Tips for Affordable Travel to Varadero While Enjoying Luxury

Are you dreaming of a getaway to Varadero that won’t break the bank? Imagine spending days on stunning beaches, sipping cocktails, and enjoying the vibrant Cuban culture—all at a budget-friendly price. In this guide, we’ll show you how to experience the best of Varadero while keeping your expenses in check, allowing you to travel like royalty without overspending!

Varadero’s beaches are renowned as some of the most beautiful in Cuba, attracting countless visitors each year. While the allure of all-inclusive resorts is strong, we found a more adventurous and cost-effective way to enjoy this tropical paradise. Our goal was to soak in the sun without the resort price tag, and we succeeded by opting for budget accommodations, exploring local dining options, and experiencing the natural beauty of Varadero more authentically. If you’re eager to uncover how to enjoy Varadero on a backpacker’s budget, keep reading!

Finding affordable accommodation in Varadero

Varadero spans a scenic 20-kilometer peninsula, and while many resorts dominate the area, affordable lodging options do exist. Our go-to solution was to stay in the quaint village of Santa Marta, located just across the peninsula. This charming town not only offers significantly lower prices compared to the resorts but is also well-equipped with essential services such as ATMs, supermarkets, and restaurants.

We opted for the Hostal Nadal Art, which we booked through Airbnb. This unique hostal boasts artistic decor, thanks to its owner, Nadal, who is a talented artist. The hostal features recently renovated rooms equipped with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and all the amenities you would expect for a comfortable stay.

• Rooms are spacious and available at very reasonable rates, starting at around €16 for a private room.
• It's located within a 10-15 minute walk to the beach and a 5-minute walk to the center of Santa Marta.
• The warm hospitality from Nadal and his brother made our stay even more memorable.

Curious about booking? You can find more details and reserve your stay here.

Discovering your ideal beach spot

Varadero's beaches are open to the public, allowing everyone to enjoy their stunning beauty. For those seeking the comfort of sun loungers and umbrellas, you’ll need to strike a deal with resort workers. We explored various beaches, ultimately finding our favorite at the street 64 beach, which is nestled between two resorts.

Here’s what we learned about enjoying the beach experience without overspending:

• Expect to negotiate prices for sun loungers—our rate was 5 CUC for two loungers for the day, but you can often negotiate for drinks included!
• If you're on a tight budget, simply laying on the sand is free and just as enjoyable.
• Nearby, there’s a bar with refreshing cocktails priced at just 1 CUC and beers at 1 CUC, perfect for keeping cool.

For those looking for a meal, the La Barbacoa restaurant offers a delicious daily menu for just 5-7 CUC, featuring hearty options like chicken, beef, or shrimp. Trust us, you won’t regret it!

Getting around Varadero on a budget

While Varadero is known for having some of the most expensive taxis in Cuba, they can still be a convenient option for reaching your chosen beach from Santa Marta. To help you navigate the area affordably, we've compiled a list of transportation options:

• Taxi: Classic “almendrones” (vintage cars) cost around 5-6 CUC, while standard taxis (yellow ones) charge slightly more, about 6-8 CUC.
• Collective taxi: This is a budget-friendly choice for solo travelers or couples, with larger almendrones accommodating 6-8 people for just 1 CUC per person.
• Local bus: Be cautious not to confuse these with tourist buses! Local buses are red or maroon and cost only 1 CUP, but be prepared for crowded rides.
• Camiones: These are open trucks that can carry passengers at 5 CUP. They are cheap but quite cramped, making them less ideal for families.
• Other options: Touristy options include the hop-on, hop-off bus for 10 CUC a day, coco-taxis, and horse-drawn carriages, which can be pricey.

Saving on meals in Varadero

If you’re traveling with the all-inclusive resort mindset, you'll have your meals sorted. But for those venturing into Varadero with a backpacker’s attitude, there are plenty of affordable dining options. Santa Marta is home to a variety of restaurants ranging from higher-end to budget-friendly eateries. Here are our top recommendations:

• Terraza Cuba: A beautiful spot where we indulged in delicious seafood dishes, including lobster and fish stews, with prices ranging from 4 to 11 CUC.
• Atlántida: This smaller restaurant has a lovely terrace and offers cocktails for 2-3 CUC. We enjoyed tasty dinner options for about 4-5 CUC.
• If you’re looking for quick bites, pop into a burger joint for a meal and drink for just 1.50 CUC, or try the pizza stand for a late-night snack.
• Don’t miss the small window by the gas station, where we frequently grabbed breakfast and takeout meals for the beach at excellent prices.

Is a budget-friendly Varadero possible? Absolutely!

With the right mindset and a few savvy strategies, you can have a fantastic and economical stay in Varadero. Consider the option of spending a couple of days at an all-inclusive resort to enjoy its luxuries, then transition to a budget-friendly approach for the rest of your trip. This way, you can stretch your budget further while experiencing the best of both worlds.

Have you been to Varadero? Share your tips for saving money while enjoying this beautiful destination! It’s a community of travelers, and we can all benefit from each other’s experiences.

Useful Information:

• Where to stay in Varadero? We highly recommend Hostal Nadal Art, where private rooms start at approximately €16.
• How to get to Varadero from Caibarién? We arranged a trip through our friend René, who took us to Santa Clara, where we switched taxis to reach Varadero. The total cost was 110 CUC.
• Additional information: The left side of the peninsula boasts the best beaches and resorts, while the right side has a highway for quicker access. Streets are numbered for easy navigation!

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