Cuba

Cuba has traditionally been very antipathetic towards the LGBT community, however since the 1990s it has made strides towards acceptance. Mariela Castro, daughter of Raul Castro, has been a long standing and outspoken LGBT ally. In September 2018, President Miguel Diaz-Canel even expressed great support for same-sex marriage. Finally, although Cuba doesn’t have a Pride Festival per se, it has begun proudly celebrating The International Day Against Homophobia in May. Cuba is a country on the cusp of fully embracing its queer population.

Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Unrecognized
Right to Change Gender: Legal, surgery not required
Same-Sex Adoption: Single gays may adopt, but gay couples may not.
LGBT Discrimination: Gay and Lesbians are protected in most contexts. Transgender people are not protected in most contexts.

Cubans were not able to choose where they lived (legally) until recently, so there was never a gay “ghetto” per se. Now that those restrictions are easing, the gay scene in larger cities like Havana is blossoming.

Gay Villages

Not applicable

Pride Festivals/Events

Havana: Some events held in celebration of the International Day Against Homophobia. Annually in May.

Best Gay Beaches

Havana: Mi Cayito Beach

Best Gay Bars

Havana: Cabaret Las Vegas
Havana: Humboldt 52
Havana: Escaleras al Cielo

Best Lesbian Bars

There are no Lesbian-specific bars/events in Cuba. The aforementioned gay bars are considered safe spaces for Lesbian women.

5. Cienfuegos
This UNESCO World Heritage city was once a place of great wealth and prosperity. While the money may be gone, the city’s well-kept colonial architecture, palaces and stunning central park make it a must-visit.

4. Veradero
Cuba’s beaches are as soft and white as icing sugar. Nowhere is this more apparent than Veradero. Order a mojito, slather on your highest SPF and hit the beach.

3. Trinidad
Cobblestone streets are lined with a plethora of brightly coloured colonial houses. Meanwhile, the small city’s central plaza comes alive at night as musicians and salsa dancers take to the square.

2. Viñales 
In Cuba’s North-Western region sits Viñales, an otherworldly countryside once considered as the main filming location for Spielberg’s Jurrasic Park. Limestone monoliths erupt from the lush, verdent ground. Meanwhile, the main agricultural town is a relaxed settlement refusing to put on airs.

1. Havana
The allure of Havana is as thick as cigar musk and as strong as a double rum on the rocks. Vintage cars rumble down the Malecón. Old Havana is layered in history so thick it’ll take years to digest it all. Meanwhile, a recent relaxed approach to communism has provided fertile ground for entrepreneurship. Havana is a city steeped in history and at the cusp of a sea change.

Support for the Cuban People: Americans interested in visiting Cuba must do so legally, and can not visit Cuba on a cruise or People to People tour. Both of our gay Cuba tours meet the legal requirements of the ‘Support for the Cuban People’ category. The tour mixes the best of Cuban Culture with an educational, LGBT component that will open your eyes to this island nation. For more information, please contact an Adventure Specialist toll-free within North America at 1-866-360-1152.

Best Time to Visit: November to March

Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Cuba, there are no vaccinations needed for entry.

Electricity: A/B/C/L

Visas: A tourist card is required for all nationalities travelling to Cuba, and can be obtained through the airline at the time of check-in. There may be exceptions, and all visas are the responsibility of the traveller.