2 hrs awayHavana Day Trip
Cruise Old Havana in a classic 1950s convertible, past the Malecón, Capitolio, and historic plazas.
Varadero, Cuba
All-inclusive beach resorts · Direct flights from Canada
4.7 · 11,200+ Varadero vacations booked by Canadians
All-Inclusive · Flights Included
Vacation Packages to Varadero
7-night resort packages with return flights from Canada
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At a glance
Everything you need to know about Varadero
Varadero is Cuba's flagship beach destination — a 20-kilometre sandbar of powder-white sand and turquoise water on the Hicacos Peninsula. Lined with all-inclusive resorts and just a couple of hours from Havana, it's one of Canada's best-value winter escapes, with a uniquely Cuban mix of beaches, classic cars, and cigars.
Varadero, CubaClimate
Climate
24–31°C year-round
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Tropical. Dry season Nov–Apr, hurricane season Aug–Oct.
Currency
Cuban Peso
Bring cash; Canadian cards often don't work
Entry
Tourist Card required
Tourist Card + insurance
Top Experiences in Varadero
2 hrs away
In townClassic Car & Cigar Tour
Ride a vintage American car to a tobacco farm and learn how Cuba's famous cigars are rolled.
By boatCayo Blanco Catamaran
Sail to a pristine sandbar islet to snorkel coral reefs and swim with starfish.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport: A valid Canadian passport, valid for the length of your stay, is all you need to enter Cuba.
Tourist Card (visa): Canadians need a Cuban Tourist Card (Tarjeta del Turista) — usually included by your tour operator, plus mandatory travel health insurance.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans do not cover medical care in Cuba. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential.
Power & plugs: Cuba uses 110V and 220V with Type A/B/C plugs — bring a universal adapter to be safe.
Time zone: Varadero runs on Cuba Standard Time (EST-equivalent), observing daylight saving like Toronto.
Best time to visit Varadero
Nov – AprPeak season
Dry, sunny, 24–28°C. Best time and busiest for Canadians.
May – JulShoulder season
Warm with brief showers and great value.
Aug – OctHurricane season
Highest storm risk and humidity. Travel insurance mandatory.
Year-roundWarm seas
The beach is swimmable and beautiful all year.
Where to stay
Varadero zones & neighbourhoods
Varadero offers a range of areas to base yourself, from lively beach strips to quiet upscale enclaves. Here's how to choose.
Central Varadero
Town side
The walkable end near 1st Avenue shops, restaurants, and Parque Josone — close to mid-range resorts.
Best for
- First-timers
- Value
- Culture
Hicacos Point
Far northeast
The peninsula's tip, home to the newest five-star resorts and the widest, quietest beaches.
Best for
- Couples
- Luxury
- Relaxation
Hicacos Reserve
Eco zone
Resorts set beside a protected ecological reserve with caves, lagoons, and birdlife.
Best for
- Couples
- Nature
- Quiet
Marina Gaviota
Northern tip
A modern marina district with catamaran trips, dining, and the latest resorts.
Best for
- Couples
- Boating
- Dining
Beyond the resort
Day trips & excursions from Varadero
Varadero is a great launch point for the region's beaches, nature, and culture. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your resort desk.
CultureHavana Full-Day Tour
Full day · 11 hrs~150 km west · 2 hrs by bus
Explore Old Havana's UNESCO plazas, the Malecón, and a classic-car ride through the capital.
Insider tips
- Bring cash (euros/CAD) for Cuba
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
Island Day TripCayo Blanco Catamaran
Full day · 7 hrsOffshore · By catamaran
Snorkel reefs, swim with starfish, and lunch on a pristine sandbar islet.
Insider tips
- Reef-safe sunscreen only
- Bring cash for extras
Must-DoClassic Car & Cigar Tour
Half day · 4 hrsVaradero & countryside · By vintage car
Ride a 1950s convertible to a tobacco farm for a hand-rolled cigar demonstration.
Insider tips
- Great photo opportunity
- Tip the driver in cash
Natural WonderSaturno Cave Swim
Half day · 3 hrs~20 km · 30 min by car
Swim in a crystal-clear cenote-like cave pool inside a limestone cavern.
Insider tips
- Bring water shoes
- Combine with a city tour
● Limited availability — book now
Your Varadero escape awaits
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Good to know
Varadero travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Varadero?
Canadians need a Cuban Tourist Card (Tarjeta del Turista), which is usually included in your package, plus mandatory travel medical insurance.
How long is the flight from Canada to Varadero?
Direct flights are about 3h 45m from Toronto to Varadero (VRA) — one of the shortest beach flights from Canada.
When is the best time to visit Varadero?
November to April is dry, sunny, and ideal. The beach is warm and swimmable year-round.
Is Varadero safe for tourists?
Varadero is one of the Caribbean's safest resort areas, with very low crime. Use standard precautions as anywhere.
What currency should I bring?
The Cuban Peso (CUP) is used locally. Bring cash (euros or CAD) to exchange — most Canadian-issued cards do not work in Cuba.
Do I need travel insurance?
It's strongly recommended. Healthcare in Cuba is private and can be costly without coverage.
Will my Canadian bank card work in Cuba?
Often not — most Canadian-issued cards don't work in Cuba. Bring euros or Canadian cash to exchange, and budget cash for the whole trip.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes, you can add excursions like Havana Full-Day Tour and Cayo Blanco Catamaran to your trip at checkout.