Cuba swings to a different rhythm, and at first it can be hard to get the beat. Opinions are divided on the effect of Castro, 40 years of US blockade and the collapse of the Soviet Union.
They have health care, education, food and work but Cubans are still not free to say what they think.
República de Cuba is a country in the Caribbean. It consists of the island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and island archipelagos. The name “Cuba” comes from the Taíno language and though the exact meaning is unclear, it may be translated either as “where fertile land is abundant” (cubao) , or as “great place” (coabana).
Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country’s capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second city. Cuba is home to over 11 million people and is the most populous insular nation in the Caribbean. Its people, culture, and customs draw from diverse sources such as: the aboriginal Taíno and Ciboney peoples; the period of Spanish colonialism; the introduction of African slaves; and its proximity to the United States.
Fortunately, the country has undergone a transformation since it opened its doors to global tourism in the 1990s. Staying at a casa particular (a private home with rooms to rent) gives the traveler a glimpse of life for the average Cubano, and opens up parts of the country that were once inaccessible or off-limits. It also frees up more money to enjoy the raucous nightlife that made Havana famous.
The country’s heritage is in safe hands. Historic Havana and Trinidad, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, have undergone painstaking restoration and preservation. Walking around them is like a trip back in time.
The concept of ‘ecotourism’ is catching on here, and in this respect, the blockade has helped.
Cuba has not suffered a half century of reckless expansion along its beautiful coastline, and there are countless pristine beaches waiting to be explored.
Nightlife
Havana is renowned for its after-dark entertainment scene, and only the tip of the iceberg is visible to tourists on a short stay. Even medium-sized bars usually have a house band playing Cuban classics.
The Casa de la Musica in Havana attracts tourists and locals alike, the latter distinguished by their accomplished salsa dance moves and ability to consume whole bottles of Varadero rum. The famous Tropicana nightclub stages nightly open-air cabarets that are a throwback to the decadent days before the Revolution. The Cabaret Parisien at the Hotel Nacional is similar, and both attract tour groups on ‘day and night’ packages from the coastal beach resorts.
Theater, opera and ballet are staged all year round in Havana and seats are very cheap. Cinemas show films in Spanish, but some have subtitles. Santiago de Cuba is the spiritual home of Son – the music that gave birth to salsa, and regular live sessions are on offer at the Casa de la Trova.
In beach resorts, nightlife tends to mimic what is on offer in Havana, with varying degrees of success. Varadero has a thriving scene, but in the smaller resorts (many of which are all-inclusive) most entertainment is planned and formulaic.
Shopping
Those hoping to spend, spend, spend will be disappointed in Cuba. There are a few luxury shops in Old Havana and in large hotels like the Habana Libre. Some offer tax-free purchases, but stock is generally uninspiring. Cigars: Cuba makes the world’s finest cigars. Buy the real thing at factories such as Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás in Havana, which also sells fabulously ornate cigar boxes.
Cigars from street vendors will probably be fakes or factory rejects, and may be confiscated at the airport. Castro’s favorite brand (before he gave up) was Cohiba, Ché Guevara favored Montecristos, and before he put the blockade in place, JFK stocked up on Upmans. Rum: Santiago de Cuba was once home to the Bacardi family distillery, but Havana Club is now the most famous Cuban rum. Good though it is, connoisseurs prefer Varadero. The rich seven-year old variety is sipped like fine malt, while younger and lighter blends are used for cocktails. Souvenirs and other gifts: Ché Guevara merchandise is everywhere. In the capital, perfumes in fine ceramic and glass bottles can be found at Habana 1791.
Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 09.00-17.00, Sun 09.00-12.00.
Climate
Hot, sub-tropical climate all year. Most rain falls between May and October and hurricanes can occur in autumn (August to November). Humidity varies between 75% and 95%. Cooler months are January to April when the least rain falls.
Required Clothing
Lightweight clothes most of the year; the high humidity makes it unwise to wear synthetics close to the skin. Light waterproofs are advisable all year round.
Getting There by Air
Cuba’s national airline is Cubana (CU) (website: www.cubana.cu).
Departure Tax
US$25 Airport Service Charge for passengers leaving Cuba. Transit passengers and children under two years are exempt.
Main Airports
Havana (HVA) (José Martí International) is 15km (9 miles) southwest of the city. To/from the airport: Bus and taxi services to the city are available (journey time – 1 hour by bus; 20 to 30 minutes by taxi). Facilities: Duty-free shops, bank and bureau de change, tourist information/hotel reservation, restaurants and bars, and car hire.
There are also international airports at Camagüey, Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo, Ciego de Avila, Cienfuegos, Holguin, Manzanillo, Santiago de Cuba and Varadero.
Getting There by Water
Due to the US blockade, there are no scheduled passenger services to Cuba, and any cruise ship calling there cannot dock in the USA for six months afterwards. Nonetheless, an increasing number of non-US cruise ships do call at Havana, Santiago de Cuba, and coastal resorts such as Cayo Coco.
It is possible to arrive on a private yacht, subject to prior arrangement with the authorities. In Havana, contact Marina Hemingway (tel: (7) 241 149).
Currency
Convertible Peso (CUC; symbol CUC$) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of CUC$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of CUC$1, and 20, 5, 2 and 1 centavos. In the 1990s, the US Dollar was in common use throughout Cuba, and in Cuba’s foreign trade. In response, the USA put caps and heavy taxes on family remittances and punished international banks for breaking the US embargo. Cuba decided to slowly get rid of its Dollar reserves, banning the currency from general use and introduced the replacement CUC as a ‘tourist dollar’ under its control. Cuban nationals continue to be paid in the Cuban Peso (CUP). In some tourist areas, the Euro is also accepted. Hard currency (ie CUCs not CUPs) must be used in most transactions.
Currency Exchange
Money should be exchanged at state-run CADECAs (cheaper than banks) or international air- and seaports. Dollars attract a 10% surcharge on top of the normal commission (US citizens should bring Euros to exchange). All local currency must be exchanged again before leaving the country. Card transactions attract a surcharge (3 to 5%) – see below.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
MasterCard and Visa are increasingly accepted, provided they are not issued by a US bank, or a bank with links to the USA, but hefty fees are often added. ATMs are still rare, but cash can be obtained in banks with non-US Visa credit and Visa debit cards. Cirrus/Maestro is not accepted.
Traveller’s Cheques
US Dollar, Pounds Sterling and other major currencies are accepted; US Dollar cheques issued by US banks are not accepted. It is recommended to take cheques in a currency other than US Dollars.
Banking Hours
Mon-Fri 08.30-12.00 and 13.30-15.00, Sat 08.30-10.30. Hours may vary and banks may be open all day in larger cities.
