Cuba

Quick Facts

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Capital

Havana

Population

11,180,000

Government

Communist state

Religions

Christianity (Catholic, Protestant)

Languages

Spanish

Calling Code

+53

Nationality

Cuban

Local name

La Habana

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Introduction

Gran Piedra/Santiago de Cuba

© All Rights Reserved marlis

While it has been shrouded behind political tension for the last fifty years, Cuba is actively promoting itself as a Caribbean destination with class. Indeed, the hostilities between Cuba and its big neighbour to the north have ensured that Cuban culture remains strongly intact - unlike some of its semi-Americanized Caribbean neighbours.

Notably, Cuba is the only country in the world that enjoys sustainable development, according to the World Wildlife Fund's 2006 Report. That, coupled with health and education, may explain why the Caribbean island has doubled its number of visitors to 2 million.

Brief History

1990 and beyond
Due to the cold war with the United States, the Cuban economy suffered greatly during the 1990's after the fall of the USSR, leading to the slow dilapidation of some historic sites. However, the faltering economy also forced the Cuban government to refocus its energy on tourism, as well as changing policies which had previously limited the potential for development. It now became possible for Cubans to own their own guesthouses, known as Casas Particulares. At the same time, Cuba promoted foreign investment, leading to the emergence of dozens new joint ventures between the Cuban state and foreign investors from Spain, Italy, Canada, Germany, France and Mexico. The changing policies saw a massive turnaround in the Cuban economy. For the first time during its existence, tourism surpassed sugar as Cuba's main industry.

Thanks to international partnerships the total of hotel rooms has reached 30,000, mostly located on keys (cayos) such as Largo, Santa Maria, Coco and Guillermo with a handful of other major joint ventures in the offing.

Geography

Cuba contains the largest island in the Antilles, as well as an intricate archipelago with the Isle of Youth and about 4,195 keys (cayos) and islets. The combined surface area of these Caribbean land masses is some 110,992 square kilometres. The country sits at the mouth of the Gulf of Mexico, 140 kilometres from the Bahamas, 146 kilometres from Jamaica, 180 kilometres from Florida and 210 kilometres from Cancun.

The Republic of Cuba is divided into 14 provinces, 169 municipalities and the special municipality of the Isle of Youth. From west to east, the provinces are: Pinar del Río, Havana, City of Havana, Matanzas, Cienfuegos, Villa Clara, Sancti Spíritus, Ciego de Ávila, Camagüey, Las Tunas, Holguín, Granma, Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo.

Cuba is a long and narrow island (1,200 kilometers from Cabo de San Antonio, the westernmost tip, to Punta de Maisí, the eastern tip). At its widest point it measures 210 kilometers and at its narrowest 32 kilometers. It is dominated by plains and has four major mountain ranges: the Guaniguanico mountains, in the west; Guamuhaya mountains in the central portion; the Sagua-Baracoa range; and the Sierra Maestra the east. The latter contains the country’s highest peak: Turquino, 1,974 meters high. The landscape is diverse, ranging from semi-deserts to tropical rain forests. The country has a large biodiversity and well-preserved ecosystems.^[1]

Provinces

Cuba is divided into 14 provinces and a special municipality (Isla de la Juventud), listed below from west to east (roughly):

• Pinar del Río
• Isla de la Juventud (Isle of Youth)
• La Habana (the larger province of Havana)
• Ciudad de la Habana (Havana City)
• Matanzas
• Cienfuegos
• Villa Clara
• Sancti Spíritus
• Ciego de Ávila
• Camagüey
• Las Tunas
• Granma
• Holguín
• Santiago de Cuba
• Gauntánamo

Cities

• Havana - the capital and largest city
• Trinidad - a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Santiago de Cuba
• Camagüey is the third largest city in Cuba.
• Baracoa is Cuba's oldest city and was its first capital.
• Bayamo
• Santa Clara - home to the Ernesto Che Guevaras mausoleum

Sights and Activities

Cuba is a bizarre and atmospheric place - the most fantastic country I've ever been to. It feels frozen in time. Go, before it changes and becomes like everywhere else.

Fiona Tomlinson, News Editor, Channel 4

Considering the many unique attractions Cuba has to offer, from the gorgeous historic colonial city Trinidad, to its 300 beaches, to spectacular diving opportunities among its reefs, it's hardly surprising that Cuban tourism has exploded over the past decade. Backpacker travel has risen accordingly, with Europeans and Canadians alike enjoying mountain treks and river kayaking in the Oriente, or climbing and scuba-diving in the Oeste and on La Isla (de Juventud).

Old Havana

A UNESCO-sponsored program has recently transformed Old Havana (a World Heritage site) into the capital's main attraction with more than 100 buildings rebuilt with bars, restaurants, museums and shops established on ground floors and low-rent apartments on upper floors. More than 15 boutique-type hotels have also opened in the area since 2001 under the guise of the city's Historiador. Read more about Havana

Outside Havana

In other Cuban provinces, tourism has finally come into its own. Although one-third of visitors stay in Varadero, the majority can discover the true Cuba by touring its provincial capitals. From west to east, Pinar del Rio, Matanzas, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara, Ciego de Avila, Camaguey, Las Tunas, Holguin are all in the process of renovations with old local hotels and theatres being refurbished.

Cabaret shows

Every major town has nightly cabaret shows in its local Casa de la Trova or Casa de la Musica. In 2006 alone, more than 2 million spectators enjoyed 35,000 showings of some 250 theatre, concert and music events on the island. Travellers can enjoy B&B type hospitality all over the island with some 10,000 homes offering affordable guest rooms, called Casas particulares.

National parks

Cuba's network of natural parks now covers over 20% of the island with the majority only 25 years old; among these, the huge Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt (69,341 hectares) near Baracoa was declared a World Heritage site in 2001^[2]; the Cienaga de Zapata, near the infamous Bay of Pigs, harbors some 900 endemic plant species and is considered by UNESCO as "a most valuable natural reservoir that stands out nationally, regionally and worldwide"^[3]. Closer to the valley of Viñales and the island's tobacco farming region, lay some World Biosphere Reserves such as Sierra del Rosario, Las Terrazas and Guanahacabibes.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Cuba’s climate is moderately subtropical and predominantly warm. The island’s average temperature is 25.5 °C and average relative humidity is 78 per cent. It also sees an average of 330 days of sunshine a year. Cuba’s two clearly defined seasons are the rainy season (May to October) and the dry season (November to April). See the average temperatures and rainfall at the Go Cuba Tourism site.

Getting There

As Cuba is an island, the only feasible way of getting there is by plane or boat. Although recently there are a few cruiseships that pay a visit to some cities like Santiago de Cuba, visits are few and far between and are only options for people on a cruise. No public transport by boat is possible.

The only option which is left, is getting there by plane.

By Plane

Apart from the USA, there are regular flights with the national carrier Cubana to neighbouring countries in the Caribbean. Several other carriers in the region have flights as well, like Air Jamaica and Air Canada.

Also there are flights from several countries in Europe, like with Iberia from Spain, Air France from France and Martinair from The Netherlands. Prices for a round trip flight are usually around 800 dollars, often more in high season.

There are some (charter) flights year round from Miami to Cuba, but this is an option which requires that Americans have to be screened first very strict to get to Cuba. Flights are with Continental and American Airlines and have to be booked at a tour agent first. Usually, these flights are part of a package deal to places like Varadero.

By Boat

Unless on a cruise or by private yacht, there are no regular passenger options.

Getting around

Touring the island has been made much easier through efficient and comfortable intercity bus travel with Viazul and Astro's new buses; car rental fleets include a whole range of Japanese subcompacts to German sports cars and even Mercedes campers.

By Plane

Cubana airlines has domestic flights to various destinations in Cuba. The most important routes are between Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, Varadero and the islands of Cayo Largo del Sur and Caya Coco. Flights are usually with smaller planes, sometimes propeller types.
Other options include Aero Caribbean and charter flights by Aero Gaviota.

By Train

Travelling by train in Cuba is a very adventurous way of getting around. Although there is no official national train website, you might check Seat61 Cuba for more information. Trains travel between Havana and Santiago de Cuba and stop at several places in between. Although cheap and relatively comfortable, some trips are delayed or cancelled and can take ages. If time is a problem, go for the buses.

By Car

Cuba is an excellent country to travel around by car and there are numerous car rental agencies, especially in Havana. Normally, you will get relatively new cars, typically of the Hyundai and Peugeot kind but more expensive Audi's are available as well, but expensive.
Roads in Cuba are not really the best in the world, but you really don't need a 4wd to get around, as even the worst roads are passabl after heavy rains and almost all roads are tarred, albeit potholed a lot in some places. The Autopista runs from west of Havana to about half way the island, past Santa Clara and this road is generally in a good condition and quiet as well. Be careful though and don't drive to fast, as potholes might occur everywhere.
In Cuba, road signs are very poor, if they do exist at all in some places! But it's not a bad thing, with some Spanish you can ask almost anyone and there are many people needing a lift who are glad to show you the right way.
Driving is on the right and usually you need to be 21 to rent a car.

By Bus

Viazul is the national bus company and their are numerous connections to all major towns in Cuba, like Havana, Santa Clara, Vinales, Trinidad, Camaguey and Santiago de Cuba.

By Boat

There are no regular passenger services between places in Cuba or islands off the coast. It is not necessary and there are flights to islands that have no connection by bridge.

By Taxi

At tourist spots around Cuba you will likely be approached by taxi drivers offering to drive you across country. These drivers will generally be without permits to carry foreigners so are putting themselves at legal risk, but black market taxis are frequently cheaper than the Viazul buses (although aircon is far from guaranteed). For example, a dodgy taxi from Viňales to Trinidad can be procured for around the same cost as a legit taxi halfway across Havana.

Red Tape

Tourism

Every tourist should have a valid passport issued on his or her name and a tourist card (the tourist card is available with the airline at the airport). It is important for you to know that your passport should be valid for at least one week after the return date.

Virtually all visitors require a Cuban visa or Tourist Card, available from travel agencies, tour operators or a Cuban consulate, for a stay of one month. These days cards are often given out on flights before landing. Check with your travel agency/flight operator before departure. Your stay can be extended for a further 30 days at an immigration office situated in any major provincial Cuban town (cost CUC$25). After 60 days you must leave the country - although you can return immediately.

Tourists from the USA

The USA officially prohibits its citizens from travelling to Cuba unless they obtain a special license and very heavy fines are imposed on visitors not fulfilling this requirement.

The US government will allow the following to travel to Cuba (decided on a case by case basis): Official government travelers, Journalists, Persons visiting close relatives once in 3 years, Full-time professionals conducting research, Full-time professionals attending certain international conferences, and Persons who have received a specific license.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department administers the Travel Restrictions. If you are subject to U.S. jurisdiction or you do not consider yourself to be but reside in the United States or are planning to leave from and/or reenter the United States, regardless of citizenship, residency, or immigration status, or point of departure from Cuba, you must travel under one of the categories of people permitted to travel to Cuba.^[4]

Work or Study

If you are planning to work, do business or study in Cuba you need a visa; please contact Consulate General of Cuba.

Money

There are two currencies in use in Cuba - the CUC (Convertible Peso) and the CUP (Cuban Peso). Tourists use the CUC. Cubans call the tourist dollar a "chavito" and the Cuban peso "moneda nacional" or MN. Very few travellers will see the Cuban Peso during their trips.

The CUC has a pegged currency exchange rate of $1.08. The CUC is officially only exchangeable within the country. There is an additional 10% penalty assessed on US dollar conversions, so travellers are suggested to bring Canadian, Mexician or European currencies.

Coins in circulation are one-, five-, ten-, 25-, and 50-centavo coins and one- and five-peso coins — the one-centavo piece was introduced in 2000, and the five-peso coin is very rare. Banknotes in circulation are one-, three-, five-, ten-, 20-, 50-, and 100-convertible peso bills.

To exchange money, currency exchange desks are set up in airports near the luggage carousel. In Havana's Jose Marti Airport, there is also an exchange counter in the public reception area and a bank on the 2nd floor. Throughout Cuba, any bank and most CADECA exchange counters will convert these four currencies. When departing Cuba, you can exchange most of your CUCs prior to arriving at the airport as occasionally, your currency of choice may not be available.

Visa and Mastercard issued by non-US or non US-affiliated banks are widely accepted in Cuba. In installations which accept credit cards for purchases, the rate at which your card will be processed (CUC prices are converted to USD for processing) is 1.1124 (the current 1.08 exchange rate to USD with an extra 3% "service charge").

ATMs are available, but do not work with most North American or European bank cards, and should not be relied upon. There are services where you can pre-load an ATM like card and use it in Cuba. See Amigo Travel Card for details.

Be aware that in the past US Dollars used to be widely accepted and used, however this was banned in November of 2004. You may find older information referring to the use of US dollars, but this information is out of date.

In major tourist areas, Euros may be accepted, especially in Varadero, the Jardines del Rey Archipelago, Holguin, Santa Lucia Beach, in Camaguey, Covarrubias Beach, in Las Tunas, and Cayo Largo del Sur.

Work

Study

Language

Related article: Spanish: Grammar, pronunciation and useful phrases

The country’s official language is Spanish, although most Cubans working in the tourism industry can communicate in English.

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

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