Barb Derbowka
Travel Consultant
Calgary, AB
Phone (403) 509-9583
Fax (403) 509-9340

barbd@travelmasters.ca

Welcome to Cuba

 

My Barefoot Adventure . . .
Cuba, May 20, 2006

Please note the following information, issued by the Cuban Tourist board Oct 28/04 Starting on November, 8th , 2004 all the services and goods in Cuba will be priced in Convertible Pesos only (stores, hotels, restaurants, bars, taxis, car rental services, etc). The Convertible Peso keeps its value as one US dollar (according the exchange rate of the day). Still the US dollar would be accepted, but after Nov. 8th ,04 any exchange from US dollars into Convertible pesos will be subject to an exchange commission charge of 10% . The Canadian dollar, Euro, British Sterling or Swiss Francs will not be taxed when changed into Convertible pesos. Credit card transactions, with credit cards accepted in Cuba (Visa & MasterCard issued by Non American banks) will remain the same, they are not subject to 10% tax. The currency exchange service will be provided at the airports, hotels, banks and Exchange Houses

Varadero
   Life truly is a beach in Varadero. Cuba’s most famous resort destination has more than 20 km of practically uninterrupted beach highlighted by white sand that emerges from crystal-clear water that averages 24 to 26C. And being at the forefront of Cuba’s rapid tourism growth has meant Varadero has seen dramatic development, with visitors today having a large number of resorts to choose from, with international resort companies eagerly entering what is acknowledged as one of the world’s prime beach with SuperClubs Grand Lido due to open this year. Those vacationing in Varadero will find a large number of watersports awaiting them, along with catamaran party cruises, safaris that explore the Cuban countryside and a host of other activities. The resort town also boasts Cuba’s only golf course. It also comes alive after dusk with heart-thumping discos and cultural shows to delight the senses. Nearby Varadero is Matanzas, which played a role in the development of such Cuban musical genres as the rumba and danzon. Those vacationing in Varadero can also go on day trips to Havana and Peninsula de Zapata National Park, which has more than 4,000 km of rain forest and mangroves. Pinar del Rio, Trinidad, Cienfuegos are close by.

Attractions:
Varadero Golf Club: 18-hole championship course on the peninsula, marked by an intricate system of lagoons in the British "links" tradition.
Cayo Piedra Underwater Park: Features several shipwrecks that are home to schools of colourful, tropical fish and where crustaceans gather.
Centre Plaza América: Convention centre incorporates shopping mall, restaurants and amusement centres.
Josone park: Several old mansions have been converted into restaurants, set near the beach amdist tropical vegetation in its gardens, groves and lagoons.
Ambrosio Cave: Archeological site first used as a ceremonial spot by the area’s primitive inhabitants and later by runaway slaves; boasts well-preserved pictographs.
Punta Frances: A 600-year-old-cactus as tall as a tree grows at the end of the Hicacos peninsula.

Who should go:
Beach-goers; people seeking good restaurants and nightlife; families, active vacationers including golfers; those looking for a destination to combine with Havana.

Holguin is Cuba’s fourth largest city, but it’s also the greenest, earning the nickname, "City of Parks." However, the city, officially called San Isidoro de Holguín, is also a showcase for Cuba’s past, having been founded in the 18th century and retaining many colonial structures, including cathedrals. There are a number of museums, including two religious structures – the San Isidoro and San Jose Churches, which house natural history museums. Holguin has built an international following, thanks to its urban attractions and being in a province that has many attractive beaches, including the well-known beach resort town of Guardalavaca. One Holguin attraction for those interested in Cuban history is the Calixto Garcia Mausoleum, which pays tribute to a patriot who fought for Cuban independence in the 19th century. Another area highlight is the Mayabe Lookout, found eight km from the city. It provides a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape. The province of Holguin is seeing large numbers of sun-seeking tourists, who venture not only to Guardalavaca, but also Playa Esmeralda; Playa Pesquero; and Playa Yuraguanal, the latter boasting a the new Occidental Grand Turquesa hotel. Dive sites abound for those intent on venturing out from the brilliant white sand beaches. Away from the coast, the rugged and mountainous province is renowned for its natural beauty and was described by Christopher Columbus as "the most beautiful land eyes have ever seen." Visitors can explore the region in a variety of natural and safari parks.

Attractions
Parque Calixto García: "Central Park" is the heart of the city; nearby are the Iglesia de San José and La Catedral de San Isidro de Holguín churches, the latter featuring carved wooden ceilings.
La Loma de Cruz: At the top of Thee Hill of the Cross is a wooden cross, erected in 1790. Idyllic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Bahia Naranjo: Surrounded by beaches, mountains and dive sites, this bay also houses a natural aquarium, where visitors can also swim with the dolphins. • Mayabe Lookout: Offers panoramic view of the countryside from a hilltop near the city of Holguín. • Cayo Saetía: A tiny island that is home to imported animals such as zebras, buffalo, ñandúes, antelopes and others.

Who should go:
Sun seekers looking for uncrowded beaches and a chance to add an active element to their holidays; families; eco- and history lovers.

Cayo Largo del Sur mixes white sand beaches and palm trees with pelicans, seagulls and colonies of turtles. Unsurprisingly, the island – found south of mainland Cuba – attracts watersports enthusiasts, who can sail, kayak, snorkel and dive, with a coral reef that’s more than 30 km long awaiting those who like to explore an underwater world. Cayo Largo del Sur has a sound tourism infrastructure, with hotels, restaurants, bars, and rental bikes available. In recent years, hotel standards on the island have improved immeasurably, particularly with the opening of Sol Meliá properties and the new 306-room Barceló Cayo Largo Beach Resort Hotel. Also available are tennis courts, aerobics and dance classes, diving lessons and animation games in a destination known for its fine sand, gently sloping beaches and few waves. There are a number of interesting islands in the area, including Iguana Key, a sanctuary for iguanas, which will take food from visitors. Cayo Los Pajaros is home to different types of seabirds. Cayo Largo del Sur has regular air service to points in mainland Cuba and abroad.

Attractions
Finca El Abra: Museum near the marble quarries that sheltered young José Martí, a national hero sentenced to hard labour for his ideas about independence in the 19th century.
Presidio Modelo – Former prison for political prisoners and common criminals is now a museum; located near Nueva Gerona.
Cave paintings – Dubbed the "Aboriginal Sistine Chapel," Punta del Este caves feature numerous native paintings.

Who should go:
Sun-seekers looking for relaxation and a quiet area to forget all their cares; those who enjoy watersports, especially diving and snorkelling, as well as fishing

Cientuegos - French explorers long ago said oui to the idea of a presence in the southern Cuban port city of Cienfuegos, a presence that has left a lasting legacy on the city called La Perla del Sur (The Southern Pearl). Christopher Columbus was overwhelmed by the beauty of the bay that fronts the city, as were French colonizers, who left an imprint in many cultural and spiritual features. The city is today considered an architectural treasure thanks to its neo-classical structures in which art nouveau and art deco styles alternate. A massive fortress built centuries ago to protect the city is another highlight, as is the carefully preserved old quarter. Famed Cuban musician Beny Moré once said, "Cienfuegos is the city I love most," with the city in turn returning a tribute by hosting a Beny Moré Festival. Cienfuegos is also sheltered by the Gua-muhaya Mountains, an area in which tourists can view forests, waterfalls and caverns. Cienfuegos also attracts scuba divers eager to see an underwater world found off area beaches. Area waters have coral formations and other marine life. Renowned in the Canadian market, the renovated and upgraded Rancho Luna is one hotel that serves the destination.  

Attractions
Martí Park: A granite compass marks the point where the first French villagers started building the city.
Terry Theatre: A classic example of eclectic Creole architecture, dating to 1869.
La Reina Cemetery: A relic of 19th century funeral art, including remarkable monuments and low reliefs.
Jagua Castle: This well-preserved castle, home to the "Lady in Blue" ghost, was built in 1795 to repel attacks from pirates and smugglers.
Harbourfront: The Harbourfront and Malecon road are considered one of Cuba’s prettiest spots.
Botanical Garden: The Botanical Garden is a national monument with thousands of specimens, most of them unusual trees.
Beny Moré’s birthplace: Museum to one of the most famous interpreters of Cuban music.
World’s highest stalagmite: 67 metres high in the Martin Infierno Cave on Yaguanabo Beach, east of Cienfuegos.

Who should go:
A lack of high-end hotels lends Cienfuegos to budget or value-conscious travellers looking for a secluded, out-of-theway spot ideally conducive to both land (nature) and water-oriented holidays.

Tourism officials like to say Trinidad is a museum in itself and rightly so. Those visiting the 500-year-old city will find Spanish colonial architecture, underscoring a colonial ambiance that marks the tiny city as one of the country’s greatest attractions. Only a few square blocks in size, historic Trinidad is famous for its lovely, cobblestone streets, pastelcoloured houses with elaborate wrought-iron grills, as well as majestic palaces and plazas. The city can be toured in a few hours, by foot or by horse-drawn carriage, but visitors, charmed by the laid-back atmosphere often stay longer – no doubt, in part, because of the city’s ideal location near both the El Escambray mountains and the coast, which combine to give the city a perfect setting that combines history, architecture, adventure opportunities and the beach. One of the area’s most interesting sights is the Valley of the Sugar Mills, which has been declared a World Heritage Site. The valley has around 70 long-standing sugar mills that are a reminder of the importance of sugar to the Cuban economy over the centuries. Twenty km from the city is Topes de Collantes, one of Cuba’s premier ecotourism centres. And those who travel to Cuba for sun and sea will appreciate Casilda Bay, known for clear water that attracts snorkellers and divers. A nearby islet has pristine beaches. Ancon Beach is a beautiful white sand beach that boasts a number of three- and fourstar hotels, with the newest one being the Brisas Trinidad del Mar.

Attractions:
Yayabo Bridge: Roman-style bridge symbolizes the city of Sancti Spíritus and the province. The town’s 17th-century Iglesia Parroquial Mayor (Major Parish Church) is the oldest church in Cuba and a good example of Spanish-Arab influence.
Valle de los Ingenios: East of Trinidad is the Valley of the Sugar Mills holding the ruins of some 70 centuries-old sugar mills. The stunning, 146-foot-high Iznaga Tower, built around 1840, looms over the valley as a reminder of days when slaves worked the cane fields and the mills.
Milagroso Cristo de Vera Cruz: (Miraculous Christ of Vera Cruz). This bow ornament, from a Spanish galleon that landed here in the early 18th century, remains in Trinidad’s parish church.
Topes de Collantes: About 20 km from the city in the mountains is one of Cuba’s main eco-tourism centres.

Who should go:
Lovers of history and architecture; eco-adventurists; and those who like a multi-faceted vacation in a secluded, relaxing atmosphere.

HAVANA - The exotic capital of Cuba and largest city in the Caribbean is a must-see for any visitor. For centuries, it has served as the gateway to the Gulf of Mexico and today is the gateway to Cuba. At the heart of the city, which was founded almost 500 years ago is Old Havana, the historical quarter, which earned United Nations World Heritage Site status in 1982 thanks to its wealth of Spanish colonial structures, fortresses, plazas, cathedrals and other buildings and landmarks dating back to Spanish rule. And the capital is also a cultural delight, with nightclubs and shows – such as the famed Tropicana performances – attracting visitors fascinated by Cuban culture, with Cuban cultural displays including salsa, the music and dance that has built a worldwide following in recent years. Several festivals, including jazz, guitar and film fests pay homage to the city’s lively cultural scene. Visitors will also find many museums in the seaside city. Another must see is the Malecon, the long-running boulevard that flanks the waterfront.  Among those who appreciated the Cuban capital’s charms was novelist Ernest Hemingway, a long-time resident of the city who is well remembered in Cuba. Tourists can visit Hemingway’s old haunts, drinking the same Cuban cocktails he did. Havana has an excellent tourism infrastructure, including facilities for meetings and conventions. Hotels in the city are both modern and historic, with the latter categories including the famed Nacional de Cuba Hotel, the one-time hangout for entertainers and American crime bosses. The Nacional continues to have a celebrity clientele, and those visiting its bar can see pictures of the rich and famous who have enjoyed a drink there. Last May, Occidental Hotels opened its first hotel in Cuba. The Occidental Miramar is located in the financial centre of the city on the Quinta Avenida in the upscale Miramar  neighbourhood.

Attractions:
Old Havana – UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Castillo de la Real Fuerza – 1577 castle – the oldest colonial fortress in the Americas — showcases Cuba’s history as well as housing the country’s most important pottery art collection.
Cathedral Square – Ancient square comprises the recently restored Plaza Vieja (Old Square) and Francis of Assisi square. Also the site of a handicraft market.
Morro-Cabaña historic military park – Includes El Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro (The Castle of the Three Kings of El Morro) and the fortress of San Carlos de la Cabaña.
Capitol building – Strikingly similar to the US Capitol building in Washington, the structure is central Havana’s most dominant landmark. Across the street is one of the city’s oldest cigar factories.
Malecon - Famed 12-km oceanside road linking Malecon and Old Havana.
El Nacional – Famed, historic hotel.
Tropicana - World-famous nightclub review celebrates Cuban dance and song in outdoor setting. Other nightclubs can also be found.
Museums: Arms Museum, Literacy Museum, Jose Marti Birthplace, Museum of the City of Havana, Museum of Colonial Art, Museum of Decorative Arts, Museum of Natural Sciences, Museum of the People’s Struggle, Museum of the Revolution, Napoleonic Museum, National Museum of Fine Arts, Numismatic Museum, Postal Museum.
Aquarium: National Aquarium displays specimens of Cuban marine life.
Botonical Gardens: In green oasis in the city, located in the Miramar district.
La Rampa: The main street is in the Vedado district and a meeting point for young people…
Eastern beaches: Only 20 minutes from Havana, the eastern beaches of Havana, including Santa María del Mar, are ideal respite from city life.
Tarara Beach, meanwhile, is ideal for longstays, with the gated Villa Armonia offering one- to five-bedroom villas.

Who should go:
People looking for cultural programs, including architecture, photography, and music; festivalgoers; business travellers.

MAREA DEL PORTILLO
(Manzanillo) Beaches, history and nature go hand in hand for those staying in Playa Marea del Portillo. Located in the southernmost part of the province of Granma and reached by those flying to the airport in Manzanillo, Playa Marea del Portillo has the attractive beaches and resorts that are at the core of Cuba’s tourist trade. Part of the Great Sierra Maestra National Park Marea del Portillo is an hour from Manzanillo and has garnered a reputation as a "home away from home" in the Canadian market, boasting an extremely high repeat clientele. An excellent dark sand beach is complemented by excellent underwater attractions, suitable for divers and snorkellers. Many returnees to the resort area are eager to  explore surrounding Granma, particularly the city of Bayamo, which has figured prominently in Cuban history and culture, including the 19th century struggle for independence and the Cuban revolution. There are also many archeological sites that have reminders of the island’s indigenous inhabitants. The province is also home to Turquino National Park, where hikers can follow trails through the Sierra Maestra Mountains to Cuba’s highest peaks. UNESCO has declared Desembarco del Granma National Park a World Heritage Site, thanks in part to many area caves and caverns that spelunkers can explore. The waters off Desembarco del Granma attract scuba divers, as do other areas off Granma’s coast.

Attractions:
Bayamo: Found by Spanish conquistadors in 1513, the provincial capital was later raised by Cuban rebel in the War of Independence. The city is now a national monument, and the rebuilt church of San Salvador de Bayamo still has some original artifacts. Horse-drawn carriages take visitors sightseeing.
La Plata: Guerrilla command post belonging to Fidel Castro, deep in the Sierra Maestra mountains can only be reached by rough paths and roads.
Demajagua: Historic ruins of an old sugar mill near the village of Manzanillo where Carlos Manuel de Céspedes freed his slaves and rang the liberty bell to proclaim Cuba’s independence in 1868.

Who should go:
Beachgoers and sunseekers looking for an out of the way, laid-back experience; very good for seniors (quiet), nature lovers and ecotourists.

Cuban cigars are generally considered the finest in the world and Pinar del Rio is at the centre of Cuban tobacco production. As such, tobacco plantations can be seen throughout the province, many of them offering tours (and the chance to purchase samples). Similarly, coffee lovers should visit the restored Buenavista plantation in Las Terrazas, which Cuban tourism officials describe as a "lovely trip into history." But those plantations are only one intriguing side to the landscape, which is also highlighted by mogotes (rounded limestone mountains), as well as tropical forests. Nature lovers will want to visit Soroa, which has a 22-metre-high  waterfall and is home to around 1,000 species of orchids. Meanwhile, the Gran Caverna de Santo Tomas is one of the largest caverns in the world, while another interesting underground feature is the Cueva de los Portales, a cave that Che Guevera used as a retreat during the 1962 Cuban missile crisis. The cave now has a small museum. The Vinales Valley was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999, in part because of a 270-million-year-old fossil having been found there. Among attractions in the city of Pinar del Rio is the Guach Palace, which some have labelled "the strangest building in Cuba." The structure is reminiscent of early 20th-century Catalonian  modernism and houses a museum of natural science. An international dive centre is found at Maria la Gorda Beach, Cuba’s westernmost point. Other active pursuits include hiking and cycling in a region that takes pride in its many sustainable tourism programs.

Attractions:
Gran Caverna de Santo Tomás: One of the larg-est in the world, this cave tunnels down to 45 km.

Who should go:
Nature lovers looking for ecotours and adventure programs, such as hiking, cycling, diving; cigar and coffee aficionados.

CAYO SANTA MARIA
Isolated from the mainland, Cayo Santa Maria, located near Cayo Coco on Cuba’s north shore, is a 20-km-long island that remains intact with its original majesty, untouched by the hands of time. The paradisiacal ambience is complemented by white sand beaches, bright and brilliant in the strong Caribbean sun, mangroves, coconut trees and the radiance and solitude that is exclusive to the cays. The surrounding sea is clean and clear, beneath whose calm, turquoise waves are beautifully preserved coral reefs and a rich ocean life, prompting comparisons by divers to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. On land, the abundance of flora and lack of development create the perfect atmosphere for the vast numbers of birds that visit the area. Two Sol Meliá properties on the island, the Meliá Cayo Santa Maria and Sol Cayo Santa Maria, are available through Canadians tour operators.

Attractions:
Santa Clara city and Che Guevara Mausoleum, where the remains of Che Guevara is buried.
Remedios: Founded in 1514, a well-preserved town with colonial architecture famous for its "parrandas" or street festivals.
Escambray mountains and the Hanabanilla lake: Great area for adventure tours, nature trails and trout fishing.

Who should go:
Sun-seekers also seeking solitude; nature lovers; divers and snorkellers.

Cuba’s "music city" is one of its liveliest as well. Cuban son music and boleros can be traced to Santiago de Cuba, and the city has carnivals that celebrate Cuban culture. Local musicians keep the traditions alive on a more regular and informal basis in various locales, including the Casa de la Trova. Those interested in Cuban history will also be in their element in Santiago de Cuba. The city – founded in 1515 – has been given the title of "City of Heroes," recognition of the often-pivotal role it has played in shaping Cuba. Spanish conquistadors founded the city in 1515 and over the centuries Santiago de Cuba has seen dramatic moments, including pirate attacks. Among sites of interest is José Marti’s Mausoleum, honouring a patriot who fought for Cuban independence and was killed in the 19th century. The Moncada Barracks is an old military enclave that, during the Batista dictatorship, was attacked by revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro and now houses a museum. Cuba’s second largest city, Santiago de Cuba, boasts more than its fair share of cultural attractions, including the Tropicana Santiago, a cabaret devoted largely to Cuban-Caribbean rhythms. Santiago de Cuba might be considered the most "Caribbean" of Cuba cities, having partly been shaped by immigration and trade from elsewhere in the Caribbean. In typical Caribbean fashion, there are a host of beaches near the city, to both the east and west.

Attractions:
El Morro (Castle): San Pedro de la Roca Castle on the Bay was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. Home to the Piracy Museum.
Bacardí Museum: Aboriginal objects, works by Cuban and European painters and a stretch of street from the colonial city are all on display, as are a 3,000-year-old Egyptian and two Peruvian mummies.
Tropicana Santiago: Santiago’s version of the famed Havana cabaret nightspot.
Baconao Park: Near Santiago, this UNESCO biosphere reserve includes a natural lagoon, hotels and entertainment facilities.
La Gran Piedra: The Great Stone is an enormous monolith that sits on top of a high mountain. The site offer hiking trails, a lookout post, botanical garden and a hotel.
Isabelica’s French coffee plantations: The ruins of old 18th- and 19th-century palaces, located near Gran Piedra.
Turquino National Park: Boasts Cuba’s highest peak (1,974 metres high) in the Sierra Maestra mountains.

Who should go:
Music lovers and cultural aficionados; history buffs; and eco-adventurers, who will find plenty to do in the nearby mountains.