Things To Do
in Falla

Shredded beef stewed in a tomato-onion-garlic sauce; a Cuban classic often served with rice and beans. Find it at family paladares and local restaurants in town.

Must-Try!

Black beans and white rice cooked together with garlic and spices—an everyday staple served with most meals.

Fried green plantains (tostones) and sweet fried plantains (maduros) served as sides or snacks at markets and eateries.

Fried meat patties and filled pastries are common street snacks—good for a quick, inexpensive bite from vendors.

Small weekly market where farmers sell fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs and occasional homemade snacks—great for sampling seasonal produce and buying fruit for picnics.

Look for family stalls near the main road that sell fried snacks, grilled pork or fish, and home-brewed coffee—authentic and affordable.

Always greet people with a friendly 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes'—a handshake is common. Politeness and friendliness go a long way.

Avoid heated political debate with strangers; respect elders and family spaces. Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially elders and children.

Allow flexibility—'Cuban time' can mean relaxed schedules for informal gatherings; plan extra time when arranging transport or activities.

Casual, modest dress is appropriate in town; beachwear is for the shore only. Public drunkenness and loud behavior are frowned upon.

Tipping is appreciated for good service: small amounts are customary—round up a bill, leave 10% in paladares if service is good, and give small tips to porters, guides and drivers. Cash in local currency or common foreign currency is easiest for tips.

Cash is king in small towns—bring USD, EUR or CAD and exchange at banks or exchange bureaus (rates vary). Credit/debit cards and ATMs are limited or may not work outside larger cities; US-issued cards have extra restrictions. Some resort or tourist shops accept foreign cards or MLC cards, but in Falla expect to pay in cash (CUP or accepted foreign currency).

Hot, humid and often wet (May–October): afternoons bring sudden showers and thunderstorms. Expect high temperatures, abundant insects and the peak hurricane season—plan flexible travel and monitor forecasts.

Warm with decreasing rainfall in late autumn, but the hurricane risk persists through November. Good time for fewer tourists after summer if storms don’t interfere.

Dry season (December–February) with milder, more comfortable temperatures—ideal for outdoor activities and exploring on foot; nights can be pleasantly cool.

Pleasant temperatures and lush countryside as the landscape recovers from the dry season; good time for birdwatching and countryside walks.

Trails around nearby lagoons and wetlands provide easy-to-moderate walks for birdwatching and nature photography; expect muddy patches in wet season.

If you travel to the nearby coast, there are shoreline trails for beachcombing, shelling and panoramic views—best at low tide and early morning.

Unpaved country roads between villages offer long, flat walking or cycling routes through sugarcane fields and rural landscapes—bring sun protection and water.

One of the largest natural freshwater lagoons in the region (in Camagüey province); offers nature viewing, birdlife and gentle trails for exploring wetlands and shoreline habitat.

Vegetarian options are available but limited; rice, beans, plantains, salads and fried yucca are reliable staples. Communicate clearly (in Spanish if possible) and visit markets to assemble meals; some paladares will prepare meatless plates if asked.

Vegan choices require effort—stick to fruits, vegetables, rice and beans; cross-contamination is common. Gluten-free requests may be difficult to guarantee since many preparations use wheat-based ingredients; bring snacks and specialty items if you have strict requirements.