS
We have scoured Havana to find the nicest casas particulares, or privately owned guesthouses for our weekend tours. While many casa particular rentals offer simple rooms within the family home, the lodgings we use on this tour more closely resemble deluxe vacation rentals or boutique private hotels. Some of the Havana casas particulares we reserve are old colonial homes and others are mid-century villas with swimming pools. Unlike the large Havana hotels, there are only a handful of rooms in each casa particular in Havana. This means the accommodations will vary based on trip dates and group size, but will always be the finest available.
All of the bedrooms in our boutique Havana hotels and casas have en suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and are very clean and comfortable.
In the last 18 years, there has been a surge in Havana’s privately-owned guesthouses. We use these for our tours, rather than the large Havana hotels, because they are an ideal way to be immersed in the culture and engage meaningfully with the local community. Due to the generosity and hospitality inherent in Cuban culture, the private casas generally have higher service levels than the government-run hotels. Also, since the government controls Havana’s hotel inventory, rooms of international standard are extremely limited. We feel that we can better manage the quality of your Havana accommodations and the authenticity of your cultural experience by seeking out bouique Havana hotels and upscale casa particular options.
As with all travel to Havana, your flexibility is appreciated. Despite our best planning, things might not work as expected in your casa particular, as it might not in a Havana hotel. Power outages can occur, water pressure might not always be ideal, hot water might not be available sometimes, and if something breaks, your landlord simply may not be able to replace it in a timely manner due to shortages of most household items. We believe that these minor inconveniences are not just a small price to pay for an immersive experience into Cuban culture, but also an opportunity to get an authentic sense of what life is really like in Havana.
NOTE: There will not be internet service or international phone service in any of the accommodations. However, we have built a couple of times into the itinerary to go to internet access points.
IS IT FOR ME?
Our Cuba tours offer access to authentic experiences that solo travel and other tours simply can’t provide. You won’t just taste the food, you’ll meet the people behind it – locals who proudly welcome you into their homes.
You’ll learn about the practices and traditions, handed down through generations, that brought it to your plate and the important role cuisine plays in Cuban culture, with its Spanish, African, and Caribbean roots. You’ll even discover how access to food is impacted by government regulations and geopolitics.
This is more than just a culinary tour of Cuba. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make meaningful connections across cultures, through shared food and experiences, as you soak in charming and historical Havana, the beautiful and traditional Viñales Valley, and colonial Trinidad.
Please note that although this trip is not exceptionally active, there is quite a bit of walking, including some on uneven pavement, and the weather can get hot.
Havana travel requires flexibility, and changes to accommodations and activities may occur. That is part of the adventure of travel to Havana right, and we believe this is a small trade-off for the rich and authentic experiences you will have as you get to know the Cuban people.
All of our culinary tours include a rich combination of delicious ingredients: expert cooking classes, visits to flourishing farms and vibrant markets, and world-class cuisine!
Deposits
A 20% deposit is due at time of booking and the balance is due 90 days prior to your tour date. If you book within 90 days of your tour date, the full amount is due at time of booking.
CUBA FAQ
PASSPORT & VISA
HEALTH REGULATIONS
No vaccinations are required for entry into Cuba or return to the USA. Before visiting Cuba, it is recommended that you are up to date on all your routine vaccines ( measles, mumps, tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine etc) You may need to get the following vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for at your destination: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid and Rabies. Although there are pharmacies open 24 hours, they only give you the essential medicines, as most are scarce and the ones you can get will be expensive. Therefore it is desirable to take, in addition to the remedies prescribed by your doctor, a basic kit with analgesics, tablets for diarrhea, antacids, antihistamines, calamine lotion, sterile gauze, Band-Aids, insect repellent and sunscreen.
Statement on the June 4, 2019, Policy Changes for Visiting Cuba
The tours are operated in Cuba by Access Culinary Trips, who firmly believes in the power of connections to effect change and we reaffirm our conviction that all Americans should be able to travel freely to Cuba and beyond.
Access Culinary Trips’ award-winning tours will continue to operate as planned, with eight-day immersive culinary tours as well as five-day weekend trips to Havana, both designed to help our guests explore Cuban culture through its cuisine while supporting the Cuban people. We will continue to use deluxe private accommodations and curate exceptional cross-cultural experiences on our tours, promoting local Cuban entrepreneurship while meeting the high demand to experience Cuba firsthand and connect with the locals in a meaningful way.
While we continue to operate as usual, we encourage anyone interested in traveling to Cuba in support of the Cuban people to book their tour as soon as possible. In the event that it becomes illegal for Access Culinary Trips to operate tours to Cuba and we must cancel our tours as a result, we offer a No Risk Refund Policy, details below.
Is Visiting Cuba Legal Right Now?
Yes, visiting Cuba remains legal but is highly restricted by the US government. Travel with a licensed tour operator, such as Access Culinary Trips, is allowed on both private and group tours. Access Culinary Trips operates small group and private tours to Cuba under Support for the Cuban People, license 515.574. Tourism is not currently legal for Americans traveling to Cuba, but Support for the Cuban People travel is not considered tourism.
What Does the Announcement of New Travel Restrictions Mean for Visiting Cuba?
On June 4, 2019, a new policy was announced that restricts all US travel to Cuba under the people-to-people category, including cruises. Our small group and private culinary tours operate under the category of Support for the Cuban People, which remains legal and has not been further restricted in any way.
Access Culinary Trips’ award-winning tours will continue to visit Cuba as planned, with eight-day immersive culinary tours as well as five-day weekend trips to Havana, both designed to help our guests explore Cuban culture through its cuisine while supporting the Cuban people. We use deluxe private accommodations and curate exceptional cross-cultural experiences on our tours, promoting local Cuban entrepreneurship while meeting the high demand to experience Cuba firsthand and connect with the locals in a meaningful way.
What is Support for the Cuban People Travel?
Visiting Cuba under the category of Support for the Cuban People must include a full-time schedule of activities resulting in meaningful interactions between American travelers and the Cuban people. As a tour operator operating under the general license of Support for the Cuban People, Access Culinary Trips enhances contact with the Cuban people through fun, fascinating itineraries that include a cooking class with a local Cuban chef, a visit to a sustainable farm and a farm-to-table meal prepared by the farmer’s lovely wife, a salsa class with members of a local dance troupe, a festive happy hour in a local’s home, daiquiri and mojito classes with renowned mixologists, a meeting with a third generation tobacco farmer to learn how cigars are made, and so much more. Our guests return from visiting Cuba with new insights, lifelong memories and enduring friendships.
What if I Book My Tour and it Becomes Illegal for My Tour to Operate?
You can feel confident booking your visit to Cuba with our No Risk Refund Policy: Access Culinary Trips requires that all guests booked on our Cuba tours must purchase travel insurance, including trip cancellation coverage. Your policy may cover new regulations imposed by the government after you booked your travel. In the event that it becomes illegal for Access Culinary Trips to operate your tour to Cuba and we must cancel your tour as a result, we will refund any portion of your payment to Access Culinary Trips that is not covered by your travel insurance policy, provided that you purchased your policy within 14 days of booking your tour.
How is Support for the Cuban People different from People-to-People travel?
The two categories are quite similar in their approach, with a few key differences. In order to qualify for Support for the Cuban people, our visits to Cuba must support Cuban entrepreneurship. Hosting our guests in private homes, traveling in privately owned vintage cars, eating at private restaurants and connecting with locals through privately offered experiences not only supports the Cuban people economically, but enhances our contact with everyday Cubans. Tour operators who use hotel accommodations and eat in government run restaurants do not qualify for this license.
What Accommodations Do You Use in Cuba?
Access Culinary Trips has always rented private homes, or casas particulares, for our tours. We prefer private homes because we can better control the quality of your experience and because our money (and yours) goes directly to support private citizens. The restrictions imposed on the use of some Cuban hotels have had no impact on our tours whatsoever. Read here for more information on the Cuban accommodations we use.
How Do I Get a Visa to Visit Cuba?
A travel visa (sometimes referred to as an entry card or tourist card) is required for all US citizens visiting Cuba. Our trip operates under the category of Support for the Cuban People, general license #515.574. You will need this number and the address of your accommodations in Havana (provided by Access Culinary Trips) to complete the visa paperwork. Each airline has its own process and recommendations regarding visas. Please contact your airline for more information. If you prefer to purchase your visa before you travel, we will be happy to refer you to our travel agent partner. To learn more about visa and entry requirements for Cuba, please check out the Cuba page of the US Department of State website at: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/cuba.html.
Can I Book My Own Flight to Cuba?
Yes! Booking a flight to visit Cuba is the same as booking a flight anywhere else, with one exception. Since tourism is not legal to Cuba, your airline will ask you to confirm that you are traveling on one of the legal categories of travel to Cuba. If you have booked your tour with Access Culinary Trips, then your category is Support for the Cuban People travel, and you can proceed with booking your tickets.
Do I Need Any Documentation Regarding My Visit to Cuba?
Access Culinary Trips requires a signed travel affidavit, which is obligatory for visiting Cuba and is included in your welcome email, a passport copy for each guest, a flight itinerary containing arrival and departure details, and a trip cancellation insurance policy. It is required that you purchase a trip cancellation and interruption insurance policy that covers the entire cost of the trip, so that you will be covered in the event that you are unable to attend our trip due to injury, illness or other unforeseen circumstances
We will send you a Trip Itinerary & Dossier approximately 3 weeks prior to your departure. You will need to read, print and carry this document with you throughout your trip until you clear US immigration upon return home. We will also give you a letter of intent that you can show to US airline and US immigration personnel should you be questioned.
As required by U.S. law, Access Culinary Trips maintains all Cuba documentation, including affidavits, for 5 years. In the event of an audit by the Department of the Treasury we will supply this information so that you don’t need to worry about it. However we do recommend that you keep receipts that show the name of the store for anything you purchase in Cuba. Our guides are well versed on the “Cuba Restricted List” maintained by the Department of State, and will be happy to direct you to stores and products that are not off limits to Americans.
Is it Safe to Visit Cuba?
Access Culinary Trips carefully monitors the situation in Cuba, as the health and safety of our guests is always our highest priority. We believe that Cuba is one of the safer countries in the world, and have had no safety issues with the hundreds of guests we have hosted. We have found the Cuban people to be extremely welcoming of Americans, with many Cubans having family ties in the U.S.
