• Your sportswear for running the marathon in a tropical climate, and all other items that you will require for the race as these will not be available locally.
• Clothes suitable for cycling.
• Lightweight cotton/linen clothes suitable for tropical climate.
• Long-sleeved shirts and light trousers for the evenings and a jacket/fleece. Avoid bringing expensive or flashy jewellery.
• High factor sun cream (50+), sunglasses and sun hat (wide-brimmed hats are best).
• Swimwear & towel.
• Camera.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Small personal first-aid kit and some tropical strength insect repellent and antihistamines in case of insect bites.
• A sense of humour and patience are useful in Cuba!

We will we stay in private accommodation (Casas particulares) in Havana. These range from family homes with a few rooms to larger guesthouses that operate more like small privately-run hotels. All have air conditioning and en suite bathrooms. The casas in the Old Town are in beautifully renovated old colonial buildings with ornate metalwork, small roof terraces, balconies or little internal courtyards. Those located in the quieter, greener Vedado area are usually in houses that were built during the early 20th century as a result of the wealth created by the booming sugar trade. Many have high airy ceilings, porches with rocking chairs or roof terraces, and are furnished with an eclectic mixture of beautiful antiques, art deco and contemporary furniture.

The years of isolation, under-investment in the country’s infrastructure and effect of the US trade Embargo mean that the standard of Cuban accommodation is not always comparable to that which you would expect in other countries: there might be the occasional power cut, and you may find that your water pressure isn’t all it could be. Fortunately, it’s warm enough most days that the lack of hot water is not a major problem!

Most people love the opportunity to stay in casas as the welcome is warm, the rooms clean, and you will be spoilt at breakfast in the mornings.

Cuba doesn’t have a great reputation for varied international cuisine but in recent years lots of privately run restaurants (paladars) have opened (particularly in Havana) offering a wider choice and better quality food than the government run establishments.

For those with special dietary requirements, be prepared for a very limited menu while you are in Cuba. There are very few vegetarians and vegans

in Cuba so there are sometimes misperceptions as to what you can eat. Vegetarians often bring snacks and spreads to liven up their meals.

Cuba is the land of the Mojito, Daiquiri and Cuba Libre. You’ll find that plenty of rum-based drinks all over the country with prices ranging from 2-6 CUC for most cocktails. But beware, they don’t use measuring glasses, so they might be stronger than the ones you have tried at home!

All our guides at Cubania are Cuban nationals who are registered with and trained by Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism. They come from all kinds of different personal and professional backgrounds. They’ve been teachers, I.T. professionals, bakers, vets, army officers and even underwear salesmen! What they have in common is that they are all highly educated graduates who are passionate about guiding and proud of their beautiful country. They all speak excellent English and receive annual training in first aid.