Cuban Vacation

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Cuban Vacation

Cuba is a fascinating place to visit because it is almost frozen in time due to the difficult political situation over the last few decades. It is relatively easy to visit from most of the world, with the obvious exception of citizens of the USA for whom there have been major restrictions.

The famous sights of huge 1950s American cars and Spanish Colonial architecture of Havana are mixed with the obvious poverty, but it still retains a vibrant musical culture.

There are many tourist beach resorts in Cuba, popular with divers, but for a real cultural trip the smaller cities of Cienfuegos and Trinidad are an excellent place to visit.

This review of Cuba gives travel tips, advice and recommendations of places stay and things to see, atmospheric hotels etc.

Please also see my South American Photo Gallery


Related article published on Helium.com

Cuba Guidebooks 

Frommer's Cuba (Frommer's Complete)

Amazon Price: $16.49 (as of 07/05/2009) Buy Now

Lonely Planet Diving & Snorkeling Cuba (Diving & Snorkeling Guides)

Amazon Price: (as of 07/05/2009) Buy Now

Cuba (EYEWITNESS TRAVEL GUIDE)

Amazon Price: $16.50 (as of 07/05/2009) Buy Now

Getting There (and entry requirements) 

It is relatively easy to get to Havana and other tourist areas with regular flights from Europe, Canada and many major cities around the world, although entry from USA is more difficult due to a the political situation between the two countries.

A visa is required to enter Cuba unless you have a Russian Passport.

Map of Cuba 

Cuba is located in the Caribean Sea, very close to the United States and The Bahamas, west of Haiti, east of Mexico and north of the Cayman Islands and Jamaica. Havana is the largest city and the capital. Santiago de Cuba the second city. The main island, Cuba is 766 miles long and is surrounded by four groups of islands: Colorados, Sabana-Camaguey, Jardines de la Reina and Canarreos.

Climate:

The climate is tropical, cooled by northeasterly trade winds. The drier season runs from November to April, and a rainier season from May to October. The average temperature is 70 °F (21 °C) in January and 81 °F (27 °C) in July. Cuba is prone to hurricanes, particularly in September and October.

Getting Around 

Getting around is easy. There are both modern and the iconic old fashioned taxis, tricycle and motorbike rickshaws. Hiring a car from Havana is easy, but expensive and can be arranged from the major hotels in Old Havana. Driving and navigating in Cuba is fairly difficult, with poor roads, maps and road-signs. Alternatively a big old car and driver can be hired for hours or even several days for a similar cost to the rental car. Renting a car has the added problem that if you leave it people will wash it for you or guard it, then demand money on your return.

Related article published on Helium.com

Old Havana 

Old colonial european architecture, vibrant atmospheric cafes and bars make Old Havana a wonderful place for tourists to chill out. The grand old hotels with roof terraces make a great place for an evening drink and perhaps a cigar.

Havana Books 

Havana Nocturne: How the Mob Owned Cuba.and Then Lost It to the Revolution

Amazon Price: $10.87 (as of 07/05/2009) Buy Now

Our Man in Havana (Penguin Classics)

Amazon Price: $10.20 (as of 07/05/2009) Buy Now

Waiting for Snow in Havana: Confessions of a Cuban Boy

Amazon Price: $10.20 (as of 07/05/2009) Buy Now

Classic Cars 

There are many old American 1950s cars in Havana. Imports from the US stopped at about that time and the cars have been maintained. Many of the other, newer cars are from Russia.

Step back in time... 

Music in Havana 

There is a vibrant, yet relaxed atmosphere in Havana. Music is very important here, with many street performers and house bands playing in the roof-topbars of the old hotels in Old Havana. A wonderful way to relax in the evening after a busy day of sight-seeing. The most famous music from Cuba is perhaps the Buena Vista Social Club

Related article published on Helium.com

Buena Vista Social Club 

Buena Vista Social Club

Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 07/05/2009) Buy Now

Buena Vista Social Club

Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 07/05/2009) Buy Now

Buena Vista Social Club

Amazon Price: $11.49 (as of 07/05/2009) Buy Now

Buena Vista Social Club At Carnegie Hall(2 CD)

Amazon Price: $22.99 (as of 07/05/2009) Buy Now

Chan Chan

Amazon Price: $0.99 (as of 07/05/2009) Buy Now

Buena Vista Social Club Video 

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Havana 

Exploring the surroundings of Havana 

Cienfuegos 

Cienfuegos 

Hotels in Cienfuegos 

Trinidad 

Trinidad 

Cuba's favourite Honymoon destination 

Situated in a swamp/lagoon near Trinidad this wonderful honeymoon hotel looked idillic. We stayed for one night and were eaten by some very unpleasant swamp creatures. The bites took months to heal.

The Hemingway Trail 

Hemingway seems to have been everywhere in the world that I have been to and there is usually a place referred to as Hemingway's favourite bar... except in Havana there appear to be about 20 of them including El Floridita, which is a particularly atmospheric drinking establishment.

I have published a similar article on Helium

Travel Lenses 

Some more Classic Cars 

They just love to show off for the tourists.

Friendly locals 

Travel Articles and Hotel Reviews 

Guestbook 

Tipi wrote...

I would love to have the money to go to Cuba to buy up some of those cars that are in remarkable great condition and bring them back state side. Love the Zazzle shop picture with the Cuba sign, nice shots Andy! - It must get pretty hairy on the island when there is a big storm roaring!

ReplyPosted June 22, 2009

mukunda22 wrote...

the Cuban Healthcare System is exemplary!!

America could learn alot from it!!

Beautiful lens!!! Fived and Faved!!!

ReplyPosted April 25, 2009

kiwisoutback wrote...

It's interesting that they have such old cars in Cuba. It must be a sight to see. It's hard to believe it's just 90 miles from Key West, it's so different.

ReplyPosted April 22, 2009

susannaduffy wrote...

I love Cuba. I've been going there almost every year since 1985 I know what you mean about the biting swamp creatures :)

ReplyPosted April 07, 2009

JaguarJulie wrote...

Ah, as expected, some great pictures to get me interested in having a Cuban vacation. That would be a rather short jaunt for us -- might have to consider!

ReplyPosted January 17, 2009

 
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About Me 

Lensmaster AndyPo, aka Andrew Porter, has been a member since July 7 2008, has rated 1,534 lenses, favorited 1,422, and has created 103 lenses from scratch. This member's top-ranked page is "Le Mans 24 Hour Race". See all my lenses

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Hi, I am Andy. I live in the U.K. but have worked and travelled all over the world. I am a semi-professional wildlife and travel photographer (i.e. I sold a couple of photos once), semi-retired consultant physicist (i.e. unemployed bofin) with a keen interest in finance (i.e. get rich quick..ly):

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