
Viñales
Around Viñales, in the western province of Pinar del Rio, are a unique string of rounded limestone mountains called mogotes; in their shadows are the lush green fields that produce the world's finest tobacco leaves.
Whether you are visiting Cuba individually or in a group, you will want to get to know its rich history and explore its amazing natural wonders. Cuba is a unique country. It’s culture and history, amazing beaches, warm and friendly people make Cuba the most interesting Caribbean destination.
An excellent way to add more adventure and culture to your vacation is through organized tours and excursions. We can select the activity which best fits your needs and interests.
The excursions start from various destinations and can take few hours or few days. All excursions are designed to personalize your vacation and satisfy the most diverse interests. You are sure to find an excursion to suit you…from trips to beautiful beaches or exploring unique landscapes, to learning about the architectural treasures of Havana, you can select from a large variety. Excursions can take place during the day or night and are complemented by meals at local restaurants serving authentic Cuban food. Whatever you choose, our excursions will lead you to discover the many facets of Cuba!
Around Viñales, in the western province of Pinar del Rio, are a unique string of rounded limestone mountains called mogotes; in their shadows are the lush green fields that produce the world's finest tobacco leaves.
The best-known of Cuba's wildlife havens, the Zapata Peninsula, 156 km southeast of Havana, is a refuge for many bird and animal species. The scenery is spectacular: flamingos swoop across the milky lagoons...The region is a nature reserve.
Havana is probably the most splendid example of Spanish colonial architecture in Latin America. Much of the historic centre has been carefully restored. The absence of the outward manifestations of international commerce - advertising billboards...
Cienfuegos City is called "The Pearl of the South" because of the impressive beauty of its bay; because of its seductive city which provokes the wonder of all who know it, and because of that innate nobility of this town.
Around Viñales, in the western province of Pinar del Rio, are a unique string of rounded limestone mountains called mogotes; in their shadows are the lush green fields that produce the world's finest tobacco leaves.
Trinidad is a small and peaceful city located between the sea and a range of rolling verdant hills. It pays homage to an illustrious past by remaining perfectly preserved since colonial times. There are fine churches and red-tiled mansions lining...
Camaguey is also known as the City of Tinajones, due to the widespread use of those large recipients of water made of cooked clay. Camaguey (known under this name since 1903) has a very particular urban construction style with narrow and tortuous streets that always end in squares and plazas, where we can still see buildings of outstanding historical, social and architectural value.
Nestled alongside a sweeping bay at the foothills of the Sierra Maestra mountains, Santiago is Cuba's most exotic and ethnically diverse city. Santiago is renowned for producing much of Cuba's most important music, and this rich musical tradition, mingled with the remnants of French customs, gives the city a sensual, even sleazy, New Orleans-like atmosphere.
Baracoa is a land of great rainfall and many rivers. The lush vegetation, the high mountains covered with long-lived forest, the customs that have been handed down from one generation to another and the appearance of a town that has remained unchanged over a long time are, undoubtly, key ingredients in the special attraction of this tiny city on the shores of Miel (Honey) Bay.
Steeped in faded grandeur, Cuba, the Caribbean's largest island, drips with history, culture, and a captivating mystique. Live music wafts through the cobbled squares in Havana's World Heritage-listed Old Town, vintage cars still cruise the streets, and the beautiful old buildings of Cuba's colonial cities evoke the feel of a country frozen in time. Cuba also abounds in natural beauty. This vast island has more than 3,000 kilometers of coastline, much of it rimmed by dazzling beaches. Coral reefs glimmer in the turquoise waters, and Cuba's lush countryside and sublime islands have played host to presidents, provided refuge to revolutionaries, and inspired writers from around the world, Hemingway among them. With all this history and beauty as well as superb diving and fishing, Cuba offers a depth and diversity few Caribbean islands can rival.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Parque Nacional Vinales is a beautiful, verdant valley in the Sierra de los Organos, north of Pinar del Rio. Steep limestone hills called mogotes slice through the valleys creating a dramatic landscape. The valley floors in the Parque Nacional Vinales are agricultural areas where tobacco, fruit, and vegetables are grown.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the park offers fantastic hiking and horseback riding in the hills. Nearby, the charming town of Vinales is a great base for exploring the surrounding area.
A haven for birders and nature lovers, the Peninsula de Zapata is a remote, sparsely populated area of Cuba with diverse landscapes and one of the largest wetlands in the Caribbean. The Cienaga de Zapata, or the Zapata Swamp as it is affectionately known, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to approximately 150 different species of birds, including rare bandicoots, waterhens, parrots, and heron.
Crocodiles are also common. One part of the peninsula is a designated nature reserve, the Gran Parque Natural de Montemar, where visitors can see some of these creatures in their natural habitats.
Exploring the town of Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is like stepping back in time. The beautifully restored buildings and cobblestone streets in the city center imbue a quaint colonial feel. Much of the architecture dates from the 17th to the 19th century when Trinidad prospered from both the sugar and slave trades.
Today, Trinidad is one of Cuba's most popular tourist towns and the streets are often packed with foreigners. ravelers can soak up the lively ambiance of this charming city in the cobblestone Plaza Mayor, the city's central square. Above the square stands the Neoclassical Church of the Holy Trinity (Iglesia Parroquial de la Santisima Trinidad).
Cuba's second largest city, Santiago de Cuba, is the most “Caribbean” of the island’s cities, greatly influenced by immigration and trade from other Caribbean islands. It is proud of its revolutionary heroes, beautiful squares and vibrant musical tradition. And it is known particularly for its carnival.
Founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1515, Santiago de Cuba’s revolutionary past has been scarred by pirate attacks, Spanish domination and US military intervention. For its heroic role, the city was awarded the title, “City of Heroes” in 1984.
Lots of tourists go on a package deal to areas such as Varadero, Jardines del Rey (Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo) or Holguin and stay in an all inclusive hotel resort. My best advice to you is to travel around the country, stay in Casas Particulares, where you will be a guest in a Cuban family's home. Hire a car or take the Viazul Bus, whatever, Cuba is easy to do on your own and much cheaper when you arrange it yourself, trust me. Have dinner in the casas, talk to the Cuban people, mingle with the locals and feel ... La Vida Cubana.
Let the music beats move you as you enjoy a fun-filled stay in Cuba. Cuba has a broad cultural heritage that makes for a fascinating visit. Be sure to visit the dance halls and pick your favourite, from the cha-cha and mambo to the rumba and salsa, all born here. Go snorkelling and diving in the crystal clear waters, relax on the white sand beaches, and feast on local cuisine like moros y cristianos (black beans and rice) and plantains. Whilst you’ll probably be based in Havana, there are plenty of other attractions on Cuba you’ll want to visit, from forts to bio-diverse swamps.
This web is the largest and friendly place to guarantee unforgettable holidays in Cuba. No reservation fees, no online payments. The payment will be done once you arrive your destination, directly to the people that will give you the services. Lots of tourists go on a package deal to areas such as Varadero, Jardines del Rey (Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo) or Holguin and stay in an all inclusive hotel resort. My best advice to you is to travel around the country, stay in Casas Particulares, where you will be a guest in a Cuban family's home. Hire a car or take the Viazul Bus, whatever, Cuba is easy to do on your own and much cheaper when you arrange it yourself, trust me. Have dinner in the casas, talk to the Cuban people, mingle with the locals and feel ... La Vida Cubana [Cuban Life].
MoneyMoney provokes a certain sense of confusion in Cuba as the dual-economy takes some getting used to. Two currencies circulate in Cuba: convertible pesos (CUC$) and Cuban pesos (referred to as moneda nacional, abbreviated MN). The currency situation is made more confusing since Cubans will refer to both CUCs and Moneda Nacional as Pesos. For the average Cuban it will be obvious which they are referring to, but this may lead to confusion for tourists who consider that they are bargaining in local currency only to find that their counter-party expects payment in CUCs! For most tourists moneda nacional has little relevance since most, if not all of their expenditure will be in CUCs. This includes accommodation, food in most restaurants, taxis, bus tickets, nightclub entrances, tips and so on. Things, which can be paid for in local currency, include fruit and vegetables at the agricultural market, street food (such as pizza and peanuts) as well as local buses. Even at the agricultural market the prices are such that a pound of tomatoes may cost CUC 1 or 24 Cuban Pesos (i.e. the same). There are some restaurants and bars/cafes, which charge in Cuban Pesos although the quality is generally poor.
CurrencyTry and avoid US dollars since you will be subject to a 10% special additional tax/commission. The best currencies are Euros, Canadian Dollars, or Sterling since these are the most common and the exchange rates are generally quire reasonable. Bear in mind that the CUC is pegged to the US Dollar (at 1:1) so a stronger US Dollar means a stronger CUC (and hence less CUCs for your Euros/Sterling etc.). Other currencies, which are universally accepted at banks or Cadecas, include the Swiss Francs (CHF), Mexican Pesos (MXN) and Japanese Yen (JPY). There is no outright commission charged on transactions in cash although the exchange rate will generally be 3% worse than you would be charged on your credit card (for which you pay a 3% processing fee) so net you receive the same CUCs for changing 100 Euros in cash or 100 Euros on your credit card.
Exchanging CurrencyThe easiest place to change money is at a CADECA (change bureau) or at a Cuban *BFI Bank. The exchange rates in all CADECAS and all banks are identical so there is no need to shop around. Hotels often have CADECAS within their premises. If you change money at the hotel front desk you will generally receive a worse exchange rate then elsewhere. Note: It is generally very easy to find the nearest CADECA and you should be aware that any Cuban who tries to persuade you that it is complicated or that he can provide you a better rate of exchange will probably be engaged in some sort of scam which is best avoided. * There are 4 main banks in Cuba. BFI is the most reliable. You may be able to use other Cubans banks but these are less likely to be able to meet your needs since most operate mainly in Cuban Pesos. Always bring new bank notes, with no rips, tears or markings. All foreign coins are useless. Make sure that you get a printed receipt when changing money.
Credit CardsCash is king in Cuba. Except in major hotels you should not count on paying for goods or services with a credit card anywhere in Cuba.
ClothesCuba is a sub-tropical country so pack for summer. Bikinis, shorts, sandals, short-sleeved cotton dresses and shirts are the order of the day. But, bear in mind that Cuban men would never wear shorts in the City! A night out at Tropicana or La Guarida restaurant needs something smart if not overly formal. If you are coming in the winter don’t assume that it will be hot all the time, especially in the evenings. Bring some warm clothing (long sleeves, a sweater or fleece), since there is nothing more frustrating then being frozen to death in a tropical country! Lightweight rain gear is suggested if you are coming in the summer.
Books & magazinesThere are basically no magazines or books available in Cuba (excepting some Latin American literature.) Bring reading material or load up the Kindle/IPad. It can be a nice gesture to leave behind some gossip magazines for Cubans you meet along the way.
Medical kitAs in many countries a fully stocked medical kit should be packed as part of your travel luggage. This should include Anti diarrhea (Imodium) some form of antacid (Rolaids or Tums) for stomach problems. The Cuban health care system works pretty well but there is no harm in bringing more than you absolutely may need.
ElectricityGenerally Cuban electricity is 110V with the square American plug socket. Into the hostels the electricity is 110v & 220v. Some hotels have predominantly 220V and round sockets.
Havana is probably the most splendid example of Spanish colonial architecture in Latin America. Much of the historic centre has been carefully restored. The absence of the outward manifestations of international commerce - advertising billboards, burger chains, neon lights - helps create a subtle and haunting atmosphere missing in the other capitals of the Spanish colonial domain. Museums, forts and lively squares add to the attraction.
Around Viñales, in the western province of Pinar del Rio, are a unique string of rounded limestone mountains called mogotes; in their shadows are the lush green fields that produce the world's finest tobacco leaves, the dream of cigar connoisseurs from Paris to New York.
Trinidad is a small and peaceful city located between the sea and a range of rolling verdant hills. It pays homage to an illustrious past by remaining perfectly preserved since colonial times. There are fine churches and red-tiled mansions lining the cobbled streets, many of which are open to visitors. To savour the richness of this culture, visit the half-dozen museums or music clubs (casas de la trova), or a cigar factory whilst staying at nearby Playa Ancón.
The resort of Varadero, some 32 km NE of Matanzas, is the closest you'll get to finding Miami Beach in Cuba. If you are looking for a straightforward beach holiday in a good modern hotel with cable TV, air-conditioning, a pool and a jacuzzi, then this is the place for you although the best options is a particular house, we offers severals. The seas are warm and crystal blue - and it is one of the few places in Cuba where women can sunbathe topless.
Cienfuegos City is called "The Pearl of the South" because of the impressive beauty of its bay; because of its seductive city which provokes the wonder of all who know it, and because of that innate nobility which characterizes those born in Cienfuegos. The history of Cienfuegos possesses interesting antecedents and is rich in aborigine and Hispanic legends. Before the Spanish came to America, the zone was settled by indigenous people and was known as the Cacicazgo de Jagua.
Nestled alongside a sweeping bay at the foothills of the Sierra Maestra mountains, Santiago is Cuba's most exotic and ethnically diverse city. Santiago is renowned for producing much of Cuba's most important music, and this rich musical tradition, mingled with the remnants of French customs, gives the city a sensual, even sleazy, New Orleans-like atmosphere.
Baracoa is a land of great rainfall and many rivers. The lush vegetation, the high mountains covered with long-lived forest, the customs that have been handed down from one generation to another and the appearance of a town that has remained unchanged over a long time are, undoubtly, key ingredients in the special attraction of this tiny city on the shores of Miel (Honey) Bay.
Cuban beaches are sparkling and unlittered - hotels are not luxurious but seldom blot the shoreline. The bright turquoise waters of the Caribbean, often fringed with palm groves, do not disappoint. The visitor can choose between the isolated and unstructured charms of Las Brujas and the island of Cayo Levisa, or a more sophisticated resort such as Playa Ancon, close to Trinidad or the beaches of the south of Matanzas, Bay of Pigs.
Alongside the plantations of tobacco, sugar cane or pineapples, rural Cuba - with its tranquil, bucolic lifestyle - rewards the visitor with some gorgeous mountain scenery. Close to Viñales in the west is a dramatic landscape of sheer limestone monoliths, fertile valleys and underground waterways. The historically significant Sierra Maestra, where Castro and his fellow rebels plotted revolution, offers fine hiking in forested hills in the east. You can see rural Cuba by bike and take in both coastal and mountainous scenery.
The best-known of Cuba's wildlife havens, the Zapata Peninsula, 156 km southeast of Havana, is a refuge for many bird and animal species. The scenery is spectacular: flamingos swoop across the milky lagoons, and crocodiles meander out across the dirt roads. The entire region is now a nature reserve.
The guest can quickly develop genuine Cuban relationships and become deeply involved in the culture of the country. Before you knows it, the guest will be part of the family. In a big resort one may only meet hotel workers and other tourists.
The guest will, probably, enjoy the usually free and easy atmosphere, feel at home in the casa particular and will be able to invite friends over. Current regulations for state-run hotels don’t allow Cuban guests to be invited to hotel rooms.
It is almost always cheaper to stay in a private room than in a hotel.
Renting a casa particular, the guest will be directly contributing to a person or family's standard of living.
Our service is reliable and personal. Online reservations are not common in Cuba, that is why we guarantee a fast reply within 24 hours of your request. You will never feel loss with our services, we will give you all the information needed and will be ready to answer any questions.
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We really did very well with all the houses that were reserved for us. Thank you.
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Amazing beaches to relax yourself
The Cubans beaches are worldwide famous, it´s Caribbean blue, the sand, the air, it can give you an amazing sensation of relaxation. You will be stress free if you visit one of the beaches in Cuba. There are options for everyone, if you want to relax you can find a beach to lay out, if you want to scuba diving you will find one for that or one to practice water sports. Also, when you travel to Cuba we recommend you to say in Casas Particulares in Havana, or any other city you visit. This will give you the opportunity to have a one to one contact with the locals, and learn about their culture and way of being. Getting in touch with the local culture is a way to open your mind, it can increase your creativity and you will be more open when you come back to work from vacation. One thing you don´t want to chase in Cuba is the music, you will find music in every corner. This is a musical island, there are musicians in the streets that performs excellent pieces of local music, like salsa. You also should try the local food, in the places call Paladares you will find the best food. There are privates small restaurants. Now you know the reasons why you should go on vacations, it´s good for your health, for your brain and also for your current job. Visit Cuba and get rid of the stress, enjoy the Caribbean and you will return to work in better shape. Do you need to book an accommodation?
People work hard nowadays
We are talking about vacation and you are reading this from your office or in you commute to work. It´s not a secret that people work hard nowadays. We dedicate more hours to our jobs that the ones we spend with our families.
In the infographic at the end of this post you will find some numbers about how we work. We will like to write them to you, so you can read them:
80 % of workers feel stressed on their jobs. 90 % of workers work 40 hours or more per week. 40 % of workers feel they can´t justify taking time off work. 57 % of workers have unused vacation time at the end of the year.
12 reasons of why you need vacations
Vacation time is good for a smarter brain, don’t avoid or be afraid of your time off from work.
1. Boost brain power
A study from Harvard Medical School from 2009 determined that when your brain is completely relaxed, it consolidates knowledge and brain power. That can improve and memorize new skills learned the week before.
2. Vacations = Full recharge
As human beings we don’t have batteries, so we don’t have a mental reserve pool of power. That´s why a study from the University of California, from 2014 found out that vacations are crucial in returning a well-functioning brain back to its prime.
3. Sharper mind
The University of Ninjmegen found in 2003 that when we are not actively doing a task, our brains connects and consolidates current ideas with prior knowledge. That’s why you can have new ideas and solution to problems you had heard before, you´ll have a smarter brain if you have vacations.
4. Longer live
Clinical trials has prove that when workers take their frequent annual vacations they can reduce their risk of disease by 21 %.
5. Prevent disease
When you are working, even if you don’t want to, you are exposure to stress. And without vacations, that time experiencing stress can be too long and it can damage your heart. A well-managed vacation can lead to increased happiness and reduced stress. That is a problem specially if you work long hours, and can increase your risk of coronary heart disease by 40 %.
6. Better heart for you
If men skip vacation time for several years can increase their chance of suffering a heart attack by 30 %. Research shows that taking an annual vacation is associated with a decrease in heart disease.
7. Improves work quality
As we said before people is used to work more than 40 hours per week. And working long hours per day for many days in a row can affect the cognitive performance of people that causes a decline in work quality. If you take vacations regularly you won´t have this problem. It can prevent that issue.
8. Vacations can inspire you
Some studies have found that taking time off to explore multicultural destinations, like La Havana in Cuba. It can stimulate you creativity and helps you to generate ideas. Taking vacations is perfect for you if you have a creativity block, ideal if you are a writer, painter or any kind of artist.
9. Better performance
It looks like a contradiction but when more vacation time you have, the better you will perform at work, it has been proved by some different papers. One of those paper showed that every 10 hours of vacation time could be reflected in a better performance, by 8 %, the following year. Studies show that performance increase after breaks of all lengths from minibreaks of less than a minute to long vacations. Research also suggest that managers believe that time off work can lead to increase the employee productivity, get a better workplace morale and greater employee retention.
10. Mental wellbeing: Relieve depression
Taking more day off, in a well-deserved vacation can make you less prone to depression or depressive episodes
11. More sleep for you
A study found that people sleep one hour more after coming home from a vacation that has resulted in 30-40 % improvement in reaction time.
12. Vacations can motivate you
Vacations can cause people to have a better life perspective while motivating them to achieve their goals. Even if you take one vacation day off you can see the change. Now you know that weather you take one or two day off, or two weeks is good for you. You should pick a date and a destination. Prepare your luggage for your trip and go.
All the main destinations in Cuba, where you can find a particular house.
Top rated attractions by places in Cuba.
All tours that I have to offers you.
Vinales is considered one of the most important tourist destinations in the country, so much so that it has been stated in the travel section of the influential New York Times at number 10 among the top 52 destinations to visit in 2016. Vinales is one of the most beautiful natural environments in Cuba, embedded in "Sierra de los Organos" was declared a National Monument in 1979, was also approved in 1999 as National Park and in December of that year, it was declared by UNESCO World Heritage Humanity, in the category of Cultural Landscape. The area is ideal for nature tourism and adventure (hiking, caving and climbing) and mountaineering enthusiasts can find their challenges there as well. Viales stands out more for the environment than their points of interest, since almost all activities carried out are outdoors. Vinales is a quiet and friendly people where travelers come to relax and enjoy the wonderful nature, relax and sit in the town square, where you can visit the House of Culture, the Art Gallery, the recently restored Church and Polo Montas cultural center. To the west, a little separated from the center you can find Adela Azcuy the Municipal Museum, former home of a heroine of the independence wars where you can also book excursions. In the opposite direction (east) is the Garden of "Caridad" extensive garden adorned with plastic doll heads and full of flowers and plants.
In Old Havana, a UNESCO world heritage site, the past is palpable. Rumba riffs roll through quaint cobbled squares; vintage cars ply the streets; and historic forts, museums, and beautifully restored architectural gems share the stories that shaped this grand city. For a sensory feast, Old Havana is best explored on foot. Meander along the narrow lanes, chat to the locals, climb the Spanish-built fortresses, feel the pulse of the music, and savor a coffee at one of the charming plazas where Cuban Baroque meets Art Nouveau.
Cinaga de Zapata, considered a Biosphere Preserve and officially declared RAMSAR Site, is for sure one of the best places of the Island regarding beauty, biodiversity and historical values. Located to the southern coastline at Matanzas city,at 180 km to the south of Havana city,it is also the major humid area of the insular Caribbean, and a natural fragile ecosystems reservoir. With 4 520 km,it is the place of the Parque Nacional de Cinaga de Zapata, accessible by road. Its inhabitant number is around nine thousand, with a density of barely six per Km2, the lowest in Cuba. Sea-freatictectonic caves area a special type of cave very abundant here, open all the long of a 70 km crack between the Bay of Pigs and Cienfuegos bay. In their surface there are semicircular lakes, which allow the access to flooded galleries, some of which serve as course for underground rivers. Another attraction is the Laguna del tesoro (treasure lake), with more than 4 m of average depth and almost 16 km of surface, which make it one of the major fresh water mirrors of the Island. According to an old legend, in the XIX century, when Spaniards went deep into that area, the first local inhabitants, being frightened, threw their riches to the water, which originated the name of the lake. Villa Guam is also located here, and it is one of the most famous and visited of The Cinaga de Zapata, due to its natural beauty and colorful architecture. There, several sculptures of Rita Longa recreate the daily activities practiced by the first local inhabitants. There is also a peculiar flora, found under the water, floating over it and by the shore. Among its fauna, we find biajacas, trouts, the cebrita cubana (Cuban zebra), the cabezota, as well as turtles and bullfrogs. Manjuari, a living fossil found in the access channels, and the manati, another traditional Cuban species, are an example of the local preservation tasks carried out. All of these reasons have turned this area into a place more and more known and preferred by ecology, sport and recreational fishing lovers. In the same way,in the Parque Nacional Cinaga de Zapata, considered one of the most important Cuban birds hibernation centers, there are important natural areas. An example of this are the Salinas de Brito, a relevant preserve for aquatic birds like sevillas,herons, flamingos and cranes, and ideal for tourism of observation. On winter, more than 65 bird species coincide here, while in the Cinaga de Zapata are 16 types of reptile, among them the Cuban cocrodile, which can be observed at the local breeding farm. A wide eco-tourist offer and an efficient specialized guide and equipments service are available for visitors to be in direct contact with nature.
Located on the site of an ancient aboriginal town that due to the presence of an enormous, isolated, and well protected bay became an important center of piracy in the Caribbean, this city was founded in 1819 with the name of Villa de Fernandina de Jagua. Although in 1745 the Spanish colonial authorities had built a solid fortress in this place--which still exists, elegant and above all marine--this city shows interesting places of neoclassic inspiration as well as extraordinary monuments, like the Valle Palace, the Terry Theater, the Prado Promenade, and the Mart Park, among others. The historical central area of Cienfuegos has been declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCOs Committee of World Patrimony, which considered it an exceptional architectural example of the modern ideas of order for city planning developed in The Americas of the 1800s. The beautiful landscapes of the Escambray Mountains are near this city, while the provinces coast treasures rare and exotic beaches, such as Rancho Luna and the insular platform, with a spectacular seabed suitable for diving.
The city of Santa Clara is best known as the place where the dictator Batista surrendered to Che Guevara in 1958. The province of Villa Clara is also noted for its production of sugar, coffee and tobacco. A recently built causeway linking the mainland to the offshore islets has helped open the beach areas to tourism. In 1958, guerilla troops commanded by Ernesto Che Guevara attacked the industrial centre of Santa Clara after a hard, 400-kilometre march that had begun in the Sierra Maestra mountains. The dictatorship finally surrendered to Guevaras troops. The province of Villa Clara is a traditional sugar producer. Excellent coffee grows on its southern mountain slopes, as does one of Cuba important tobacco crops. A recently built causeway linking the mainland to the keys has helped open the beaches to tourism.
Nudging the emerald Escambray mountains, Trinidad is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Cuba's most charming towns. So perfectly preserved are the quaint colonial buildings, the entire town feels as though it's trapped in a time warp from the 18th century. Stroll the winding cobbled streets here to discover a trove of architectural treasures, from colorful colonial mansions to historic churches and pastel-painted bell towers with panoramic views. Most of the buildings span the 17th to 19th centuries when the town prospered from the sugar and slave trades. Trinidad is also a great base for day trips to the mountains and the sea. From here, sightseers can hike to waterfalls in the Sierra del Escambray; bike to the pretty Playa Ancon, a palapa-studded beach; or venture into the Valle de Los Ingenios, yet another World Heritage-listed gem.
A cradle of Cuban culture, Camagueythe City of Tinajoneslies in the heart of cattle country and was laid out with irregular streets designed as a convoluted maze to thwart pirates. The historic centre is full of well-preserved colonial plazas and cobbled streets featuring antique churches and convents, and by colourful 17th- and 18th-century domestic buildings featuring red-tile roofs, lathe-turned wooden window grills, and spacious interior courtyards adorned with the citys trademark oversized jars called tinajones. Camagey is the third largest city in Cuba and a unique example of the colonial times in the country due to its maze-like street layout with many narrow and irregular streets, complicated junctions, and multiple squares. The best way to experience Camagey is to get lost walking around the vast historical center without a pre-defined plan while admiring the interesting buildings of this colonial town, including many churches and colorful houses. Highlights include Plaza de los Trabajadores, Catedral de Nuestra Seora de la Candelaria on Parque Ignacio Agramonte, and Plaza San Juan de Dios.
Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city in Cuba and a historical and cultural treasure. The city is often regarded as the root of the Cuban Revolution, and the many museums here retrace key events from this important period of Cuba's history. But unlike Trinidad, which seems frozen in time, Santiago de Cuba mixes modern architecture and industrial developments with its colorful colonial gems and historic fort. This bustling metropolis is also home to one of the country's most prominent universities, giving it a young and vibrant edge. Shaped by its rich mix of cultures and Afro-Caribbean heritage, the city is often said to be the most Caribbean city in the country. Today, travelers can experience this multi-cultural vibe in the eclectic music, diverse architecture, art galleries, and lively festivals. Day trips are also appealing from here. Not far from the city, tourists can visit a famous pilgrimage site, or hike to the top of a rocky summit for inspiring views across mist-shrouded peaks.
Once upon a time, not all that long ago, it wouldnt matter if a list of things to do in Baracoa was about the most tempting thing youd ever heard of in your life, since it was practically impossible to get there. In the 1960s a road was built through the Sierra del Purial mountains that surround the town, connecting Baracoa with the rest of Cuba. Before this, much of Cuba didnt make their way to the beauty of Baracoa except for the two or three weekly flights from Havana on Baracoas small regional airport on Russian-made airliners. Times might have changed (although not all that much in Cuba), and the town is still gloriously isolated. There are still just a handful of flights into the town each week, and that road through the mountains has not been expanded in any major way. And yet this is the appeal of Baracoa. You will be surprised that more visitors dont actually make the effort to come to this part of Cuba, particularly those who love nature and also love to fill their stomachs. So what is it that makes this luminous town so special? Cubas oldest Spanish settlement, is slightly different than any other Cuban city. Its a municipality of Guantnamo Province very close to the eastern tip of Cuba. Much higher amount of rainfall, makes it the region of lush, almost subtropical vegetation. After all, Baracoa is all about cocoa and coconut plantations and their products. Despite being hard to reach, it shouldnt be missed in any Cuban trip, even if you only have one day time to spend in Baracoa. You can explore cocoa and coconut plantations, enjoy the taste of Baracoa cuisine, spend an afternoon at the beach and still have a plenty of time for learning some salsa moves at night.
Perfect weather. Pristine waters. Spectacular scenery. Soaring architecture. Exotic wildlife. Exuberant nightlife. And a distinctive procession of vintage automobiles. This is not just another island getaway. This is Cuba.
The real Cuba is vibrant mix of history and music, poetry and passion, adventure and astonishingly rich culture. Christopher Columbus called it "the most beautiful land human eyes have ever seen." But don't take his word for it. Discover it for yourself.
Cuba is a beautiful mosaic of historic cities, wondrous natural landscapes and fascinating culture. Despite its isolation from the U.S. and parts of the Western world, Cuba is without a doubt one of the world’s most beautiful countries. From the bustling streets of Havana to the miles of white sand on Varadero Beach, Cuba offers something for everyone. Whether you seek culture, history or natural beauty, this country delivers. Few other countries on Earth can match its blend of stunning natural landscapes and vibrant, cosmopolitan culture.