Cuba Beyond the Classics

Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is a significant variation in the AUD:USD exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.

The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD: 0.65 USD.

A deposit of 25% of the total trip price is required to secure your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.

There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made at least 120 days before trip departure.)

We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.

The final balance of the trip is required 120 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.

Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.

Aussies and Kiwis need a visa to enter Cuba. In 2025, as a tourist you no longer need a paper ‘tourist card’, just an eVisa. The eVisa is valid for 90 days and we’ll be arranging it on your behalf – nothing more for you to pay!

Level 2

To enjoy the trip comfortably, you’ll need to be able to spend time on your feet and walk for stretches of 3-4 hours at a time (particularly for activities on Days 3 and 9). Daily activities may include:

• Walking on uneven, hilly, or cobbled terrain.
• Getting on and off various forms of transport, including boats, sometimes without formal steps.
• Climbing 3 to 4 flights of stairs, including in accommodations without lifts.
• Using over-the-bath showers.

You must be able to manage your own luggage for short periods of time – that includes on and off the bus, along cobble-stoned streets and up stairs at your overnight stays.

All activities are optional—if you need a break, you’re welcome to sit one out. That said, if a full afternoon walking tour sounds too challenging, this may not be the right trip. Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for travellers who require walking aids.

Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf.

We’ll be updating this section with the tipping amount and how it’s distributed soon.

TBA

The dry season runs from November to April. During this time, even if you do encounter some rain, downpours are usually short and heavy, and unlikely to hinder the day’s adventures. Expect April to be warm and sunny, with a dialled-down version of the usual tropical-climate humidity. November’s temps are still warm, but the sun isn’t as fierce, which tends to balance out the slightly higher humidity.

Your accommodation will be in privately owned guesthouses, locally called “casas”. These are a lovely, authentic way to experience Cuban life, and each one varies; some resemble mini-hotels and others are more like family stays. Outside of the larger cities, you can expect that the group will stay between several nearby casas, usually with a few Fencoxers in each house. 

Staying in casas is one of the most rewarding parts of travelling in Cuba. It’s a chance to connect with everyday Cubans and experience the country through their warmth and hospitality. Some casa hosts speak great English, while others communicate with a joyful mix of gestures, smiles, and laughter. It’s all part of the cultural exchange.

Guest rooms must meet certain standards of comfort for the casa to obtain a license. Each guestroom will have air-conditioning and a private bathroom with a shower. However, Cuban energy infrastructure can be unreliable (see – Will there be Power Outages, for more information), so be prepared there may be times the air-con doesn’t work through the day. Casa’s do have generators, but fuel is rationed, so owners are more likely to wait until the evening to turn on the generator, so you can have a comfortable sleep. 

Your accommodation will be private; in other words, no room-sharing with anyone, throughout the entire trip.

Most Fencox travellers tend to be in their mid-50s to mid-70s.

Generally, we have no upper age limit for our trips. But, it’s important for you to know that our trips can be physically demanding and we will chat to you about your suitability. We’ll provide you with details of the health and fitness must-haves for our trips; however, we clearly are not medical experts. We will need you to obtain proper and detailed medical advice at least two months before you travel for the latest health requirements, vaccination advice and recommendations for your destination.

Age 75+

Guests over 75 years old at the time of travel, or those with pre-existing health conditions may need to have medical clearance to ensure safe travel, and must have a doctor complete a ‘Certificate of Medical Fitness to Travel’ within 30 days of booking confirmation.

Minimum age

While it doesn’t happen often, we do get younger guests joining our trips! As a general rule, the minimum age is 15 at the time of travel. All travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or be accompanied by someone over the age of 18 appointed by their legal guardian.

International airfares are not included.

Being tour operators (not travel agents), we are not licensed to sell flights. We recommend contacting your trusted local travel agent to book flights if you’re in need of assistance.

There are a variety of route options from Australia and New Zealand to Cuba, which do require a change. These include travelling via Chile, Doha and Madrid, or Canada.

Australia → Santiago de Chile → Peru → Havana

Australia → Doha → Madrid → Havana

Australia → Canada (Toronto/Montreal) → Havana

We do not recommend that you travel via the USA, as there are additional restrictions and documentation requirements for travel from the USA to Cuba, even for short stopovers on a longer international journey. 

Both transfers from the airport to your accommodation – on arrival and on departure – are included in your price.

Will we be picked up at the airport?
Yes! One of our friendly team will be waiting for you in the public arrivals area of the airport. You’ll transfer directly to the hotel. The transfer is free and in a private and air-conditioned vehicle, which you will only share if there is anyone else on your flight joining the tour.

When should we arrive?
Try to arrive before midday on the start day, although earlier would be recommendable. If possible, come one day early to settle in. We can organise additional hotel nights for you at cost.

Yes! Despite what you may have heard, Cuba is a very safe country, with a robust police presence and a low crime rate. Of course, you need to take the usual big-city precautions against pick-pocketing in Havana and Santiago de Cuba, and we recommend using a padlock on the zipper of your main bag because safes are not a given in typical Cuban in-room accommodation. 

The Cuban Peso (CUP) is a closed currency with no value outside of Cuba, so you won’t be able to exchange money in advance. Most travellers find that it is better to pay in EUR/USD than to exchange for CUP at the official rate when they arrive.

Credit cards are not widely accepted, debit cards may not work, and ATMs are scarce, so we recommend bringing enough cash for your entire trip. Euros and US Dollars are the best currencies to take, in small denominations (1, 5,10, 20), good condition (unmarked and unfolded) , which you can use to pay at restaurants, and entertainment venues. Coins are not accepted.

Tap water in Cuba is not considered safe to drink. Most Cuban households will boil water before drinking, and travellers should follow this procedure. However, most travellers do not have any problems brushing their teeth with tap water.

Bottled water will be provided on the bus, but for times when you aren’t with the group, we encourage water purification to treat tap water rather than buying bottled water. 

The Internet is becoming increasingly available in Cuba, and costs are much lower than they used to be. However, it is still more difficult to access the internet in Cuba than in most other countries, and the vast majority of guesthouses do not have the facilities to offer WiFi.

There are WiFi points, however, at different places in all the cities, such as plazas, public areas, and in most hotels. WiFi cards that give you 1 hour access to the internet can be purchased in the hotels and at the offices of the communication company ETECSA. We suggest you buy several of these in Havana at the start of your trip, as you can use them across the island. Your tour leader can assist.

Australian Telcos do not currently offer global roaming on your phone in Cuba. 

Power outages, or “apagones”, are common in Cuba due to ageing infrastructure, but locals have been navigating them successfully for years.

To manage the island’s electricity deficit, there are “planned” shutdowns, which help keep things running smoothly. When they do occur, though, many hotels, private accommodations, and restaurants are well-prepared with backup generators, ensuring the guest experience remains uninterrupted.

As much as possible, your tour leader will notify the group of scheduled power outages. We recommend you bring a power bank to keep your phone and other essential devices charged. 

Due to the US trade embargo on Cuba, some things we consider everyday essentials are much more difficult to get in Cuba. We recommend that you carry a small First Aid kit containing basic painkillers, bandages, hand sanitiser, anti-diarrheal medication, and tissues, as well as any personal medicine requirements.

Snacks such as muesli bars, dried fruits and nuts are often either not available in Cuba or are very expensive, so it can be a good idea to bring some with you for longer drives. 

For foreign citizens visiting the US after going to Cuba, whether it is for business, tourism, or transit, you will need to have a B1 or B2 visa. The ESTA visa waiver will not apply after you’ve been to Cuba. A B1 or B2 visa requires months of planning and includes an in-person appointment at the American Embassy.

If you’re planning to visit the US directly after your Cuban adventure, please note that it is not permitted to bring Cuban rum or cigars into the USA.

Travelling for tourism reasons directly from the USA to Cuba isn’t allowed under US law. The law applies to US nationals and all foreign nationals who are either resident in the USA or travelling through the USA en route to Cuba.

While distances between destinations may look short on the map, road conditions can be rough in places, with potholes, and the occasional ox cart sharing the road. Travel is safe but often slower than expected, especially on winding mountain routes or through rural areas. Days 7 and 12 are particularly challenging, with a drive time of 8 hours or longer. We use private vehicles with air conditioning, and include plenty of rest stops and scenic breaks to keep things comfortable. It’s best to bring a little patience and enjoy the slower pace – after all, the journey is a big part of the adventure.

Cuba is a complicated and developing country, and if you go there looking for problems or expecting perfection, you’re likely to have a frustrating time. On the other hand, if you visit with an open mind, a willingness to go with the flow, and a desire to learn about the realities of the Cuban experience, your trip will be one to remember for a lifetime. In other words, Cuba is a perfect destination for our Fencoxers!

Fencox was created because we had so many enquiries from men and women who had heard about our amazing Patch Adventures trips for women-only and wanted the opportunity to travel solo in the same way, only in a mixed group.

Fencox caters to both men and women who are solo travellers, have a genuine sense of adventure, are aged 55+, and are physically active and young at heart. Your fellow travel mates on a Fencox trip are inquisitive about the world and love exploring new travel destinations. Fencox travel mates love meeting new people, enjoy a good chat, and are happy to share a table with fellow travel mates for dinner.

If you’re travelling solo but don’t want to feel alone, this is your opportunity to share your travel experiences with other like-minded people. And best of all …. you’ll never pay a single supplement because everyone is guaranteed their own room!