Exploring Cuba: Safe Drinking Beer In Paradise

Cuba is known for its drinking culture, with cheap beer and rum available in abundance. The two most popular beers among tourists are Cristal and Bucanero, which are priced at 1 CUC (equivalent to 1 USD). However, there are several other beers that are preferred by locals, such as Cacique and Mayabe, which are cheaper and taste great. While tap water in Cuba is generally safe to drink, it is recommended that tourists stick to bottled water to avoid the risk of contamination and traveller's diarrhea. Bottled water can be easily found at large hotels and resorts catering to international tourists. Cuba's hot and rainy climate also creates the perfect conditions for pathogens, bacteria, and viruses to thrive, so it is important to take precautions when consuming food and drinks in the country.

Tap water in Cuba is generally unsafe to drink

Although tap water in Cuba is treated with chlorine to kill bacteria, it is generally unsafe to drink. This is due to poor sanitation, old pipes, pollution, exposure to human waste, and pesticide runoff, which all impact water quality. Although the water may be safe for locals to drink, tourists are advised to stick to bottled or filtered water. This is because tourists are not used to the water's bacterial makeup, and drinking it increases their risk of traveller's diarrhea.

Where to buy bottled water in Cuba

Bottled water can be purchased from large hotels and resorts that cater to international tourists, as well as small shops such as TRDs and Tiendas Panamericanas, and high-end paladares.

Alternative options

If you are unable to find bottled water, a water bottle with a built-in filter can be used to purify any contaminants in Cuban tap water. Tap water can also be boiled to make it safe to drink.

Bottled water is easily available at large hotels and resorts

Bottled Water in Cuba

Where to Find Bottled Water

Bottled water is most commonly consumed by tourists and international travellers in Cuba, so it makes sense that it is readily available where tourists are—at large hotels and resorts that cater to international guests. You can also get bottled water from small shops like TRDs and Tiendas Panamericanas, and from high-end paladares.

The Cost of Bottled Water

Bottled water from hotels can be expensive. You can expect to pay around 15 CUP (Cuban currency) for a small bottle.

Tap water in Cuba is generally unsafe to drink, so it is best to stick to bottled water or water that has been boiled. The tap water in Cuba has been treated with chlorine to kill bacteria, but there is still a risk of pollution, contamination from pesticides, old pipes, human waste exposure, and poor sanitation. Even if the water is safe for locals to drink, tourists are advised to avoid it because they are not used to drinking water with that bacterial makeup. According to the CDC, between 20 and 50% of tourists travelling to other countries will suffer from traveller's diarrhea.

Dealing with the Heat

Cuba's hot, rainy climate means you will likely get thirsty, and its average summer temperature of 81F will only add to your need for hydration. Don't be fooled by Cuba's heavy annual rainfall—the country is currently facing a drinkable water shortage.

Planning Ahead

It is always a good idea to have a backup plan for accessing clean, safe water when travelling in Cuba. A water bottle with a built-in filter can be a good idea, as can be purchasing a bottle of filtered water from a hotel and refilling it as you go.

Cuba's drinking water is treated with chlorine to kill bacteria

To avoid getting sick, tourists should stick to bottled water or water that has been filtered. Bottled water can be purchased at large resorts and hotels that cater to international guests, as well as some shops. However, bottled water can be expensive, and Cuba is currently facing a drinkable water shortage, so it is important to always know where your next bottle is coming from. As an alternative, travellers can bring a water bottle with a built-in filter to purify any contaminants in the Cuban tap water.

In addition to avoiding tap water, tourists should also avoid mixed drinks made with tap water and beverages containing ice made from tap water.

The most popular beers in Cuba are Cristal and Bucanero

Cristal is a light lager with an alcohol content of 4.9%. It comes in a green can or bottle and has a crisp, sweet taste. It is made with local ingredients, including natural spring water, and is comparable to an average lager-style beer. It is priced in CUC currency, which is the more expensive Cuban currency, and costs around 1 CUC (equivalent to 1 USD).

Bucanero is a stronger lager with an alcohol content of 5.4%. It comes in a red and black can and has a stronger taste than Cristal. It is also comparable to an average lager-style beer and is priced similarly to Cristal.

Both Cristal and Bucanero are popular with tourists and can be found in most bars, hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets in tourist areas. They are considered to be the most expensive Cuban beers.

While Cristal and Bucanero are the most popular beers among tourists, there are other beers that are more widely consumed by locals. These include Cacique and Mayabe, which are cheaper and have a slightly lower alcohol content.

Cuba's wine is cheap but not very good

Cuba is known for its drinking culture, with an abundance of cheap drinks available. However, the same cannot be said for its wine. While Cuban wine does exist, it is not easy to find and is of poor quality.

Cuban wine is made from a grape-like tree that grows around the beach areas, but it does not have a pleasant taste. A bottle of wine from the most easily obtainable brand, Soroa, costs as little as $2.40 CUC. At this price, it is difficult to expect much in terms of quality.

Some travellers have compared drinking Cuban wine to consuming the cheapest wine available at a store, leaving it open, and then adding several spoons of cinnamon. Others have described it as harsh and very acidic, requiring the addition of water to make it more palatable.

If you are looking for a pleasant wine-drinking experience in Cuba, you may be disappointed. The selection of wine is generally uninteresting, and it can be expensive compared to other drinks. However, there are a few select top-notch places that offer better wine options. Some restaurants and paladares (private restaurants) may surprise you with a nice bottle. Additionally, imported wine from Argentina and Spain is available in some hotels and markets, but it is still not of the highest quality.

So, if you are a wine drinker planning a trip to Cuba, it is advisable to bring your own wine or be prepared to settle for other alcoholic beverages, such as the famous Cuban rum or beer, which are more widely available and affordable.

Frequently asked questions