#2 Hours - Havana Classic car Tour

[tetrisfinished]

CUBA 2023

okay so here we go! cuba 2023 trip recorded here so i don't forget! (or rather, when i do forget, i can come back here and recall :p)

JAN 11TH, 2023 - arrived at the airport at 3:30 am for our 6:15 am flight only to find out it had been pushed an hour. esa didn't sleep since leaving the house until bedtime that night and let me tell ya....sleepy toddlers are even LESS fun than fully well rested toddlers! when we arrived it was around 2:30 pm and check in was actually at 4 pm. but we requested an earlier check in and luckily were able to get a room right away! we had dinner - our first experience with the food. and then basically crashed in bed. i actually ended up going outside and catching a nighttime pool show which was super cool!

JAN 12TH, 2023 - my 32nd birthday! we spent the daytime at the beach! and in the eveninga after we showered and got dressed in non swim clothes, we took a ride on the hop on hop off bus that goes through varadero city. we hopped on but didn't really hop off - that was the extent of our outing - just to see what it was we might be experiencing. it was a nice sunny day and of course we went to the top level and had the wind in our hair. it was perfect. at night we went to the buffet where esa found a cat and fell in love with it. also that was the blessed day that yasir purchased a wicker cuban fedora from a local vendor at the beach. lol after dinner we went to go watch a show in the resort theatre area. prior to the beginning of the show, there was a clown/kids entertainer on stage. and of course esa found his opportunity and ran on stage to start uninvited dancing alongside him l o l. that was probably the highlight of my night. but we couldn't stay for long because esa was super tired and fussy when we forced him off stage so we went back to the room and called it a night around 9:30-ish.

JAN 13TH, 2023 - we took a tour in a classic american car with a company called authentic cuban tours to havana! we drove over bacunayagua bridge and saw a glimpse of the gorgeous yumuri valley. we went to old havana and new havana and saw the forts and the statue of jesus christ. we had lunch at a seafood restaurant that was so cool - it was the back of a really homely looking building (because we later found out it was actually a row of just people's homes!). it was such a gorgeous day that ended (as we were on our way back) with a cuban rain that brought about some chilly weather and wild atlantic waves for the next couple of days. when we got back to the resort, we had showers and then dinner. and then basically crashed in bed.

JAN 14TH, 2023 - this was a suuuuuper chill day! we didn't honestly do much and in the middle of the day (right after lunch) we went back to our room and took a roughly 3 hour long nap! earlier in the day, we went to the beach only to just come right back. the beach was empty (ie no one in the water) and the waves were nuts - courtesy of the previous day's storm. that night we had our first of 3 reservations at one of the in-resort restaurants. it was called la romantico - the gourmand restaurant. which was basically "continental" food. i enjoyed it! but by now i had also really started to enjoy the buffets since i figured out what i liked and what i didn't and i stuck to those specific items.

JAN 15TH, 2023 - in the morning we decided we would go back on the hop on hop off to varadero. except this time actually hop off lol so we got to the bus stop and realized the line was super long and nuts and since we had a stroller with us - we decided to wait for the next bus that came along. as it happens, another couple decided the same and when we were waiting we started talking. the other couple suggested we split a cab and when we split it ended up costing the exact same as the bus so we decided to do it! it was super convenient. when we got to varadero, we were dropped off at a scenic viewpoint and then we sort of walked around - saw the varadero street market and that was unfortunately all we could really get done. esa was going nuts running around on the sidewalks and occasionally on the roads so we called it and went back to the resort. as we were walking along trying to find the bus stop, the same cab driver who dropped us there found us and we ended up just going back to the resort with him. shukar alhumdulillah for the ways that Allah can make things work out for you. when we got back to the resort, again we showered and then i put esa down for a little nap. while he and yasir were napping, i went outside and sat by the beach and read my book under the sun. it was gorgeous and peaceful and courtesy of the cold-ish front from the storm a couple days ago it was still very quiet and calm (crowd-wise anyway lol). that night we had our reservation at the japanese restaurant and so we went to dinner and it was tepenyaki. it was really good food and i thoroughly enjoyed it! afterwards we went to the lobby where there was live music happening and esa had the time of his life dancing along. it was adorable.

JAN 16TH, 2023 - on this day we booked our tour of the caribbean. we took a 2.5 hour bus ride with other folks and a tour guide down to the south of the province matanzas and first went to the open air crocodile sanctuary. yepp, you read that right. we saw live crocodies from baby to adulthood stage and my goodness these animals are TERRIFYING. while we were there someone even tried feeding them. like goodness, i think my heart leapt into my mouth as i saw a crocodile leap up to catch the piece of meat. anyway, after that we got back on the bus and headed to a place called point perdiz (point paradise...that name could not be more justified!). we got to this park area where there was a beach and we went into caribbean (gulf of mexico) water (NOT the atlantic as was what we had experienced at the resort). and my goodness that water and the temperature were PERFECT. we got some snorkeling equipment but didn't actually end up snorkeling. but the water was sooooo clear and absolutely gorgeous that we could SEE the fish inside. i was too scared to go to far even though the depth of the water wasn't huge, but i wish i had. it was such a pleasurable swim. that was also the day yasir got one of his signature headaches and that's just a fun experience for us all. the ratio of 2 adults to 1 toddler becomes 1 adult to 2 toddlers and it is ZERO FUN for the 1 adult. anyway over there we had lunch, it was also delicious. then we got back in the bus and headed back to the crocodile sanctuary where we waited for our boat to take us to the island guamo. the island used to be a resort however after a couple major storms hit and broke it apart, it ended up becoming more of a tourist destination as a museum to show the history of the native people of cuba. the natives (whose name i am now going to butcher) called the teines. i'm not even going to google this because i'm pretty sure i'm so wrong in my recollection that google won't even recognize what i'm looking for. after the tour of that island, we went back on the bus and came back to the hotel. we of course took our showers and went to dinner and then came back and crashed in our room.

JAN 17TH, 2023 - this was our last day of sorts because our flight back home was the next morning early in the morning and so we would have no time actually on the resort itself to chill. so in the morning after breakfast we went down to the beach and decided to do the small little resort catamaran trip. it. was. perfect. i went into the water, esa went into the water. they bring bread and then throw it in the water and SO MANY fish crowd around! it was such a fun morning i THOROUGHLY enjoyed myself. afterwards we went back to the room and of course showered and got ready. and then we had our last reservation for the trip - again at the japanese restaurant and again the food was great! came back to the room and packed up as much as i could except the last few things i would still be using the following day and then went to bed.

JAN 18TH, 2023 - sunwing once again crapped on us and delayed our flight by an hour. but we still caught the bus at the regular time to go to the airport. we checked in our bags and had some overpriced breakfast at the airport. then we chilled for a little while and got in to the flight. the flight was fine up until the end when this one couple sitting in front of us TOTALLY killed our buzz. but i truly and honestly do not want to discuss that right now. so i'm going to end my cuba post here.

maybe tomorrow i'll come back and tell you the story of the assholes on the airplane. but for now i want to end on such a good note. cuba is not a country of abundance. their regime is strict and is not fair to their citizens and the fact that we as outsiders can go and enjoy the country and the food and the sights and the experiences - there really isn't much i can say that's as all encompassing as the words Shukar Alhumdulillah. Shukar Alhumdulillah that we have been given this privilege - we do not know why and we are certainly not deserving but we give thanks always and regardless because while there are so many with more, there are even more with less and we always always should be grateful.

that's all i want to say for now. it was a wonderful trip! coming back to the cold - i definitely want to go back. but overall, such a wonderful week and i especially appreciated past komal because while we returned back home on a wednesday, i had the foresight when i was booking my vacation time to book off thursday and friday also. and that was a good thing.

i have finally understood the value in taking the vacation from the vacation lol got a shit ton of laundry done these past few days!

now i'm energized and ready(ish) to go back to work tomorrow! and that's all for now!

goodnight lovely tumblr-verse.

-k

[havekiddoswilltravel]

#Havana is doable with kids. Our guide Dayami fluent in both English and Spanish, was amazing and accommodating to their needs. She even offered to sit in the car with our sleeping toddler so that we could see a site. I highly recommend her for families visiting Cuba. PM for more information. We did a full day 9 - 5 pm private walking (2 hours), cigar, coffee and rum tasting (Dayami played with our kids at a nearby table while hubby and I enjoyed the tasting), lunch at a private home restaurant, tour by classic American car and shopping. I’m so happy that we were able to take this Havana, Cuba trip with kids. #havana #majestyoftheseas #privatecubatour #havanacruise #cuba #familytravel https://www.instagram.com/p/Brpu4qNFIbI/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1r6ehgergzpn7

[searchingforstillness]

Havana

Our Havana Vacation

Earlier this year the husband’s brother and his wife took a cruise that had a stop in Havana. They enjoyed the day there so much, they said they’d love to go back to spend more time exploring the city. That got us thinking….this year is our 20th wedding anniversary and in June our only son would be traveling for 2 weeks with a school group…..maybe we should take the opportunity to visit Havana ourselves. I mean, we currently live just a 45 minute plane flight away, why not!

I’d like to get a few details out of the way before I start telling about our trip.

1) Traveling to Cuba from the U.S. is still allowed, you just can’t go there on a cruise ship. Through some research we discovered that the easiest way was flying there under the Support for The Cuban People visa. We found it as easy as traveling to Mexico.

2) I recommend changing your US dollars to Euros or Canadian dollars (which ever has a better exchange rate at the time) before you go to Cuba. There is a 10% tax on exchanging US dollars in Cuba (also, when we were there, Euros and Canadian dollars had a better exchange rate than US dollars regardless of the extra 10% tax). When you get to the Havana airport, only change what you need to pay your taxi. You can get a better exchange rate at the banks in town than you will at the airport.

3) Water in casas and hotels (anywhere, I assume) comes from a large blue tank on the roof that is filled by a large water truck. I’m not sure how often they are filled, but you see the truck all over the city constantly filling tanks. We found out the hard way that you can run out of water. Now before you go on the “wasteful American” kick, we don’t/didn’t waste water. We took quick showers and shut the water off while brushing our teeth, etc., but it seems that the toilet continued to run one day after we left our casa. That evening we ran out of water during our showers. While our host was quick to switch the tanks and get our water back running, it would have been nice to have been aware of the water situation (and toilet situation) when we got there so we could have kept an eye on it.

4) They don’t have any emissions standards, so be ready for some pretty noxious fumes (Thank You EPA Emissions Standards!).

5) The average salary in Havana is $15-$20/month….yes, MONTH. So you will have many friendly Cubans offering to show you around, sell you cigars, take you to the best restaurants, etc. as a way to try to make extra money. Also, what we Americans consider a normal tip (15%-20%) is often the monthly salary for these hard working people. So be generous, gracious, and tolerant. These folks are just trying to get ahead while sharing their wonderful hospitality and beautiful country.

6) We booked all of our trip, except for the flight, through AirBnB (we flew Southwest). You can rent a casa particular for much less per night than a hotel room in the U.S. There are homes, condos, apartments, or just rooms available, depending on the type of trip you want to have. The casas are privately owned by locals, so the money is going to the Cuban citizens. You can also book tours through AirBnB. That’s what we did. These are hosted by the locals as well. The tours we took were very informative and certainly recommended.

7) There are two forms of currency in Cuba, the CUC which is the tourist currency, and the CUP which is the local currency. The CUC is very close in value to the U.S. dollar, so keeping track of how much you're spending isn’t that difficult. The CUP is worth much less (the CUC is worth 25 times as much as the CUP). So when you are looking at prices, make sure to note whether it is in CUC or CUP.

Now, on to the trip……

Day 1 - We flew into Havana from Ft Lauderdale on a Wednesday afternoon. Our casa host arranged a cab to pick us up at the airport. Our cab driver was waiting when we got there. The airport is about a 30min ride from Old Havana, where we were staying. The cost of the cab ride was 30cuc and we tipped on top of that. Also, I want to note that the cool classic ‘50s cars you see in all of the pictures are not the cabs that will pick you up from the airport. If that is what you are wanting, you will need to make special arrangements, and those cabs will probably cost a little more. Otherwise you will get to ride in a Russian Lada. Our host greeted us at our casa, showed us around the area, and helped us get settled. We scheduled a walking tour of Old Havana for our first evening so we could get a feel for the area and what we wanted to see/do (FREE walking tour: Welcome to Havana is the AirBnB listing). This is a tour I would definitely recommend. Our guide, Daniel, was a great host, knew much about the city and its history, and was happy to answer questions. The tour was listed as free, but you should tip what you feel the tour was worth. As I said earlier, the people of Cuba offer these services as a way to make extra money. Daniel works as a journalist and does these tours on the side. Our tour started at Parque Central, just a block from the capitol building (Explanada del Capitolio) and where all the cool ‘50s cars park and offer city tours. From there we learned the history of the Gran Teatro de La Habana (Great Theatre of Havana), and that the Explanada del Capitolio was modeled after the U.S. Capitol, but is one meter taller ;). It also has a diamond in the floor in the middle of the rotunda and the distance to every place in Cuba is measured from that diamond. From there we toured on foot to the Revolution Museum, saw the remains of the original walls of the city, the fort protecting Havana Port, and visited the four Plazas. We ended the tour at the Plaza Vieja, which was just a few blocks from our casa and was the location of one of the restaurants our host recommended. That evening we enjoyed some Cuban beer on the balcony while people watching.

Day 2 - After a surprisingly restful sleep (I was worried because I didn’t bring my pillow and the beds there don’t have box springs, just a mattress) we went to meet up for our second tour. This was to be a 9.5 hour nature walk and swim at Canasí Ecological Reserve. Well, after meeting the guide and checking the weather, we opted to head back to the casa and just wing it that day. And after it stormed all afternoon, we were glad we made that choice! We spent the part of the day, before the storms, exploring some of the areas we were introduced to the night before. We also began the husband’s quest for authentic Cuban cigars. After the storms started, we found a nice rooftop bar (covered) and watched the storms roll across Havana. That evening we enjoyed dinner at El Rum Rum de la Habana where the husband had the biggest lobster tail we’ve ever seen. Delicious and inexpensive (by U.S. standards)!!

Day 3- One of the best things we found in Cuba was the coffee! So our mornings were spent coffee shop hopping (kinda like bar hopping, but for coffee instead of beer). All that caffeine made the 8 miles we averaged walking each day a little easier. Our favorite place to stop was the Iberostar by Parque Central. There we could get one hour of wifi with the purchase of a drink. So coffee and stalking the son became our morning routine (#StalkerMomReturns). After our coffee, we spent the rest of the morning on the quest for cigars. After visiting one the government stores, the only place you can ensure you’re getting authentic Cuban cigars, we tracked down a classic ‘50s cab (a beautiful ’56 Ford Fairlane) to take us to the Vedado neighborhood for our final scheduled excursion. This last tour was a cigar tasting. We met at Cigar Passion (which also happens to be the name of the tour on AirBnB) and ordered drinks. We each received a Cohiba to enjoy with the tapas and mojitos while our host, Luis, told us the history of cigars in Cuba and what makes Cuban cigars special. Luis has worked at the cigar factory for 20 years and is now one of the tour guides at the factory. We were joined by a lovely young Russian couple. This was probably the most splendid evening of our trip. Our 2 hour cigar dinner turned into 3 hours of wonderful conversation. Luis was a great host. A definite must do when visiting Havana. After returning to Old Havana we enjoyed dinner at Esquina de Cuba, then back to our casa for drinks, cigars, and people watching.

Day 4 - During our tour on our first day, Daniel told us there is an art show every Saturday at the Paseo del Prado just down the street from Parque Central. So we left our Saturday open for this and to check out all the things we had seen but hadn’t had time to explore. When we got there we were surprised by a fun run taking place along the Paseo de Marti. Of course I had to stop and cheer for the runners, and be jealous that I  wasn’t able to participate. The art show was very interesting with a mix from whimsical to political in a variety of mediums. Another recommended activity if you are in the Old Havana area on a Saturday. After the art show, we decided to take a city tour in a beautiful ’56 Cadillac. These tours last about an hour and cost 40cuc. Our driver spoke English very well and showed us all of the highlights of Havana…from Revolution Square and Lennon Park to the University and Hotel Nacional de Cuba. Another recommended experience.

Day 5 - Our host arranged a taxi to take us to the airport. We changed our left over CUCs back to Euros at the airport. While we probably should have done that at the bank in Old Havana, we didn’t think of it in time. The flight and customs was easy to manage. They just want to know what you purchased while in Cuba. I believe that you need to pay tax if it’s over a certain dollar amount, but with only a box of cigars and a couple of paintings, we were safe from extra fees.

While this was not your typical relaxation vacation, it was a wonderful cultural experience for both of us. The husband said that if he were asked to describe Havana in just one word it would be ‘alive’ and he is correct. The city is very much alive, and just like their music, there is movement everywhere.  

[wokingtheworld]

Cuba Journal 5 May 2017 | Havana here I come!  You have no idea how much cash I have in my pockets right now, because in Cuba - they don't take plastic (meaning no credit or debit cards are allowed).  To top that off USA Banks do not allow money to be sent to Cuba via transfers or even online transactions.  For example, if you decide you want to book your hotel in Cuba online - good luck (your only and best option here is Airbnb). The 10 most important things to check off before your journey to Cuba: 1. Choose to stay in Casa Particulares, or local homestays 2. Bring only Euros (or Canadian Dollars); Do not bring your credit / debit cards from the USA - they will not work! 3. There is internet in Cuba, you just have to be strategic as to where to find it - look for accommodations that ALSO have Internet access; which still means you have to pay for it; 1 hour = 2 CUCs 4. Declare your purpose of travel: Educational or People to People 5. Bring your favorite snacks with you; Cuba is still restricted as to what they can import - so you won't find many familiar food products 6. Only carry-on your luggage; the Havana Airport is known for losing bags 7. Research knowledgeable LOCAL guides to take you around the country 8. Visit Havana, Vinales, and Trinidad - and if you are feeling adventurous, travel to Santiago de Cuba & Baracoa on the East of the Island 9. Visit the local restaurants and be prepared to witness a lot of Traditional Music and Salsa Dancing; Cuban food is not as bad as people say... 10. Do not be worried about obtaining a visa.  The airline from whom you purchase your ticket will assist you, as usually visas are issued at the airport on the day of departure

Cuba really is a step back in time.  Classic Cars, crumbling buildings, no grocery stores, sparse Internet, and home stays instead of hotels.  In just a few hours I feel like I now understand why people come to this beautiful country - as it gives you the opportunity to time travel.  I arrived at 4:50 into the Havana Airport, a dirty and very dusty building with several beat-up airstrips. I was lucky enough to be met by an enthusiastic Alber, our guide for our Havana to Santiago journey.  He recognized me the moment I exited the airport and we were off just like that - with his two drivers as company of course.  We visited The Centro, Vedado, Miramar, and Havana Vejo - and stepped into numerous beautiful accommodations along the way. I am staying in B&B Havana Central.  After a tiring day walking through many different districts of Havana , I was met back at my Casa Particular by Roxanne (the owner) and the Japones (the manager).  While Roxanne entertained her guests Japones continued to stop by my place in the sitting room - passing me two bananas, then a bottle of water, and lastly a delicious chunk of pineapple that was leftover from dinner.  Being exhausted and famished - his small gesture meant a lot.  Cuban people are very kind. The only complaint I have with Cuba is the lack of Internet access - which really makes communicating back home very difficult. 6 May 2017 | Morning Not having Internet makes you realize just how hard it is to be unplugged.  I spent 9 CUCS ($12) on two hours of Internet this morning so I could speak with Andrew about what occurred in 24 hours since I departed the USA.  Only 24 hours without Internet, I'm not sure if I have ever gone that long without Internet in years...  Which I realize makes me very embarrassed to admit. Sandy and Andrew arrived, wow is it great to see them! Rachelle and Sandie Frakes arrived - so excited to take this adventure together! It is 12:30am and I am still waiting for P Denise and her mother Florence to arrive, so hopefully we hear from them soon!  Their flight has been delayed for the past several hours...  They just landed! Woohoo!  No I just have to wait for them to arrive, no sleeping tonight!  Finally I headed off to bed, it is 2am - but everyone has arrived and (except 2 luggages that were lost in route).  Welcome to Cuba - we are excited for our tour to start tomorrow. 7 May 2017 | Morning We awoke to the sounds of birds in our beautiful Casa Particular - and the smell of a delicious being prepared.  Alber arrived at 9:00 and presented us the beautiful hand crafted gifts from Cuba.  Receiving a little gift upon arrival is always an exciting touch to the start of a trip.  We packed up all our luggage, and headed out front of our Casa - for Alber's second surprise, this time two old American cars drove up to pick us up outside our Casa.  Havana is known for its colorful buildings and beautiful old cars, and this morning sure wasn't a disappointment. We continued out afternoon with a visit to the famous Hamal street - only open on Sundays, and a street that perfectly showcases Cuban Afro art, music, and dance.  Luckily enough - right next door was the famous pizzeria "a mi manera" here the handcrafted pizza is lowered via a rope from three stories above (where the kitchen is located) to the guests ordering from the sidewalk/street area.  The morning was beautiful, in the afternoon we spent our time picking up the luggage at the Havana airport - before departing to Trinidad (we are currently en route).  We did have the opportunity to stop at the famous local ice cream place where Cubans wait in line for hours to eat the best local ice cream in Havana - luckily we bypassed the line as we were escorted to the "tourist" ice cream stand.  Not as good, but definitely not as long of a wait. Tonight we will arrive in Trinidad a little later than expected - but with all our luggage.  Talk with you then! Xoxo Kylie 8 May 2017 | Early Morning So we arrived in Trinidad, but not with all of our bags.  We had one back arrive (5 hours later than expected) and one bag lost - which means it was probably stolen in customs.  Due to the baggage delay we arrived very late and did not get to stop at the Ceynotes or see the beautiful Trinidad mountains, so luckily we are coming back this same way.  We are staying in two beautiful colonial mansions, Casa Mauri and Casa Colonial 1830.  Both have vaulted ceilings, beautiful tiled walls, and crystal chandeliers.  Not to mention the beautiful birds in the central courtyards that we wake up to each morning.  Despite the lack of many basic amenities, this place really is a dream... I am walking to find Internet now - as I have many photos to share! Our day in Trinidad was beautiful.  We visited the main plaza in the morning to see the locals in action and to walk the beautiful cobblestone streets.  The colors of this city are amazing - bright blue, red, yellow, orange, and green buildings line the streets, with old pontiffs, fords, and Chevrolets in every color imaginable.  The people here are so friendly, and you constantly hear music playing in the streets - and Cuban Music is very good!  I have made some very good friends - including two new adopted grandpas that tried to give me their cigars, which I almost couldn't decline because they were so cute!  In the afternoon we continued on for a horse ride through the Vinales Valley - where we even encounters our first Cuban rainstorm.  Riding through the jungles was stunning, and we even had the change to hike at the end of our tour to a beautiful waterfall.  Our evening was once again filled with a delicious dinner and a cultural Afro-Cuban dance show, definitely a unique twist to the end of the night.

[tamboradventure]

How to Experience Cuba on a Budget

Posted: 11/28/19 | November 28th, 2019

As a Cuban-American, Talek Nantes has had a lot of experience traveling around Cuba. There’s a lot more to the country than just all-inclusive resorts! In this guest post, she offers some an in-depth breakdown of how to travel around Cuba like a local.

I’ve been traveling between Cuba and the US since I was born. (Actually, even before I was born: my mom came to the States when she was pregnant with me. I like to say I was made in Havana and born in the USA.)

As a Cuban-American who wrote a book on the country and runs tours there, I’ve made it my mission to share my appreciation for Cuban culture with everyone who wants to experience it.

People frequently ask me if Cuba is expensive.

It doesn’t have to be. It can be quite an affordable place to visit.

From obvious tried-and-true advice, like eat at locations at least three blocks away from popular tourist sites, to little-known tips only the locals know, here’s how to experience Cuba on a budget.  

1. How to save money on Cuban currency exchanges

Cuban currency cannot be purchased overseas, as it is not traded internationally, so you’ll need to get it on arrival.

Cuba has two currencies: the CUC, which is what tourists and visitors use, and the CUP, also called the peso, used by everyone else. As a visitor, all your transactions will be done in CUC, which is roughly equal to one US dollar. There are about 25 CUP to 1 CUC.

In a country with 2 currencies, it is important to know the difference between a CUP and CUC. For example, you don’t want to overpay in CUC when something is priced in CUP. And when you receive change from a CUC, make sure the change is not in CUP. The best way to keep them straight is to remember that a CUC has monuments on its face and a CUP, or peso, has pictures of people.

Once in Cuba, you should exchange money at the airport “CADECA.” A CADECA is the official government exchange location. Keep in mind that you will need your passport in order to exchange currency.

Change only enough to get you to your accommodation, then change more at the CADECAs in town, as they have better rates. Avoid exchanging currency at banks and hotels, as these offer less favorable rates.

US citizens should be aware that credit cards drawn on US banks are not accepted in Cuba and ATMs cannot dispense money from US banks, so you must bring enough cash to last the entire trip.  

2. How to save money on your accommodations in Cuba

For the best value for your money, you can’t beat a casa particular.

Casas particulares, or casas for short, are the homes of local Cubans who rent rooms to visitors like a B&B. You can rent a room in a private home for an average of 30 CUC per night.

The best part of staying with a Cuban family is that you can have an authentically Cuban experience. You eat with them, hang out in their living room, play with their kids or pets. You’re treated like one of the family while you are there. That’s a lot more rewarding than staying at a sterile hotel.

It’s easy to book a casa. You can reserve on Airbnb or any number of similar online sites (though Airbnb often has the largest selection and one of the few sites Americans can widely use). You should pre-book a casa from home at least for your first night’s stay in Cuba. Once in Cuba you can book the following nights yourself either through your host or just by looking for a house with the casa sign (a blue anchor with a roof on a white background) and simply knocking on the door.

Otherwise, hostels will be your best option for saving money. Some top-rated Havana hostels include the following:

Cuba 58 Hostel

Casa Rene & Madelyn

Hostal DRobles

Casa Novo Guest House

Hostal Corazón del Mundo

Casa Zeila

Prices per night range from around 5 to 15 CUC, though most are around 11 CUC.

I find casas to be the best accommodation option. A hostel may be cheaper, but there are many casas with hostel pricing, so you get the best of both worlds: low cost plus interaction with a local family. Isn’t the connection with other cultures one of the main reasons we travel?  

3. The best places to eat in Cuba without breaking the bank

The best places to eat in Cuba are paladares. These are privately owned (vs. government owned) restaurants. There are all types of paladares, from high-end establishments in renovated mansions to hole-in-the-wall stands.

Traditional dishes you will find at paladares include arroz con pollo (chicken and rice), ropa vieja (shredded beef), and lechón (roast pork). Typical drinks include the classic mojito, daiquiri, and Cuba Libre. Fruit juices are also readily available. The local beers, Bucanero and Cristal, are very good.

Any guidebook will point out the paladares. You can also find them in the A La Mesa app. Typical costs (in CUCs) for meals in paladares are as follows:

High-end paladar:

Lunch: 10–25

Dinner 15–35

Mid-range paladar:

Lunch: 7–10

Dinner: 10–25

Some of my favorite paladares in Havana include Doña Eutemia, near the cathedral; Los Mercaderes; and San Cristóbal, where US President Obama had lunch. A typical meal at one of these will cost about 15–20 CUC.

Street vendors are also found throughout the country and offer little sandwiches, pizza, croquettes, pastries, and other snacks for 1 to 3 CUC. The food is not great, but it certainly is budget-friendly.  

4. Cuban transportation on a budget

Transportation is likely to be your biggest expense, with taxis being the most common. Rule number one for getting around in Cuba is to negotiate before getting in. Tell the driver where you want to go, or show him in writing and ask how much (“¿Cuánto?”). Whatever the driver says, counter with a couple of CUCs lower. The drivers are used to this; they generally start at a higher rate, anticipating that they will end up with a lower fee.

Yellow taxis are government-run (vs. privately owned). These are used by tourists and tend to be the most expensive.

Coco-taxis are essentially motorcycles with a cover shaped to look like a yellow coconut (hence the name), and they are everywhere. They tend to be cheaper but can only take two people at a time.

Bici-taxis are rickshaw-like bicycles that’ll take you around Old Havana.

Another option is the colectivo, or collective taxi. These are cars that travel busy thoroughfares within city limits, picking up and dropping off people as they go along. A trip from one end of a busy, central street to the other, or anywhere in between, will cost about half a CUC. The taxi is shared with up to six people.

Buses are overcrowded, unreliable, and not air-conditioned but they are very cheap. They travel major routes mostly outside Old Havana.

Typical transportation costs:

Yellow government taxi: 10 CUC within city limits

Coco-taxi: 5 CUC within city limits; only fits 2 people

Bici-taxi: 2 CUC per person; only fits 2 people; not motorized

Collective taxi: Half a CUC per trip in a shared taxi

Bus: About 0.20 CUC

A fun way to explore a big city like Havana is by taking a tour in a classic American convertible from the ’50s, but at 40 to 50 CUC an hour, they aren’t very budget-friendly.  

5. Staying connected in Cuba without paying a fortune

Internet access in Cuba is iffy. It is not offered everywhere, and where it is, it is unreliable.

The best way to stay connected is to purchase an internet connection card, sold in increments of 1 CUC per hour, at the local ETECSA, the Cuban government’s telecommunications office with branches all over the island. You use the login and password on the card to connect your phone or computer.

You can also purchase an internet connection card at most high-end hotels, but the cost can be as high at 7 CUC per hour, so purchasing your card at an ETECSA is a huge savings.

Once you have your card, find a location where you can connect. Most parks have connectivity, as do areas around ETECSA offices. Just look for groups of people huddled over their phones.

Higher-end hotels also offer Wi-Fi at outrageous fees.

If you don’t use up your internet time, the leftover will be saved on your card and you will be able to use it again.

A typical daily budget For a typical day in Havana, Cuba’s most expensive city, you can expect to budget as follows:

Breakfast at your casa: 5 CUC

Street food snacks: 2–5 CUC

Lunch at a paladar: 5–7 CUC

Dinner at a paladar: 5–10 CUC

Alcoholic beverage: mojito: 2–3 CUC, beer: 2 CUC, rum: 5 CUC/bottle

Room in a casa: average 30 CUC

Intracity taxi: 2–10 CUC

Museum entrance fee: 2–8 CUC

Entrance fee to a music venue: free or 2–10 CUC

Internet connection card 1–2 CUC

To be on the safe side and leave yourself a little room to splurge, budget 100 CUC/day. Keep in mind you may want to purchase the world-famous cigars and rum. The local art you find at the many galleries around town may also appeal to you.

Traveling outside of Havana When traveling outside Havana, you’ve got a couple of options. The most convenient and expensive is to reserve a taxi that will pick you up at your casa and deliver you door to door. Your casa host or hostel or hotel staff can arrange one for you.

Another option is the national bus service, which extends across the entire country. The buses are air-conditioned, and the prices are very reasonable. Prices from Havana to popular destinations are as follows:

Havana to Viñales: 12 CUC

Havana to Trinidad: 25 CUC

Havana to Varadero: 10 CUC

Havana to Santiago, on the far side of the island: 51 CUC

You need to purchase your tickets at the Viazul bus station at Avenida Independencia #101, at the corner of 19 de Mayo. The buses will take you to the bus stations in your destination city, which are generally in very central locations convenient to wherever you want to go.

There are car rental agencies throughout Cuba with which you can organize a self-drive tour. However, keep in mind that the roads outside Havana can be in very poor condition and difficult to navigate. With easy transportation within the big cities and convenient bus service between cities, a car rental may not be your most budget-friendly option.

Domestic flights are pretty unreliable and I wouldn’t recommend it.

***

Before traveling to Cuba, US citizens should check the travel requirements. Ordinary tourism is prohibited for US citizens. All US visitors must travel to Cuba under one of 12 US government approved categories. “Support for the Cuban People” is the most commonly used category and can be selected when purchasing the airline ticket.

Experiencing Cuba on a budget certainly has its challenges, but it is totally worth it.

Cuba gets under your skin quickly. It bewitches and beckons you to explore more of it.

No matter how many times I return to Cuba I always find something to amaze me; a new art venue, a remarkable piece of 18th century architecture or an innovative take on traditional Cuban cuisine.

Cuba is a safe, beautiful country with welcoming people and a fascinating culture. Put it on your must-visit list and you won’t be disappointed.

Talek Nantes is an author, digital content creator and founder of the travel blog, Travels With Talek. She is a passionate travel enthusiast and enjoys sharing her travel experiences with others. She lives in with her husband in New York City and Miami. Talek leads tours to Cuba and her most recent book is Don’t just travel to Cuba, experience Cuba available on Amazon.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com, as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them both all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all those I use to save money when I travel — and they will save you time and money too!

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[nzingaain]

I have been on a hiatus, I haven’t felt like writing, Even when I DID feel like writing I couldn’t muster up the motivation to get started…I just haven’t been present in almost half a year… But I’m back, yay! And I recently had my 23rd birthday (recently as in April lol) and for that birthday I decided I wanted to travel. Settling on Havana, Cuba… here’s how it happened.

The Decision Process

I just took, the best birthday trip I have ever experienced. Months before my birthday I knew I wanted to go somewhere, and it was largely based off price on where I decided to go. My criteria for picking a place was:

Warm

Out of the country

Under $500 round trip

Easy to get there and back AND experience things within a week

So. Some of the places I was looking at were Paris, Tokyo, Mexico, Cuba and Hawaii.

Paris was excluded because of the political unrest going on there, also price. Tickets to paris were about 500-600 roundtrip.

Tokyo was excluded because of price and how long it takes to get there. (I don’t even know why I thought it would be an option).

Mexico was in. Cuba was in.

And Hawaii was a little bit too expensive (plus technically not out of the country).

I settled on Cuba over Mexico because, well honestly it was cheaper. I was surprised how cheap it was to get to Cuba. The tickets were only $240 roundtrip. PLUS the ones I chose included an overnight in Panama and then an eight-hour layover on the way back in Panama.

So I was sold. For reasons unbeknownst to me I’ve always had a strange obsession with Panama and I was really excited to be there, even if it was only for a day or two.

And luckily my borfriend was all in to go, so I had the perfect travelbuddy! ❤

Getting Into the Country

As I’m sure you know, it’s way more difficult for Americans to get to Cuba than it was when we had our beloved Obama as president. But to be honest it isn’t very hard at all.

I entirely overthought and overworried while planning my trip. I read all these blogs that said I needed x, y and z in order to make it in. They said that customs would interrogate me and that my itinerary needed to be flawless and blahblahblah. It isn’t true. I do have some tips for making it in and out smoothly (and cheaply).

Unless you happen to live in Miami, you probably will need more than one flight to make it into Cuba. I strongly suggest that you take a flight from your homecity to another city in Central/South America and then fly into Cuba from there.

This is mainly becausee to get a visa to enter the country from America is doubly more expensive and complicated than getting one from practically anywhere else.

American visas to Cuba are $80 + shipping and handling fees.

My visa to Cuba from Panama was only $20 dollars and they just gave it to me as I boarded my flight to Cuba.

It’s said that you need Cuban traveling insurance, and for some people this is true. You get this when you land in Cuba before exiting customs. However, when I brought it up to the Cuban custom officers they said I was fine and didn’t need it.

To be honest it appeared they said that because of my age, older travellers they tend to make you get it. If you’re in doubt and don’t want to spend the money (it’s apparently $7/day more or less) just wait till you’re almost out of customs and ask them if you need to go buy it or not. They’ll be sure to let you know.

And  honestly that’s it! I made a very loose itinerary, I didn’t stick to it, and not a single person asked me about it on the way there or back.

Panama City, Panama

My first stop on the trip was Panama City. (But honestly it was just the Tocumen/Panama City Airport and the Riande Aeropuerto Hotel).

It was a lovely hotel. It ran at about $70/night and the amenities were amazing!

https://riandehoteles.com/en/aeropuerto/amenities/

They had a free shuttle that ran every 30mins from the airport to the hotel. There was paintball, multiple pools, free breakfast buffet, bars, restaurants, a spa, a boutique, a casino AND it was entirely pet-friendly.

Alas I didn’t bring my pet bunny…

My Pet Giant Flemish Rabbit

But I don’t think he would have liked the heat anyways. Plus my parents said he really enjoyed the stay at my housee… I question the truth of that statement (my parents have a cat that dislikes him and a dog that refuses to let him do ANYTHING in peace) but he’s back home and happy again regardless!

My favorite part of the hotel was the outdoors restaurant, the bar (lol), and the giant chessboard by the pool!

Our stay at the hotel was short and sweet. The rooms were nice and airconditioned, the bathroom was pretty amazing (hello rainfall showerhead) and the food was good overall!

Tip: I highly suggest you try their bbq grill platter for dinner, it feeds two easily and  it was so delicious I wish I could go back tonight and have some more…

Havana, Cuba

Cuba was amazing. As soon as I set foot into our Airbnb I felt like I was at home. The food, music, living quuarters, people, pretty much everything except the language reminded me of my haitian family in Miami. It was entirely natural being there and I would go back in a heartbeat given the opportunity.

Our Airbnb host was Helmo and his mother. They were so super helpful and sweet and I would absolutely stay with them again and recommend people to them for any travels to Havana.

Their Airbnb was in the neighborhood of Vedado, so not in the heart of Old Havana or Central Havana but instead 10-15mins away by the sea. It had a King sized bed, a nicely sized bathroom, a kitchen and eating area as well as a living room and balcony.

The balcony was our favorite spot in the apartment. We eneded every night on there and started most of our morning up there as well.

Helmo’s mother made us breakfast every morning at $5/person. Totalling to $10/day and $30 for the entire stay (Wednesday morning we overslept and ended up skipping breakfast and Friday morning we left very early for the airport and decided to forgo breakfast).

Her breakfast was AMAZING. If I could have packed her up and kept her with me forever and learned all her cooking recipes I would have. Alas, she only spoke Spanish and my Spanish is so slow and painful we didn’t get to communicate much outside of me thanking her everyday and her telling us breakfast was ready.

Each day was packed with things to do. It WAS some months ago, so I’ll try my best to remember everything. But forgive me if I miss some things.

Day One

We got into Havana around 8pm and made it to our Airbnb by 9ish. They gave us a tour of the house and then recommended Karma for dinner.

I ADORED KARMA.

We went back there literally everyother night for dinner. Their food was impeccable, their prices were great and their flan!!! Omg. I didn’t even know I liked flan. It turns out I love flan. Especially theirs.

Tip: their mojitos are great and only $2…be careful. I definitely had one or two too many and lived to regret it.

This was the night going into my birthday. I actually almost died that night (don’t tell my parents).

The story is… I was drunk (remember those mojitos I was talking about) and Thaddeus and I walked to the sea to get a look at it. I saw this 500 Habana sign and decided I should take a picture by it and… well underneath it was a very large gap that fell into the highway. And right before it was a large, but hidden, metal bar.

I tripped on that metal bar and almost fell into the gap… Luckily I grabbed onto the sign last minute and managed not to kill myself three minutes into my 23rd birthday.

Here is the photo evidence.

Habana Sign….Almost died getting this photo

Shortly after we headed over to a club, but didn’t go inside. This is where we experience our first attempt at being scammed.

My lovely, friendly, sweet boyfriend cannot resist talking to everyone he meets. Regardless of me telling him that people in Cuba are out to scam the tourists and that we just have to walk away if we hear any of the classic scamming schemes.

The one that night was the “it’s my birthday buy us all drinks!” scam. And they were entirely thrown off by the fact that it was ALSO MY BIRTHDAY.

They almost lost face until they decided to take it into stride and say “even more reason for us all to get drinks! Yay!” And then the woman tried to kiss my boyfriend and then hug me. At that point I was naturally entirely done with the situation and I grabbed him and pulled the both of us away from her.

Right after a cab driver tried to insist on taking us home…which we  nicely declined because our Airbnb was just a few blocks away.

Ending the night we tried to go to sleep but those mojitos said no and I threw up for a good chunk of the night. Oh well.

Day Two

We started the day with breakfast, and then had an 8hr tour of Havana, Cuba. And omg it was so packed.

The tour whipped back and forth between Verdado, Central Havana and Skirted through Old Havana.

There was actually an hour of the tour we decided to skip, which was a walking tour through Old Havana at the end. But I was so tired by the time we got to it I asked to just go home instead and we did the walking tour on our own Wednesday.

Our tour guide was Julio and he was so kind, so well-informed and just a pleasure to be around for 8+ hours two days in a row!

Day Three

We spent all of Tuesday in Viñales.

It. Was. Beautiful.

The scenery was so gorgeous it felt unreal. I looked at the photos after and could only believe I took them because I experienced it.

The drive up to Viñales was about 3 hours. Half an hour in Havana, two hours on the highway and then another half hour or so on country roads.

While we’re speaking about roads, I saw a lot of blog posts before I went saying how their road are in terrible condition and bumpy and awful. This is ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE. Their roads are literally the same as ours. If anything better than Chicago’s at least because they don’t have many potholes since they don’t experience Winter.

The only reason the roads feel rough at all is because the cars are old. The newer cars they have there (sometimes we took a taxi or coconut-cab) I didn’t feel a single bump or rough ride. But the older cars, the ones you see in the photos and wonder at, those simply don’t have the shocks and mechanics put into place to have a smooth ride. It’s as simple as that.

If you want to experience a non-bumpy car ride then take a newer car. If you want to get a true Havana (tourist) experience and be in the cars from the 50’s then stop complaining about the bumps because that’s a part of the ride.

Also, speaking on the cars, the EXHAUST omg. I couldn’t breathe while on busy city streets if I was in the backseat of the car. The exhuast is just so much more potent than what I’m used to from modern day cars.

I eventually got used to it/stopped sitting in the backseat and opening windows. But wow that first day or two was rough. It literally made me nauseous.

Okay. Back to Viñales.

 Our daytrip was to a family-owned tobacco farm, where we would learn the cigar making process as well as ride horses and attempt to pet goats! The family was very upfront and transparent about their tobacco making secrets. I won’t spill them past saying each farm in Cuba has their own special recipe for boiling the tobacco leaves. And that secret recipe is how you get different flavors and smells when smoking a cigar.

I am not really a smoker. But I did have a few puffs of one of the freshly-rolled cigars! They dipped it into their own home-made (bee-made…whatever) honey and IT. WAS. AMAZING. Really I think I just liked tasting the honey more than smoking the cigar.

Viñales was a whole day of trip. By the time we got back I don’t think we did much more than find some dinner and head home.

Day Four

We took a day out into the city! We went to the marketplace area of Havana (that was the walking part of the tour that we missed on my birthday because I was too overwhelmed). And I adored it. Blocks and blocks of little shops with art and food and books and just anything you could ever want.

Our little coconut cab dropped us outside of the square and we walked for probably hours up and down.

I think the best part of Cuba was that as long as we were quiet and didn’t speak English we were mistaken as Cubans. Which, as a tourist, is great. However, as soon as we spoke Cubans would immediately try to sell us things or tell us stories to get us to give them money. So do keep in mind, you will lose all your money and be scammed into many things if you’re too naive as a tourist there (as a tourist anywhere if we’re being truthful).

We ended the day at Karma again. More flan, more mojitos. No throwing up this time.

Day Five

The last day. We turned it into a beach day and it was fantastic.

The beaches are about 45-60mins outside of the city. I suggest getting a shared car there because the ride will be faster than the bus, but much cheaper than getting your own taxi.

This best way to get a shared ride is to go to the bus that heads to the beach then find a taxi driver (or let them find you) and he’ll offer you a price of 10ish dollars per person if he has a full car. Which is a great deal for him but an even better deal for you, because it includes both ways.

DO NOT miss the time to get back if you do get a shared driver though. Because you WILL be stuck at the beach. The bus stop drops you off about a half mile from the beach and there will be no choice but to walk that walk if you want to get home. Plus the buses stop running fairly early… so be careful.

We didn’t miss our driver, but two girls we went down with did.

At the beach it’s almost like a summer beach-house town. There are restaurants and bars and shops but it all is rather relaxed with a “no pressure” vibe. The restaurants are expensive in comparison to the rest of the city,, but do give generous amounts of food. They will even bring food to you on the beach!

The bar is rather cheap, and the drinks are delicious (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic).

Pro tip: BRING SUNSCREEN!! And I don’t just mean to the beach. I mean to Cuba. They don’t have ANY in the country. It is not for sale there you cannot get it.

I give you that tip because I got BURNT. And then I got red. And then I peeled. And it hurt. It was not plesant at all. Just remember to pack sunscreen.

The next day

At the crack of dawn (before dawn truly) we left! Our AirBnb host set up the taxi for us and it was a quick hop over to the airport.

A favorite trip of mine. Especially now that I have been to another island (be on the look out for my post on Jamaica). And I honestly would love to go back… If only w could get rid of Trump then maybe I’ll be able to 🤷🏽‍♀️

    Birthday In Cuba (plus Panama!) I have been on a hiatus, I haven't felt like writing, Even when I DID feel like writing I couldn't muster up the motivation to get started...I just haven't been present in almost half a year...

[easytravelpw-blog]

Full text write on https://easy-travel.pw/the-top-10-things-to-do-in-havana-cuba/magazine/

The Top 10 Things to Do in Havana, Cuba

01 of 11

Havana is Hot

Michal Krakowiak/Getty Images

It’s no longer a fantasy – getting to Havana is now as easy as boarding a non-stop flight.  But don’t delay – this time-capsule of a city won’t go undeveloped for long.

Here are the top things to do in Havana.  Whether you’re looking for 1950s tranquility or exciting nightlife (or both!), this town has it all.

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02 of 11

Walk the Malecón

Bruce Yuanyue Bi/Getty Images

The best way to get acquainted with a new locale is to see it by foot – and what better path to walk than the Malecón, with its picturesque views of the Caribbean on one side and the vintage city on the other?  Originally constructed as a protective wall against the waves, the esplanade now hosts old fishermen and lounging youths alike, all enjoying the relaxing tableau at every hour of the day.  Bring a bottle of wine (or local rum!) for a leisurely stroll or a people-watching picnic. 

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03 of 11

Devour Delicious Local Cuisine

Ropa Vieja/Getty Images

From ropa vieja to grilled lobster, you can feast your eyes and your belly at La Moraleja, one of Havana’s most delicious Paladares (family-run food establishments).  With garden seating in its beautiful terrace, this rustic restaurant serves up several courses of local dishes, all bursting with colorful flavor.  Be sure to order their world-class piña colada, replete with a red-and-white sugared rim and fresh coconut – and cap the meal off with a house cigar. 

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04 of 11

Discover Modern Art and Music

Fábrica de Arte Cubano

Havana’s trendy Fabrica de Arte Cubano (aka “the FAC”) almost always has a line around the block, but for good reason – the multi-level cultural warehouse is home to fantastic modern art, live music, and video installations, allowing visitors to get lost in its myriad curated spaces. Grab a mojito at one of many bar stations and make your way through the beautiful galleries, or dance the night away to a rotating schedule of bands and DJs.  Just be sure to arrive early – though even late, it’s well worth the wait.

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05 of 11

Dance All Night at Mio y Tuyo

Mio y Tuyo

Havana might put New York to shame as the real city that never sleeps – especially at Mio y Tuyo, a welcoming bar/club where dancing is the #1 priority.  Enjoy tasty rum cocktails while locals sing along to hit after hit, hour after hour, all joyously cutting a rug with seemingly no closing time in sight. Novice boppers need not be intimidated – the infectious music and hospitable atmosphere makes a confident dancer out of everyone.

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06 of 11

Hit the Beach

Purestock/Getty Images

You don’t have to venture far into the countryside to enjoy the beautiful beaches of the Caribbean. Just a twenty-minute cab ride outside the city, Havana’s Playas del Este offer easy access to the ocean and miles of sandy beaches for a relaxing day.  Grab a coconut (with or without rum) from the casual vendors walking the surf – along with a straw hat if needed.  Then, after a long day in and out of the warm waters, visit the roadside seafood shacks for a tasty meal before heading back to town.

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07 of 11

Visit Hemingway’s Haunt

Sven Creutzmann/Mambo Photo / Contributor/Getty Images

In the middle of Old Havana lies the famous Floridita, the world-renown restaurant and bar that’s never changed locations since opening in 1817.  With live music from an all-female acoustic band, and high-arching pours from dapper daiquiri doctors behind the bar, you’ll understand why writers like Ernest Hemingway, Ezra Pound, and Graham Greene all frequented the local cantina.  Then pose with the bronze statue of Papa himself, forever frozen in pontification alongside the counter.  Be sure to try the signature drink (invented at the bar in the 1930s) for a taste of what inspired the Lost Generation’s greatest literature.

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08 of 11

Explore Time-Stopped Havana Vieja

Atlantide Phototravel/Getty Images

Taking a stroll in this vintage neighborhood will give you a real sense of just how untouched Havana has remained since the 1950s.  From the ubiquitous antique cars in their brilliant colors to the massive, abandoned skeletons of grand hotels, you can walk block after block and only imagine the lush life that once flowed through the town.  Hidden above the marble buildings’ empty, decrepit lobbies, you’ll now find some new dining or dancing establishments – but from the outside, the views are practically as unchanged and beautiful as ever.

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09 of 11

Hear the Stars Sing at Rosalia

Max Cooper

There’s a reason the Buena Vista Social Club has supplied Cuba’s unofficial soundtrack for decades.  To hear the original “estrellas” belt out their classic tunes, be sure to visit the Sociedad Cultural Rosalia de Castro for the best musical revue in town.  Housed above an antique, open-air marble staircase, the big-band sound carries through the courtyard and will get you on your feet in no time.  Enjoy the infectious beats and booming brass from over a dozen players – and sink your teeth into the club’s delicious ropa vieja sandwich while you’re at it.

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10 of 11

Visit a Cigar Factory

Sven Creutzmann/Mambo Photo / Contributor/Getty Images

Since you no longer have to smuggle the country’s signature export upon your return, why not visit the production house straight at the source?  Take a tour at the Fábrica de Tabaco Partagas to watch the hand-rolling in action, breathing in the rich aromas of the locally-grown national crop. Then head downstairs to the shop for an abundant selection of boxes ready for purchase to bring back home to friends and family – that is, if you can abstain from smoking them all yourself…

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11 of 11

Check Out the Plaza de Armas… During the Day or Night

Frazao Media/Getty Images

This historical monument was recently renovated by UNESCO, and the result is absolutely gorgeous.  With lush gardens and a peaceful moat, this former military stronghold (and oldest town square in Havana) is now home to booksellers by day and romantic tranquility by night.  And with the Museo de la Ciudad close at hand, there’s plenty of history to soak up among amidst the architectural and floral beauty.

#travel #airlinetickets #airtickets #cheapairfare #planetickets #travelinsurance #travelquotes #travelblogger #traveller #travelling #travelocity #travelodge #vacation

[luna-irais]

Miami

Summer vacations are always fun, especially because I get to travel with my family! Every year we tend to gravitate towards kid-friendly places and this year was no different. We started our trip with 11 people (7 adults and 4 children) in Orlando, Florida. More specific Disney World: The land of Dreams and Fairytales. Just like last summer, I arrived late and didn’t get to do all the parks, but I did get to go to one of my favorite Disney parks, Animal Kingdom. Oh, I just love it there! I think there is a mandatory blog on recommendations rides/food of Disney World at this point.  Future trip? I think so.

After our stay in Orlando all 11 of us made it to Miami, Florida to spend the remaining of the week in beautiful Miami. After a 4 hour drive (shout out to my brother in law) we had arrived. We had received some dinner recommendations prior to our arrival so we decided to try one of the Cuban restaurant out, La Carreta. The smell of Cuban food welcomed us all upon our arrival, but what I didn’t know was that my trip was about to change.

Here is Jarrett’s version of the story:

While all the fun stuff was happening with Luna and her family, I arrived in Fort Lauderdale Thursday afternoon and drove to Miami to surprise Luna. You see, I was unable to be present for the entire Disney trip but so happy that I could get tickets out to Miami. With a little coordination from with her brother and sister: I surprised Luna at the restaurant they were eating at during a little game called “I spy.”

Yay! Jarrett was in Miami with all of us! His surprise was the best, I absolutely loved it. My trip was going great, but now it was amazing.

On our first full day in Miami we all hailed a cab or two to get from our hotel to South Beach, we couldn’t wait to see the beach. Side note: Cab drivers in Florida are C-R-A-Z-Y! At one point it felt like we were playing “Chicken” with other cars. We made it safe and sound, all 12 of us. After arriving at South Beach, the family decided to split. Half of us went on a bout and bus tour and the other half went to the beach.

I didn’t get to experience the boat ride or the bus tour, however, my parents did and they said it was a great way to see the city! I on the other hand joined the beach crew. The sand and water were calling my name.

About South Beach: 

Ya'll south beach is beautiful! The only beach I can compare it to is South Padre Island and Galveston Beach, cause you know, I live that South Texas life. The water was clear blue with a hint of green hue due to the seaweed that had been trapped on shore. The sand was a little rough and not ideal to make sand castles but who cares when you have the the clear blue water to take a dip on. 

South Beach is party beach. I felt like I had just landed on a scene out of MTV. South Beach is a mix in between Las Vegas and Cancun. Everyone is there to have a good time. 

After spending the morning at the beach we walked down Ocean Drive. Restaurants, bars and boutiques all lined the famous street. We decided to make a stop for lunch at one of the local restaurants where we got a complimentary HUGE pina colada. We were all sure it was for marketing purposes, but who cares right? 

South Beach is the place to go when you want Vegas and beach side all rolled into one, minus the gambling of course! 

Day 2: 

Little Havana

Miami has a history of trade and rich Cuban influence. About a half a million Cubans immigrated to Miami after the Cuban revolution in 1953 (Castro). They opened up some of the best restaurants and cigar manufacturing for the state in an area called, Little Havana or La Pequena Havana. 

The Cigar Tour

One thing we both knew we wanted to do was take a tour at one of the cigar factories. While I wouldn't consider myself a smoker by any means, a cigar is a reward and something to enjoy on special occasions.

We wanted to know how cigars were made and the history of it all. We decided to take a $10.00 tour at a local cigar company called, Havana Classic Cigar Factory. Jessica our tour guide was pretty great! Before she showed us the factory, she gave us a little tour of Little Havana, which I appreciated since we knew nothing about the place before arriving. The tour included some delicious and strong Cuban coffee. Cuban coffee is served in a small amount but that is all you need, trust me. We were also able to try some of their handmade local cigars. ( All included in the tour).

With no agenda in play, we decided to stay in the factory for a while and talk to the local Cuban Miami residents. It was a different way of traveling for us, it felt nice just to sit and chat with the locals while sipping on some Cuban coffee. 

WynWood Art District

The Wynwood Art District was our next stop. It reminded me a lot of Austin. The food, the people and the art is it's main attraction. We even found a speak easy bar thanks to some locals. 

Miami has a lot to offer and due to time limit we didn't get to do a lot but it is a place that we will back to explore some more. 

[theladyjstyle]

Majesty of the Seas Live Blog - Day 3 - Havana, Cuba

The day I have been looking forward to the most and quite frankly the impetus for booking this cruise is here!  Today, we docked at Havana, Cuba.

Our tour was set to start early, so I set my alarm for 6am because I wanted to be able to see at least part of the sail into Havana harbor.  When I first got outside, it was still before dawn and the ship was waiting for the pilot to arrive.

I went back inside for a few minutes and then darted back out when I saw we were on the move.  Sailing into Havana harbor was beautiful and it was the perfect temperature outside with the morning sun barely coming up.

We all had breakfast in the Windjammer and then took the kids to Adventure Ocean.  We anticipated the fact it would be hot in Havana and the focus on history and culture would not be something kids under 10 years old would really understand.

The Captain announced once the ship was cleared that we would have an extra hour in port today, pushing all aboard time back to 4:30pm. Sweet!

We headed to the A Chorus Line theater to meet with our group.  We had booked the Old Havana sightseeing tour.  Pretty much all the Royal Caribbean excursions met in the theater and there was quite a long wait to actually get into the theater and get your sticker.  This was followed by another wait for your group number to be called.

Once the group was called, we were escorted off the ship for more lines.  

First was Cuban Customs, where they check your Visa (provided by Royal Caribbean) and your passport.  Then you have the opportunity to convert your currency to the Cuban currency.  I changed $200 just so I knew I would have enough to cover any souvenirs, food, transportation, food, coffee, tips, or food I might purchase.

We then walked downstairs to meet our group and wait for the bus.  It took a little over an hour from when we first got to the theater to when we actually boarded our bus.

Our tour would take us to four major historical sites around Havana via a well-air conditioned motor coach bus.  Having the bus was great for the longer rides between stops.

Our first stop took us to an old cemetery that dates back hundreds of years.  Some of the mausoleums and tombstones are beautiful.

The next stop was Revolutionary Square, where many famous political speeches and rallies were held.  

Some important buildings surround the square.

Next we headed to a large statue of Christ that overlooks Havana harbor, with a nice park around it.  It also provides an excellent view of downtown Havana. There may have been more to see along the way, but I fell asleep.

Our final stop took us to an old Spanish fort at the mouth of Havana harbor.  

At this stop, you have the opportunity to also purchase some souvenirs, cigars or rum.

We generally liked the tour, although it was slow moving.  To be fair, group tours are usually slow moving so this was not a surprise.  It allowed us to see some of the most important historical sites in Havana and the air conditioned bus was lovely.

After the tour concluded, we walked around Havana to have lunch and see what the city is all about.

We ended up having lunch at seafood restaurant, which was okay but nothing special.  Since our tour did not end until 1:30pm, we were quite famished and wanted food.  

I went with the grilled fish while my wife ordered the grilled chicken.  

After lunch, we walked around the streets of Havana and did a little window shopping.  

Havana reminds me a lot of Old San Juan, but it seems like many more historic buildings in Havana have survived.  Even with my bad back, I found it easy enough to walk the streets and the locals were quite welcoming.

Probably the biggest surprise to me in Havana was the welcoming nature of the Cuban people.  For lack of a better word, Cuba has been vilified in the United States for so long and it was interesting to see not only do they not hate us, but they have monuments to famous Americans. 

With the hot afternoon sun, we decided it would be a good time to head back to the ship.  As we walked back I found a classic American car taxi and we hopped in.  The driver said it was a 1949 Chevy Deluxe.

He took us on a quick tour to the Capitol building, and pointed out a number of sites before heading to the ship.  A great way to wrap up our day in Havana.

Getting back onboard Majesty of the Seas went smoothly, with just a couple of lines for security and customs. 

I really enjoyed Havana and would love to explore more of the city on my own.  Like any new port one visits, you have to start with the major sites but on subsequent visits you get to see more of what the city is really all about.  

Back on the ship, I hosed myself down in the shower and we picked up the kids from Adventure Ocean.

I headed up to the pool deck to watch sail away and found a shady spot with a breeze.

We took the kids up to Johnny Rockets for dinner.  The price is now $9.95 per person, but my kids love that place.  I did not eat, but between my wife, two kids and two milk shakes it only cost us $30 (thanks to some creative math from our waiter).  Not too shabby.

We took a stroll down to deck 5 to check out the shops.  It kind of amuses me how a ship as small as Majesty has some massive spaces dedicated to shops and lounges (relative to the larger ships).

Dinner for me and my wife brought us to the Main Dining Room, and it happened to be formal night.

After dinner we went to the casino to see if luck was on our side.  Roulette did not go so well to start with, but I won it all back in blackjack and between the two of us we walked away with the same money we started with.  That is better than losing!

To round out evening, we took in some piano music in the Schooner Bar.

Tomorrow, we will be in Cozumel around lunch time.

Stray Observations

Everyone on a Royal Caribbean tour got a free bottle of Evian water.  

Voom internet is great on Majesty.  I uploaded 50 photos (12 mb) in about 2-3 minutes.

In addition to the conga line the waiters did in the main dining room, there was a macarena dance session. Never saw that before.

Oddly on the first night we had the “new” main dining room menu but tonight was the “old” menu.  No spaghetti bologense for me.

Fellow Disney World fans, does the sign for The Spectrum remind you of something out of classic Epcot Center?

One thing I did not expect on Majesty of the Seas was for the ship not to feel as small as it is. What I mean is due to the large lounge sizes, and expansive decks, it feels much larger.

Category: 

Majesty of the Seas Live Blog

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[migrately]

The 7 Best Things About Visiting Havana, Cuba While On A Cruise

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines “Black Watch” docked in Havana

Finally after a few days at sea, we arrived into our port of Havana, Cuba onboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines “Black Watch.” While we certainly love our new home at sea, Danielle (of CruiseMiss.com) and I were eager to go ashore and discover everything about Havana. How were we going to do this? By taking a walking tour and classic American convertible car tour with Havana Journeys. 

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TSG Tip: Did you know that the city of Havana is nearly 300 square miles and receives about 1 million tourists each year?

1. A Great Tour Guide

Miguel #2 driving and Miguel our tour guide

We decided to try a tour with Havana Journeys while in Havana. After exiting the cruise terminal, we only needed to walk across the street to meet our guide for the day, Miguel. He’s not only a part time tour guide but also a full time teacher of hospitality at the university in Havana. While there may be many tour guides available, remember that not all tour guides are the same. Getting a great tour guide can make all the difference in the world. 

Walking around Old Havana

With a wealth of knowledge about the city and its history, Miguel introduced us to all things Cuba by sharing with us the traditions and history of the Cuban people.

Plaza de la Catedral

Miguel not only told us about the history, but showed it to us with places like the many squares like Plaza de Armas, Plaza de La Catedral, and Revolution Square.

Mercaderes

Other sights of interest on our walking tour also included important buildings of architecture, including many former government buildings that are now museums as well as some of the many statues in Havana.

TSG Tip: Today the city of Havana is considered three cities in one: Old Havana, Vedado and the newer suburban districts. In 1982, Old Havana was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Classic American Convertibles

Classic American Convertibles

After our two hour walking tour with Miguel, he escorted us to a parking area where Miguel #2, our driver for the afternoon was waiting.

Classic American Convertibles

Dozens of classic American convertible cars were lined up and ready for a tour of Havana and we were going in one of them.

Travel Shop Girl’s ride in Cuba

Our car was the blue and white one and soon we all piled in and headed off to see and learn even more about Havana.

Our car in Revolution Square

3. Havana’s Famous Sights

Cristo de la Habana

Miguel took us up to see the large Jesus monument, Cristo de la Habana, that overlooks the city.

Cristo de la Habana

Carved out of white Carrara marble by Cuban sculptor  Jilma Madera, it stands at 259 feet overlooking the city.  

View from Cristo de la Habana

The view overlooking the city is spectacular. At night from down in the city, you can see Cristo de la Habana glowing under the white spotlights and over the entire city.

Castillo del Morro

Another stop on the tour was at one of the city’s fortresses. 

Castillo del Morro

Walls and forts were built to protect the old city. In 1898, the sinking of U.S. battleship Maine in Havana’s harbor in 1898 was the actionable cause of the Spanish–American War.

4. Cuban Food in Cuba

Lunch at Buenaventura

I do love Cuban food, but was excited to eat authentic Cuban food while in Cuba. Before our tour was over, Miguel took us to lunch at Buenaventura, a traditional Cuban restaurant.

The view from my seat at Buenaventura

I was so pleased that they could easily accommodate my vegan needs with fresh, tasty authentic food.

Salad

I started my meal with a small salad of tomato, cucumber, and cabbage.

Arroz Campecho

For my main, I had Arroz Campecho, a paella dish of rice and vegetables, which was so good. Of course, I had to ask for salsa picante (hot sauce) only because I like to spice up everything.

Inside Buenaventura along with my mojito

I washed it all down with a the best tropical fruit mojito I’ve ever had.

Yummy yucca

For a side dish I asked for yucca, which came in a large family sized serving dish. If you haven’t had yucca, you definitely should try it. I grew up eating vegetables like yucca, plantain, etc. and I couldn’t pass it up.

Moros – black beans and rice

Danielle ordered garlic shrimp, which came with a large family sized platter of Moros or black beans and rice. This was really what I wanted to eat so she was kind enough to share. They then had to roll me out of the restaurant as I was so full.

5. A Drive Along the Malecon

Miguel #2 driving us along the Malecon in Havana, Cuba

After lunch we drove along the Malecon before driving back to the cruise port. The Malecon is a broad esplanade, roadway and seawall which stretches for 5 miles along the coast in Old Havana, along the north side of the Centro Habana neighborhood, and ends in the Vedado neighborhood.

Miguel #2 driving us along the Malecon in Havana, Cuba

This is definitely where you want to ride with the top down to take in the views and watch the waves crash along the seawall. 

Final Thoughts on Our Tour

Walking back to the cruise port

Overall, this five hour tour of Havana was educational, informative, and entertaining and the time flew by because of Miguel. I would definitely recommend seeking out qualified tour guides like Miguel if you have the chance to visit Havana.

Terminal Sierra Maestra – San Francisco (cruise terminal in Havana)

I know that for me, this visit opened my eyes and made me realize that although I’d like to think I knew a lot about Cuba before my visit, I actually know nothing at all. So looks like I’ll be hitting the books to become a little more enlightened.

6. Drinks in Havana

Night time view in Havana

We enjoyed a night out in Havana by walking around the city and having a few drinks.

How can you visit Havana and not stop at any of the establishments that reference Ernest Hemingway? I also couldn’t resist a Margarita at Hermanos, too.

7. Amazing Sunrises in Havana

The pinkest sunrise ever on January 20, 2018 in Havana

A spectacular sunrise as seen from onboard our ship

The next day I got up extra early to watch the sun rise over Cuba and it was breathtaking.

Sunrise in Havana on January 20, 2018

As the pink changed to full on sunshine, my view turned toward the city of Havana from the ship.

Sailaway out of Havana, Cuba

Then I got to see a most spectacular sailaway from Havana and it will always rank in my top sailaways of all time.

Sailaway out of Havana, Cuba

Sailaway out of Havana, Cuba

Last shot as we sailed out of Havana, Cuba

While these are 7 of my best things to do in Havana while visiting on a cruise, I’m positive I could’ve discovered more if I had more time. Next stop on the world cruise is Cozumel, Mexico.

Have you visited Havana? Can you suggest other destinations in Cuba that you found equally exciting? Drop me a line and leave your comments below. Discover some other great destinations and travel ideas here on the Travel Shop Girl website .

On my new SPONTANEOUS TRAVEL SCALE of 1-5, with 1 being super easy and spontaneous and 5 being you better plan far in advance, Havana scores a 5 for spontaneous travel since it’s you’ll need a visa to travel here. Hopefully, that will change in the future or travel for Americans will become easier. 

The post The 7 Best Things About Visiting Havana, Cuba While On A Cruise appeared first on Travel Shop Girl.

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[flyusanywhere]

Best Places To Stay In Cuba

Cuba is clearly an intriguing country which has been closed to outsiders for so many years and now it is slowly opening its doors to visitors. Since then, travelers have been discovering a colourful country with attractions for all kind of travelers.

Havana is one the most famous city and also the capital of Cuba, being the starting point to explore the country. The fact that the country is located in the Caribbean is another reason travelers decide to visit Cuba, but there is much more to discover in there and that is why we selected hotels all over the country.

On our list of best places to stay in Cuba, you will notice a fair amount of options in Havana but also pleasant surprises in small cities. Cuba is a country that goes beyond its capital city and adding new destinations to your trip is highly recommended.

Don’t worry about not getting the best in the Caribbean as we got you covered with stress-free options, which your only planning will be what activity to do on the day or do nothing is also accepted. Before you begin, don’t forget to book your flight at www.flyusanywhere.com to find the best deals on your trip to Cuba.

Grand Hotel Manzana Kempinski, Havana

Grand Hotel Manzana Kempinski was built between 1894 and 1917, being the first European style shopping arcade in the country. Located in the heart of Old Town Havana, has a view to Old City Cuba and it is surrounded by the Capitol and the Greater Theater of Havana. Staying in there is elevate your experience in Havana as the hotel is the first luxurious accommodation in Cuba, offering not only fancy rooms but also a spa, fitness center, and a rooftop pool.

Among the 246 rooms, there are three classic styles: patio room, deluxe room, and gran deluxe room. All rooms offer a king size bed or two twins size beds. Additionally, the hotel has exclusive suite options, as example, the Suite Presidential Lorca measuring 150 square meters with a living room overlooking the Central Square in Havana and a small kitchenette.

Six restaurants and bars are available for guests. Confluencias opens for breakfast and accommodate more than 200 seating guests; San Cristobal is a panoramic restaurant specialized in Caribbean Sea Food; El Arsenal is an all-day dining but also a bar; Evocación Tobacco Lounge immerse you into Cuban cigars; Constante Bar is specialized in Cuban cocktails and El Surtidor is a bar by the rooftop pool.

Before making your reservation keep in mind that the pool closes from October 27 to November 2. If you think that is all, it is good to know the hotel has the concierge service and a luxury spa open daily from 9 am to 9 pm.

Calle San Rafael, La Habana Vieja, 10100

  Hotel La Union, Cienfuegos

Located in the historical center of Cienfuegos, Hotel La Union is a typical Cuban hotel. After renovation, the hotel is now a great example of preservation of more than 140 years of history. Its neoclassic architecture gives the feeling of a traditional vacation beach lodging with terrace and views from the Cienfuegos Bay.

A smaller hotel option without losing the charming of a historical hotel, the Hotel La Union has 49 rooms equipped with air conditioning, TV, hot water and box of security. Concierge service is also available offering services as rental cars, pharmacy, exchange currency and tourism activities recommendations.

Cuba breathes history and visiting small cities is experiencing a totally different place where the time slows down and you seem to step in another century. Cienfuegos is one of those towns, distant approximately 250 kilometers from Havana, hides treasures about Cuba such as Ferrer Palace or De Valle Palace which are worth your time in the country.

When in there, picking the Hotel La Union as your accommodation will make your trip even more authentic.

Street 31 Esq AT 54, Cienfuegos

  Paradisus Varadero Resort & Spa, Varadero

Here is an all-inclusive and kid-friendly resort and spa from Melia Group, ready to welcome you to the Caribbean blue waters of Varadero. Only 150 kilometers away from Havana, Varadero is one of the best places for the sun in Cuba.

Paradisus Varadero Resort & Spa is considered among travelers from TripAdvisor one of the best hotels in the area and that is the reasons it occupies our third position of best places to stay in Cuba. It is a big hotel with more than 400 rooms and amenities for all members of your family, the Kid’s club keeps your little ones entertained while the room service brings everything to your doorstep.

Services like a spa overlooking the clear waters of the Caribbean is also available to guests, but make sure to book your treatment between 9 am to 7 pm any day of the week, as it can be busy. Aquatic activities are also available at the Diving Center, but the whole family can have fun in the pools area.

Dining is another experience as you won’t get bored with over 10 restaurants and bars with a variety of cuisines. Paradisus makes sure you experience a vacation with no stress, in which your only doubt will be what to do during your day, the rest they will make sure it works as good as possible for you.

Punta Francés, Varadero, Matanzas, Cuba.

  Hotel Nacional de Cuba, Havana

Declared a national monument, Hotel Nacional de Cuba is dated from 1930, attracting important personalities as Winston Churchill and Frank Sinatra to its building. Located in Vedado neighborhood, the hotel overlooks the sea and the Havana Harbour in a classic Cuban style in art deco with eclectic elements.

Over 450 rooms are available for guests, including preserved ones where personalities stayed during their visit to Cuba, as per example, room 211 has mafia as theme and 445 received Walt Disney in the past. Staying at Hotel Nacional de Cuba is stepping in a historical era and living the closest you can get to a traditional Cuban scene, as the case of Cuban nights at the hotel gardens, in which an orchestra plays Cuban music every Sunday or experience the local music with members of some of the famous members of Buena Vista Social Club every Tuesday and Saturday in a salon from 1930.

Don’t skip the tour from the hotel to understand its importance for the country, the tours run Monday to Friday at 10 am and 3 pm and Saturdays at 10 am. Food is a serious business in Hotel Nacional de Cuba and ten options are available in a combination of bars and unique restaurants.

Trying the creole food at La Barraca restaurant in the gardens of the hotel or drinking a cocktail at Bay View Bar or Hall of Fame are must do experience while spending your nights at the Hotel Nacional.

Calle 21 y O, Vedado, Plaza, Havana

  Melia Cayo Coco

Only 50 minutes flying from Havana or for more audacious travelers 510 kilometers on the road will get you to a small picture-perfect paradise in Cuba. Cayo Coco is known for clear waters and white sands, so characteristic from the Caribbean, but it is all home to pink flamingos and water activities.

Staying at an all-inclusive beachfront resort will elevate your experience if you are looking for a stress-free vacation. Melia Cayo Coco offers 5 room styles in three options with lagoon view – Grand Premium Lagoon View, Junior Suite Lagoon View, and Grand Suite Lagoon View.

Entertainment is guaranteed with a recreational theater with shows presentations and, services like gym, pool and a nautical center offering aquatic activities like kayaking, fishing, snorkeling offered in their facilities.

In case you want to try something new, a diving center shows what is deeper into the waters. Here is an option in our list of best places to stay in Cuba where you don’t need to worry about anything as is all inclusive with kid’s activities and a sea available for you 24/7.

Jardines del Rey, Cayo Coco, Ciego de Ávila

  Iberostar Grand Hotel, Trinidad

Trinidad is a historic town approximately 300 kilometers away from Havana. This Spanish colonial settlement city has a charming architecture which gave her the nomination of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not only buildings make this city attractive, but also the combination of mountains as it is located in the Valle de los Ingenios and the beaches, which are only 10 kilometers away.

Iberostar Grand Hotel pays respect to the history, maintain a 16th century world heritage building in shape for its guests. Forty refurbished rooms will immerse your experience into Cuba’s history, with additional modern facilities.

The hotel brings the classic style you expect from Cuba, with characteristics like lots of windows, light painting colours and interior patio. In terms of gastronomy, the hotel has two options: room and breakfast, in which only breakfast is included, or half board plan, including lunch and dinner.

The lobby bar presents events in which Cuban artists perform local music, and you can enjoy while tasting a Cuban cigar and drinking the classic rum. If you want to take a step ahead during your stay in Iberostar Grand Hotel, it is possible to get the exclusives serviced offered by the hotel, per example, an unpacking and packing service or even a pillow menu, in which you can choose among six different pillow styles.

There is a reason why this is a 5-star hotel in Cuba, and as soon as you get there you will start to feel how it is to be well treated.

Calle Jose Marti y Lino Perez, Trinidad

  Ocean Casa del Mar, Cayo Santa Maria

Enjoying the Caribbean in a high-quality hotel with no stress is what Ocean Casa del Mar will offer you. This resort has not only well-equipped rooms but 24-hour all-inclusive program for the family. Parents can be relaxed with kids as the hotel has a team of professionals available to entertain children from 4 to 12 years old with activities, but not only them will be busy, as activities are also available to adults by the professionals of the Blue Team.

Everything is done in its facilities which include tennis court, 2 adult pools, 1 children’s pool, a paddling pool and a theatre, just to name a few options.

Food is widely available in more than 15 restaurants and bar, as said 24-hour available for customers.

All those characteristics are framed by this little Caribbean paradise, as Cayo Santa Maria is part of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and not far from the hotel, it is possible to see a barrier of reef or go snorkeling in any spot of the 13 kilometers long beach. If coming from Havana, the hotel is located 407 km from Havana Airport, but closer is Santa Clara airport, only 120 kilometers away.

Cayo Santa Maria, Municipo Caibarien.

  Hotel Saratoga, Havana

There are lots of reasons to choose the Hotel Saratoga as your next place to stay in Cuba. We could start by telling you it won Leader Quality Award in 2015 or was elected the best hotel in the Americas & the Caribbean by Conde Nast Traveler UK in 2010, but what you make you want to discover this place is the comfort, classy and location of Hotel Saratoga.

Most rooms offer rooms with view to the Capital and Fraternity Park in Havana with the comfort of king, queen or twin beds in order to accommodate all your family. Two restaurants are available, a more traditional taste in the Anacaona with the Italian cuisine and Mirador Saratoga has a 270º view of Havana, including the Caribbean Sea.

Additionally, three bars entertain guests: Anacaona, Mezzanine and Piscina Mirador, which translates as a pool bar with a view. Located in the heart of Havana, the hotel is less then a kilometer away from attractions like Partagas Cigar Factory, Gran Teatro de La Habana and the famous Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes.

After sightseeing in the city, the pool or a spa treatment will be waiting for you, getting you ready for the nightlife and a new day in Havana.

Paseo de Martí, Havana.

  from Fly US Anywhere https://flyusanywhere.com/best-places-to-stay-in-cuba/

[touristguidebuzz]

Cuba Travel Guide: Things To Do, Costs, & Travel Tips

Cuba Travel Guide & Budget Travel Tips

Cuba Travel Tips

Is it possible to travel Cuba on a budget? Learn how much it cost me to backpack through Cuba — along with my favorite travel tips, things to do, and more.

Budget Travel Guide: Cuba (2017)

The island of Cuba was “discovered” and claimed for Spain by Christopher Columbus during his first voyage to the New World in 1492.

While it’s been a popular travel destination for years, due to an economic embargo, Americans haven’t been able to visit easily until now.

However what draws people to the tropical Caribbean island of Cuba is much more than beaches and antique 1950’s cars, although there are plenty of those.

In Cuba you can wander bustling city streets, go hiking in the mountains, learn about the history of tobacco, or simply soak up the country’s 1950’s time-warp appeal. Get a taste of what it’s like to live in a socialist country.

While Cuba can sometimes be a confusing and challenging place for many travelers, I invite you to give it a try anyway, and experience some Cuban magic for yourself.

There are many wonderful reasons to visit Cuba for your next vacation.

Cobblestoned Streets in Trinidad

Cigar Lady in Havana

Budget Travel In Cuba

Cuba is generally pretty affordable, especially compared to other Caribbean Islands, yet is more expensive than other parts of Latin America like Mexico or Central American nations. With a special 2nd currency just for tourists, you’ll be forced to pay tourist prices most of the time.

Budget travelers can survive on around $50 USD per day.

Cuba’s local currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP- ₱) and it translates to ₱24 CUP for $1 USD. However as a tourist, you’ll be using Cuba’s secondary currency just for tourists, the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC – $) which is pegged to the US Dollar. So $1 CUC = $1 USD.

You will need to exchange US dollars for CUC, but there is a special 10% penalty fee for this service. So it’s often cheaper to exchange Euros, Canadian Dollars, British Pounds, or Mexican Pesos for CUC instead.

If you’re an American, you still can’t use your credit cards or ATM cards in Cuba. They won’t work because of the economic sanctions in place.

So you MUST exchange cash to fund your whole trip unless you’re on a pre-paid tour. The other option is buying a foreign pre-paid debit card from banks in Canada or Mexico.

There’s an official currency exchange booth outside the airport in Havana. You can exchange your leftover CUC back to US dollars (or whatever) when you leave the country too.

How Much Did I Spend In Cuba?

My Cuba Travel Budget

TOTAL DAYS = 10

TOTAL SPENT = $900 USD

DAILY AVERAGE = $90 USD

Please use these numbers as general guidelines only. Remember, everyone travels differently. Your personal travel budget in Cuba may vary.

When I traveled through Cuba for 10 days in 2016, I spent a total of $900 for an average of $90 USD per day.

Some of the things I splurged on included renting a car for more freedom to explore the island on our own. Rental cars in Cuba aren’t cheap — ours was $83 CUC per day (which we then split 4 ways with friends).

Scuba diving, tickets to Havana’s famous Tropicana Show, cigars, and a classic car city tour were some other activities I chose to include in my own trip. Your own choices will affect your travel budget in Cuba.

READ MORE: Travel Banking Tips

Casa Particular Sign

Our Casa in Trinidad

Where To Stay In Cuba

While you can find fancy hotels in Havana and all-inclusive resorts in Varadero, the best accommodation options in Cuba are called casas particulares.

Casas particulares are like local guesthouses. The Cuban government allows some residents to rent the spare rooms in their homes for extra income, and as a traveler you get a more local experience.

To find a casa, you simply walk around a neighborhood, pop in and ask to see a room, and decide if you want to stay there. Most are easy to find because they’re marked with special sign that looks a bit like an anchor.

Prices will vary depending on the region. A double room costs between $25 – 40 CUC with breakfast included. If staying with locals isn’t your thing, there are other options too. Just a lot more expensive.

Casas Particulares: $25 – $40 per night

Mid-Range Hotels: $90 – $150 per night

Resorts & Fancy Hotels: $200 – $400 per night

I always use Booking.com and AirBnB to find great deals on accommodation when I travel. You can use both in Cuba too!

READ MORE: How To Find Cheap Hotels

Cost of Food & Places to Eat

Cuban Pizza is Very Cheap!

Eating Cuban Food

While many travelers complain about Cuban food and its availability, I found food in Cuba pretty cheap and tasty. Not to mention those famous Cuban mojitos for only $1 or $2!

The lowest-cost options are Cuban sandwiches or Cuban pizzas at street-side stores called “paladares”. These meals can cost as little as $1, but are super basic too. Cuban pizzas reminded me of frozen microwave pizzas. Nothing to write home about…

If you’re a dedicated foodie, and need more choices, you can find large plates of lobster, shrimp, crab and fish for about $7 at restaurants near the coast. There’s also traditional Cuban cuisine called ropa vieja (old clothes) which is basically pulled pork with gravy, served with rice and beans for about $5.

Larger restaurants are generally set up for tourists, with high tourist prices around $15-$20 for a meal. Most Cubans can’t afford to eat at these places. They cook at home, using government rations called Libreta de Abastecimiento to pay for basics like rice, sugar, and cooking oil.

Classic Car Rides in Havana

Horse Cart Taxi

Transportation In Cuba

Flights

The major airports in Cuba are in Havana (HAV) and Santiago de Cuba (SCU). For years, many Americans traveled to Cuba through foreign gateway cities like Cancun, Mexico City, or Toronto. However in 2016 the US government started allowing commercial flights to Cuba from the United States. New York, Miami, and Los Angeles all offer flights.

Buses In Cuba

Bus travel in Cuba is comfortable, but frustrating because you can’t book tickets online. There’s one main bus line called Viazul. Cuban buses are cheap, but the routes fill up quickly, so you usually need to get your tickets the day before. This means paying for a few taxi rides back and forth to the bus station too.

Cuban Taxis

Taxis are available in the more developed cities of Cuba like Havana, Varadero, and Trinidad. Official taxis, in modern cars, will be marked and some even have meters. Old classic car taxis are more expensive, often with set rates of $8-$10 per ride. Try to negotiate a price before you get in.

Almendrons are local shared taxis that run in some cities. It’s the cheapest option at 0.50 CUC per ride, however they aren’t easy to figure out if you don’t speak Spanish. They run on set routes, simply flag one down and jump in with everyone else. Usually old 50’s vans or Toyota Landcruisers.

Bicycle Taxis are another option. Officially they aren’t allowed to pick up tourists, but they still do. A ride costs about $1 CUC. You could get kicked off early if the driver notices police nearby.

Renting A Car

Renting a car in Cuba is possible, but it’s not easy. The online car rental systems there generally don’t work for foreigners. The best option is to inquire by email or phone about a rental a few weeks or more before your trip. Don’t expect to just show up at the airport and book a rental car, they simply don’t have enough for the demand.

READ MORE: How To Find Cheap Flights

Playa Jibacoa Beach

Visa Requirements

For years it was possible for Americans to visit Cuba through foreign gateway countries like Mexico or Canada first. Then, President Obama opened a loophole for American tourism to Cuba, even though Congress hadn’t actually changed the law yet.

It was a kind of “wink, wink, nudge, nudge” situation. No one was enforcing the law. You signed a piece of paper when you got on the plane saying you fit one of 12 special categories (that don’t include tourism), and no one checked.

Regular flights to Cuba from the United States started up, and things were looking good!

However it seems President Trump is clamping down on that loophole and will be making it tougher again by banning People To People trips, the category most people were using.

Americans can still travel to Cuba independently, but you’ll need to choose an approved travel category other than People To People tours, which Trump plans to ban. Declare a category like Support For The Cuban People when booking flights, lodging and when you return to the US.

You can build an itinerary containing activities that meet the criteria for the category you chose, or get help from local experts to plan a legal trip (5% discount for Expert Vagabond readers!).

Another option is to fly into Cuba from a Foreign Gateway City like Cancun, Mexico or Toronto, Canada. This is what I did, and I share more details about that here.

Every traveler needs to purchase a Tourist Card for $20 ($50+ if traveling from the United States) regardless of nationality. This is most commonly done at the departure airport itself, or online/through the mail with your airline.

Old Buildings in Havana

Wreck Diving the Bay of Pigs

Things To Do In Cuba

Havana

It’s impossible to skip the capital of Havana on a trip to Cuba. Havana Viejo (Old Havana) is the historic city center, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. The city is full of beautiful old architecture, interesting people, and of course – all those incredible classic cars.

Rent a classic car for a tour through the city, $30 CUC for one hour.

Visit some of Hemingway’s old hangouts, like La Floridita and La Bodeguita del Medio.

Smoke a Cuban cigar overlooking the ocean at Hotel Nacional

Walk the Malecon at night with a box of cheap corner-store rum.

Attend the world famous Tropicana nightclub for a colorful show.

Varadero

Located on the Hicacos Peninsula about 140 km from Havana, Varadero is a popular resort town for tourists. The ivory-white sand beaches are gorgeous! While many beaches in Varadero are part of private resorts, there’s a large free public beach section too, which is just as beautiful.

Grab a beach chair, buy a few Cuba Libres, and work on your tan.

Rent a kayak or sailboat and cruise along the coast.

Eat at one of Varadero’s amazing seafood restaurants.

Viñales

Viñales is a lush green valley surrounded by mountains located west of Havana. It’s a fun small town to visit if you’re into nature, caving, rock climbing, or learning about the art of cigar making. Viñales is Cuba’s tobacco capital, home of the best cigars in the world.

Visit a tobacco farm and learn how to make Cuban cigars.

Rock climbing on the karst limestone cliffs.

Rent an ATV for an off-road trip through the valley.

Go horseback riding, or join a cave tour.

Want more travel tips for Viñales? Make sure to read about my experience here: Horses & Tobacco Farms In Viñales

Trinidad

Trinidad is a picturesque colonial town lined with cobblestone streets and pastel-colored houses. It was the epicenter of the Spanish sugar trade in the 18th century, where sugar barons become extremely wealthy off the back of African slave labor. Many of the old buildings have been restored.

Hang out on the steps of Plaza Mayor with a mojito to watch the sunset.

Visit some art & history museums, like Museo de Arquitectura or Museo Romantico.

Climb the bell tower at Iglesia de San Francisco for great city views.

Ride a bike to Playa Ancon, a beautiful white sand beach.

Go swimming under waterfalls at Topes De Collantes National Park

Want more travel tips for Trinidad? Make sure to read about my experience here: Discovering The Magic Of Trinidad

Havana’s Seaside “Malecon”

Budget Travel Tips

While Cuba can be affordable, it’s not an easy place to travel on an extreme budget. It takes some work. Try eating at locally run paladares whenever you can. Use the somewhat confusing but cheap local shared taxis, or split a 1950’s tourist taxi with other travelers.

Bring a filtered water bottle, as bottled water can sometimes be difficult to find outside of major cities. Stay with locals in casas particulares whenever possible to keep accommodation costs down.

READ MORE: Best Travel Tips After 7 Years Traveling

Off The Beaten Path

There is a cool national park called Topes de Collantes located about an hours drive from Trinidad. It has many hiking trails that lead to different waterfalls, and not many people visit them.

Some of the best waterfalls are El Nicho and Vegas Grandes, both are over 100m high, and its a great way to experience some of Cuba’s mountains. You can book a tour from Trinidad, or go on your own like we did if you have a car. Beware, the roads are pretty bad up there!

White Sand Beaches of Varadero

Cuban Tobacco Farms

Best Time To Visit Cuba

When is the best time to visit Cuba? Regardless of the time of year, average temperatures in Cuba are very pleasant ranging from 70s F to 80s F.

However the best time to visit is arguably from December to May, as the climate tends to be mild and skies are often sunny.

Wet season is between June and October, with the heaviest rain & hottest temperatures in July & August. It’s generally a less-desirable time to visit Cuba, and hurricanes are also a threat.

The tourist high season in Cuba runs from December through March, due to great weather and large numbers of Canadians escaping the winter snow in their own country.

If you want decent weather, and fewer tourists, April, May, and November are good choices.

Church Tower in Trinidad

Cuban Cowboys in Vinales

Internet & Cell Phone Service

Internet in Cuba isn’t available everywhere, but it’s possible to find wifi spots in most major hotels, large public parks, and even some casas particulares. For a list of all the known wifi hotspots in Cuba, click here.

To get online you need to buy an internet scratch-card from ETECSA (Cuba’s national telecommunications company). They cost between $2-6 for an hour of service. You can buy the cards in front of the airport in Havana, at major hotels, at ETECSA kiosks, or from Cubans themselves.

To use services like Skype or Snapchat, you’ll need to install a good travel VPN before you arrive. The internet isn’t super fast, but it’s fast enough to upload travel photos to Facebook & Instagram if you’re patient.

READ MORE: International Cell Phone Service

Havana’s Tropicana Nightclub

Challenges In Cuba

The lack of internet can be challenging at times, as we’ve all become comfortable finding our way around with help from Google Maps, or searching online for answers to travel questions.

Galileo Maps ( IOS | Android ) has offline maps of Cuba, so you can find your way around using a smartphone even without internet.

If you don’t speak Spanish you might often find yourself at loss in Cuba, as the majority of people don’t speak any English. Without Spanish it’s difficult to arrange things, but not impossible.

While Cuba is a very safe place to travel, there are many scammers too. Especially around Havana. Some popular scams in Cuba include:

Being invited to a bar/club from someone off the street, then getting stuck with an inflated bar tab.

Random women asking you to buy milk for their babies, at inflated prices from shops that are in on the scam.

Everyone isn’t trying to scam you — but you still need to stay cautious and use common sense.

READ MORE: 15 Common Travel Scams

Cuba Photo Gallery

Click Here For More Photos From Cuba

Travel Adventures In Cuba

Planning to travel to Cuba soon? Browse all my blog posts from Cuba to get ideas & recommendations for your own travel adventures there.

Suggested Books & Movies

The Other Side of Paradise – A sobering portrait of post-Fidel Cuba. Change looms in Havana, a city of uncertainty cloaked in cliché. (Book)

The Old Man and the Sea – Hemingway’s story of an old Cuban fisherman, down on his luck, and his sea battle with a giant marlin. (Book)

Our Man in Havana – A vacuum cleaner salesman is recruited by the British secret service to act as a spy in Havana. (Movie)

Una Noche – Trapped in the desperate slums of Havana, young Raul dreams of escaping Cuba to Miami. (Movie)

Lonely Planet Cuba – A travel guide to Cuba that includes history, advice, things to do, and places to stay. (Guidebook)

Enjoy Your Trip!

Cuba is one of the most unique travel destinations I’ve ever visited, as the whole island feels trapped in time. Things are changing fast though as more and more tourists add it to their bucket-list.

I hope the Cuban people are prospering from the recent increase of tourism there, and relations between Cuba and the United States improve in the future. ★

Traveling To Cuba Soon?

Don’t forget travel insurance! I’m a big fan of World Nomads for short-term trips. Protect yourself from possible injury & theft abroad. Read more about why you should always carry travel insurance here.

Bonus Travel Video! 10 Days In Cuba

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for new Adventure Travel Videos! (Click to watch 10 Days In Cuba – Havana, Trinidad, Vinales, and More on YouTube)

More Information

Cuba Blog Posts: Read My Stories From Cuba Accommodation: Click Here For Deals In Cuba Recommended Guidebook: Lonely Planet Cuba

Pin This!

READ MORE FROM CUBA

How To Travel To Cuba For Americans Horseback Riding & Tobacco Farms In Vinales Discovering The Magic Of Trinidad

Have any travel questions or tips about Cuba? Other suggestions? Drop me a message in the comments below!

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

[memoriesofatraveladdictchick]

I wrote here about the things I had planned to do while being on holiday in November 2016. => How to get as much information as possible before travelling to countries you have never been to?

I was planning it for 2 months, completed it in 1 month. I like to plan in advance what I would like to see, because the more information I gather, the more detailed the plan is, the more likely I don’t miss a famous/delicious/amazing/exciting sight/food/activity.

What I planned / What I did:

New York City, USA 

Cruise along Lady Liberty: YES, i did it, I bought a hop-on hop-off bus ticket for 3 days and a cruise trip was included. From the Pier near Times Square cruising under the Brooklyn Bridge, then turning back going towards the Statue of Liberty and returning to the Pier.

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Do an early morning jogging in the Central Park: YES, my @ss was frozen to run there in November in just a hoodie. Don’t trust the sun shining through your room window, in winter… #gallery-0-61 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-61 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-61 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-61 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Visit the Top of the Rock and see from above the Empire State Building: YES, I was standing in line to buy a ticket when a woman came to me and said she had had 4 tickets but it was for 2 hours later and they couldn’t go. ‘Would I want the tickets???’ It was worth about 130$, I thought she was joking. I said yes, so I went for free to the Top of the Rock, I just had to wait 2 more hours for it :) Only in America….;)

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Watch the lights at the Times Square in the evening: YES, i was living near the Times Square, 15 minutes walk, so almost every night I arrived there. The US Elections I could experience there too. (Sad experience…)

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Eat pizza in Little Italy: NO, I couldn’t, I saw Little Italy but I ate before that in Chinatown.

Visit the 9/11 Memorial: YES, it is very impressive

Go to a Broadway show (this not possibly happens but let’s put it onto the list): NO, of course it didn’t happen, I wasn’t in the mood standing in line in the rain For a ticket.

Cross the Brooklyn Bridge and watch the sunset from there: NO, but I cruised under the bridge but didn’t walk on it. 

Check Tiffany’s windows like Holly (Breakfast at Tiffany’s) on the 5th Avenue: YES, I have found it. No picture tho.

See the dinos in the American Museum of Natural History: YES, amazing museum just 10 minutes by subway from my hotel. It was worth the visit.

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Eat a street hot dog: YES, yuck I did it, I wish I hadn’t done, the one I ate was awful.

Check Friend’s House in Greenwich Village: YES, it took a long time to find it in the small streets. Good I had a map on my phone, technology is amazing (I started using these modern smartphones only now).

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Sunbathe on one of the beaches in Florida, for example on the South Miami Beach: YES, we went to the beach. Fort-Lauderdale -by-the-Sea, Miami Beach, Pompano Beach

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Do an Airboat Tour in the Everglades Natural Park, in the swamp and hug an alligator at the alligator show: NO, i didn’t, my friend convinced me it wouldn’t be so exciting

See the Southernmost Point of the USA in Key West: Yes I went on an excursion, I wrote earlier about my trip there. =>Key West just for a Day

Visit Hemingway’s House in Key West: YES, it was really nice, free guided tour included. I wrote about it here. Key West just for a Day

See the canals, Fort Lauderdale is famous for, by boat (it is called the Venice of America): YES, I did the tour, lots of houses of the riches

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Playa del Carmen, Mexico 

Chichen Itza an absolute must, the most famous Mayan Ruin: YES, absolutely, a tour I did to Chichen Itza & Ik Il Cenote

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Eat as much Mexican food as possible :): YES, every day while in Mexico

Jump in a Cenote (underwater cave) and swim/snorkel there: YES, I did, Ik Il. I jumped from about 5 meteres into the water.

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Climb up to the Pyramid of Coba: YES, I did it, it is not so difficult. But take plenty of water with you. Climbing down can be done slowly.

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Ride in a collectivo (group taxi) with locals: YES, to Tulum and Cancun, easy to find the station, it is cheap and clean. I wrote about Playa Paraiso where I went here => The Playa Paraiso (Paradise Beach) and Tulum Beach in Mexico

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Rent a scooter and discover Isla Cozumel or Isla Mujeres: YES, partly, it was at the end a car. I think the shittest car on Cozumel.

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Walk the 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen – tons of restaurants & shops: YES, amazing place, good restaurants and souvenir shops, i Loved it!

Visit the Tulum Ruins that stands on the Riviera Maya shore: YES, I did an excursion together with Coba, amazing.

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Taste some tequila and see how it is made in a Tequila Store: NO, I forgot it, but I saw tequila shops from outside on the 5a Avenida.

Watch the sunrise on the Playa del Carmen beach: YES, once I caught it.

Eat fresh fish on the beach: YES :)

Swim and see the stalactites at the Rio Secreto: NO, I didn’t. I visited the Xplor Park, there I could see similar stalactites.

Go to the Xplor Theme Park and experience the full adventure, zip lines, cave swimming etc: YES, I did it. The time is really limited there especially if you have to stand in line for 1 hour to go to the zip line . Then 1 hour ride (honestly I was a bit bored after the 3rd line but there were 7), the weather was also rainy too. I did the canoe and the swimming in the cave.

Havana, Cuba

Walk along El Malecon at sunset: YES, I did that, it was 10 minutes walk from my hotel otherwise in the evening I wouldn’t have walked alone especially in Central Havana. You can imagine why, not because I was afraid, but it is better to be cautious if a woman travels alone.

Visit the Museo Hemingway in San Francisco de Paula: NO, i didn’t go, instead I went to the beach :)

Go around Old Havana (La Habana Vieja) in an Old Car: YES, I did, here you can find my travelogue about it. => Driving around Havana in a Classic Car

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Visit a Cigar Factory and smoke a cigar: YES, partly I did, I didn’t try a cigar but I visited one. The cheapest Havana Cigar is about 20$, expensive habit.

Drink a mojito in Hemingway’s Bar, La Bodeguita del Medio: YES, I did that. It was classic, everyone was taking pictures and ordering Mojito, me too. It was the WORST MOJITO I drank in Cuba. Hemingway was a big fun of drinking so to say, he said “My tequila in La Bodeguita, My Daiquiri in El Floridita”. Maybe back then the barmen were better at their job…

Go to Trinidad by bus and see the colourful houses there: NO, i didn’t, when I was planning the trip I didn’t count with that that the distance of Havana and Trinidad is about 300km, 4 hours only one way. Huhhh

See the Museo de la Revolucion and get to know a bit the life story of Che Guevara: YES, it was really nice it was before the death of Fidel Castro, I even saw a decoration ceremony of old veterans.

Buy a T-shirt with Che on it: NO, but a Cuban one with dancing guys I bought.

Eat at a street vendor truck (yuck, i don’t know if I will dare to…): YES, I was so hungry on my arrival day that I tried one. I was very lucky I didn’t get sick, it cost maybe 30¢, but I didn’t eat it, the meat wasn’t cooked enough. There weren’t good restaurants in Havana. The food had no taste, bad quality, but everywhere.

Go to the Playa del Este, to the beach where the locals go: YES, I went to the beach but the Playa del Este was too far, I went to the nearest one, there were also mostly locals.

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So this is what I planned and what I did…. Maybe you can use my list to plan your next holiday in that area :)

Vicky

Note: all pictures are mine :)

BUCKET LIST for a Holiday to New York City – Fort Lauderdale – Playa del Carmen – Havana I wrote here about the things I had planned to do while being on holiday in November 2016.

[pgitlin]

Cuba continued - final post

Saturday morning 18 March

From the port, we drove west along the Malecón, the long seafront road between Old Havana and Vadero where our hotel was.

 Our guide for the day was Katia, a beautiful young woman, who had come in place of Roly who was in hospital suffering from kidney stones. She was a deight, a fount of knowledge on Cuba’s colonial and recent history, who freely shared her experience of life both during Fidel Castro’s era and now under Raoul Castro.  She had been well briefed by Roly as to what our interest were and did her utmost to accommodate these.

 Our driver was a young man whose pride in his Chevy Bel Air was obvious.  The car belonged to his uncle, but he took car of it and used it as a taxi.  At each stop he leapt out of his seat to open, but more importantly, to close the door so that no one banged it!  He was also a musician; like most Cubans he has several jobs in order to earn sufficient money to live adequately.

 Katia confirmed what Roly had told us at the beginning of our trip; the average salary of a teacher in Cuba is 25 CUC (Cuban convertible currency equivalent to 1 euro), and senior doctors earn an average of 50 CUC a month.  Granted that every Cuban citizen receives ration coupons for basic foodstuffs (see here http://www.telesurtv.net/english/opinion/Dividing-the-Pie-Cubas-Ration-System-after-50-years-20150302-0029.htmlsic), and prices of whatever fresh fruit and vegetables are available in the market are controlled by the government, that is still a very low income on which to live. Consquently almost all Cubans supplement their income in a variety of ways.  One finds teachers, university professors and others working as cleaners, waiters or doormen in the international hotels as not only the wages, but more especially the tips, provide valuable additional income. Families also often live communially so as to ensure that everyone has better access to the things which make life a little more comfortable.  We also learned that many Cubans have family or friends living abroad.  They are permitted to send gifts to their Cuban relatives.  This accounted for the fact that almost all the young people we saw were wearing smart sneakers (trainers), jeans and other clothes which would not disgrace a teenager or young person living in the States or Europe.

 We began our tour with Katia by visiting one of the 4 synagogues in Havana.  It was undergoing renovation so we were unable to see the main sanctuary. However the community hall was being used for the Saturday morning service and was well attended, with people arriving all the time while we were there.  The Jewish population of around 15,000 before the Revolution has diminished to around 1,600 nowadays, but it appears to be an active rainbow-coloured community.

 From there we went to the Parque John Lennon, aka Beatles’ Square in Vedaro where apparently during the 70’s and 80’s young people would flock at night under cover of darkness to listen to Western Pop music. There is now a statue of John Lennon on a bench in the square which is a popular place for families with their children on the weekends.

 We drove from there around the city to the Presidential Palace, currently undergoing renovation.  It is an enormous edifice which was used by Cuba’s presidents until the Revolution.  Fidel Castro did not live there, but apparently in many different places around Cuba, which were kept secret as he feared assassination by the CIA.  Then we went on to the Plaza de Armas, the oldest square in historic Havana founded in the 1520’s by the Spanish.  It was here in the Castle, remains of which can still be visited, that the Spanish kept the treasures plundered from the New World before being shipped to Spain.  It is a lovely square, filled with flowering trees and Royal Palms.  

 Just an aside, the Royal Palm is Cuba’s national tree. Roly told us that there is an anecdote that this is because the Royal Palm is like the Cuban people – it blows almost horizontal during hurricanes, but when the storm is over, it springs back upright, and the Cubans weather adversity in the same way!

 We walked from the square through Old Havana, once again admiring the wealth of architectural styles, colonial mansions, neo-classical buildings, and many Art Deco buidlings.   The streets were filled with people, and being Saturday, many seemed to be locals.  There were street musicians, a troupe of dancers on stilts, dressed in flamboyant costumes, and vendors of fried pastries.

 We visited a beautiful Art Nouveau house with rich stained glass windows and doors, and a cool plant filled interior courtyard.  It is now a perfumery, beautifully restored and owned by the government.  The Hotel Raquel was also a delight, this was a kosher hotel and the Art Nouveau interior reception rooms are an exquisite example of the period, again with beautiful stained glass windows and screens, many featuring the Minorah and other symbols of Jewish culture.

 Our driver met us here and we drove to Neuva Vedado, a suburb of Havana, to La Casa, a restaurant owned and run by a family in their house. The food was delicious, lamb stewed in red wine and served (of course!) with rice and black beans.  There was also steamed cassava and fried banana as well as a side salad.  The restaurant is certainly worth visiting if you are ever in Havana.

 After lunch we enjoyed a drive around Nuevo Vedado which was built by the affluent middle classes during the 40’s and 50’s.  Here many of the large mansions are now ambassadorial residences, and the more modest houses have been restored.  There were good examples of domestic architecture of the 1950’s, reminiscent of the suburbs of Miami.

 Then it was on to a large forested park on the edge of Nuevo Vedado.   Katia told us that this had been a very popular place for families to gather a day out together while she was growing up.  It is very lush and green, with a river running through the middle.  Sadly nowadays it is full of the detritus of animal sacrifices made by adherents of the African-Cuban religions Santeria and Palo Monte., and we passed several sites full of feathers, skeletons of birds covered in flies and maggots, and shredded paper and plastic.

 (Thirty-four percent of Cubans are followers of these religons, as opposed to thirty percent who are Roman Catholics.) There was in fact a sacrificial ritual taking place in the river when we arrived, and I watched fascinated as 3 men and their Babalu (priest) performed their rituals. Fortunately I did not see them actually kill the chickens, but there was much chanting, dipping the dead chickens into the water, and sprinkling their blood into the water and onto the ground. More groups of families arrived while we were there, all going off to various places alongside the river to offer their own sacrifices.

 From here we drove back through Miramar, another favoured and affluent pre-revolutionary residential area.  There are many grand mansions here, mostly embassies, including the enormous Russian compound with its brutal constructivist building, rising up above the flat landscape and lower rise buildings surrounding it.

 I always enjoyed the drive along El Malecón, the broad 8 km esplanade along the sea from Miramar to the mouth of the Havana Harbour.  The side opposite the sea wall is filled with what in their day were beautiful apartment houses and individual mansions. There are many Art Deco gems and several neo-classical buildings, most now crumbling echoes of their former splendor. However there a signs of regeneration with some being restored.  I fear though that if unrestricted development is allowed as Cuba becomes more capitalist, that the glory of this esplanade with be ruined by high rise hotels and apartment buildings, much as has happened in Monaco.

 At the end of the day, as we were saying our farewells to Katia, we heard once again how hitch-hiking is the main way that most people iin Cuba get around because the public transport system is so inadequate. She told us that our taxi drive lived en route to where she lives, about 2 hours from Havana.  From his town she would hitch-hike the remaining distance which was about 15 kilometres.  She also told us that this was a completely safe way to travel, and that she in fact often hitch-hiked with her 4 year old daughter if she needed to get somewhere. We had also learned during the day that Katia had been a primary school teacher and then a regional television reporter and presenter.  She had met her husband at the television station where he had been a script writer and programme developer.  They had both decided to give up those jobs because they had become increasingly unhappy at having to present only approved news.  Katia said they had been very frustrated when they found bad practice or incompetence in local services but were not allowed to report this.  Now she and her husband both worked as independent tourist guides, a role which she fulfills competently and expertly in our opinion.

 Our final day, Sunday 19th March, was spent rather lazily.  We walked across the road from our hotel, the Melia Cohiba, to the Riviera Hotel, the hotel developed by the notorious Meyer Lansky, the money man for the Mob in the 50’s. It is slowly being restored by Caribe Hotels after having been neglected for many years and is an example of late 1950’s interior design.  The lobby/lounge area, dining room and swimming pool are beautifully restored to their original state, and one can imagine the gangsters and their friends partying here and in the Casino (which is not open) during its heyday.

 It was here in the lobby that we met some Canadians who were about to go off with a guide to see the Synagogue which we hadn’t been able to see the day before.  Yasmin took advantage of their offer to join them, but Brian and I went back to our hotel and spent the morning lazing at the pool.  

 All too soon it was time to leave for the airport and our flight home to Nice via Madrid.  It was sad to say goodbye as we had fallen in love with Cuba and its friendly people, its falling down buildings, and its indomitable spirit.  I have no doubt that if at all possible, we will visit again.

[travelinglily]

CUBA

A place with as vibrant a history as its citizens. The cities crumbling facades and faded pastel paints contrasts with the lively feeling in the streets and pulsating energy. Music can be heard on almost any corner and travels into the countryside will open your eyes to what a diverse and beautiful gem of an island this country is. Todos es posible en Cuba is a phrase you often hear which means: All is possible in Cuba!

Havana

I would absolutely spend a few days in Havana. Some people recommended more time and I certainly could have spent more time exploring the nooks of the city or just hanging out on my street petting stray dogs and eating tostones but in essence if you have a lot you want to see and a limited amount of time I think 3 days is perfect. It’s really cool to do a day walking around Habana Vieja (Old Havana) as well as the adjacent neighborhoods of Centro Havana and Vedado.

        Havana Highlights:

Photo credit Steven LoCascio

Walking along the Malecón (the street closest to harbor). Here is one of the best spots to gaze out at the water, watch the classic cars roll by, chat with locals and people watch. I expected it to be similar to Spain’s touristy street, las Ramblas which is filled with street art, food vendors and performers. This was far different. More of a local hang out/place to take a nice walk. Many kids and teens hang out there at night as well as anyone else who enjoys an ocean breeze. Some people walk around with things for sale or small snacks but nothing substantial. On the street side opposite the water you can usually find restaurants and bars. This street runs all the way along the city. It lacks the same crumbling 50’s beauty of the inner streets and can be a longer way to get somewhere by foot so keep that in mind when planning your day/night.

Hold a strangers baby!

Hang out and people watch

Enjoying the view

The Malecón is the street that hugs the edge of Havana

  Walking around Havana.

Cathedral Square, Havana

I stayed in the Vedado neighborhood close to the University. Coincidentally situated on Neptuno street which runs all the way down to Old Havana. I spent part of the day simply walking down Neptuno from Vedado to Old Havana (locals warned me is too far to walk but in reality only took about 30/40 minutes). Simply getting a taste for local life and experiencing the hustle and bustle yet easy way of life was wonderful. I was mesmerized by the crumbling building facades and the crackling pastel paints. Men crouched around an open hood of a well loved classic car, women with groceries, dogs and children scurrying about. Cars zipping by as well as bicycle taxis and old men with a limited and beat up selection of fruits for sale.

Occasionally coming across the perfectly lit corner, or laundry hanging from a line in just the right way to create a perfect picture. Noticing the street art and having a taste of some local snacks here and there makes for a very furfilling day. In Old Havana we visited Cathedral Square which looks like it’s taken directly out of Italy or Spain and plopped down in the middle of the city. This square is apparently kept in the best shape and was really cool to come across. On the way home we hopped in a taxi collectivo for 1.50 each to get home.

Stevie aka best travel buddy ever, posing in front of our Casa Particular

Locals doing what locals do

Local woman hanging out

Local niños playing

Cool cars everywhere

The Museum of the Revolution (Museo de la Revolución) I’ve visited heaps of museums in my travels, so I’m generally not one to recommend museums to people especially if the weather is amazing outside. That being said the Museum of the Revolution was an awesome learning experience that brought the revolution alive for me! It cost 8CUC and you can easily spend 3 hours or more walking around the old palace. The coolest part for me was seeing bullet holes strewn about the building walls and imagining Fidel Castro, Che Guevara and their troops storming the place!

There’s also a courtyard which features war planes and vehicles used for the revolution and the “Granma”, the yacht which Fidel and Che sailed from Mexico to Cuba in to take over! I would highly recommend bringing a guide book or doing some reading beforehand to familiarize yourself with a bit of Cuba’s political history. The the museum can help to you to piece all of the facts together in a setting where history was made!

The entrance of the Museum, in what was the Presidential Palace for all Cuban Presidents

Fighter planes from the Revolucion

Part of a plane from battle

Bullet holes

Propaganda

Memorial

Dome of the former Presidential Palace

Inside the palace/museum

El Morro (Castillo De Los Tres Reyes Del Morro) or Morro Castle My entire time in Cuba I kept seeing this castle in the distance across the harbor. El Morro looks similar to the Spanish fort in San Juan Puerto Rico and was built in 1589. The grounds are large and grassy and you can enjoy the cool ocean breeze. I unfortunately didn’t get to go inside as we arrived late and it was already closed. BUT there was a book fair taking place on the grounds near the fort with tons of cheap food and fun people watching! After walking through the street fair, we walked along the edges of the castle and set up on the side of the castle to watch the sun set over the water and over Havana. Getting there was about 6$ from the Parque Cetral in an beat up 50’s car and on the way home I think we managed to bargain for 5!

Sunset from El Morro

View of Havana from inside the castle

View of the castle from Old Havana

  Lily’s Havana Tips:

Utilize the Taxi Collectivo system. They cost about 1CUC per person and they cruise along a route picking up a multitude of passengers who hop on and off when they need. Be prepared to cram in with strangers. You can ask your host or any local what streets the taxi collectivos frequent. Some have a route they follow all day while others will drive around randomly and pick people up. I know for sure one route goes down Neptuno and another Avienda 23.

Saving some coin in a Taxi Collectivo

They are usually classic cars but very beat up. A jalopy would be the correct English descriptor. The owners gut the cars and fill it with benches to accommodate more passengers. Warning:  These old cars spit out lots of black fumes. If you are sensitive you may want to wrap a bandana around your face to block that a bit.

Skip the Double Decker Tour Bus. Once upon a time I had a great experience doing the cheesy hop on/hop off double decker red tourist bus in Barcelona so I thought I’d give it a try in Havana. The problem is it’s very slow and all of the more awesome stops are near each other by foot. Once you get out of Old Havana and to surrounding neighborhoods it becomes more suburban and visually bland (in my opinion). It cost 10$ for the day. We got off at the Plaza de la Revolución to see the José Martí Memorial only to find out that it’s blocked off and guarded. So instead we took pictures from nearby and got some cool photos of the giant Che and Fidel face sculpted on to the side of the Ministry of Interior buildings nearby. The other stop we got off was the Colon Cemetery. Again, only to find out there was a 5CUC entrance fee. The cemetery was beautiful but I wouldn’t go out of my way to see it.

José Martí Memorial, Plaza de la Revolución

Ministry of Interior building in Plaza de la Revolución

Colon Cemetary

Feeling sleepy on the Double Decker Bus

Colon Cemetary

Colon Cemetary

Hold out for cheap food! My first night I was semi swindled by a fast talking Cuban who insisted the best food in town was around the corner. My friend and I gave it a shot and it was about 20$ per person this included a lot of sides and desert but definitely not worth the money. We basically had the same meal the very next night in a casual eatery for about 10CUC TOTAL! A typical dinner or lunch plate in Cuba comes with rice and a small salad and is anywhere from 3-5CUC. Some nicer places it may be 7 or 8 but it shouldn’t cost much more than that.

Viñales

If you live for the great outdoors and nature makes you feel one with the world, then a trip to Viñales is an absolute must! It’s giant mogotes formed in the Jurassic era tower above the rolling valleys and farmlands below. The people are kind and animated and you can get cigars, fresh fruits and vegetables for super cheap! Not to mention some mouth watering Ropa Vieja and $2 Cuban sandwiches!

My Viñales Highlights:

Walk to Cueva del Palmarito.

There are quite a few caves in Viñales one of which is the famous Cueva del Indio (Indian Cave). Upon arrival I heard it was quite overrun with tourists as well as they give a show where the locals dress up as Native Americans and dance around. For some this may sound awesome, but for me I was less than impressed by the description and started asking locals what their favorite spot was. More than one referenced Palmarito. It’s situated West of the main route 241 that runs through town.

Many people (namely the Caballeros who are trying to push horseback riding tours) insisted that walking to any destination in the valley is too far and that you must go on a horse. Luckily I downloaded an offline GPS map (MAPS.ME a MUST HAVE for travelers) so I could see how far our destination was. One way is to follow the horse trail on foot. I think going on horse could be fun so I wouldn’t discourage it. I however didn’t want to pay for a horse ride, and also felt that I wouldn’t be able to take great photos on a horse. So Stevie and I opted to walk.

Our map showed we could walk alongside the main road and then cut west to get there. Instead we took a MUCH more complex route that zig zagged through the valley and peoples farm land. As we got closer to Palmarito and deeper into farmland, farms began to be fenced off with barbed wire. Luckily we were able to shimmy under or through the fences and some were actually gates that you could untie and then close behind you. It took quite a few hours and we were slightly sketched out about trespassing, but I loved every moment of it. The farmland is stunning and seeing the mountains tower above you is simply majestic.

“Bridge” to Palmarito

A dip in the dark cave water

Cueva de la Palmarito

When we finally made it to the cave we were hot, sweaty and exhausted. It’s a 2CUC entrance fee and a guide accompanies you through a pitch black natural cave with flashlights. It’s eerily silent inside. After about a 10 minute walk we came to a pool of water where you can swim. This was the moment I was waiting for! After a dirty, sweaty, full day of walking in the sun I was so happy to jump into the icy water. It’s a bit scary because the water is quite dark but YOCPO (You’re only in the Cueva del Palmarito Once)! On the way home we walked along the main road and were able to hail a horse and buggy to get us back to town as my feet were hurting from walking on uneven ground all day.

How we felt after walking all day

Check out the best view of the mountains. There is a viewing platform directly next to the Hotel Jazmines which is about 2 miles outside of town. If you’re taking a taxi in from Havana or Pinar Del Rio, you can most likely ask your driver to stop there since it’s on the way. Otherwise you can get a cheap taxi from town. The views are stunning!

Breathtaking views of the valley

Eating delicious local food and walking around town. I have to say the food in Viñales was some of the best I had on the trip. The town is not huge, however the eating options are plentiful, delicious and of good quality. I was also under the impression that Viñales would be a sleepy quiet town but there was a decent amount of action at night.

The church at the main town square

Two casual eateries situated side by side had some of the yummiest food. For 3.50CUC you can feast on an unforgettable Ropa Vieja platter that includes rice and salad from Rompiendo Rutina.  La Esquinita, just next door, prepared during the day are the freshest Cuban sandwiches we ate on our trip. Different from the Cuban’s I’ve had in the states this sandwich is fresh cut ham, with tomatoes, onions and thinly sliced cucumbers. No cheese or pickles, then it’s pressed in a panini press. A healthy sized sandwich and a steal for 2CUC. I think we ate one of the sandwiches every day we spent in Viñales!

Special thanks to the RoughGuides Cuba edition, we used it to help guide our trip!

Delicious Ropa Vieja

Fresh morning fruit

I miss this sandwich

Best Ropa Vieja ever!

  Day trips from Viñales, Viñales is SO gorgeous that if you only have a few days there I’d recommend enjoying the valley walks and the town. However if you have some extra time or are just curious to explore the surrounding areas there are a few options that I know of.  

There are 2 islands or Cayos as they’re called about 1 hour north of Viñales. One is Cayo Jutías which is more of a curvy peninsula with a road from the mainland, making it accessible by car. The other is Cayo Levisa which is accessed by ferry. In the main town square where the bus drops off there are tour offices where you can book an organized excursion for around 15-20CUC. If you find some travel buddies however you can share a taxi to take you to Cayo Jutías. Most cabbies will negotiate a price with you and is generally for round trip. I didn’t get to partake in this trip because there was heavy rain the day we were considering going.

Instead on our rainy day we traveled to the seldom visited Balneario San Diego (Spa/baths of San Diego) which is roughly 1 hour east of Viñales. We drove in a serene but steady tropical downpour east in a taxi that took us for 20 per person, 10CUC each way per person. This hospital type spa facility popped up around a natural hot spring which supposedly cured an ill slave back in 1632. Word spread and a town was soon built to accommodate visitors. It’s 2CUC to enter and you can spend 20 minutes in the bath. They also offer other treatments like mud wraps and acupuncture but I would recommend calling in advance. I really enjoyed the baths and walking around the town where my friends and I were the only tourists in sight. Down some side streets we saw some beautiful views of the nearby Escambrey mountain range.

Other day trips that might interest you include visiting a tobacco factory, Ruta del Tobaco or a trip to the nearby provincial capital Pinar del Río which is just under an hour away.

  Viñales Tips:

Be prepared for long day hikes. Take advantage of the large breakfast most casas will provide for 5CUC so you can have fuel for the day. In addition, bring whatever leftovers and snacks you have. On more than one occasion we asked our host if they could hard boil a few eggs for us so we could have it as a snack. A hard boiled egg is portable, cheap and contains lots of protein to keep you going. There are lots of fruit stand in Viñales too, take advantage and get a bunch of bananas, a tomato, maybe even a cucumber to have snacks throughout the day. Bring some salt packets with you for flavor. Also be sure to eat at least one tomato. The tomatoes in Viñales are a deliciously sweet and juicy flavor bomb.

Dress appropriately. Loose fitting clothes that are breathable, a wide brimmed hat, perhaps a sarong or light scarf to cover your shoulders from the sun, sunglasses, good shoes are all imperative necessities to enjoy your day and not return a red lobster.

For hikes bring, sunblock, snacks, bug spray, a towel and bathing suit if you plan to swim, tissues for the bathroom, phone with map downloaded for long hikes.

Buy. If you’re interested in purchasing cigars, keep in mind it is much cheaper to buy directly from a farmer when you are not on a tour. Most farmers will charge 1CUC per cigar but if you are with a tour group the guide gets a commission so the price goes up to 3 or even 4 per cigar. Buy when you have the chance. I hesitated thinking I would come back to that farm another day but my days filled quickly with activities and I never made it back to snatch up the good deals!

Starwatching from the Viñales Valley is absolutely breathtaking! We walked down Calle Adela Azcuy Norte towards the valley one night and watched shooting stars and a sky littered with twinkling stars!! Wear long pants and/or bug spray as it can be buggy at night.

Taxi’s, Right by the tourist office in the main town square is where many taxi drivers hang out. Some will be very pushy and annoying to get your business. Simply say no gracias and find a driver who is less intense. Ask a few prices and try to negotiate. Your best bet is to find out how much the bus cost to get to your destination, then keep in mind a taxi that you are taking with other passengers should cost no more than 10-20% per person than the bus. Be polite but don’t be a pushover because you will end up spending more than you need!

  Trinidad and La Boca

Trinidad is a beautiful Spanish colonial town dating back to the 1500’s with a topsy tervy history. There is much to see and do in Trinidad such as museums and historical sites but I spent a full day walking around and exploring the town. It is very well preserved in comparison to Havana. There is a town square surrounding the Plaza Mayor, this is the heart of the colonial old town. The streets are closed off to traffic and the old uneven cobblestone is quite charming and picturesque but can wreak havoc on your ankles! Trinidad in general is incredibly touristy, especially the old quarter, but still a great spot if you want to souvenir shop.

La Boca on the other hand is a quiet village with plenty of Casa’s about 15 minutes south and a 5CUC taxi ride from Trinidad. The town is on the water and is very tranquil. La Boca is also only 15 minutes by car east to Playa Ancon, one of the nicest beaches on the south side of Cuba.

La Boca coast

  Trinidad Highlights:

La Popa, Take a walk/hike up to La Popa, short for Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria de la Popa del Barco via Simón Bolívar. A ruined church now in the stages of renovation and reconstruction (as of Feb 2017). Even through the fenced off barrier it’s definitely worth a gander. If you continue up the road that curves behind the church (Rafael Trejo) the cobblestone street turns into a dirt trail you can hike up to see breathtaking views of the mountains, town, valley and ocean. It’s a popular spot for sunset!

Parque Céspedes, while the Playa Mayor is the tourist center of town and beautiful in its own right, I found the square to be devoid of any authentic Cuban character. Yes they sell 1.50 mojitos and the Casa de la Musica is a wonderful venue but if you want to people watch in a square that’s a bit tourist and a lot local come to this square, a short 15 minute walk from the Plaza Mayor. On the corner at night a man sells 1CUC pork sandwich and it’s one of the squares you can use the state ETESCA internet at. It’s also a good place to organize a taxi from.

Disco Ayala, I’m sad to say I actually did not get to go to this disco tech but heard lots of fun things about it. I passed it during the day and took a peek inside. It’s basically a club inside of a natural cave. It gets packed so show up early (around 11pm). If you would like to see it but don’t want a rager you can see the cave during the day for 1CUC. It’s situated on the road near La Popa, mentioned above.

La Boca Highlights:

Playa del Rio is the local beach of La Boca. There’s a coastal park where you can swim and snorkel in front of the main street but if  you face the ocean and go right there is a sandy beach with permanent shade structures or palapas.

Playa Ancón is a 15 minute car ride away. A lot of people stay in La Boca in a Casa Particular because it is much more affordable than the hotels on Playa Ancon. You can negotiate a ride for around 5 or 6CUC or you can ask your Casa about renting a bike. A few places in La Boca rent bikes for about 5CUC a day!  We had such a fun day at the beach with new friends we made, this was definitely one of my favorite days! You can order drinks and food from the hotels or as I always recommend eat a big breakfast and bring lots of snacks with you! The beach is touristy but not overwhelmingly so.

Not the best photo of the beach but trust me its beautiful during the day as well.

  Day Trip from Trinidad / La Boca, If you can take time to enjoy these two areas I would definitely recommend it. While Trinidad is a pretty big mark on the tourist map, I believe one full day and night there is plenty. Situated beyond Trinidad are the expansive Sierra del Escambray mountains. I personally believe it’d be a shame to not take a day to explore some of the natural beauty of these mountains.

  Hiking at Topes de Collantes, if you’re into lush countryside, mountains and waterfalls this is definitely worth a trip. From La Boca, we took a 5CUC taxi in to Trinidad and found a big open “chicken bus” taxi as I like to call it, to take us to the park, wait for us and return for 10CUC a person. We had about 6 people. The ride up the mountain was beautiful especially since we were in the open air! One we got there our driver directed us where to go to see one of the bigger waterfalls Vegas Grande. The hike was somewhat challenging but you’re rewarded with a stunning view of the falls and a dip in the incredibly exhilarating fresh water! We could have hiked more had we started earlier but we didn’t leave La Boca until around noon. If you want a fuller day of hiking there are multiple waterfalls, rivers and peaks you can go to.

  Trinidad / La Boca Tips,

Get Colonial, A lovely feature of Trinidad is the old colonial homes. When you walk on the streets you can peek in through the open windows and find some of the most immaculate homes with tall ceilings and antique furniture. If a home you are particularly fascinated by is a Casa Particular you can politely knock and ask to take a look. Locals seemed to be more than happy to let us have stroll around their living room and/or courtyard. If they have vacancy you may even get to stay in one for the night!

Getting a taxi at night, will prove to be slightly more difficult between Trinidad and La Boca. Be prepared to have to ask around a bit longer than usual.

Trinibus, I didn’t use this but apparently there is a shuttle bus that runs from La Boca to Playa Acon several times a day for 2CUC round trip. You can ask your host about it.

StreetMeat, keep an eye out for stands that make Cuban sandwiches at night in Trinidad. They’re cheap, delicious and generally attract all the cute stray dogs of the neighborhood.

  Varadero

Ah what can I say about this wonderful paradise which was the last stop on our wild Cuban journey? Only 2 hours east of Havana this peninsula has almost 25 kilometers of white sandy beach. For us it was absolutely the perfect way to end our otherwise backpacker style / roughing it trip. I had my reservations about visiting this Varadero because I knew it would be touristy, but the beach and the ocean are so supremely breathtaking I could care less about how touristy it was. I would return again and rencourage anyone to go enjoy! There are hotels available but Casa Particular’s are mere blocks from the beach and charge anywhere from 25-50CUC per night. I am not 100% sure how far the residential area spans but I know for sure the streets are numbered, the end of the peninsula is mostly hotels, and my friend and I stayed in the 20’s and there were plenty of Casa’s there.

We were also able to find restaurants with good food at normal Cuban prices, such as 3CUC for a yummy pork sandwich or 5CUC for a plate of Ropa Vieja with rice and salad. 2CUC for eggs and rice, 1CUC for fresh juice! We also splurged one night at a restaurant that I can honestly say was one of the best meals I’ve had, not just in Cuba but in my entire life!

Varadero Highlights:

The Playa (Duh!!!) If you did nothing else here but enjoy the beautiful Caribbean beach you would be winning this town! It’s nice because there are lots of trees so you can alternate between shade and sun. The ocean is pristine and the most lovely color teal I had seen in some time. At night it’s wonderful for stargazing but make sure to wear long pants and wear some bug spray if you have it.

Salsa Suarez Restaurant. We budgeted so well our entire trip, that the last 3 days we found we had a lot more money than we actually needed. So our last 2 days in Varadero we decided to treat ourselves to some fancy dinners, a ride in a pristine shiny cadillac as well as do some cigar and souvenirshopping. Salsa Suarez was by far one of the top meals I’ve had in my life. Succulent and tender Octopus Carpaccio and an array of lobster, shrimp and fish ceviche appetizers took my palette for a ride. A Fra Diavla that will blow your socks off and a spare rib that will leave you daydreaming for weeks to come! With drinks and dessert our entire bill was 60CUC with the tip included, but we of course left an extra 5 since we loved our waiter so much. We were stunned when we saw the bill because a meal of this caliber in NYC would have easily cost 200$. They fill up so make reservations in advance if you can! Sometimes you can luck out as a walk in. * Calle 31 between 1ra &  3ra ave. / http://www.salsasuarezvaradero.com/  

Casa de Al, The former vacation home and storage house for the infamous gangster Al Capone. He apparently vacationed here as well as stored booze that he illegally transported to the United States during prohibition. It’s now been converted into a beautiful sea side restaurant. The food (though reviews will say otherwise) is unspectacular. We ordered the paella and the shrimp cocktail both which left us unimpressed. The food certainly wasn’t bad but I wouldn’t spend my money on dinner here. Instead I’d just have a drink and enjoy the terrace, which is beautiful and generally features live music!  Avenida Kawama, Varadero 42200, Cuba

Ride in a classic car! There are plenty of opportunities to do this Havana, but since Havana was our first stop we were still in budget mode so we opted to get our classic car fix by riding in the old 50’s Taxi Collectivos for much cheaper. But some owners have kept their cars in absolute pristine condition and therefore charge much much more even for a short ride. It’s definitely worth it to do one time for the novelty.

General Cuba Travel Tips:

Visa and medical insurance, As an American citizen you may know that travel boarders between the USA and Cuba have recently been opened. Technically tourism alone is still not allowed but you can apply for a visa for 1 of 12 reasons. Now, from everything I have heard, read and experienced no one is actually checking that you meet the requirement of this 1 of 12 reasons, but to cover your ass I would choose the very broad category of “Education / People to People” visa. This visa is for cultural exchange and to improve relations between the citizens of Cuba and the United States. You can keep a journal of anyone you met and things you learned as well as receipts from any museums you visited. You are advised to keep these records for up to 5 years in case the US questions you about your trip (again highly unlikely). Additionally Cuba as a mandatory 25$ health insurance fee imposed on any visitors traveling to Cuba. (According the the New York Times)

Some people think they need to pay an exorbitant price for an organized tour that will meet the criteria of their visa, but it’s not so. If you are traveling around Cuba you will inevitably have many people to people and cultural exchanges. As long as you aren’t sitting at an all inclusive beach resort the whole time you should be fine. And if that’s what you want to do then you are probably reading the wrong travel blog, because I am not about that life!

The easiest way I found to handle this as is to book with an airline that includes this for you. I inquired with both JetBlue and Delta and both informed me that the health insurance fee was included in the price of your plane ticket to Cuba. If you get asked for your health insurance (which is highly unlikely) you present your plane ticket and they’ll know which airlines include it or don’t. Additionally both airlines informed me that I could purchase the Visa at the airport for $50USD. The form is very easy to fill out upon arrival at the airport gate.

Casa Particular vs Hotels, A Casa Particular is the best way to go. Many citizens have spare rooms which they rent to tourists. These are kept very clean and are often newly renovated. Citizens pay very high taxes to the state and have to keep it nice. You can book these casa’s on Airbnb or you can walk around and look for the sticker below on doors which is the symbol of a licensed Casa and knock on the door. What’s nice about this is you get to see the room before you book it. And generally if the person doesn’t have a vacancy they will call a neighbor and find you a place very quickly. It worked for us on our trip every time and we traveled during high season.

Many places offer a BIG breakfast for an extra charge. Almost every room had an air conditioner, some had mini fridge, one had a kitchenette. All had their own private bathroom. One or two did not have toilet seats. The going rate seemed to be 25CUC a night. One of the nicest beautiful casa’s we stayed at in Varadero was 40CUC a night. I found staying in Casa’s was a good opportunity to interact with locals and to help them out as they need the business more than the state run hotels.  I will add, in Cuba in general do not expect extremely comfortable beds and pillows. We stayed in about 10 different homes and only a 1 or 2 had comfortable beds. Keep in mind this is a struggling nation and people do not have much.

Getting around the island via Autobus, There are a few buses that will take you and connect to all different areas of the island. Any major city or tourist destination will be visited by bus at least once a day. The Viazul is the most popular well known bus but be warned the tickets sell out fast sometimes days in advance! I never ended up using the Viazul but I heard it can be often packed with no bathroom on board but they stop frequently for bathroom breaks. The bus I ended up using much more was CubanaCar. This bus goes to all of the same places as Viazul for about the same price (sometimes a few CUC more). The bus was clean and comfortable and according the CubanaCar sales rep, doesn’t make you transfer buses and doesn’t stop in between destinations to pick up more passengers. One ride we lucked out and had a whole row to ourselves!

This shows all the places we went, however I am not positive this is the exact route we followed. The buses and taxis may take slightly different routes.

Taxi Collectivo’s, this simply refers to a taxi shared with passengers who are going to the same destination or general direction as you. Sometimes your driver will find these people, but if you’re as social and awesome as me you’ll make your own friends and have a full car when you go to negotiate for a taxi. Your best bet is to FIRST find out how much the bus costs to your destination, then keep in mind a taxi that you are taking with other passengers should cost no more than 10-20% per person than the bus. Be polite but don’t be a pushover because you will end up spending more than you need! These taxi’s are a great option when you can’t get a bus ticket or maybe just don’t feel like taking a bus. The buses are great but tend to get there slower because they make stops and sometimes transfer you to a connecting bus. Taxi collectivo’s will do local trips as well as long hauls for the right price.

Deniro. This is a bit uncommon, but Cuba has not one but two forms of currency. One is the Cuban Convertable Peso also known as CUC (pronounced cook), this is 1 for 1 with the US dollar. The other form is called Cuban National Peso or CUP sometimes called Nacional which is 25 to 1. You are allowed to use both forms of currency and sometimes having a bit of National comes in handy. This never happened to me, but I’ve heard some people have been tricked and given their change from CUC in National. this could lose you a lot of money so be sure to check your currency when getting change. The most common form of currency tourists will use is CUC.

Tipping is a thing! 10% on hospitality services is the norm in Cuba. Which is about 1CUC on every 10 spent. For smaller things like a coffee or small breakfast you can just leave some spare change.

World Wide Web and Cell service, As you also may have heard wifi is not easily accessible in Cuba. Some of the large hotels have their own wifi for guests but in general tourists and Cubans alike use the state provided wifi called ETESCA. This wifi can only be accessed in certain town squares AND you need to purchase an ETESCA wifi card to gain access. The card is 2CUC for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Be warned signing on can sometimes take 20 minutes of reloading pages, re-entering passwords, restarting your phone, turning your wifi on and off etc. I noticed that once you do your initial log on it’s easier and faster every time after.

  Mobile phones don’t work in Cuba. I have T-mobile and my phone went on roaming mode. It cost .50 per text and 2.00 per minute phone call, so I put my phone on Airplane mode. My friend had AT&T and did not have any service at all. Instead what you can do is purchase an international calling card for about 5CUC per hour. You can use it on a pay phone or ask to use the land line in your casa.

SNACK LIFE! Take advantage of Casa breakfast. Every Casa Particular we stayed at offered breakfast for anywhere between 2 and 5CUC per person. They load you up with eggs made to your liking, bread, fresh juice, coffee, sometimes a meat and cheese plate and a fruite plate of papaya, bananas, pineapples and guava depending on what they have. It was nice to have a big breakfast and be ready for the day. I would also take whatever leftover bread and fruit we didn’t eat and have it for snacks or lunch. Ask your host to hard boil eggs for you to take with you for the day. I found this to be a lifesaver for long days and bus rides when I needed a snack and there was nothing else desirable or even available. Most hosts will give it to you for free or for a small charge. Bring granola bars with you from home. This was another saver for me as they don’t sell this anywhere in Cuba. I bought about 8 bars with me. I also brought the Vitamin C powder packets to mix into water which is good to keep your immune system strong.

TP, Never be caught without toilet paper, wipes or hand sanitizer in your bag. Bathrooms in Cuba range wildly from some having everything you need to some having no soap, toilet paper or even a toilet seat. Also bear in mind the plumbing in Cuba as in most developing nations can NOT handle toilet paper or baby wipes. Be respectful and throw any and all toilet paper in to the trash bins next to the toilet (even if there is no sign, just do it!). Also keep in mind that because of this bathrooms are generally a bit stinky.

Shade life. A straw hat in Cuba cost about 5CUC or possibly less. Instead of taking one from home, buy one when you get down there and support the economy. Perhaps instead of taking it home gift it to a local Cuban. People there do not have much and appreciate any gifts you give them even if you may think it’s invaluable.

Gift Life, If there’s anything you can bring to give away in Cuba such as sunglasses, shoes, toys, candy, toiletries, etc the people there are very grateful. Consider ditching your shoes at the end of the trip if you have more at home or bringing a care package with you!

Call in advance, if you are able to get a local sim card while in Cuba awesome, if not, locals are very kind and if you are trying to call a bus company, make reservations for something or organize a taxi, most any local will either make the call for you or let you use their phone. Calling and checking things in advance can save you a lot of time and disappointment.

Don’t let any Casa swindle you into mandatory breakfast and dinner. I stayed in about 10 different Casa Particulars around Western Cuba and only one demanded that if we stay there we must have the paid breakfast and dinner at her house. It was really annoying because when you’re on vacation and traveling you generally want to leave your schedule open to what comes your way. Also when breakfast is 5 and the dinner is 8 and it’s for 2 people and you’re paying 25/30CUC a night, your tab adds up quite fast! There are plenty of Casa’s that do not have this policy so if someone insists that rule I would move on down the street and look for somewhere else to stay.

PACKING LIST ESSENTIALS

Paperwork: Passport and copies of your passport (every Casa needs to see your passport to fill out state documents. I gave them a copy each time and that was sufficient). Also print a copy of your arrival and departure flights.

phone charger

backup phone phone charger such as portable battery pack

outlet adapter (I never needed mine but some parts of the country you may need it)

flash light or use your phone flashlight

sun block, bug spray, shampoo, conditioner, soap, razor (I thought I could buy this stuff in Havana but stores that are fully stocked with useful items are VERY hard to come by)

1 bathing suit (black in case you go to mud bath or get it dirty)

A few ziplock bags (for snacks)

Granola bars and vitamin c energy drink mix

  PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONS:

Download Maps.me (and download an OFFLINE map of Cuba)

Download Yandex.translate (and download English Spanish OFFLINE)

Casa in Vadado, Havana. You can book this through Airbnb.com at this link: Hospedaje Mercedes & Rolando Habitación Principal Our room was very large, had 2 beds, a fridge and a kitchenette. Everything was very clean and the family was lovely! We were ideally located and for 25CUC a night you can’t go wrong here.

Viñales –> Casa Vladimir y Gladys. The location is stunning, there is a roof top patio with a view of the mountains, room was perfect and clean, breakfast was scrumptious and lastly Gladys was a sheer pleasure to be around! Can’t say enough good things! Address: Adela Azcuy Norte Numer 10-A, Viñales, Pinar del Rio, Cuba. Email her directly here: gladys.sosa@nauta.cu

La Boca –> Eida & Juján. Rocking chairs on the front porch, big room with minifridge, nice bathroom, AC, fan, 2 beds, etc. Yumy breakfast in the big back yard and kind people. Located steps from the beach! Address: Real No. 49 Playa La Boca, Trinidad, Sancti Spíritus, Cuba. 

Varadero –> Villa Mercy ran by Gema (pronounced Hema) was by far the most deluxe Casa we stayed in. Blocks from the gorgeous Varadero beach, inside a beautiful brand new home with Italian flare. Room was spacious and comfortable, the host was lovely, the food was grand and the shower had a great pressure. It’s worth every penny extra! You can book on airbnb but am told you will get a cheaper price if you email her directly. Address: 2da Ave. No 2203 entre 22 y 23 / villamercy@nauta.cu / villamercyvaradero@yahoo.com / facebook: Gema Trujillo Aguirre

I hope you’ve enjoyed this journey as much as I’ve enjoyed sharing it with you. 

  All images © 2017 Lily Montemarano

  Todos es Posible en Cuba! CUBA A place with as vibrant a history as its citizens. The cities crumbling facades and faded pastel paints contrasts with the lively feeling in the streets and pulsating energy.

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1. Do not be fooled, all of the cars in cuba do not look like this. This is a classic car taxi and its 50 CUC an hour. Its worth it, if youre in some kinda tour of the city. Its fun... but not really if you thought you were just taking a taxi ride back to the house lol @ceceolisa .. got some fire ass pix from it tho, right? Lol 2. There are no white people in cuba.. other than tourist. Whom are easy to avoid. Id recommend it honestly. Cuba is a vacation away from white people and you deserve it. No lie. Ask any one and they will say the same shit lol (at Havana, Cuba)