Backpacking through Cuba on a tight budget — totally doable

Did Cuba on a shoestring for 16 days and it was absolutely manageable. Based in cheap guesthouses near Santiago de Cuba centre and ate mostly at local spots — ropa vieja from street stalls cost almost nothing and was better than anything in a tourist restaurant.

Viñales Valley tobacco farms has an entry fee but worth every penny. warm and resilient people was a free discovery that ended up being one of my favourite moments of the trip. Budget travellers: Cuba is worth your time and money, just avoid the tourist-priced restaurants.