Cuba
Imbued in the faded magnificence, Cuba which is the Caribbean's largest island is brimming with culture, history and a mesmerizing mystique. Live music drifts through the cobbled squares in Havana’s World Heritage Listed, Old Town, the attracting buildings of the colonial cities of Cuba evoke the vibe of a country frozen in time and the vintage cruise still help you tour the streets. The country still proliferates in natural beauty. This vast island has over 3000 kilo meters of coastline most of which is rimmed by glistening beaches. Coral reeds dazzle in the turquoise azure waters. Here the sublime islands have played a host to presidents, inspired writers and artists from across the globe and provided the needed refuge to the revolutionaries. Given its phenomenal beauty and vast history, Cuba definitely makes for a great tourist attraction. It is also a great island for water sports lovers who can enjoy adventure activities such as as scuba diving and surfing here. Fishing too is a great thing to do here. Cuba offers such diversity and depth that can be revelled by only a few Caribbean islands. So, if you are a lover of beautiful sights, pleasant beaches and adventure pumping sports, Cuba can be your go to place.
Cuba FAQ's
Travel Advice
There are certain local rules and traditions applicable in every country, make sure you adhere to it.
Do not indulge in any fight or brawl with any individual.
Do not flaunt your valuables in a public space.
Make sure you are always alert and active.
Gather enough information about every destination you are traveling to.
Avoid undertaking a hike to an unknown destination.
Do not leave your valuables or cash in the hotel room.
Keep away from the touts.
Do not get involved in drugs of any forms.
If you come across any foreigner in torn clothes or anyone who seems suspicious to you, make sure you avoid eye contact and try and get away from that situation.
In case ever need any help, be gentle and seek help from the locals.
To better interact with the locals, it is important for you to learn few words from the local language.
Always take a room in the hotel that is known and famous.
Make sure your hotel is not located in any shady area.
Do not click pictures in an area that forbids you from taking pictures.
Do not film or shoot any area without legal permissions from the authority.
Drinking Law
Our Recommendations: What You Can’t Afford to Miss?
Guardalavaca is located in the Holguin province and is rimmed by dazzling beaches. It is remote and definitely quieter than Varadero. Snorkelers and divers, swamp the beach in large numbers to explore the vivid sea life along with the coral reef here. The lush foliage and a number of shady patches can be alluring for those seeking respite from the tropical sun. You can take a day trip from Guardalavaca. These trips will include tours of Santiago de Cuba, jungle adventures and sailing trips. On the west end of the Guardalavaca, Bahia de Naranjo envelopes a large slice of coast and three islands which includes the Cayo Naranjo with the much renowned Dolphinarium that brings forth close up encounters with the gigantic creatures.
Trinidad
Exploring the beautiful town of Trinidad is more or less like stepping back in town. It is a UNESCO world Heritage site. The cobblestone streets and beautifully restored buildings in the city evoke a quaint colonial feel. Most of the architecture of the town dates back from the 17th century to the 19th century when Trinidad prospered phenomenally from the slave and sugar trades. At present, Trinidad is the most beautiful tourist attraction of Cuba. The streets of the town are jam packed with foreigners. Travellers can experience the lively ambience of the city in the city's central square, Plaza Mayor. Towering the square stands, the Neoclassical Church of the Holy Trinity. Some of the other known highlights of the Trinidad are the Church and Monastery of Saint Francis, Palacio Brunet, Casa de Aldeman Ortiz and the Museum of Colonial Architecture.
Playa Paraíso
Cuba is a country famous for its beautiful beaches. Of these, Playa Paraíso located on the island of Cayo Largo del Sur is believed to be the best in Cuba. It has a sublime strand of powdery white sand and is brimming with blue sea. The Cayo Largo del Sur island is indeed the most popular destination for the sun seekers given its sunny climate, dry atmosphere and a number of tourist attractions that are located besides the beautiful beaches.
Cayo Coco
One of the idyllic beach destinations of Cuba is Cayo Coco. It is also one of the most isolated beaches of Cuba that has been featured several times in the Hemingway's novels. Being a part of the Jardines del Rey, the archipelago of Sabana-Camaguey, Cayo Coco is very well connected to the mainland by a bridge. However, most of the visitors come here via air. The prime attractions here are the sun splashes beaches. On the Atlantic side of the island is the Playa Los Flamencos. It is a standout with its 5 km strand of sun-bleached sand. The undeveloped and quiet, Playa Prohibidad offers a peaceful natural trail. Animal lovers can enjoy the El Baba Nature Park which is a home to crocodiles, turtles and flamingos. Bird watching too can be a great sport here. Connected by an embankment to Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo also is known for a number of beautiful beaches such as the beautiful Playa Pilar along with a number of all inclusive resorts.
Parque Nacional Vinales
Parque Nacional Vinales is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a majestic valley that is located in the Sierra de los Organos which lies north of Pinar del Rio. There are steep limestone hills here known as mogotes which cut through the valleys thereby creating a magnificent landscape. The valley floors located in the Parque Nacional Vinales are the agricultural areas here where vegetables, fruits, tobacco, etc are grown. For outdoor enthusiasts and adventure lovers, the park presents a good playground for horseback riding in the hills and hiking. In proximity to the beautiful town of Vinales is a base that offers phenomenal opportunities for you to explore the surrounding area. Tour company offer a number of day tours here from Havana.
What You Will Like There?
The beaches of Cuba are definitely the most beautiful ones in Caribbean. They are endless and sandy with crystal clear waters, white and soft sand, turquoise panorama and coral reefs. The Caribbean Sea is the ideal spot for you to relax and unwind. You can also sunbath at the beach. Adventure lovers can choose this place to snorkel. One of the best places to party on Cuba beaches is Varadero. It lies a mere 100 km east of Havana and boasts of a number of leisurely occasions right from entertainment venues to sport activities.
Cuban Coffee
The coffee that is produced in Cuba is known all across the world for its unique flavour and aroma. Further, its long lasting after taste, make it a weakness for many. The coffee plantations that are nestled on the hills of Sierra del Rosario are indeed a great place to see. It is also a great place to educate yourself about the history of coffee plantation. You can also partake in cafe cubano tasting that is served to you in small cups.
Festivals in Cuba
Brazil is not the only country that is known for its stuff when it comes to parties and celebrations, The festival calendar of Cuba is in fact packed with a number of exciting appointments such as Easter Procession in Trinidad, Carnival of Santiago and Caribbean Festival (Fiesta del Fuego). So, if your holiday to Cuba coincide with any of these festivals, make sure you go and visit them so as to best enjoy your visit.
Food and Cuisine
The culture of Cuba is more or less an amalgam of traditions such as Caribbean, African and Spanish. This is very well seen in the Cuban dishes which are actually an explosion of taste. Such a potpourri of cooking traditions has metamorphosed the dishes of Cuba. Food lovers visiting Cuba must definitely try out the lobster. However, if you are not all that hungry, you can settle with a small sandwich which is known as bocaditos here. One of the recommended restaurants here is the La Guarida which is particularly known for choicest variety of dishes.
In the footsteps of Buena Vista Social Club
Post the release of the movie Buena Vista Social Club, the Cuban salsa became even more popular. Music is always in the air in Cuba. If you stand amidst a bar listening to the music there is just no way for you to be able to stand still. You will automatically find yourself dancing to the rhythm of chachacha, merengue, salsa and bachata. Do pay a visit to the most famous Club Salseando Chevere of Havana. Its outdoor salsa restaurant that is located in the Parque Almendares boasts of a phenomenal atmosphere.
Cuba at the time of Hemingway
We all know that Havana and Cuba happened to be the favourite places of Hemingway. He actually resided here for 2 decades. There are a number of themed tours that will take the visitors to the life places of Hemingway. Do ensure that you take a visit to the "Ambos Mundos" Hotel. It is this very place where Hemingway spent several years of his life. Check out his favourite cafes and restaurants too. The striking highlights of the tour in the footsteps of Hemingway is the San Francisco de Paula’s La Finca Vigia. This happened to be the residence of the writer which has still been untouched and is still in the very way it used to be. You can take a look at it through a window.
Cuban islands
Cuba is a picturesque island that is located in the middle of the Caribbean. It conceals some of the most beautiful islands making it a great spot for relaxing, swimming and diving. Most prominent places for these water sports is Cayo Coco or Cayo Largo where the water is more or less transparent. The largest one of these is the Isla de la Juventud which is mainly known as Punta del Este. This is the most ideal location for diving and snorkelling.
The real Cuban cigars
There is no truth hidden in the fact that the world’s best cigars are manufactured in Cuba. The most prominent tobacco plantations of Cuba are located in Pinar del Rio. This is the very best place where the best tobacco is produced. Here the tobacco is rolled by hand and turned into the popular Havana cigars. A number of tobacco factories are open here for visits. These can give you a glimpse of the cigar industry of Cuba.
Cuban Rum
For those of you who are not too much of a cocktail person, Cuba might not be the most ideal place to visit. Of course you can refresh yourself with water or beer, but there is definitely no country other than Cuba where Canchanchara, Cuba Libre or Mojito taste this phenomenal. Bacardi too hails from Cuba. To relish on the perfect cocktail, you’ll also need the ideal atmosphere of a 1920s or 1930s bar, cigar and some jazz and for that, you can visit the favourite bar of Hemingway, El Floridita.
Natural parks
Cuba is a home to spectacular natural parks - Parque Nacional Pico Turquino and National Park Alejandro de Humboldt. Named after a German scientist, the Humboldt National Park is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Located in vicinity to Baracoa, the park includes the Caribbean’s tropical plants as well as its best preserved mountains ecosystems. The Cuba’s highest point on the sea level, Turquino is a part of the Gran Parque Nacional Sierra Maestra which is located amidst the Sierra Maestra. It is definitely a great place for bird watching.
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