If you are travelling to Cuba, this is what you need to know about the electricity power outages (blackouts), including, what to pack for your upcoming trip.
(Updated April 2025)
Cuba has long been a dream destination for travelers seeking stunning beaches, rich culture, and a step back in time. However, visitors must also be prepared for an increasingly common challenge: power outages.
A Brief History of Power Struggles in Cuba
Cuba’s electrical system has faced ongoing difficulties for years, with aging infrastructure and fuel shortages contributing to frequent blackouts. The island’s power grid relies heavily on outdated thermoelectric plants, and any technical failure can lead to widespread outages.
One of the most significant blackouts in recent history occurred on March 15, 2025, when a failure at the Diezmeros substation caused a total collapse of the National Electric System (SEN), leaving the entire island in darkness. More than 10 million people lost power, impacting homes, businesses, and essential services like water supply and telecommunications. This marked the fourth nationwide blackout in just six months, underscoring the fragility of Cuba’s electrical infrastructure.
What Tourists Can Expect
If you’re planning a trip to Cuba, it’s essential to prepare for potential power outages. While some areas—especially major hotels and resorts—have backup generators, many parts of the country experience daily blackouts lasting several hours. Some locations have reported outages of over 20 hours per day, and most recently, for a full day.
During these blackouts, air conditioning stops working, which can make sleeping at night uncomfortable. Restaurants and stores may close, and electronic payments can become impossible. In rural areas, people often cook using charcoal as electricity and gas supplies become increasingly scarce.
Tips for Travelers
- Book Accommodations with a Generator (or plantas!) : When selecting a casa particular or hotel, ask if they have a backup power source. Many private rentals in Havana, Viñales, and other tourist hubs now have solar panels or small generators to power essential devices.
- Pick no-blackout areas to travel to: For example, places like Cayo Santa Maria, and Varadero have navigated un-touched from the recent blackouts. They either have their own power systems (separate from the rest of the island) or have strong power plants in all hotels. When travelling to these hotels, avoid day tours to travel to near by towns, as you can get stranded in far away locations due to power outages and return to your hotel could be compromised.
- Bring a Rechargeable Light Source: A small LED flashlight or a rechargeable lantern will be invaluable if you experience an outage. Many locals rely on battery-powered lights during blackouts. See below for a comprehensive shopping list for ‘must have’ items to endure a blackout in Cuba.
- Prepare for Limited Internet Access: While mobile data and Wi-Fi hotspots have improved in Cuba, power outages often disrupt connectivity. Be prepared for periods without access to the internet.
- Carry Cash in Small Bills: When ATMs and card payment systems go offline, having cash in USD or Euros will be crucial. Be sure to carry small denominations as making change can be difficult.
- Stay Updated on Blackout Schedules: Although blackout schedules are often unreliable, checking with your hosts or local businesses can help you plan around expected outages.
- Eat Early and Plan Meals Wisely: Many restaurants close during blackouts, so try to eat early in the day. If you’re staying in a rental, consider bringing some non-perishable snacks or foods that don’t require cooking.
- Avoid High-Rise Accommodations: If your building doesn’t have a reliable elevator backup system, staying on a lower floor can save you from walking up multiple flights of stairs in the dark.
- Check Power Conditions Upon Arrival: Upon landing, check if the airport has electricity, as outages have been reported even during passport control procedures.
Traveling to Cuba requires patience and flexibility, but the island’s beauty and culture continue to attract visitors. While the power crisis is a reality, those who come prepared can still enjoy everything Cuba has to offer—from its stunning beaches to its lively music scene. By staying informed and adjusting expectations, tourists can navigate Cuba’s blackouts and still have an unforgettable experience.
As you know, very soon we are going as a group to attend the Wellness Retreat in Cuba, and one of the key questions participants are asking is, what to pack. Here is a list of essentials that you should bring with you to Cuba.
What to pack (Blackout packing list)
General packing list (for your trips to Cuba): Find it here
Blackout packing list:
This is a list of what I would call “Essential Gear for a Comfortable Stay”, especially if you are staying at a local home and expect electricity blackouts during your visit.
1- Bring a Portable Camping Light, Solar/ Hand Crank LED Lantern with Bright Flashlight, USB Charging Port, 40Hrs Work Time, IPX4 Water Resistant, Rechargeable Tent Lamp for Power Outages/Outdoors/Emergency
Why? These lamps are awesome. They are easy to pack, solar-powered, which is plentiful in Cuba. They also make awesome / useful gifts to leave behind for locals that greatly needed. Not found in the island, no matter where you go!
Examples:
2- 4000mAh Portable Clip Fan with Remote Control, Rechargeable with Power Bank Feature, LED Lights, Timer, 4 Speeds -Perfect for Baby Strollers, Golf Carts, Offices, Camping, and Travel (5 inch)
Example:
Why? It is hot in Cuba. You can used them for almost 9 days without charging them, on the first speed, they last all night and more. They also have an LED light accessory, you can program them, they are small so you can put them in your carry-on or a handbag. Very comfortable to use, they have a clip, so you can hang them in various places of your luggage. Wonderful for a stay in Cuba, and wonderful gift for locals when you are to go home.
3- BLAVOR Solar Charger 20000mAh Built-in Cables, 20W Fast Charging Portable Power Bank, Camping Light, Flashlight, Battery Pack for iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 11, iPad, Samsung, Apple Watch
Why: Because you will want to charge your equipment fast, before they take the electricity off again. This one in particular has an LED light. You can charge phones (super-fast), lamps and fans, and most importantly, you can charge it with sunlight, which is never lacking in Cuba.
Examples:
4- Rechargeable Light Bulb, 15W 80W Equivalent LED 6000K Emergency Battery Light Bulb Stay Lights Up When Power Failure, 1200mAh Battery Operated Light Bulb
Why? The most useful item if you are going to ‘casas particulares’ or locar Airbnbs in Cuba. You can replace all the light bulbs in my house with these and the impact of the blackouts will be much less. You will need to recharge them when the power comesback so you can keep using them as lamps. They last average 5 hours, that’s why you should buy them as a pack. For long blackouts, they become very handy. There also make awesome gift for local Cuban families.
Examples
“Just survived 2 days of blackout in Cuba! Took a bath at the beach, survived on fruits and coconut water, slept with my doors open to the cool ocean breeze. It’s amazing how, as humans, we think we’re masters of nature and have achieved so much in technology, but without basic electricity, our whole world crumbles!” By Patrick Narrain, a tourist from Cuba / March 17, 2025, Facebook Page
Essential Packing List for blackouts
In addition to the above, you may also want to pack:
- Accessories
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm weather
- Mat for when and if you need to sleep or rest outside
- Health and Wellness Supplies
- Calamine lotion – in case the lack of aircon gives you rash
- After-sun lotion (aloe vera gel is amazing!) to minimize the feeling of ‘burning’
- Insect repellent, including essential oils such as eucalyptus, sweet orange, lemongrass, etc… that are well known to discourage mosquitoes, because during blackouts they are triple-annoying!
- Blindfold and ear plugs to ensure a deep restful sleep because during blackouts families tend to gather outside and chat / make more noise
- Prescription medications because it is hard to take transport to international pharmacies in the midst of a blackout
- Anti-acid and any other stomach medicine you may need
- Electrolyte packets to stay hydrated (for if ever your tummy does not behave) – It is hard to boil water or keep bottles cold during blackouts.
- Candles and essential oils for relaxation and balance, it makes the ‘dark experience much more enjoyable’
- Snacks & Dietary Needs
- Non-perishable snacks and dietary supplements for times when you cannot cook or travel to a restaurant due to black out.
By packing thoughtfully for your local trip to Cuba, you’ll be well-prepared to fully embrace the tranquility and rejuvenating atmosphere of Cuba, even if you have to endure a blackout.
Enjoy!
Drums for your Wellness Retreat in Cuba
Here you can find a few ideas for buying your drums and other retreat items
Inexpensive drums on Amazon
Beautiful goddess drum, smaller than in the picture but nice solid sound. Packs well. Not expensive at all.
Turtles are a symbol of patience and love. It represents the pace of our journey, the steps we take towards our goals not needing to be rushed, but needing to be firm and certain… This is a very nice and solid drum. Packs well. Not expensive at all.
This is a very nice and solid drum. Handmade. Made of wood and leather. Small size. Packs well. Not expensive at all.
This is a nice small African Djembe, measuring 9 x 20 inches, crafted from high-quality mahogany. This standard model features a 9.5-inch goat skin drumhead, which contributes to its rich, resonant sound. Its compact size makes it perfect for portable use, allowing musicians to easily pack it for travel or outdoor events. Whether you’re jamming with friends or practicing solo, this djembe is an excellent addition to any percussionist’s collection.
The Mandala Drum
Embrace the mesmerizing artistry of this shaman drum, where wood and leather unite to create a practical and beautiful masterpiece. Its smooth surfaces and comfortable feel generate a clear and resonant sound that will leave you in awe.
Size: 10 inches. Comes with drumming stick, as shown.
Other musical instruments to play at the beach
Ocean drums are an amazing addition to your meditation session, as they create soothing, rhythmic sounds that mimic the gentle ebb and flow of ocean waves. The unique auditory experience they provide helps to enhance relaxation and deepen your state of mindfulness. By incorporating ocean drums into your practice, you can transform your meditation environment into a serene coastal retreat, allowing your mind to drift peacefully while you concentrate on your breath and intentions.
Tambourines are awesome for beach circles, as they provide an engaging way to accompany songs, fostering a lively atmosphere and encouraging everyone to join in. Their vibrant sound makes for nice percussion rhythms that can elevate the mood and add energy to gatherings, creating a sense of unity among friends and family.
The Gong Lotus Wind Gong 20 Inch is an extraordinary instrument that truly captures the essence of Chinese culture, overflowing with a rich heritage. Meticulously crafted, this stunning Wind Gong arrives with a specially designed Gong Mallet and Hanging String, providing you with everything needed to unleash breathtaking sounds that will mesmerize your audience. Its impressive size empowers this authentic Chinese Wind Gong to generate profound and resonant tones that enchant listeners, enveloping them in a powerful and beautiful auditory experience.
Beautiful table gong
- Size: 8″(H) x 7.5″(L) x 1.75″(D) approx.
- Material: Wood and Copper
- Idea for meditation. Perfect home decor to create Zen environment at home or in office. Good Feng Shui!
Other unique items to pack for a Yoga retreat at the beach
Awesome Collection of Essential Oils: I highly recommend the Pure Aroma Oils, because they are 100% Pure Therapeutic Essential Oils, yet cost a fraction of what all these would cost if you bought them individually at any store. Plus, this box contains the most sensual oils you can find. Pure Aroma products have no fillers, no additives and no carrier oils added. They are a set of 6 Oils including Lavender, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lemongrass & Sweet Orange. Each box includes 6 Amber Brown Bottles – 10Ml with Dropper.
This is my very favorite of all oils. Sweet orange essential oil, extracted from the peels of ripe oranges, is a burst of citrus sunshine. Its invigorating and uplifting aroma not only adds a delightful fragrance to your space but also helps alleviate stress and anxiety. The fruity and sweet notes of sweet orange create a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for kindling sensuality.
Tip: This pure Brazilian Orange is a large 118 ML bottle for the price of a small one.
This 16-piece scented candle collection is more than an olfactory journey. Elevate your surroundings with this exquisite box of scented treasures, where each fragrance tells a story and every burn is an experience to cherish. Scents: jasmine, rose, vanilla, bergamot, fig, lavender, lemon, spring, gardenia, strawberry, rosemary, peppermint, Blue bell wood sage & sea salt peony cherry blossom, English pear & freesia.
Best Seller – Yoga Pants: These pants are so popular for a reason: They are the epitome of comfort and functionality. Crafted with a blend of cutting-edge features, these pants are designed to elevate your yoga experience: They are Squat Proof so you can conquer your workouts with confidence, 4-Way Stretch so you can embrace flexibility and move seamlessly in every direction. They are Buttery Soft: Experience pure indulgence against your skin. These pants are luxuriously soft, ensuring a gentle touch throughout your practice. They have a compression High Waist over Belly Button and have a hidden Waistband Pocket.
I personally use this exquisite Sage Bundle kit, carefully curated to elevate your smudging experience. It includes premium California White Sage, known for its potent healing properties in driving out negative energies. It also comes with a mystical charm of our smudge bowl, featuring an authentic 5-6 inch Abalone Shell with a mesmerizing Mother-of-Pearl finish, sourced from the depths of the ocean. Paired with a hand-carved wooden cobra tripod stand, this natural heat-resistant bowl provides a captivating sanctuary for your smoldering sage bundles.
Please note that each shell and stand is unique, adding a touch of individuality to your spiritual practice. Complementing this enchanting ensemble is a 10-12 inch natural turkey feather, meticulously chosen to elegantly fan the cleansing smoke in the direction of your intentions.
My favorite yoga mat: A yoga mat is a personal thing! I do not understand the concept of borrowing mats from the studio. It is like a bed, a place where you lie down, put your face, dream good dreams and rest your energy. So your mat is to your class the same thing that your bed is to your bedroom. Just like you do with your bed, choose your mat well. Invest time in finding the ideal mat for you. Consider factors like thickness, material, and texture. Personally, I also consider colour and design. I don’t know if you know this, but I love dragonflies. So I became fascinated with one I saw in Chapters with the design of a dragonfly and dream-wishing dandelions. I had to buy it!
The Gong Lotus Wind Gong 20 Inch is an extraordinary instrument that truly captures the essence of Chinese culture, overflowing with a rich heritage. Meticulously crafted, this stunning Wind Gong arrives with a specially designed Gong Mallet and Hanging String, providing you with everything needed to unleash breathtaking sounds that will mesmerize your audience. Its impressive size empowers this authentic Chinese Wind Gong to generate profound and resonant tones that enchant listeners, enveloping them in a powerful and beautiful auditory experience.
Beautiful tapestry for your wall. Amazon has many sizes. A center ornament inspiring meditation and chakra alignment. Perfect art for your livingroom or bedroom. Zen and minimalistic look.
Books you may wish to bring to the retreat
In The Four Agreements, bestselling author don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love.
The Power of Now has sold over 16 million copies and is available in more than 30 languages. This book guides readers on a spiritual journey to discover their true selves and achieve personal growth. In the first chapter, Tolle discusses enlightenment and the mind’s role in creating pain, offering insights on living in the present to attain a pain-free identity. The author emphasizes connecting to our true essence, the “One Life” beyond physical existence. With a new preface, this paperback illustrates that true Enlightenment comes from being aware, free from the mind, and focused on the Now.
Best chakra healing book – ever! I recommend this awesome book. What an awesome guide to everything you need to know about Chakra Healing. It is a practical guide that applies ancient wisdom to the problems and stresses of modern life. It tells you all you need to know about the seven chakras, the vital energy centers in the human body. It teaches you what the chakras are and how they function; it provides personality tests so you can determine where your strengths lie and what you need to work on.
#1 New York Times bestseller What would it be like to free yourself from limitations and soar beyond your boundaries? What can you do each day to discover inner peace and serenity? The Untethered Soul offers simple yet profound answers to these questions.
#1 NYT’s bestseller by Mark Nepo, who has been called “one of the finest spiritual guides of our time” and “a consummate storyteller.” Philosopher-poet and cancer survivor Mark Nepo opens a new season of freedom and joy—an escape from deadening, asleep-at-the wheel sameness—that is both profound and clarifying. His spiritual daybook is a summons to reclaim aliveness, liberate the self, take each day one at a time, and savor the beauty offered by life’s unfolding. Reading his poetic prose is like being given second sight, exposing the reader to life’s multiple dimensions, each one drawn with awe and affection.
This is a beautiful book for coloring mandalas, and positive affirmations is designed to be part of your transformative journey of self-discovery and healing. It provides a captivating world of MANDALAS blended with powerful POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS. It serves as a comprehensive healing companion. It provides insight into the meaning and significance of each affirmation and helps you can delve deeper into your personal growth journey. It also offers guided journaling sessions to help you write thoughts that arose during your coloring.
Mindfulness Coloring Book For Adults: Feel the Zen With Stress Relieving Designs
Looking for a way to relax and unwind? Check out this awesome mindfulness coloring book for adults! With stress relieving designs like animals, mandalas, and zentangle nature art, you’ll be able to chill out and embrace the zen. Give it a go and let your creativity flow!
This “Gratitude Journal,” offers 100 days of guided gratitude prompts, including counting blessings, writing thank-you letters to your past and present self, and reflecting on moments of joy and appreciation.
Positive affirmation Cards: As a Tarot card reader, I love cards, and I particularly love this set. People will tell you that you cannot read your own cards, but when you are doing yoga, or meditating, you are in (or very close to achieving) full alignment with your spiritual guidance system. So cards and Yoga are the perfect match. Plus, these positive affirmation cards are simply gorgeous.
Book about Cuba (Cuban novels in Spanish, by Jocy Medina)
BOOK YOUR SPOT
This link is for participants booking their spot, not sharing a room.
This link is for two Wellness Retreats participants, sharing a room.
Jocy Medina 
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