A layover in Manzanillo is one of those happy accidents of air travel. Sierra Maestra Airport sits just 75 minutes from the city center by Taxi/Shared Car, and even a short visit can be surprisingly rewarding. This guide covers everything you need to get out of the terminal and back in time for your next boarding call.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at MZO:
First, verify that you can enter Cuba — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Taxi/Shared Car takes about 75 minutes into Manzanillo, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — CUP is the currency here. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some CUP in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From MZO, the Taxi/Shared Car gets you to Manzanillo in around 75 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 95 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi/Shared Car offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Quick budget math for your Manzanillo layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$16 |
| Meal | ~$32 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$58 |
Cards are increasingly accepted in Manzanillo, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
What’s Worth Seeing in Manzanillo
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Manzanillo, two standouts are:
- Parque Céspedes — Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
- Malecón de Manzanillo — Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside MZO — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- General Waiting Area
- Basic Souvenir Kiosk
Eating Well on a Manzanillo Layover
In Manzanillo
If you make it into town, Restaurante El Ciclón is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Paladar La Esquina.
Inside MZO
If you’re staying in the terminal, MZO Airport Snack Bar is your main option. Terminal Coffee Stand works too if you want something quick.
What to Do With Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at MZO aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Manzanillo itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
WiFi at MZO should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Cuba and you’re good to go.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at MZO, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Manzanillo genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.