RyanNM
Contributor
You can do people-to-people trips without applying for a permit from the US govt; just don't call it tourism. Non-charter flights are supposed to start for non-Cubans this fall. I don't know what's up with the person who cautioned you with the scare warning of being questioned when you return, and getting fined $10K. But I've been twice, in 2010 and 2012, and had no problems coming back. And it's much less stringent now, after the latest changes- don't worry! Flew to Cancun and then from there to Havana. It's much cheaper to do it on your own, rather than booking a tour. And very doable if you are a half-way competent traveler. BEAUTIFUL country and beautiful people- I highly recommend it! Stay in private homes, in Casa Particulares- they have them all over the country; you don't need to book far in advance; when you stay with a family, they can usually set you all up with another in the next place you're going to stay. Great to stay with locals in their homes and learn more about the culture from them. (We booked our first night from the US, then booked the rest when we were there.) The home owners can help you with anything you need, sights, tours, transportation, etc. We dove out of Trinidad, at Playa Ancon. there's a good dive op at the Hotel Ancon. Dove out of Playa Giron (aka, the Bay of Pigs). PG is very low key, very local. Also stayed a few days at a low key "resort" on Cayo Leviso, and dove there as well. I've heard Isla de la Juventud is very good diving, and Maria la Gorda, as well. I highly recommend you go now, before too many US citizens get there.