Cuba & Central America

• Visas and travel insurance
• Spending money – budget for meals, snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, laundry, tips and any extras
• International flights to/from the start/end of your tour and departure taxes  
• Tips on excursions, visas, travel insurance, personal items and single rooms.  
• Optional excursions - On each trip, you may find there are some excursions that are not included. This might be because they are not to everyone's taste or there may be various options of differing value to choose from. More information on the excursions we recommend is listed under each day of your itinerary though prices may vary. If you are after something in particular, don't hesitate to ask your tour leader.

Joining your tour

Your joining information will be provided around one month before departure. The documents will include further information on joining and details on your local guide plus phone numbers.

Airport transfers are included in the tour price. You must advise Tucan Travel of your flight details and arrival time so that this can be arranged. If your flight or travel plans change before joining your tour please ensure you contact our office to update us. If your plans change on the day, please contact the emergency number below.

Your airport transfer will be waiting just to the side of the Infotour bureau in the arrivals lounge with a sign with your name on it. Please note that we are not affiliated with Infotur, this is just an easy landmark to identify in the arrivals lounge.

Emergency Number

If your flight is delayed or travel plans altered please try and contact us as soon as possible on +5353070220 or +53 53967021.

Taxis

Can't locate your driver? If for whatever reason you can't find your transfer driver at the airport, please check both outside and inside the terminal. You should then try and contact us through the numbers provided above. If you do not have a mobile phone, please visit the airport information desk and ask them to call for you. On the very rare occasion that you cannot locate your driver or contact us, it is very easy to get a taxi at Havana airport. Taxis are always available from the taxi ranks in front of all the terminal buildings. A taxi ride from the airport to downtown Havana takes approximately 20-30 minutes and costs 20-25 CUC one-way. Always agree the fare first as some taxis have meters but they are rarely switched on. You can provide the taxi driver with the your joining accommodation address below.

This tour uses a great variety of accommodation, providing you with unique experiences to last a lifetime! You can find a breakdown of your accommodation in the "About this Tour" section.

Where possible Tucan Travel try and use local accommodation on the majority of tours. The accommodation is picked based on their location to the main sites. From time to time, accommodation standard may vary and hot water, wi-fi or electricity may not be to a Western standard.

Our Cuba tours stay in "casas particulares" which are local Cuban homestays. This is the best way to ensure the money is going back to the local communities and also provides travellers with a wonderfully authentic experience. Each casa will be different but you will always enjoy a private room for you and your partner/friend/roommate. From time to time, accommodation standard may vary and hot water, wi-fi or electricity may not be to a Western standard.

Twin Share

Accommodation on this trip is mostly on a twin share basis unless you have upgraded to your own room. If you are travelling as a couple and wish to book a double bed, please advise your Adventure Specialist at time of booking.

I'd like my own room

If you are a solo traveller, a private room is available on all occasions at an extra cost. This must be booked in advance.

Check-in Time

Although we endeavour to have hotel rooms ready in time for arrival, sometimes this is not possible especially if we arrive early in the morning. In this instance we will store our luggage and enjoy the destination before checking in later in the day.

This tour uses a mixture of public transport and private minivans. The mode of transport is chosen based on schedule and timings, comfort, group size, location and reliability.

It is your responsibility to carry luggage on and off transport. You must be able to comfortably lift your luggage off transport and into hotels.

To reach Caye Caulker we will catch a local ferry. If you are prone to seasickness we suggest you have tablets on hand.

Flights

There are a total of 2 flights included on this tour so you should pay particular attention to the weight limit of your luggage. Tucan Travel tours have a checked luggage restriction of up to 20kg in total. This tour includes domestic flights which are also subject to the local carrier conditions of booking and have their own luggage restrictions which may be a maximum of 15kg. Any excess luggage must be paid by the customer.

Approximate travel times on this trip

The below information provides approximate travel times and modes of transport for your tour. Please note that modes of transport may be subject to change depending on the group size and timings may vary depending on the season and border crossings on the day.

• Mexico City to Puebla - 1.5 hours to visit the Teotihuacan ruins followed by 2 hours to Puebla. All by private transfer.
• Puebla to Oaxaca - 4 to 5 hours by private transfer.
• Oaxaca to Merida - 4 to 5 hours by private transfer and flight.
• Merida to Playa del Carmen - 2 hours to Chichen Itza followed by 3 hours to Playa del Carmen by private transfer.
• From Playa del Carmen/Cancun to Havana - 1 hour transfer to airport followed by 1 hour flight.
• From Havana to Cienfuegos (via Bay of Pigs): 5 hours
• From Cienfuegos to Trinidad (via Santa Clara): 3 hours
• From Trinidad to Viñales: 7 to 8 hours
• From Viñales to Havana: 3 hours
• Playa del Carmen to Caye Caulker - 6.5 hours by private transfer and ferry.
• Caye Caulker to San Ignacio - 5 hours by ferry to the mainland followed by bus to San Ignacio.
• San Ignacio to Flores - 2.5 hours to Tikal followed by 1.5 hours to Flores by private vehicle.
• Flores to Antigua - 2.5 hours by flight and private vehicle.

Other Transport in Cuba

All the transport to get between destinations, as listed above, is included in the tour cost. If there is an optional excursion that you wish to enjoy that requires additional transport, your tour leader will be able to assist with booking this.

Luggage

You will be carrying your own luggage on tour. Please limit this to one piece per person plus one day bag.

Flights

If your tour includes internal flights please be aware there is often a restriction of 15kg for checked baggage. If your luggage exceeds this weight you will need to pay any fees incurred.

It is important to bring luggage you can carry and lift comfortably, potentially up several flights of stairs in hotels where elevators are not available and between bus/train stations and hotels.

Packing List

Please consider which season you are travelling in and pack appropriately. All clothes should be lightweight, durable and easily washable. Please do not bring any military or camouflage-style clothing as it can be dangerous to wear and occasionally illegal. Nights can be cold, so it is a good idea to bring at least one pair of warm trousers or jeans plus several thinner sweaters / fleeces which you can layer.

In general, Central America is not as conservative as other regions, and you do not have to worry about keeping your legs or shoulders covered on a day to day basis. However, when visiting religious sites, you will need to cover up. We recommend having long trousers or a sarong to cover up for this.

What essential items should I bring to Central America and Cuba?

• A small daypack - This should have enough room to carry food and snacks for long hikes or day trips.
• Good, comfortable walking shoes or trainer AND flip flops. You will need comfortable trainers for any day hikes you wish to enjoy on this trip and flip flops or other sandals are essential for the beach.
• Insect Repellent (DEET 35% min) and bite cream.
• Sunscreen - This should be a large bottle and enough to cover you for Cuba. Buying sunscreen in Cuba is expensive - around 25 dollars to it’s best to take some from home!
• Portable battery charger - this can come in handy if you are unlucky enough to experience power shortages in Cuba and need to charge your camera or phone.
• Swimwear & towel - While the casas in Cuba do provide towels you might want one for when you are at the beach or stopping over at areas like the Bay of Pigs!

Clothing

• A lightweight and waterproof jacket
• Jeans/trousers
• Underwear and pyjamas
• T-shirts/tops/shirts
• Shorts/dresses/skirts - depending on season
• Trainers or walking shoes
• Sandals
• Jumper/cardigan/fleece
• Swimwear/sarong/coverup

Electronics

• Phone and charger
• Camera and charger
• Worldwide adaptor
• Portable battery pack
• Ipad/tablet/e-reader (great for long journeys!)

Toiletries

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Small medical kit with paracetamol/plasters
• Antibacterial hand gel
• Insect repellent and bite cream
• Sun cream and lip balm
• Shampoo/conditioner/body wash - ideally in bar form
• Antiperspirant/deodorant

Other

• One small day bag
• Sunglasses
• Reusable water bottle
• Cloth bag for shopping
• Ear plugs and sleep mask

Documents

• Passport
• Visas
• Insurance
• Printed copy of your passport
• Printed copy of your emergency contacts numbers

Laundry

Depending on the time spent in each destination, your Tour Leader will be able to advise on laundromats or laundry services in or near our hotels. Hotel services can be pretty costly however your tour leader will be able to recommend cheaper options. If you wash clothes yourself take care not to be too obvious where you hang them as most hotels do not like guests washing and drying their clothes in the hotel rooms.

On a Tucan Travel tour you will experience a huge variety of amazing food in each location. Meals included are listed on the day to day itinerary and the "about your tour" section. On this trip, most breakfasts are included but lunch and dinner are at your own cost. Your tour leader will suggest restaurants in each location, and arrange evening group meals for those who wish to join. In the majority of Asian cities, there is a huge choice of both local and international restaurants.

If you have a specific dietary requirement it is important you advise us at the booking stage. We also recommend re-iterating this information to your tour leader on day 1. While we endeavour to assist as much as possible, it is ultimately your responsibility to research and arrange meals that suit your dietary preferences.

Breakfast varies from extensive buffets to simple local spreads. For early departures, you may be provided with a breakfast box. Breakfasts on this tour vary greatly. Depending on the location, you can find anything from a well put together western buffet to a continental breakfast or a smaller offering of local food.

Food in Central America varies between each country. Mexico is known for having some of the best food on the continent while Costa Rica is known for its fresh and tropical fruit. Vegetarians will have no problem finding delicious meals, as many of the dishes are rich in rice, beans, vegetables and eggs.

Local Markets and Street Food

Central America is known for having some of the best street food in the world. Eating at local markets is a great way to experience authentic food and at a fraction of the cost of restaurants. Your tour leader will be able to offer advice on markets and street food in each destination.

Currency

This tour uses the below currencies:

• Mexican Peso
• Belize Dollar
• Guatemalan Quetzal
• Cuban Peso

Local Payment

The majority of our tours are divided into two separate payments. The tour price is paid directly to your travel consultant when you book and before you depart for your tour and the second amount is the Local Payment, which is paid locally when you join the tour.

The Local Payment ensures your Tour Leader has a supply of cash to run some of the tour if access to banking facilities is limited or nonexistent. This helps to save operational and administrative costs, which in turn helps to keep the cost of our tours competitive so we can pass the savings on to you. The Local Payment also helps us get cash directly into local businesses to provide communities with an immediate economic benefit.

The Local Payment is a portion of the total tour cost and must be paid directly to your Tour Leader in the currency as indicated on your tour vouchers. The Local Payment is not optional and failure to pay this money in cash may result in you being excluded from starting the tour. It must be paid in high denomination notes only (100s, 50s, 20s). The notes must be crisp with no tears or markings and should be no older than 2013.

Cards

The majority of shops, restaurants, hotels and other establishments in Central America will accept credit and debit cards. American Express is not as widely accepted, so do not rely on this as your primary card.

Some shops and restaurants in Cuba accept card but it is not common and we suggest not to rely on this. Please ensure you have access to cash for the duration of your stay.

Spending Money

We know how easy it is to lose track of your spending on holiday! That’s why it’s essential to thoroughly read your trip notes so that you understand what is and what isn’t included on each day. Most lunches and dinners are at your own cost, which gives you the flexibility to spend as little or as much as you like. Remember to budget for things like laundry, tipping, souvenirs and optional activities.

Take note of how long you will be spending in each country and don’t take out or exchange too much money. Unless you’re a big spender, you won’t need thousands just for two days in a country! We recommend checking your international withdrawal and exchange fees with your bank, as sometimes it is cheaper to withdraw money in your location rather than exchanging it beforehand.

Spending Money in Cuba

It is best to bring CAD$, Euro or Sterling to Exchange for CUC's in Cuba. Please note that the Cuban government surcharges an extra 10% to exchange USD$ in Cuba. With regards to the use of Credit or Debit cards in Cuba the following applies. No card issued by a bank that has any connection with the United States will be accepted in Cuba. Debit/ Credit cards with the VISA logo can be used in ATM's or to draw money from a Cadeca or Bank. MASTERCARDS will not be accepted in ATM's but, as with VISA cards, so long as they are issued by a non US based bank, can be used to draw cash at the counter of a Cadeca or Bank.

There are exceptions to the rules above, so please check with your bank/ payments provider before travelling to Cuba.

Please review this Trip Advisor link for further details

For US travellers - check out this recent article for an analysis of whether to convert your U.S. cash to another currency.

Tipping

Tipping is not a big part of Central American culture however it is becoming more common in tourist areas. While it is not compulsory, if you have enjoyed the service it is appropriate and highly appreciated. You should add 10% to your bill in restaurants (make sure service isn’t already included), round up taxi fares and tip local excursion guides.

Departing Cuba

The Cuban government does not allow for CUC currency to leave the country, therefore you should aim to spend it all before leaving for the airport. If you have currency on you, authorities have the right to confiscate this at the airport AFTER check-in. There are a few shops in terminal 3 (before check in) where you may spend CUC on souvenirs if you have some left. There is also a money exchange booth in terminal 3 where you can change remaining CUC into USD, CAD, GBP or EUR, however there is never a guarantee the booth will have enough money so we recommend not to rely on this for changing large amounts. In terminal 3, AFTER check-in, there is no where that will accept CUC and you must pay in either USD, CAD or EUR. These rules also apply to terminal 2.

Free Walking Tours

Free walking tours are found in many of the large cities, especially in the larger cities where you will find a few companies offering the same tour. These are marketed as free walking tours and are designed to provide travellers with local, in depth knowledge of the city. However all free walking tours are tip based (they have to make money somehow, after all!) and so if you wish to join a free walking tour you need to budget in a tip at the end. Leaving a free walking tour that was considered a good tour without tipping is very disrespectful and will only give travellers a bad reputation.

Budget

Your budget should include additional meals, transport within cities, optional excursions, shopping and an emergency fund.

Backup Funds

Travel can be unpredictable. While we endeavour to plan for every situation there are some instances where it is out of our control, such as severe weather, strikes, civil unrest or natural disasters. If these result in unavoidable itinerary changes, you should have access to enough funds for you to return home unexpectedly.

Emergency Number

If you require urgent assistance prior to joining your tour please call (+51) 984-762-164 or (+51) 970-038-181.

Safety in Central America

Central America is generally very safe, even more so in a group. There are a few precautions which you should always take.

• Do not travel with valuables. While phones and cameras are inevitable, leave the expensive jewellery and watches at home.
• Make sure your handbag/daypack has a zip and is closed at all times.
• When in crowded areas keep your bag on your front.
• Do not walk alone after dark.
• Only use registered taxis and if possible have the hotel phone one for you.
• Do not take out large sums of cash at once and avoid keeping it all in the same place. Only take what you need for the day and leave the rest in a safe. Ideally, take more than one credit/debit card in case one is lost or stolen.
• Do not take photos of military, police or border control.

The safety of our travellers is a number one priority when operating our tours. As a British registered company the lead is taken from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Advice Service (FCO). Tucan Travel reserves the right to cancel, amend or continue the operation of a tour based on, but not solely restricted to, the advice of the FCO.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all Tucan Travel tours. Your tour leader will request your travel insurance details at the pre departure meeting which are immediately submitted to the office. Failure to produce these details will mean you cannot join the tour.

Pack a Medical Kit

A medical kit is handy for minor wounds and ailments. In areas with limited or dubious medical facilities, an emergency medical kit containing sterile syringes is also advisable. By law our staff are not allowed to administer first aid or give drugs to travellers, so please be prepared with your own supplies. If you are taking medication, please ensure you bring an adequate supply and a letter from your doctor to avoid potential issues at border crossings.

Vaccinations

It is important to consult your doctor or travel clinic in good time before your tour departs to determine what vaccinations you require. There are no official required vaccinations for Central America however if you are coming from a yellow-fever infected country then you must have had a yellow-fever vaccine and carry the certificate with you. It is also recommended to be up to date with typhoid, hepatitis A and B, TDap, Cholera and Diphtheria. Malaria risks vary according to location and season, so it is a good idea to seek the advice of your GP before travelling.

Horse Riding

All clients wishing to participate in horse riding or similar activities, whether included or optional, acknowledge that the availability of protective headgear can vary or be non-existent. Therefore Tucan Travel cannot guarantee that headgear will be provided or will be to the same standard as those available in the UK or your home country. Any client intending to partake in these activities should bring their own protective headgear and other protective equipment with them.

Age Restrictions

Our tours are perfectly designed for those aged between 18 and 65 years old. They are fast-paced and sometimes tiring, while packed with adventure, new experiences and feel-good moments. With customers from around the world, of different ages, backgrounds and nationalities, some groups can be more boisterous than others. As a result, we ask that anyone wanting to travel under the age of 18 or over 65 carefully consider whether a group tour is right for them. We may ask that you fill in our tour suitability form found here to guarantee your enjoyment of the trip. Please read through our Tour Suitability page or contact a member of our Reservations Team if in doubt. Please note that we do not accept children under the age of 16 on our group tours. If you are travelling with children please contact our tailor-made team for a bespoke holiday.

As a global tour operator, we understand the importance of running sustainable tours that have as low an impact on the environment as possible. Please read our comprehensive guide here before you travel.