Cuba - Trapped in time warp. This is a place that breaths and lives its own life neglecting the existence of the external world, where every object, building and vehicle takes you back to 1950s when the time stopped. Feel the Cuban soul, step into Havana nostalgic world, take a stroll through El Malecon, enjoy the views of the crumbling deco houses, the sound of the waves crashing over the sea wall, the taste of Cuban mojito and let this place plunder into your mind and imprint on your soul… forever. Feel Cuba, feel real.
when to go?
The best time to go to Cuba is from November to April, when you can expect dry, warm and sunny days. July to early November is hurricane season, when things can get a bit windy. Of all the months however, suggest choosing March or April. It is not too hot and just a little rainfall. Average temperatures during these months are around 27-29ºC. Warning: Regardless of the season, the temperature skyrockets when you get closer to flaunting their feminity Cuban women and highly sexual and flirtitious men. Be aware.
what to see & experience? [ in havana]
Cuba’s capital with its mesmerizing coastline, culture, tradition, cobbled plazas, colonial buildings, buzzling streets and bohemian bars is the quintessence of the country. Supplies of Cuban rum and cigars that seem to be unlimited, will keep you busy for many many days. If you have limited time for your travel, just come to Havana and feel the beating heart of Cuba.
typical costs?
Cuba is a country where most of the people make $ 50 per month but do not expect that as a tourist or even a traveler you are gonna' pay that little. There are two currencies in Cuba though the government is in the process of unifying them: Convertible pesos (CUC$) and Cuban pesos (referred to as moneda nacional, abbreviated MN). Credit and debit cards generally do not work in Cuba. Bring cash to cover your stay, bring more than you need. If you ou do not speak Spanish, expect to be ripped off at multiple occassions.
HOW MUCH THINGS IN CUBA COST?
ACCOMODATION - For authentic Cuban experience, Casa Particulares are your main option. Staying in hotel in Cuba is lame, expensive and shall be officially banned. I really mean it. Support locals. Casas is a private accommodation, very similar to bed & brekafast. Cases are affordable, comfortable and you will enjoy a more local stay. The prices of casas in Havana varies between 25-50 CUC. Make sure you book your accommodation well in advance as the nicest one get snatched up very quickly. I have stayed in B&B Central Havana (Double room with double bed for single use cost 30 CUC per night). You can enjoy Cuban meals for additional fee. Breakfast's price depends on the option between 3 - 5 CUC. Highly recommended. Additional benefits for single women: irresistibly seductive cook and barman in one. Recently reservation possible via Airbnb & Booking.com. I mean reservation of accommodtion in Cuba not the hot Cuban.
FOOD & DRINKS - Mostly drinks though. After all you are in Cuba. The price of mojito varies from 5 CUC in overlypriced La Bodeguita Del Medio (This was one of Hemingway’s favorite bars and his place of choice to sip a mojito) to 2 CUC in any other bar. The average main dish at Havana restaurants is between 7 and 15 CUC. My absolute favourite is ropa vieja.
ACTIVITIES: Private local tour guide (I Love Cuba Guided Photo Tours: Email: yoselvazquez@yahoo.com ) 100 EUR/half day. Paying 100 euro/ half day in a country when people make $50 per month sounds like a kind of rip-off. Maybe, but it was totally worth it. This is the best experience you can have in Cuba. Learn to dance Salsa Cubana – The best salsa cubana school in Havana is La casa del son. Email: lacasadelson@bailarencuba.com Prices in March 2017 - 1hr = 15CUC, 2 hours = 25CUC, 10hrs = 120CUC.
FLIGHTS: From Toronto to Havana flight with Air Canada Rouge = 372.50 EUR + Luggage – 1st bag $25 CAD, 2nd bag $ 35 CAD. Trajeta del turista (Cuban tourist card/ visa) was included in the price of the ticket. Check with your airlines in advance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: World Nomads currently does not cover Cuba. Euro26 might be an option if you are still under 30.
CIGARS: Top quality single cigars can be bought in stores from anywhere between 7-25CUC while boxes of 25 are priced upwards of 120CUC. If you want to be absolutely sure you are getting authentic Cuban cigars, don't buy on the street and buy from the licensed cigar stores or in a factory.
WHAT TO SEE & DO?
I Love Cuba Guided Photo Tours and learn more about Cuba´s history & experience Cuban culture. Damian my guide is an absolutely brilliant guy. Feel like discovering the city with a close friend.
Learn to dance Salsa Cubana – The best salsa cubana school in Havana is La casa del son. I failed. On the thought of having 3 hours classes with me, my Cuban teacher voluntarily let himsel arrested by Cuban police (officially he was driving his motorbike without driving licence) but it does not mean you have two left feet.
Stroll through El Malecon at sunset – Havana’s most soulful and authentic promenade where the whole city comes to date, meet and chill. My absolute favourite spot in the whole Havana.
Get lost in Habana Vieja (Old Havana) and its cobbled streets and plazas.
Ride in a Classic 1950s American Automobile in Havana - In general a one hour tour in Havana would be 30 CUC. Not really recommended. When taking a tour with "I love Cuba Guided Photo Tours) the ride was already included. Alternatively take a local taxi.
Tropicana Cabaret Show - widely advertised but lacking the authentic feel. Prices of a show starts from 75 EUR. Instead head to Hamel's alley for afro-cuban dances.
Discover Street Art in Havana and visit Fusterlandia. Callejón de Hamel is an art project set in a narrow back alley in Centro Havana, just within 2 min walking distance from B&B Central Havana.
Visit Bohemnian Bars & Cafes and enjoy multiple mojitos.
WORTH TO NOTE
POPULATION The current population of Cuba is 11,5 million. The largest city and capital, Havana, has a population of 2.1 million.
TIME: GMT - 4
CURRENCY You can exchange money at banks, hotels and the state currency exchange offices. It is advised not take US dollars. You’ll be charged 10% commission to exchange them. Remember Cuba operates a dual currency system. You as a tourist you'll use the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC), whereas locals use the Cuban Peso (CUP). The CUP is worth much less (four times) than the CUC so look at the change your are given. 1 EUR = approx. 1,16 CUC.
HOW TO GET AROUND? Simply wander, use your feet and get lost in the magical Havana. This is how you can see and experience this city. I mean getting lost is not that difficult as internet on your phone will not work. Actually a stay in Cuba is a media rehab so download Galileo application on your phone. This is an offline vector map option and is free of charge. Cuba Offline is your alternative paid version. You can always take a taxi within the city. The airport taxi pickup shall not exceed 30 CUC. To travel further - use Viazul Bus in Cuba.
ELECTRICTY: In general the voltage in Cuba is 110V AC 60Hz, but some new hotels have 220V AC 60 Hz too. Travellers from Europe need a plug adaptor to use their electrical equipment.
WHERE TO EAT? Old Havana is filled with restaurants. You can pick up and choose. However, my personal favourite is El Presidente Restaurante and Bar in Malecon. A true gem in Malecon (with a terrace and the best view in Havana).
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU? Cash, once again highlight the importance of having non-electronic money in Cuba. Power converter. Treats for kids and yourself if you are a sweetooth and gifts for Cuban people. Note that shops in Cuba are mainly stored with rum and beer. If you need anything else, bring it with you (especially medicine and chocolate). Shortly: take everything apart from rum and beer.