Known from

Cuba in a vintage car​​

Our suggestion for a vintage car trip through Cuba

Travel time

15 days

Stations

7 places

activities

9

Travel type

Vintage car trip

$ 1890

excl. flight (pp)

Juan Carlos
CUBA TRAVEL SPECIALIST

Comment from your buddy

For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by driving through Cuba in a vintage car. It is the best and most authentic way to discover the country and enjoy a nostalgic atmosphere. With your own vintage car chauffeur, you get the best insights into the country and the culture! I love organizing a vintage car trip because I know you will have the best travel experience.​​

Discover Cuba in Vintage Car

The appeal of a trip to Cuba lies above all in the nostalgic flair of the country. Time seems to have stood still here, and the revolution of 1959 has kept the basic features of modernity away from the island to this day. Magnificent colonial buildings tell of the splendor of the 1950s, winding streets invite you to stroll, and colorful American vintage cars characterize not only the cityscape of Havana, but the whole of Cuba. With us you have the opportunity to discover Cuba individually in a vintage car. Each of the antique vehicles is unique and will make your trip through Cuba a truly special experience. Each of our vintage cars is an original from the 1950s and is driven by a genuine Cuban driver. Enjoy the country and its people in one of the most popular photo motifs in Cuba! ​
HIGHLIGHTS

Your recommended itinerary

This sample trip for 4 people in a vintage car will first take you to the capital of Cuba, where you will admire the colonial buildings of the old town and explore the outskirts of Havana in a vintage car. Then you will head out into nature to Viñales and Soroa, where you can discover green mountain landscapes and exotic nature. The idyllic small towns of Cienfuegos and Trinidad with their colonial old towns are also waiting for you. After a lovely round trip, you can completely relax on the paradisiacal beach of Cayo Santa María before returning home!

DAY 1-3

Havana - Rome of the Caribbean​​

CULTURE

NIGHTLIFE

SOCIALISM

Today you start your journey through Cuba in a vintage car! A private transfer awaits you at Havana airport and takes you to your accommodation. There you can relax after the flight. In the evening, enjoy your first mojito on one of Havana’s many roof terraces.

The next day you have time to get to know the unique atmosphere of the capital better. We will be happy to organize a city tour for you through the small streets, past the colonial buildings of the old town. The Malecón is also particularly beautiful, a kilometer-long promenade that serves as a meeting place for Cubans of all generations. If you feel like it, you can take a spin in a vintage car today and explore the upscale outskirts of Havana.

DAY 4-5

Viñales - in the kingdom of Cohiba

COUNTRY & PEOPLE

NATURE

Your Cuban vintage car driver will take you on the Autopista A4 to Viñales, where the famous tobacco plantations are located that have made this area so famous. Your driver knows the area very well and knows the best time to go to the viewpoints. You definitely shouldn’t miss the sunset over the Viñales Valley. You can also enjoy this from one of the recommended restaurants. The next day of your vintage car trip through Cuba, you can go on a hike to a local tobacco plantation. Hike in the midst of magnificent nature and enjoy the view! Once you arrive at the plantation, a farmer will tell you interesting facts about tobacco in Cuba.

DAY 6

Soroa - Off to the Sierra del Rosario

COUNTRY & PEOPLE

NATURE

On the sixth day of your Cuba vintage car trip you will arrive in the small town of Soroa. Soroa is surrounded by a beautiful, lush green mountain landscape and exotic nature. Here you can enjoy challenging hikes, admire the magnificent orchid garden and swim in natural pools under waterfalls.

DAY 7

Cienfuegos - Pearl of the South

CULTURE

Today your vintage car trip takes you to Cienfuegos. The idyllic little town surprises with its well-preserved colonial old town and is home to some of the most beautiful buildings in the country. The villa of a former sugar baron at the end of the long beach promenade is a special highlight and reminds us of the city’s former importance as a center of the sugar industry. Enjoy the beautiful view of the sea from the local Malecón and treat yourself to a refreshing cocktail. The somewhat remote botanical garden, which you can easily reach with your vintage car, is also recommended.

DAY 8-10

Trinidad - UNESCO World Heritage

CULTURE

COUNTRY & PEOPLE

WATER ACTIVITIES

Today your vintage car journey takes you to Trinidad, a place where the colonial cityscape and the lifestyle of the locals make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time. In addition to the architectural gems within the city limits of Trinidad, the area surrounding the town is also particularly beautiful and diverse.

Here you will find secluded corners with the opportunity to snorkel, as well as beautiful, bustling beaches and hiking trails to impressive waterfalls. Mingle with the locals and experience the Cuban way of life in Trinidad and the beauty and tranquility of the surrounding nature. You can also take a drive in your vintage car to a former sugar cane plantation in the Valle de Los Ingenios.

DAY 11-14

Cayo Santa Maria - Jardines del Rey

WATER ACTIVITIES

BEACH

At the end of your trip in the vintage car, you can take some time to unwind. In the all-inclusive hotel, you don’t have to worry about anything and can spend a few wonderful days on the paradisiacal beach. Cayo Santa Maria is also known as the “White Rose” of the Jardines del Rey island landscape because of its white, fine sandy beaches. The underwater world is also spectacular and invites you to dive and snorkel. Most of the island is designated as a nature reserve and is ideal for long walks. Review your vacation and end it in a pleasant way.

DAY 15

Return flight from Havana

FLIGHT

Trips details​

Included​

  • Private transfer from Havana airport to accommodation
  • Overnight stays with breakfast in a Casa Particular (in Havana, Viñales, Soroa, Cienfuegos and Trinidad)
  • Overnight stays in a 4* all-inclusive hotel (in Cayo Santa Maria)
  • City tour in Havana
  • Vintage car with driver from day 4 to day 11
  • Private transfer from Cayo Santa Maria to Havana Airport
  • English-speaking contact person on site 24/7
  • Cuba Visa: Tourist Card

Optional

  • Premium Casa Particular (in Havana, Cienfuegos and Trinidad)
  • Hotel in Viñales
  • 5* all-inclusive hotel and various room categories, e.g. with sea view (in Cayo Santa Maria)

Travel FAQ

Frequently asked questions from our travelers

If you’re traveling from the U.S. to Cuba, it’s important to know that not all credit cards will work in the country. Visa cards tend to be the most reliable and are accepted at most ATMs and banks across Cuba. However, even with Visa, availability of ATMs can vary depending on your location, so it’s best to withdraw cash when you can.

Mastercard may pose challenges at ATMs, but you can still use it to withdraw cash directly from bank counters in Cuban cities. Be aware that bank queues can be long, so plan accordingly.

Important: Due to U.S. sanctions, credit cards issued by U.S. banks are generally not accepted in Cuba. Make sure to bring enough cash to exchange during your trip.

If you contact us, we will call you within 24 hours (Mon-Fri) to arrange a free and non-binding travel consultation with you. During the travel consultation, we will discuss the trip and create an offer within the shortest possible time.

When you are ready to book, we will send you a booking form, which you fill out digitally, sign and send back to us to officially initiate the booking.

We will then send you a booking confirmation in the form of a deposit invoice with 25% of the travel price. We will then start booking your offer with our local partners. If you also buy your tourist cards through us, these will also be included in the deposit invoice. Once the invoice is paid within 1 day, you will receive the tourist card (if booked) by post within a short time. The remaining amount (75% of the travel price) must be paid 4 weeks before the trip.

At least 14 days before the trip starts, you will receive your travel documents with information about the individual travel services, vouchers and emergency contacts. If you have any final questions, you can of course always clarify them with us and off you go!

The Cuban power grid operates on 110 V/60 Hz alternating current. Sockets and plugs are American-style, so bringing an adapter is highly recommended. There are a few 220 V sockets. It is important to know that Cuba suffers from power shortages. In order to save electricity, power cuts are carried out, especially outside of tourist centers, which can also lead to disruptions in the water supply and communication.

You can find the most detailed description of customs regulations on the website of the Federal Foreign Office . Here are excerpts from the most important topics so that you don’t have to search for long:

Only take things that are for your personal use or that you could do without. Excess quantities may be confiscated because they are considered unauthorized gifts.

“Electrical devices may also only be imported to the extent that they are intended for personal use, not as gifts for Cuban citizens. For gifts (non-commercial imports) with a value of between 50 CUC and 250 CUC, customs duty of 100% is levied. Further information can be obtained from the relevant Cuban diplomatic mission abroad. The import of walkie-talkies, satellite phones and GPS devices is not permitted or requires prior approval from the relevant Cuban authorities. Laptops, cameras and mobile phones with GPS function are not affected by this. The import of fresh food (e.g. fresh sausages, dairy products, vegetables, fruit) is prohibited for health reasons.”

Do not take any objects from Cuba that could be considered Cuban cultural property. This may also apply to older coins. Information on this and export permits are available from: Bienes Culturales, Calle 17 #1009, entre10 y 12, Vedado, Telephone: 839658. The permit only costs a few pesos, but saves you potential trouble when leaving the country.

“Export regulations for tobacco products

Up to twenty (20) loose cigars may be exported without having to provide proof of origin and purchase. Up to fifty (50) cigars may be exported provided that they are in their original, closed, sealed packaging with an official hologram. More than fifty (50) cigars may only be exported upon presentation of an original invoice issued by the officially authorized state stores. This invoice must include the total quantity of tobacco intended for export. In these cases too, it is essential that the cigars are in their original, closed, sealed packaging with an official hologram.

Detailed information on Cuban import and export regulations is available on the Cuban Customs website at www.aduana.co.cu.”

You can obtain further customs information on importing goods from the embassy of your destination country. Only there can legally binding information be given.

You can view the customs regulations for Germany on the German customs website at www.zoll.de or inquire by telephone.

You can get the eVisa from us, your tour operator (starting at just $32, including taxes, excluding shipping costs). You can also apply for the eVisa directly from the Cuban embassy or through most airlines. The eVisa is valid for 30 days of travel but can be extended on-site (once for an additional 30 days, for a fee of 25 USD, payable in cash, at the airport). When entering Cuba, you must present the eVisa along with your passport. This electronic visa, which you fill out online before traveling, will be verified upon your entry into Cuba. Be sure to keep a copy of the eVisa confirmation with you, as you will need it when departing the country. If you lose access to your eVisa details, this may cause unnecessary delays or discussions during your departure.

 

For US travelers, please ensure that your trip falls under one of the 12 authorized travel categories for Cuba, as tourist travel is restricted. These categories include family visits, professional research, or support for the Cuban people. Make sure you have all the necessary documentation for your trip.

Interesting facts about vintage cars in Cuba

The brightly colored antiques not only decorate the streets of Havana, but also the remote corners of the beautiful Caribbean island. These fascinating vehicles will accompany you everywhere you go.

Cuba without vintage cars – unimaginable!

A trip in a vintage car allows you to travel back in time to old Cuba and have an adventure at your own pace. A private driver is at your disposal so that you can travel comfortably and at the same time remain flexible in your plans. We guarantee that their cars are perfect for an unforgettable trip through Cuba. In addition, you will receive the best recommendations for the country from your local companion during your trip.
One thing is certain: traveling in a vintage car is a unique experience and a journey into the past.
Vintage cars in Cuba after the revolution
Anyone who has ever been to Cuba knows that vintage cars are the unofficial symbol of the island - just like rum, cigars and music. From Chevrolet to Cadillac to Chrysler - what can be an expensive hobby for car lovers in Europe or the USA is a common means of transport in Cuba. The antique gems are part of everyday life for Cubans and are used both as private vehicles and by taxi drivers as shared taxis.

Vintage cars are firmly interwoven with history in Cuba

But why are there so many well-preserved and unique vintage cars in Cuba? Until 1959, these cars and their components were imported to Cuba from the United States. After the successful Cuban Revolution of 1959, Cuba became a socialist republic like the Soviet Union, and Fidel Castro banned car trade with the USA. The American embargo of 1962 closed the doors to all imports of American cars such as the Chevrolet DeLuxe, Plymouth Fury, Ford Thunderbird or Dodge Coronet, as well as their individual parts.
Soviet cars like the Moskvitch or the Lada became the new imports for Cuba. As a result, existing cars were repaired again and again with a lot of creativity and ingenuity, with some vintage cars being passed down from generation to generation in the same family. This circumstance made the antique vehicles even more unique. The owners know how to maintain their vehicles with self-made spare parts and tinker with everything they can. These colorful, old American cars are now seen as part of the Cuban heritage. They adorn Cuba's streets.

Vintage cars are firmly interwoven with history in Cuba

Vintage cars in Cuba: Private driver on vacation
Traveling through Cuba in a vintage car: There is hardly a more authentic way to discover the charismatic island. Due to the high repair costs and the huge amount of time involved, it is very unlikely that you as a tourist will be allowed to drive one of these antique sleighs, but there is the option of exploring the island in a vintage car with a private driver.
The advantages of a classic car trip are obvious: you are traveling in a unique and historic vehicle, you have a real insider at your side in the form of your driver, and you can leave all thoughts about the route and planning to him with a clear conscience. No annoying refueling, no time-consuming search for a parking space, no navigation (which is not that easy in Cuba), but insider tips from the driver for stopovers or excursion destinations and plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful landscape as you drive past. Look forward to relaxing trips in a classic car in Cuba's hinterland or on idyllic coastal routes and enjoy the warm wind on your skin.

Vintage cars are firmly interwoven with history in Cuba

Vintage cars at Cuba Buddy
At Cuba Buddy, we make sure that our drivers' vintage cars are all in good condition and that you don't want for anything during your trip. For example, you don't have to go without air conditioning, there is enough storage space for luggage, our drivers drive very carefully and safely and can practically read your wishes from your eyes.
Whether a whole round trip or just a nostalgic day trip through Cuba's capital Havana - nothing stands in the way of your trip through Cuba in a vintage car!
Our workshop tour for vintage car lovers
Our workshop visit offers car fans and car enthusiasts the opportunity to visit a typical Cuban vintage car workshop. You will experience the complex restoration and maintenance work on these cars up close. In the workshop you can look over the shoulders of the mechanics and discuss their work. Afterwards you will take a two-hour tour in one of these vintage cars through various districts of Havana.

Experts are at work here

Our travel suggestions

We are travel specialists for individual trips to Cuba! From vintage car trips, family trips to diving trips, discover our travel suggestions here and ask us about your personal Cuba trip.

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