Highlights of Cuba

When you have booked a package deal to an all inclusive resort you can skip this page, however ... you can also read what you will miss :) Making a plan or itinerary for your upcoming trip to Cuba is difficult. To help you a little bit we've created this page to show you the highlights of Cuba. Below the most popular areas and cities of Cuba for people who want to travel around by rental car or Viazul bus

 

Havana Havana is probably the most splendid example of Spanish colonial architecture in Latin America. Much of the historic centre has been carefully restored. The absence of the outward manifestations of international commerce - advertising billboards, burger chains, neon lights - helps create a subtle and haunting atmosphere missing in the other capitals of the Spanish colonial domain. Museums, forts and lively squares add to the attraction Havana City

 

Trinidad Trinidad is a small and peaceful city located between the sea and a range of rolling verdant hills. It pays homage to an illustrious past by remaining perfectly preserved since colonial times. There are fine churches and red-tiled mansions lining the cobbled streets, many of which are open to visitors. To savour the richness of this culture, visit the half-dozen museums or music clubs (casas de la trova), or a cigar factory whilst staying at nearby Playa Ancón. Trinidad

 

Varadero The resort of Varadero, some 32 km NE of Matanzas, is the closest you'll get to finding Miami Beach in Cuba. If you are looking for a straightforward beach holiday in a good modern hotel with cable TV, air-conditioning, a pool and a jacuzzi, then this is the place for you. The seas are warm and crystal blue - and it is one of the few places in Cuba where women can sunbathe topless. Varadero

 

Viñales Around Viñales, in the western province of Pinar del Rio, are a unique string of rounded limestone mountains called mogotes; in their shadows are the lush green fields that produce the world's finest tobacco leaves, the dream of cigar connoisseurs from Paris to New York. Vinales

 

Cienfuegos Cienfuegos City is called "The Pearl of the South" because of the impressive beauty of its bay; because of its seductive city which provokes the wonder of all who know it, and because of that innate nobility which characterizes those born in Cienfuegos. The history of Cienfuegos possesses interesting antecedents and is rich in aborigine and Hispanic legends. Before the Spanish came to America, the zone was settled by indigenous people and was known as the Cacicazgo de Jagua Cienfuegos

 

Santiago de Cuba Nestled alongside a sweeping bay at the foothills of the Sierra Maestra mountains, Santiago is Cuba's most exotic and ethnically diverse city. Santiago is renowned for producing much of Cuba's most important music, and this rich musical tradition, mingled with the remnants of French customs, gives the city a sensual, even sleazy, New Orleans-like atmosphere. Santiago de Cuba

 

Baracoa Baracoa is a land of great rainfall and many rivers. The lush vegetation, the high mountains covered with long-lived forest, the customs that have been handed down from one generation to another and the appearance of a town that has remained unchanged over a long time are, undoubtly, key ingredients in the special attraction of this tiny city on the shores of Miel (Honey) Bay. Baracoa

 

Beaches

Cuban beaches are sparkling and unlittered - hotels are not luxurious but seldom blot the shoreline. The bright turquoise waters of the Caribbean, often fringed with palm groves, do not disappoint. The visitor can choose between the isolated and unstructured charms of Las Brujas and the island of Cayo Levisa, or a more sophisticated resort such as Playa Ancon, close to Trinidad.

More about the Cuba Beaches

Cuba beach hotels

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Rural Cuba

Alongside the plantations of tobacco, sugar cane or pineapples, rural Cuba - with its tranquil, bucolic lifestyle - rewards the visitor with some gorgeous mountain scenery. Close to Viñales in the west is a dramatic landscape of sheer limestone monoliths, fertile valleys and underground waterways. The historically significant Sierra Maestra, where Castro and his fellow rebels plotted revolution, offers fine hiking in forested hills in the east. You can see rural Cuba by bike and take in both coastal and mountainous scenery.

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Nature

Zapata Peninsula
The best-known of Cuba's wildlife havens, the Zapata Peninsula, 156 km southeast of Havana, is a refuge for many bird and animal species. The scenery is spectacular: flamingos swoop across the milky lagoons, and crocodiles meander out across the dirt roads. The entire region is now a nature reserve.

Sierra Del Escambray
The majestic Sierra del Escambray is Cuba's second most famous mountain range after the Sierra Maestra in the Oriente, with its highest peak - the Pico San Juan - topping 1,100 metres. Some of the heaviest rainfall in Cuba feeds the Escambray's lush jungle, where trees are laden with bromeliads and delicate waterfalls greet you at every turn; look out for the giant umbrella-like ferns, a prehistoric species.

Sierra Maestra Mountains To experience fully the rugged beauty of the southeastern mountains, the best base is the Villa Santo Domingo, in the hills south of the road linking Bayamo and Manzanillo on the coast. Guides accompany visitors to the area through the wilderness and lead hikes up Cuba's highest mountain, Pico Turquino (1,970 metres), 16 km away. The trail is exciting and beautiful: between outcroppings of mineral and volcanic rocks, deep green conifers stand alongside precious cedar, mahogany and trumpetwood trees.

Escambray Mountains
... or massif of Guamuhaya: mountain range that is characterized by steep peaks and deep valleys, the exuberance of vegetation, endemism of species of flora and fauna, cave systems, beautiful landscapes, pure and transparent rives and streams that make up picturesque waterfalss and crystalline ponds. The visit to this mountains also allow to know about the rural life associated to the growing of coffee and other agricultural activities.

Escambray Mountains

 

 

Cuba Traveler's Information for US Citizens

 

Cuba for US Citizens Americans are for all intents and purposes, not allowed to travel to Cuba. Heavy fines are being imposed and at a much greater frequency under the Bush administration. If you yet didn't, please check out the OFAC website OFAC Website

 

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OK fine ... how do I go to Cuba? (for US citizens)

"When unlicensed travelers go to Cuba from the US they normally have to go through a third country. You will frequently see this referred to as the "Gateway" on various boards. The most common gateways to Cuba for unlicensed US travelers are Toronto, Montreal, Nassau (Bahamas), Cancun and Mexico City, and less frequently used Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) and Montego Bay. In my opinion Mexico and in particular Cancun are the gateways that offer the least risk of detection I say that because:

** Unlike Canada and the Bahamas, a traveller leaving from Mexico does not pre-clear US Customs and Immigration. You will not clear Customs/Immigration until you arrive back in the US. In Canada and the Bahamas you will go through US Customs and Immigration at the airport in Toronto, Montreal or Nassau.

** Cancun is the most popular destination for US tourists in the Caribbean. There is absolutely no reason why US Customs/Immigration would suspect you have been anywhere else but Cancun.

You can book your hotel and flight in/to Cuba through the Junky websites with your US credit card without any risk. 
Your credit card receipt will state nothing about Cuba or whatever.

You should take the following steps in traveling back/forth:

- Enter Mexico from the US

- Mexico does not stamp passports on exit, although you will need a passport to enter Cuba.

- Cuban Immigration does not stamp the passport at the present time, so do not worry about a Cuban stamp.

- When you arrive back in Mexico from Cuba you will probably have to present your passport. The entry stamp that is placed there should be the only stamp you receive on your trip. Some people recommend presenting the passport with a $10 bill inside to avoid the Mexican entry stamp.

- After you arrive in Mexico make sure you strip all HAV luggage tags from you checked baggage.

- Throw away your Cuban tickets, boarding passes and any other paper evidence of your Cuban trip.

- Do not list Cuba as a Country visited on the Customs Declaration form.

- Do not bring back any high profile Cuban souvenirs like cigars, rum, t-shirts.

The fine by the way if you are unlucky or careless enough to get caught can be negotiated down to $1000 or less.

 

 

Travel Documents For a US citizen

Passport (US related)
Make no mistake about it ... you need a "valid" passport to get into Cuba. Whereas in some countries you can get in with a US birth certificate (Mexico, Canada) or even an expired passport (Bahamas), you will NOT be admitted into Cuba with these credentials. Make sure its valid and current.
Passport Stamping - Fortunately, the Cubans know that returning to the US with a Cuba stamp can be trouble if you're not there with a General or Specific License from OFAC. It used to be that if you slipped the immigration official a $5 or $10 with your passport, it was no problem. However, now there are posted signs in the Immigration Department discouraging such practices. 
Either way, the best thing to do is smile, say something nice then ask them in Spanish to please not stamp your passport. "Por favor, no empuje mi pasaporte" should do fine. This is still no guarantee that they won't however.

Holy crap ... they stamped my passport! (US related) 
Immediately wire home and have them send you enough money to hide out in Cuba for the rest of your life!! You will need to ... just kidding.
If you check the OFAC papers (see link on navigation panel), I'm sure you'll probably find a sanctioned way to go and not have to worry about it. If not, the chances of actually being assessed a fine are pretty remote anyway. 
If you feel the need to bypass the system and go anyway, well ...
CAREFUL: Lying to an Immigration Official is a Federal Offense. If you lie, you'll probably get through. Then again, if they decide to question you, well ...
If you tell them the truth, they'll probably just wave you on through. However, if not, read the above OFAC section.
If you get through, there's always that stamped passport you have to contend with. Again, the absolute best way to go about it is under the OFAC guidelines. A little reading can go a long way.

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Visa / Tourist card

Cuban rules say: you have to book an accommodation for the first night. If you booked a flight, no accommodation and ready to fill in your visa, this visa will ask you in which hotel you are staying ... fill in any address of a hotel or casa particular and look real innocent going through customs. The experience tells, it is also ok to fill in an address of a licensed casa particular. However, if customs has a strict day they can demand to book a hotel, if you didn't, they will make a reservation for you. 
You can buy your tourist card at the airport of you departure to Cuba.

 

 

 

CUBA 
Go there and FEEL this country!

I've heard somebody say ...

"Unbelievable!
In this country there is no gasoline, but cars are all over the road... 
There`s no food, but everybody is cooking dinner ...
They have no money, but everybody is dancing and drinking rum.

Do Cuba on your own, it's easy!

Lots of tourists go on a package deal to areas such as Varadero, Jardines del Rey (Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo) or Holguin and stay in an all inclusive hotel resort. My best advice to you is to travel around the country, stay one day in a hotel and the other in a Casa Particular where you will be a guest in a Cuban family's home. Hire a car or take the Viazul Bus, whatever, Cuba is easy to do on your own and much cheaper when you arrange it yourself, trust me ;)
Have dinner in the Paladares, talk to the Cuban people, mingle with the locals and feel ... La Vida Cubana

Information about Cuba

Besides all the info we collected over more than 10 years about cities, provinces, you will also find the most important matters on what to know before you go to Cuba:

- The Cuba First Timers Information is a must read
- The a Cuba FAQ page (frequently asked questions) as well a must read
- When you have the two above, you are ready to start reading the Cuba travel information page

Scuba Diving

You want to dive in the blue Cuban sea. Check out where to go

Accommodations

- And of course check out and book you accommodation in Cuba. Read the do and donts about hundreds of Casas Particulares
- You prefer a hotel in Cuba? They are also listed in this website and easy to book within a few minutes with instant confirmation.

Transportation

Need a flight to Cuba or a domestic flight in Cuba? It's all possible at Cuba-Junky
To know how to go around Cuba you must visit and read our Cuba Transportation page, it will tell you all about distances, the bus, trains, car rental in Cuba and much more.

Guide Books

Many travelers use a Cuba guide book on location such as the Lonely Planetor Moon

Beach

What is Cuba without it's beaches? Curious where you have to pamper yourself on a stunning white beach with a view on a bright turquoise bue sea? We have them all listed

History & Culture

And of course, what is Cuba without its history and culture. Short and longer info about Che Guevara, Ernest Hemingway, the Missile Crisis and even along explanation about the colorful people of Cuba; Black Cuba, and much more.

Budget

Ah you have a small budget ... no worries check out our Cuba on a budget page

Gadgets

Cuba-Junky also has it's own Cuba store designs and graphics designed by ourselves, so unique t-shirts, bags and many other wanna-haves for the real Cuba-Junky

 

Enjoy this huge Cuba information website to prepare your trip and have fun in Cuba

 

 

CUBA FAQ's

 

Isn't Cuba a dangerous country?

Actually, Cuba has the lowest crime rate in the Western Hemisphere! You will be surprised by the visible police presence in Cuba. They are there specifically to protect and help tourists. 
Foreign currency and/or convertible pesos (CUC) are vital to their economy, they bend over backwards to make sure everyone has a safe and pleasant stay.
Although, be aware of your belongings in cities like Havana and Santiago de Cuba just like in every capital city

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Do they have Internet & E-mail access in Cuba?

Yes

It is rare, however, for ordinary Cubans to have internet access. 
Almost all hotels have at least 1 or 2 computers to go on the internet for foreigners. 
In the touristic areas there also are internet "cafés" from Etecsa the Cuban telephone/internet provider.
Forget about uploading pictures because the Cuban internet is very slow, about 56 Kbs if you are lucky. Also using USB sticks is 99% not possible.

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The Caribbean is so expensive ... how much will does Cuba cost?

First of all, in comparison with other Caribbean islands Cuba isn't expensive. You can not compare Cuba with the mainland of any country in specific not with prices in Asia.
For the price of a hotel room on most other islands in the caribbe, all of your daily expenses will be covered in Cuba. Your airfare will be your most expensive single item.
I find that CUC 75 - 100 is typically more than enough for a casa, food, transportation and "incidentals". 
Low budget travelers can do with 50 cuc per day.

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What is the best time to go to Cuba, and what is the cheapest period?

March, April October and November are the months with the nicest weather and less rain. 
The high season in Cuba is July / August
Peak Season is December / January/ February (Canadians)
Hurricane season is from June 1 till November 30
For a more detailed weather info check out the General Info page

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Do I need a Visa and a passport?

Yes and yes

Cuba will give you a visa / tourist card, however, you must acquire the visa before you arrive. 
You can accomplish this by contacting the nearest Cuban Embassy or Consulate in your country, except for citizens of the USA, whom will be issued a visa onboard their flights to Cuba.

Passports
Ensure that your passport has at least 6 months left till it expires, calculated from your departure date ...

More about the do's and don'ts in the "Vamos" page

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They told me I need to a book an hotel, but I want to stay in a Casa Particular?

Cuban unwritten rules say: you have to book a hotel for the first night. 
If you only booked a flight you must fill in your visa, the old version of the visa will ask you in which hotel you are staying ... fill in any address of a hotel and look really innocent going through customs ... 
The experience tells, it is also ok to fill in any address of a licensed casa particular. However ... IF customs has a strict day they can demand to book a hotel, if you didn't they will make a reservation for you.

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Yikes!! I don't speak Spanish... !!!

Some Spanish is a definite plus. I suggest you learn a few simple phrases.
However, many Cubans speak English and many of the people we will be in contact with speak English very well also. Cubans are very patient, don't worry, they will wait for you to find the right word.

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What about electricity?

Electricity Cuba has 110 volt, some more luxury hotels also 220. Socket is as shown at the picture.

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What about money? and can I use my credit card?

Sure ... as long as it's not drawn on an American bank. Unfortunately, it's part of the US embargo restrictions on Cuba. No US travelers cheques either. Americans have to carry cash. 
Fortunately, almost all hotels have safes in the room. As for casa particulares; mostly they are to trust, because the owners of a casa are to frightened to loose their licensee because something "bad" happened with a tourist in their home.

Cuba-Junky does not recommend to use ATM's in Cuba. There are some of these machines but also stories of travelers with bad experiences ... an ATM machine in a bad mood can swallow your card, and it won't be Cuba when somebody is there to help you get it back :)

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I hear many prescription drugs are not available in Cuba ... what if I get sick?

Cuban doctors are known throughout Latin America as the best trained doctors in the region. However, they do lack many of the bare necessities that we expect. "Tourist Pharmacies" DO stock many prescription drugs. Nevertheless, I suggest bringing with you antibiotics, aspirin, band-aids, anything you may need for personal hygiene, etc. just in case. Besides, they make great gifts for the Cubans when you leave.

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Can I travel on my own or do I have to make a tour reservation?

You can travel through Cuba on your own, however, sometimes it can be a bit of an adventure but that's why we travel for right? ;).
You can rent a car, grab a by bus, train, domestic flight, arrange a transfer or taxi on llocation, or just hitch hike.

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I'm a woman traveling alone. Is Cuba a safe place to travel for me?

Yes! No problem ... but don't fall in love :) And don't go down dark streets at night, the same streets you wouldn't go in in your own hometown, and just be careful while hitch hiking. Hitch hiking should be considered as a last resort.
Personally, yes I am female too, in the bigger cities like Havana I take a taxi when I go out at night. Ask the taxi driver to wait until you close the door of your home behind you ... they will :)
Smaller towns like Trinidad or Vinales are safe at night time for female travelers, you can just walk home.

Use you female instinct!

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What are the best places to visit in Cuba?

General
Well Havana, Trinidad, Vinales, Santiago de Cuba, Baracoa, at least, is the opinion of Cuba-Junky.

Nature
For nature or eco tours go to Baracoa, Vinales, Topes de Collantes (Escambray), Granma Province (Siera Maestra Mountains)

Beach
If you want to go into a resort relaxing at the beach: Varadero, Jardines del Rey (Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo), Guardalavaca.

Scuba Diving
Maria La Gorda is best but there are many other diving areas around Cuba.

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Can you rent a bike or scooter in Cuba?

Yes, lots of hotels in resort areas have bikes for you to rent or otherwise outside of the hotel in the resort area.

As for other places ...

For bike rent Havana, this is the address: 
Edificio Metropolitano, San Juan de Dios esg. Aguacate, Habana Vieja 
Tel: +53 7 860 8532
Costs about 12 cuc a day.

Ask the owner of your casa particular, lots of times they have bikes available to enjoy the surroundings

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Can you play golf in Cuba?

Yes, in Varadero and Havana, both 9 holes golf courses. 
But do not compare Cuba with real golf destinations like the Dominican Republic or Jamaica.

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Where can I have a cheap and decent dinner?

The best dinners you will have at the Casa Particular you are staying or at a Paladar

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What's the best way to travel around Cuba?

Rent a car, take the Viazul Bus, and by domestic flight

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What and where are the best nightlife places to go in Cuba?

Many, but the best to enjoy life music all around Cuba are the Casa de la Trova's, located in almost every city around Cuba.

 

 

 

Polos y destinos turísticos de Cuba tropical

Polos y destinos turísticos de Cuba tropical

 

Principales regiones y zonas turísticas. Lugares de mayor atractivo para los visitantes y turistas por su belleza y encanto natural. Playas, paisajes caribeños, turismo de naturaleza, instalaciones hoteleras y ciudades coloniales.

 

Cuba es toda una maravilla por sus condiciones naturales, sus atractivos como país tropical y su clima.
Pese a eso por diversas razones no figura entre los países más demandados en turismo de naturaleza, aunque cada vez son más personas las que se interesan y desean visitar este país.
Incluso sus propios habitantes no conocen ni han visitado los principales lugares de interés, situación que va cambiando lentamente.
En este sencillo artículo resumimos los principales polos turísticos del país, los más famosos, de interés para visitantes nacionales o extranjeros.
En otra página algo similar mencionamos los lugares más interesantes y encantadores de Cuba, muchos de ellos poco conocidos y promocionados.

Regiones y zonas turísticas de Cuba

En el país existen varias zonas turísticas bien delimitadas con condiciones e infraestructura que permite a los visitantes sentirse a gusto y cada una con lugares cercanos relacionados.
Se diferencian las zonas de turismo de ciudad y turismo de naturaleza, esta última opción cada vez más demandada.
Los principales polos turísticos ordenados por su importancia y tamaño son los siguientes:

 

La Habana, el principal destino turístico

La Ciudad de la Habana recibe el grueso de los visitantes extranjeros que llega al país. 
Posee aeropuerto, gran cantidad de hoteles, villas y sitios de alojamiento, pero el principal destino por el que sienten interés los que arriban a la ciudad, es la zona histórica de la Habana Vieja.
El Centro Histórico de la Habana Vieja, declarado Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO, es la parte más antigua de la ciudad.

El Bar Floridita y la Calle Obispo en la Habana Vieja.

Gran parte de sus edificaciones coloniales, parques, fortalezas se han restaurado y es una verdadera una joya arquitectónica, en los que los visitantes se sienten transportados al pasado.

La Playa Varadero

Varadero es el principal balneario del país.
Situada a lo largo de la península de Hicacos en la provincia de Matanzas, la playa posee condiciones naturales ideales y es considerada una de las más hermosas del mundo.

Entrada a la Playa Varadero la mejor de Cuba y una de las más famosas del mundo.

Posee una gran red hotelera para asimilar el enorme número de visitantes naturales y extranjeros.
Lee en otro artículo más información detallada: La playa Varadero, atracciones turísticas, hoteles y sitios de interés
Cerca de Varadero se encuentran otros sitios de interés de la zona, que a veces se incluyen en las excursiones como las Cuevas de Bellamar, exponente de la topografía cársica caribeña y las Cuevas de Saturno, una piscina natural subterránea.

 

 

 

Jardines del Rey

Jardines del Rey es el nombre de una extensa cayeria que se extiende a lo largo de la costa norte de las provincias de Villa Clara, Santi Espíritus y Ciego de Ávila.
En él se encuentran los famosos Cayo Santa María, Cayo Coco y Cayo Guillermo.
Es una región con condiciones naturales idóneas para el turismo de naturaleza y prácticamente virgen, debido a la usencia de asentamientos poblacionales por su aislamiento durante largos años.
Posee hermosas playas en algunas de las cuales se han creado villas y hoteles, teniendo en cuenta no afectar el entorno natural.
No obstante la inmensa mayoría del territorio esta sin explotar.
Actualmente los principales cayos e islotes están enlazados mediante pedraplenes (carreteras sobre el mar). Además poseen su propio aeropuerto.
En Cayo Santa María que está enlazado con la ciudad de Caibarien por un pedraplen, se destacan los hoteles Ensenachos Iberostar, Hotel Cayo Santa María, Hotel Melia Buenavista, Hotel Melia Cayo Santa María, Hotel Melia Las Dunas, Hotel Sol Cayo Santa María, todos de 4 y 5 estrellas.
En Cayo Coco y Cayo Guillermo a los que se accede desde la ciudad de Morón, se encuentran los hoteles Colonial Cayo Coco, Hotel Melia Cayo Coco, Hotel Iberostar Mojito, Hotel Playa Coco, Hotel Sol Cayo Coco, Hotel Tryp Cayo Coco, Hotel Melia Cayo Guillermo, Hotel Iberostar Daiquiri, Hotel Sol Cayo Guillermo, todos de 4 y 5 estrellas.

 

Playas en la costa norte de Holguín

El litoral norte de la provincia de Holguín en la parte oriental del país, es una zona con hermosas y maravillosas playas.
La belleza de los fondos marinos hace de esta zona un destino formidable para los amantes del buceo y los deportes náuticos.
Entre las playas se destacan Guardalavaca (anotada en el diario del navegante Cristóbal Colón) en Banes.
Playa Esmeralda y Playa Pesquero, las dos en Rafael Freyre.
Cerca, a la entrada de la Bahía de Nipe se encuentra Cayo Saetía.
La zona cuenta con los lujosos hoteles Brisas Guardalavaca, Hotel Paradisus Rio de Oro, Hotel Blau Costa Verde, Hotel Playa Pesquero, Hotel Sol Rio Deluna y Mares y Hotel Cayo Saetia, todos de 4 y 5 estrellas.

Cayo Largo del Sur

En el extremo oriental del Archipiélago de Los Canarreos, grupo de islas en el Mar Caribe al sur de Cuba, sobresale un cayo de origen coralino en forma de barra llamado Cayo Largo del Sur.
Es un clásico sitio caribeño con cocoteros, playas de finas arenas blancas y aguas azules.
Es el lugar de Cuba preferido para el buceo y la exploración subacuática ya que posee el atractivo de varios galeones hundidos y hermosos fondos submarinos.
Se menciona para promocionar el destino que es la única isla de Todo Incluido del mundo.
Destacan los hoteles LindaMar, Hotel Playa Blanca, Hotel Sol Cayo Largo y el Hotel Sol Pelicano, todos de 4 estrellas.

 

Trinidad

Trinidad es una antigua ciudad colonial fundada en 1515, declarada Patrimonio de la Humanidad.
Se conserva cuidadosamente el estilo colonial de las casas, calles y edificaciones, lo que hacen a esta ciudad única.
Se suma a los encantos de Trinidad los sitios que le rodean: El Valle de los Ingenios, la Playa Ancón a pocos kilómetros al sur y Topes de Collantes al oeste, en la cima del Escambray.
Posee los hoteles: Gran Hotel Iberostar Trinidad, Hotel Brisas Trinidad del Mar (Ancon), Hotel Kurthotel (Topes de Collantes), todos de 4 y 5 estrellas.

 

Cienfuegos

Cienfuegos llamada la Perla del Sur es una bella y limpia ciudad al sur y centro de Cuba que atrae gran cantidad de visitantes.
Posee su propio centro histórico debidamente conservado, además fortalezas y edificaciones coloniales.
Se encuentra en una bahía en forma de bolsa con hermosas playas al sur y muy cerca la cordillera del Escambray con sitios naturales fabulosos, como el famoso Nicho.
Destaca su hermoso Jardín Botánico y el Delfinario.
Hay varios hoteles y sitios de alojamiento en la ciudad y cerca de ella, entre ellos: el Hotel Casa Verde, Hotel Jagua y Hotel La Unión, de 4 y 5 estrellas.

 

Pinar del Rio

En la Provincia de Pinar del Rio, la más occidental de Cuba, destacan tres destinos turísticos: Viñales, Soroa y Las Terrazas.

El Valle de Viñales
El Valle de Viñales es un sitio paradisiaco entre la Sierra de los Órganos. Se caracteriza por poseer unas formaciones montañosas únicas en la Isla, llamadas mogotes.
Fue declarado por la UNESCO Patrimonio de la Humanidad, en la categoría de Paisaje Cultural. Además posee la condición de Monumento Nacional.
Posee los hoteles: Hotel Los Jazmines, Hotel La Ermita y Hotel Rancho San Vicente, todos de 3 estrellas.
Destaca en el lugar el Mirador de Los Jazmines, el Mural de la Prehistoria y la Cueva del Indio con un rio subterráneo que se recorre en lanchas.
En las excursiones de verano se incluye una visita a Cayo Jutías, playa distante 60 km del lugar.


Soroa
El Orquideario de Soroa se encuentra en la Sierra del Rosario y es considerado el paraíso de las orquídeas.

El Castillo de las Nubes en Soroa, al fondo la Sierra del Rosario.

Para alojamiento esta la opción del Hotel Villa Soroa (3 estrellas) y varias viviendas particulares con buen confort.

Las Terrazas
El Parque Las Terrazas con características similares a Soroa es un sitio encantador para los amantes de la naturaleza. Posee el Hotel Moka (4 estrellas).
Estos últimos dos lugares ya no pertenecen a la provincia Pinar del Rio, pero se consideran históricamente de esta zona.

 

Santiago de Cuba

Santiago es la segunda ciudad en importancia del país.
Posee varios lugares de interés para el turismo, destacando el Parque Baconao.
También cerca de la ciudad se encuentra el Santuario del Cobre, el Jardín de los Helechos.
Santiago posee los hoteles Melia Santiago y Hotel Casagranda y el Hotel Sierra Mar-Los Galeones en Baconao, de 5 y 4 estrellas.

 

Playas al norte de Camagüey

La costa norte de la provincia de Camagüey posee hermosas playas entre las que destaca la famosa playa Santa Lucía.
Posee los hoteles Brisas Santa Lucia, Hotel Caracol, Hotel Mayanabo y el Hotel Club Santa Lucia, de 3 y 4 estrellas.

 

Gran Parque Península de Zapata

En la parte sur de la provincia de Matanzas se encuentra el Parque Nacional Ciénaga de Zapata.
Es el mayor humedal de Cuba, Reserva de la Biosfera y Sitio Ramsar, alberga varios sitios de interés turístico. 
Uno de ellos es Guama, un proyecto que recrea una aldea aborigen en medio de una laguna llamada La Laguna del Tesoro. Se accede en lanchas rápidas a través de un canal.
Actualmente la instalación está muy deteriorada, se trabaja en su restauración.
Existen varias playas, entre ellas playas Girón y Playa Larga, las dos con instalaciones hoteleras.
Otros sitios con condiciones naturales idóneas para la práctica del snorkeling, el buceo y la exploración submarina son: Caleta Buena, La Cueva de los Peces y Punta Perdiz.

Playa Caleta, playa al sur de la Ciénaga de Zapata con arrecifes coralinos, donde nadar rodeado de peces.

 

Por qué seguimos a flote?

 

Hace ya casi 15 años desde que empezamos a anunciar casas particulares en Cuba. En aquellos momentos la internet en Cuba era prácticamente inexistente, era todo un reto a nuestra paciencia y a nuestros deseos de emprender un negocio que pintaba bien. Sin ser una Agencia de viajes, servíamos como un enlace entre los propietarios y los inquilinos en potencia. Siempre tuvimos una cosa en mente, ser fieles tanto a los propietarios como a los futuros clientes. Nuestro trabajo se beneficiaba de comisiones que recibíamos de los propietarios. Relativo a nuestro servicio, decíamos en nuestras webs: No hay pagos online, estos son directamente a los propietarios de las casas, una vez que arribe a esta, de modo que el servicio de cara al visitante era gratis. También decíamos que toda la información y los precios son dados directamente por los propietarios de las casas. Jamás usamos su información con otro fin que no sea el de tramitar su reserva con el propietario de la casa. Y hasta hoy nada de esto ha cambiado, lo que si ha cambiado es que hemos mejorado nuestro servicio, pues ya conocemos a cada uno de los propietarios que anunciamos, que tenemos una excelente comunicación con ellos. Que ya tenemos servicio de recogida en el aeropuerto, que rara vez tenemos un overbooking.

 

En nuestros trámites de reservas no hay dinero por medio, lo único que media en nuestras reservas es la palabra y se dice simple, pero que cosa más importante que nuestra palabra, de una parte, nuestra comunicación con el propietario, que debe asegurarnos que su habitación estará guardada para su llegada y de la otra la seguridad de que usted se presentará ese día. Estamos muy satisfechos con las dos partes y tal ves el principal problema que tenemos es que una mínima parte las personas no se presentan en la fecha pactada y lo que si es más problemático es que no nos avisen a nosotros ni a los propietarios. Por supuesto, también hay que los visitantes llegan a la casa y la habitación no está guardada. En los dos casos cada vez es menos y trabajamos fuertemente para erradicar esto y principalmente logrando una comunicación muy efectiva con los visitantes una vez que estén en suelo cubano.

 

A día de hoy?

Hoy han llegado poderosos ofreciendo servicios de prepago a los propietarios, dándole oportunidad a los propietarios que suban los precios a valores inimaginables, este es el caso de airbnb y de Agencias de viajes. Toda una variedad de facilidades para los propietarios y pa los visitantes. A pesar de que hemos visto reducido nuestro trabajo a niveles bajos, hemos podido comprobar que seguimos sintiendo que tenemos muchos que siguen confiando en nuestro trabajo, en nuestra seriedad y en el compromiso con las dos partes, por un lado los propietarios y por el otro los visitantes en potencia.

 

Nuestro punto débil?

Si, tenemos muchos, pero el que más nos golpea es el acceso a internet, que sigue siendo brutalmente caro: 1,50 cuc por una hora de conexión a internet, la mayoría de las veces lenta, que pierdes más tiempo esperando algo que haciendo algo.

Por eso que acudamos con frecuencia a ustedes pidiendo visitas y que nos comenten de nuestros servicios, de las webs, que accedan desde sus móviles para probar cosas que hemos hecho, en fin, mil historias.

Siempre tenemos sus valiosos y aceptados comentarios, gracias siempre, por ser tan amables.

A pesar de las dificultades que tenemos con el acceso a internet, con el equipamiento, con el número de personas que hacemos este trabajo, jamás nos hemos planteado dejarlo, nos sentimos comprometidos con este trabajo y deseosos de hacer de Cuba un destino de excelencia y sobretodo, que lo puedas hacer sin por ti mismo.

Nos vemos en alguna parte de la cima, pues no vamos a parar, ni ustedes ni nosotros hasta llegar.

¿Por qué alojarse en una casa particular?

Es mucho más barato que alojarse en un hotel.

 

Te permite conocer de primera mano cómo se vive en Cuba.

 

Puedes contar con los dueños de las casas para que te indiquen lugares que visitar o actividades que no aparecen en las guías turísticas.

 

Muchas de las casas ofrecen comidas y cenas que son mejores que las que puedes encontrar en los restaurantes.

 

Los anfitriones te darán consejos prácticos sobre cómo evitar ciertas áreas de la ciudad o estar alerta ante posibles estafas.

 

Si te alojas durante una estancia larga o si tienes una afinidad especial con la familia, te empezarán a tratar como a un buen amigo e incluso como un miembro más de la familia.

 

Para impregnarse de historia reciente: Charlar con los dueños de una casa sobre la Revolución o política enriquecerá tu punto de vista y es una manera fantástica de descubrir aspectos que los libros de texto no cuentan.

 

Estás ayudando a pequeños emprendedores cubanos a sacar adelante su negocio.

 

Puedes conocer a otros viajeros como tú que también se alojen en la casa.

 

 

  Yosvany

 

  (0053) 53 112562 

( (0053) 45 987552

http://www.casasdealquilerencuba.com

http://www.tour4cuba.com

http://www.alquilerencuba.com

http://www.alquilerencuba.xyz

 

    

 

Only by walking you can find your way.

 

Día de las madres

Madre        

 

Eres la  joya preciada,

madre de mi corazón,

eres la rosa temprana

de un rosal lleno de amor.

 

Eres rocío que refresca

la mañana calurosa,

eres la flor más amada

por todos, la más hermosa.

 

Eres canto y eres risa

que adornas cada mañana,

eres perfume de brisa

de los lirios que la baña.

 

 

Felices somos contigo,

madre  de amor y dolor.

Felices te deseamos

con todo amor y razón.