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CUBA

Let's talk about this amazing destiny! It's not only a paradise, it has a lot of history. Where to stay? It depends on what you want to do. If you are going to be, for example, in Varadero, La Habana and visit some cayos, the recommendation is stay in an all-inclusive in Varadero, and from there move to the chosen destinations. In the all-inclusives you usually have parties and live shows if you are in the mood for fun plans at night; and you have some nightclubs in the surrounding areas (for security reasons, you have to go by car/taxi, not on foot). Maybe, if you have more days, you can add choose to sleep in another destination like Trinidad to get to know a different city and its nearby beaches. These photos are from the beach of an all-inclusive in Varadero (Sol Sirenas Coral Restoration):





What is the best time to travel? From November to April, because the so-called "dry season" takes place, with temperatures between 20ºC and 26ºC. From May to October Cuba has the rainy season, and between August and October the months with the highest hurricanes' risk. It is something to take into account, although it is safe to travel practically at any time of the year.


KEY FACTS The internet barely works. You have to pay quite a high price for it, it's slow and in general it's more available in international hotels. Which is not strange since until 2008 Cubans were not allowed to have cell phones. We are talking about a country with a centralized system, embargoed by the US to import and export and with censorship, which means that culture is not totally free. It is one of the countries in the world where Coca-Cola is not sold, for example. Two currencies are used in Cuba (and neither is a foreign currency): the Cuban peso (CUP) and the Cuban convertible peso or CUC. The Cuban economy is based on socialist principles, where the government employs most of the workforce. Until 2006, 78% of the active population was employed by the state.

Education is free at all levels. The literacy rate is 99.8% and ranks first among Latin American countries and the Caribbean in the report called 'Education for all' carried out by Unesco. All resident Cuban citizens have the right to receive assistance in all health institutions, which is free. Not only the consultation, but the complete treatment, hospitalization and even open heart operations. Also vets or dentists are free. Fun fact: Andy Garcia, one of the stars of the iconic film The Godfather, was born in Cuba.


WHAT TO DO IN CUBA?


LA HABANA

It is the capital of Cuba and, without a doubt, a must go destination. It is divided into "old" and "new" La Habana. In the old one you will find a stopped in time city, with cobblestones, sulkys and horses transporting passengers, the women in antique dresses carrying baskets on their heads, the architecture... Without a doubt, this is a city that breathes history, music, joy and a bit of nostalgia. It has a great historic center and a lot of Revolution icons, as well as a huge cultural offer. Here, you will be able to live the true essence of Cuba. Because the beaches might be impressive, but something special that this country has is its people. Habaneros carry rhythm in their blood. Friendly, charming and so warm that you feel at home. Suddenly you find yourself watching a game of chess in the street, a rumba class, a music concert that came out of nowhere... On your way there, be sure to go to the famous Malecón. It is one of the most popular and well-known images of Cuba. This great avenue has a very long wall of 8 kilometers in front of the coast of the capital and it's the meeting place for many locals. You will feel the energy of the sea, walk and contemplate the various monuments, among other things. Be sure to have a drink at "La Bodeguita del Medio"! If you can try the famous Cuban rum, even better! Famous personalities such as: Neruda, Hemingway, Mastronardi and Salvador Allende had some drinks here. You can also walk through the "Plaza Vieja", let yourself be surprised by the iconic old cars, you'll feel like you are in a movie! If you have time, you can enter the "Castillo de la Real Fuerza" and visit the City Museum.

Another fun program is to visit the "Hotel Nacional de Cuba", one of the most classic and emblematic hotels in La Habana, it is a National Monument and has been declared a Memory of the World by UNESCO. While being here, you can see a show at the "Parisién" cabaret. You can walk all of this or take the famous "COCO TAXI". Some small Coconut-shaped motorcycles.





CAYOS

You have to visit some of the "cayos" to be able to enjoy paradisiacal beaches! We recommend Cayo Coco, Cayo Blanco or Cayo Guillermo. You can do water sports, snorkel, tours to the incredible coral reefs, swim with dolphins or just relax. If you are in an all-inclusive, check out at the lobby because they will surely have tour packages to take you there.




SENDERISMO

If you like this type of activity, Cuba has a mountainous interior ideal for excursions. One of the best areas is "Pinar Del Río" (besides the famous "Sierra Maestra"). You can get into the "Viñales" Valley on a full-day route where you will be able to see how tobacco is grown in the traditional way. It all depends on the time you have.





TRINIDAD

To get to know a special place, you can visit Trinidad; where life is strongly linked to the countryside. You will see many horses strolling through the streets of this colonial city. You can also explore the valley, the trails in the shade of mango trees or the "El Pilón" waterfall. Take a bathing suit and towel to be able to bathe in the natural pool that lays under the waterfall. In addition, music flows from every corner, it is one of the most beautiful villas on the entire island. It is called "the museum city of Cuba" because of the colonial palaces and its cobbled streets. Surrounded by imposing mountains, it was founded in 1514 and has been an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988 thanks to some buildings such as the "Museo Histórico Municipal" or the "Arquitectura Trinitaria" museum, which surround the charming main square. You're going to love it! If you are in the mood for a beach, you have "Playa Ancón" very close. You can organize your itinerary to sleep here for a few days and be able to visit everything that is close to you! Because from Varadero by car it is 4 hours away.




BAHÍA DE COCHINOS

If you like history, be sure to go to this famous bay where the famous military operation took place, in which a troop of Cuban exiles, supported by the US, invaded Cuba in '61. From Varadero you are 2/3 hours away.


From Trinidad it is the same distance.


It is known for its impressive beaches:





PLAYA LARGA

You can find it in the extreme northeast and it is considered one of the best in Cuba, there are usually less people and it is an ideal place for snorkeling and diving, with 13 direct immersion points. If you like nature, the International Bird Observation Center and the central office of the "Ciénaga de Zapata" National Park are located here. In general, in the bay you can see birds, protected animals and plant species, a unique ecosystem with more than 1,000 botanical families and the largest population of Cuban crocodiles. That being said, if you want to see crocodiles, go to "Boca de Guamá", the largest crocodile farm in Cuba.


You can also take a boat to the "Laguna del Tesoro", a place with a lot of history. They say that when the Spanish conquerers arrived in Cuban territory, the natives ran to throw their wealth into the water so that they would not take it away. Legend has it that they were left in this space about four meters deep and 16 kilometers long.



PLAYA GIRÓN

The southern limit of the bay. You can dive in its turquoise waters and visit a war museum.


Halfway between this and the beach, you will find kind of a 40 meters deep cenote with a great variety of fish, coral banks and colonies of lobsters, crabs and barracudas. It is known as the "Cueva de los Peces", which arose from the partial collapse of one of the caves' roof that meander along the coast. Finally, two other destinations to visit in the bay: "Punta Perdiz" and "Caleta Buena", 10 and 8 kilometers respectively from "Playa Girón". Both with crystal clear waters in intense celestial tones, which Cubans can presume of.




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