That is way too expensive. I’d personally just enter through Canada or wait a few years until there are even less restrictions for legal visits to Cuba.

I agree. I wouldn't spend $6,000 on it. Way too pricey for me.

I'm interested, but not THAT interested (lol). Especially when I know I can easily spend two weeks in Mexico for around $2,000.

I've been vacillating all afternoon about the trip and have come to the same conclusion - too much money. The total trip would be $6,600 plus airfare to Miami so putting the total nearer $7,000. Yikes!

I think once there is more competition the prices would have to come down. Oh well...there are many interesting places still to visit!

suze - I can do 2 weeks in Europe for $2,000 if I use frequent flyer miles for my ticket.

Thanks adrienne, for the detail. I was wondering about the $2,000/2 week trip to Europe, but if it doesn't include air fare that makes sense, I could too!

Here is an equally lengthy trip lengthy trip that's less expensive and very highly regarded.

http://insightcuba.com/cuba-tours/undiscovered-cuba-tour

Let me know what you think.

jsncurry - the Insight trip is only slightly cheaper per day. It's still too expensive for my budget. Thanks anyway!

There are FAR less expensive approved trips to Cuba. Friendly planet has a 9 day trip from $2999 ($3399 in high season) including all meals,fees,guides, "8 nights superior first class hotel accommodations " and airfare from MIA. It would be hard to beat that price on your own. (Of course, be prepared for what a "first class" hotel is--it is not what you get in the US--but you are not going there for hotels)

http://www.friendlyplanet.com/colors-of-cuba.html I haven't traveled with them, but a friend did a private "people to people" with them and said they were great.

You can go to Europe anytime (yawn). The time to go to Cuba is now. I'm heading back for my 4th trip late April to catch May Day. Once the country is opened, things will change and it will be far different. There aren't that many tourists now. The Europeans and Canadians mostly go to the beaches. The Havana tourists are American. It's worth going. I simply love havana--con men, crumbling and all.

Yawn? Europe? All of it??? Really???

I'm all for seeing Cuba but I think if you wait a few more years it will be much more open, therefore less expensive.

The Colors of Cuba trip is not any cheaper. All the trips are about the same price.

Waiting a few more years might open up the country and be less expensive to get to, but it will not be the same as it is now. The whole point is to see it as it is now. I know an American who goes to Havana from London and does his own thing, books own flights and accommodation.

We found Friendly planet to less expensive than some and the reviews have been good. I'll try to post a report when we return.

Go now before it turns into another Cancun. Hey, it's only money and you can't take it with you.

On the plane coming home now. . .so trip report to follow. Cuba education Tours. . .$4600 for two people, 7days, you help pick the itinerary. Excellent guides, drivers, accomodations.

We went to Cuba with Cross Cultural Solutions several years ago. Yes, it was expensive, but, worth every penny. People who advise to wait until it opens up to legal travel will miss out on seeing what Cuba is like without much US influence.

Havana is a truly amazing city. Parts of it are literally crumbling. I could sit on the deck of the rooftop pool of my 'fancy' hotel (I think it's an Iberostar now) and look out across Havana.

The entire scene was grey. The buildings were grey concrete, some with collapsing roofs. That day the sky was grey. Truly a surreal scene that is stuck in my mind's eye forever.

If you can afford it, spend the money. Go now.