Long layover

Question

Hi,

We will have a 14 hour daytime layover in Miami coming home from Peru.

Once before we did this- took the shuttle to South Beach. Would we have enough time to

visit Little Havana? How much time will we actually have, we are flying on one ticket. Thanks!

Answer

With a 14-hour daytime layover in Miami and traveling on a single ticket from Peru, you should have a good amount of time to explore the city, including Little Havana. However, you need to account for several factors before planning your excursion.

First, consider the time required for customs and immigration upon arrival, which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the airport traffic. After clearing customs, you’ll need to retrieve any checked luggage if it’s not checked through to your final destination, and then factor in the shuttle or taxi time from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Little Havana.

The drive from MIA to Little Havana typically takes around 15–25 minutes without heavy traffic. Keep in mind that Miami traffic can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to give yourself extra time.

Assuming you spend approximately 1.5–2 hours for arrival procedures and another 1.5–2 hours to get back through security for your connecting flight, you could realistically have about 6–7 hours to explore.

Little Havana is a compact area, so even with a few hours, you can enjoy its highlights. Key things to do and see include:

Walk along Calle Ocho to see the colorful murals and local shops
Visit Domino Park to watch locals play dominoes
Try authentic Cuban coffee or pastries at one of the local cafecitos
Explore small art galleries and souvenir shops
Optional: Stop by Ball & Chain, a historic music venue and bar

If you prefer, you could also take a combination trip and include a quick visit to nearby attractions, like:

Wynwood Walls (about 15 minutes from Little Havana), for street art and galleries
South Beach (about 20 minutes from Little Havana) if you want a quick walk along the ocean

Important tips:

Allow at least 2–3 hours before your next flight to return to MIA and clear security
Use rideshare services or a taxi to save time, as public transit may be slower
Carry a small day bag and avoid checking additional luggage for the excursion

Overall, with careful planning, a daytime layover of 14 hours gives you enough time to enjoy a leisurely visit to Little Havana while still being able to return to the airport comfortably for your onward flight.