1

Just did that trip last week. we took a cab from Vinales to the ferry for $40 (bargained down from $60 on the street). To get to Havana is a bit of a challenge. If you go back on the early ferry you may not find vehicles returning as they wait for the daytrippers. If you go back on the later ferry (around 5pm) then you might be able to get a ride on one of the tour buses or taxis that has been pre-arranged to pick people up. we took a private boat ride back at noon with a British couple who had a pre-arranged taxi and we squished in with them thank goodness. Thedriver said the standard price is $100 to Havana. I'm sure the guy at the desk in Cayo Levisa would arrange one for you. Our driver from Vinales also offered to come back for us the next day but that would have been really expensive I'm sure. I think it would be really hard to catch a bus - even if you went to the highway and tried to flag one down. It's a pretty quiet road and not in great condition.

2

What do you want in Havana - to be in the heart of everything, or somewhere quieter ?

Are you sure that you want a hotel - and not a private house (casa particular) ?

3

re (3) We stayed in Vedado at the beginning and Centro Habana at the end of our stay in Cuba. Both are fine districts. From Vedado to the historic centre it takes around 20-30 minutes walking, but it is a wonderful walk along the Malecón. We thoroughly enjoyed it, though we were not at all in a hurry to see all the sights, visit all the museums etc. The "sights to see" are probably more in the Centro Habana/Habana Vieja part of the city, though parts of Centro Habana we personally found not dangerous, but felt not as comfortable as in Vedado, for example. The closer you are to the Malecón in Centro Habana, the better was our impression.

Can't tell much about reservation in hotels, since we stayed in casas particulares. If you want good recommendations for casas particulares in Habana, Cienfuegos and Trinidad, message me.

4

@Birchdale - thanks so much for the infomation. I reckon we will try the taxi option. There will be three of us, so hopefully that will make it more affordable. Did you pay in local currency?? We are staying one night on Cayo Levisa, so will hopefully try get the 5pm boat the next day. Fingers crossed we can catch a cab back to Havana.

@Skyliner & BeardoUK - we will be starting our trip in Havana, in Vedado, so I was hoping to end it in another part of the city - ideally a safe area. We will only be there for one night as we fly home the next evening, and would like something nice & comfy. So, if you have any recommendations, that would be great!! As long we we have two private en suites somewhere nice & safe, with character, Im happy. Ideally close to nice bars, restaurants etc....

All suggestions welcome.

Al

5

PS: @Birchdale - one last thing....you said you got an earlier boat back with another couple. Do you think waiting around til 5pm might be too long, or is it easy for us to oganise an earlier boat back if we like? I presume there is a cost for that.

6

Vinales bus transfer to Cayo Levisa- R/T daytrip from Vinales-through havanatur or infotur(cannot remember which),both on same block in Vinales. Prices accurate mid-Feb2013
$29.00 CUC R/T including Panini lunch
$35.00CUC including buffet lunch(salad,rice,pan,fruit,whole fried fish etc.).
Showing up yourself in Palma Rubia is $25.00 CUC R/T daytrip including buffet.
Was $20.00CUC in October for same.
Taking a special boat outside of scheduled times is an ADDITIONAL $10.00CUC/person.
There is an 0800 boat from Palma Rubia (generally for staff),that is available with advance notice for guests staying in Cabanas on Island.
Did not inquire about Havana transfer,but there was several buses and cabs about when 5pm boat returned from Levisa.
If a seat of pants traveller,I would ask when arriving in morning or when returning next afternoon. Make inquiries at bar when getting registered in PR,or when on Levisa.