Hidden Gems: Cuba – With a unique combination of tropical seascapes, mountain forests, old-world charm, jazz and rumba, the island nation of Cuba is a must on our Hidden Gems destination list.
Cuba’s vibrant culture is the result of a melting pot of indigenous, European, and African influences vividly and proudly preserved through its music, dance, literature, and art. The country is known for its soulful music, cuisine, and people who celebrate each other and welcome travellers with open arms. It’s also famous for its unique Baroque and neoclassical architecture, its fortifications, and its history as a stop on the route to the New World which garnered its capital’s idyllic city center a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1982. Founded about 1519 on the island’s north-western shore, Old Havana has maintained its remarkable character and layout; its brightly coloured buildings and vintage cars making it a firm favourite for visitors to the island. Cuba also offers visitors all the pleasures the sea has to offer, whether it be relaxing days by the beach, fishing, water sports, swimming or diving. It’s unique mixture of landscapes also provides ample opportunity for bird and wildlife appreciation.
Cuba has long been considered an oasis of creativity, vitality, and peace by many. The Nobel prize winning American novelist Ernest Hemingway fell in love with Cuba the moment he stepped foot on shore. He resided there for more than twenty years – longer than he lived anywhere else.
The location
Cuba is located where the northern Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and Gulf of Mexico meet.
The people
Cuba is a multi-ethnic society numbering approximately 11 million. Cubans are renowned for their passionate, fun-loving, and gregarious natures.
The climate
Hot and humid, Cuba’s climate is subtropical with temperatures remaining consistent throughout the year. The wet season typically lasts from May to October with an average temperature of 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees F) in July and August and the dry season between November and April with temperatures dropping to 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees F) in February.
Tourism
Tourism is one of Cuba’s primary industries. Cuban officials reported 2.4 million tourists in 2023. This year, it’s predicted the number of visitors will rise to 3.2 million even amidst an ongoing economic crisis.
What to see in Cuba
Old Havana
Sierra del Rosario nature reserve
Las Salinas saltwater lagoon
Hanabanilla Lake
Jardines de la Reina (Queen’s Gardens) archipelago
Varadero
Santiago de Cuba
Best time to visit Cuba
The dry season is the best time to enjoy all that Cuba has to offer. From November and April, visitors can expect long sunny days. Cuba boasts a wealth of cultural events spanning the entire year. For music lovers, the internationally renowned Havana Jazz Festival takes place every January and is considered a highlight. For cigar-lovers, the Festival del Habano gets underway each February.
What makes Cuba unique
Cuba has many different habitats, from mountain forests to jungles and grasslands. There are even small deserts, too! These different ecosystems are home to unique plants and animals, some of which aren’t found anywhere else on Earth.
Flying private to Cuba
Chartering a private jet means you can create your unique Cuban experience and begin enjoying your trip before you even leave home. Travelling at your own pace and handpicking your schedule and activities to suit your requirements.
Entry airport
Havana / José Martí International Airport
IATA: HAV
ICAO: MUHA
Coordinates: N22-59.4/W082-24.6
Elevation: 210ft.
Magnetic variation: 04W
Fuel types: JET / AVGAS
Time zone: GMT -5
Operational Information
Private flights require overflight and landing permits
Non-scheduled flights require overflight and landing permits
U.S. Operators should check the latest regulations before planning a trip to Cuba
UAS contract fuel available
Commercial flights
Most major commercial airlines have regular and direct routes to a variety of Cuban destinations including Havana, Camagüey, Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo del Sur, Cienfuegos, Varadero, and Santiago de Cuba.
Immigration
Visitors who enter Cuba for tourist purposes need to get a tourist card. This includes a tourist visa. Visitors are also required to fill in an online declaration form.
Visitor tips
Cash is king in Cuba. ATMs are not widely available and are often unreliable. The local currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP), but US dollars and Euros is small denominations are widely accepted. Credit cards are not widely accepted outside of hotels and resorts.
Although security guards and police were a common sight in the humming streets, visitors are advised to always take precautions with valuables.
Consult your travel advisor and give yourself plenty of time for any travel vaccinations you may need ahead of your visit.
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for a Cuba visit.
To create your ultimate Cuba travel experience, contact UAS Charter.
The 17th Latin American Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (LABACE) gets underway at Congonhas Airport, São Paulo, Brazil this August 9-11. Here’s what operators need to know about São Paulo airport options and Brazilian health screening entry requirements.
LABACE 2015 – the annual Latin American Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition – is getting underway on August 11 at Congonhas Airport in São Paulo, Brazil. Running until August 13, the three-day event is organized by the Brazilian Association for…
Eritrea Opens for Aviation Opportunities: This week, Ethiopia and Eritrea signed a landmark peace deal ending decades of conflict between the two African nations. Here, UAS' Regional Manager in East Africa considers the potential impact this could on aviation. When…
Fred Kiige | - 07/26/2018
Contact UAS China Team
Become a UAS Fuel Partner today!
Want to become a UAS Fuel Partner? Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch!