Pre-Trip Essentials: Baracoa

Planning Timelines & Bookings

Comprehensive steps for a well-organized journey.

Chronological Milestones

Break down your preparations into manageable steps.

Three Months Out

Passport & Visa

Check passport validity; apply for new one if needed.

Tourist Card

Research and apply for your Cuban tourist card for your nationality.

Flights

Book international flights to Cuba (Havana or Santiago de Cuba).

One Month Prior

Accommodation

Book Casas Particulares or hotels, especially for high season.

Travel Insurance

Arrange mandatory travel insurance covering medical emergencies.

Health Checks

Check vaccination status with your doctor.

One Week Before

Currency & Docs

Obtain sufficient cash in EUR or USD for your entire trip.

Digital Prep

Download offline maps (Maps.me) and translation apps (Google Translate).

Physical Copies

Print physical copies of all essential documents.

Important Bookings

Secure reservations well in advance.

Required Reservations

International and domestic flights.
Accommodation in Baracoa.
Viazul bus tickets for long-distance routes.
Specific guided tours (e.g., Alejandro de Humboldt National Park).

Pre-Departure Knowledge

Familiarize yourself with local conditions and customs.

Essential Research

Understand the current Cuban currency situation and exchange rates.
Learn basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience.
Understand the cultural context, history, and social norms of Cuba.
Consider travel gear for smooth journey (Eagle Creek).

Home & Personal Readiness

Steps to prepare your home before travel.

Inform Contacts

Inform a trusted friend or family member of your travel dates and itinerary.
Arrange for mail collection or forwarding.
Organize pet care if needed.
Ensure your home is secure.

Digital & Safety Gear

Purchase an universal power adapter.
Assemble a comprehensive first aid kit.
Pack strong insect repellent.
Include high-SPF sunscreen.

Personal Health & Finance

Collect ample prescription medications in original packaging.
Carry a doctor's note and prescription copy.
Pay any bills due while you are away.
Consider travel insurance from World Nomads.

Cash is King

Bringing ample cash in EUR or USD is extremely important; ATMs are unreliable, and US credit cards do not work.

Arrival & Orientation

Your first steps upon arriving in Baracoa.

First Steps on Cuban Soil

1
Clear immigration and customs; have passport, tourist card, and disembarkation card ready.
2
Exchange some currency (EUR/USD to CUP) at the airport if needed for immediate expenses.
3
Locate your pre-arranged transport or a taxi to your Casa Particular or hotel.

Getting Your Bearings

Ask your Casa host for a local map and recommendations for restaurants and attractions.
Take a short walk around your immediate neighborhood to get acquainted.
Purchase an ETECSA Nauta card for internet access at an ETECSA office or hotel.
From Baracoa Airport (BCA), taxis are available for the short ride into town.
From Viazul Bus Terminal, bicitaxis or short local taxis transport you to accommodation.

Travel Organization

Packing Essentials

Pack wisely using travel organization products (e.g., Eagle Creek).

Remember essentials like insect repellent and sunscreen.

Online Security

Use a VPN (NordVPN) for secure online activities while abroad.

Encrypt your data and protect your privacy.

Language Learning

Brush up on Spanish with a language learning platform (Babbel).

Basic phrases enhance local interactions and travel experiences.

Local Guidance

Your Casa Particular host is an invaluable source of local information and often facilitates orientation.

Smooth Departure

Plan your departure to be as smooth as your arrival.

Souvenirs & Customs

Consider customs regulations.

Departure Reminders

Souvenir Packing:Pack breakables carefully; check luggage weight limits.
Shipping from Cuba:Complex, expensive, and often unreliable; carry purchases with you.
Home Country Customs:Be aware of regulations for Cuban goods (e.g., limits on rum and tobacco).
VAT Refunds:Not applicable in Cuba for tourists.

Timings & Confirmations

Arrive early for flights: 1-2 hours for domestic, 2-3 hours for international (Santiago de Cuba).
Be at the Viazul bus terminal 30-60 minutes before scheduled departure.
Reconfirm onward flights or bus tickets the day before departure.
Retain the remaining half of your tourist card; immigration collects it upon departure.

Local Currency

Spend any remaining Cuban Pesos (CUP) before leaving; they are difficult to exchange outside of Cuba.

Pre-Trip Essentials