Cuba

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM CUBA?

Cuba is a unique and fascinating country with a rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful landscapes. Here are some aspects you can expect when visiting or learning about Cuba:

Culture and Music : Music and Dance: Cuba is famous for its music, including salsa, son, rumba, and Afro-Cuban jazz. Expect to hear lively music and see people dancing in the streets.

Cultural Festivals: Cuba hosts various cultural festivals throughout the year, celebrating music, dance, and arts.

History : Revolutionary History: Cuba played a significant role in the Cold War, and the Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro in 1959 had a lasting impact on the country’s political landscape.

Colonial Architecture: Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts well-preserved colonial architecture.

Cuisine : Traditional Cuban Food: Cuban cuisine is a blend of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. Expect to try dishes like moros y cristianos (black beans and rice), ropa vieja (shredded beef), and tostones (fried green plantains).

Natural Beauty : Beaches: Cuba is known for its stunning beaches, particularly in places like Varadero and Cayo Coco.

Countryside: Explore the lush landscapes of Viñales Valley and the Sierra Maestra mountains.

Classic Cars : Vintage Cars: Havana, in particular, is famous for its well-preserved classic American cars from the 1950s, adding a nostalgic touch to the cityscape.

Socialism and Political System : Socialist System: Cuba has a socialist political system with a single-party government. Expect to see socialist symbols and government-controlled institutions.

Limited Internet Access : Internet Restrictions: While there have been improvements, internet access in Cuba is limited, and Wi-Fi hotspots are commonly found in designated areas.

Warm and Friendly People : Hospitality: Cubans are known for their warmth and friendliness. You may find locals eager to share their culture and engage in conversation.

Language : Spanish Language: Spanish is the official language, so having some basic Spanish phrases can be helpful for communication.

points to consider while travelling

Duration: -5-7 days is recommended for a trip to Cuba, we spent 3 days in Havana and 3 days in Varadero, but it is your choice if you want to stay in Varadero and want to do a Day trip to cover Havana.

Accommodation: – Most of the Travel websites doesn’t list any hotel/resorts for Cuba so please check Sunwing website for your hotel bookings.

We stayed in Melia hotel chain both in Havana and Varadero which is quite good, you can check the Melia hotel website for more information.

Transportation/Tours: – We booked the Vintage car for the full day tour of the Havana City from https://www.civitatis.com/en/cuba/ and find them very safe and professional, you can book it from the hotel as well, the approximate charges are 35-40 USD per hour.

Airport Transfer: We took the Yellow taxis which are readily available once you exit from the airport, they are completely safe to travel, but in case you want to go by bus you can check the timings and book the bus here : https://viazul.wetransp.com/ .

Currency: – USD is the most preferrable currency in Cuba, we went from Canada and took Canadian dollars but people were hesitant to accept it, so it is better to have your currency converted to USD before you go, the currency exchange at the airport is not worth it.

important travel tips

Essential things to carry If you are travelling with kids then please carry sunscreen, essential medicine (Tylenol, stomach bug) bug spray, after sun gel and a good water bottle with filter, always drink the bottled water.

Cuban Tourist Card: Once you book the flights you need to fill the tourist card for each adult, please do so before check-in to avoid the hassle.

Donation/tips Cuba has a modest tipping culture, we gave tip`s around 10% in the restaurants. Since we all know Cuba has a shortage of everything, so we donated some clothes/medicines, it is up to you if you want to contribute and donate whatever you can.

Social Media/Internet Your social media like Facebook/Instagram wont work, so please purchase any VPN client, I bought Nord VPN and it worked perfectly fine. Duty Free: You can purchase alcohol from the Cuba Airport, I purchased a nice Cuban Rum from the Airport while coming back from Cuba.

Airport There are very few options to eat at the airport so if you are with kids, please pack few sandwiches from the breakfast/lunch accordingly.