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Uncovering the Rich History and Vibrant Culture of Cuba: A Guide for Adventurous Travellers

Updated: Oct 16



We visited Cuba last February; it is such a unique destination.


Canadian tourists travelling to Cuba need a visa, known as a tourist card. The tourist card allows you to stay in Cuba for up to 90 days and is generally included in holiday packages provided by tour operators or airlines with direct flights from Canada. You must provide information on your arrival in Cuba via an online form within 72 hours before entering the country. Once complete, you will receive a QR code by email. You must show an electronic or printed version of the QR code to authorities upon arrival.


We stayed three nights in Havana and 3 nights in Varadero and we were able to learn about the history of the island, enjoy the beautiful beaches, and relax.


Havana was founded in the sixteenth century, displacing Santiago de Cuba as the island's most important city when it became a major port for Atlantic shipping, particularly the Spanish treasure fleet. Havana was declared a World Heritage Site in 1982 and due to its architectural and cultural significance, it’s worth a visit. We recommend visiting the esplanade of the Morro - Cabaña Fortress from where you can appreciate a beautiful panoramic view of the city. Enjoy driving a Classic Car from the 1950s along the main avenues of the historic center, where an important part of buildings and cultural centers are located, highlighting the Museum of the Revolution, Capitol, Museum of Fine Arts, and the Alicia Alonso Grand Theater of Havana. Take a walking tour starting at Plaza de San Francisco de Asís to experience the charm and learn about the history and traditions of one of the most preserved sites in the city, Plaza Vieja; Plaza de Armas and Plaza de la Catedral. The latter is named after one of the most important Catholic temples in the city: the Cathedral of Havana, considered one of the most appreciated references of Cuban baroque. You cannot miss La Bodeguita del Medio and the Bar Floridita, Ernest Hemingway's favorite spots, which have a special relationship with the years when the Nobel Prize winner lived in this city. Drink a refreshing Daiquiri while you’re there!



Very close to the Floridita is the National Capitol of Havana. Inspired by the Pantheon in Paris, St. Paul's in London and the one in Washington D.C., its construction was completed in 1929. Today it is one of the most emblematic buildings in Havana and Cuba. It’s considered the most imposing building and one of the architectural icons of the city and is named by some experts as one of the six most important palaces in the world. In the center of it is the Statue of the Republic, a gigantic bronze woman standing 14.60 meters high and weighing more than 30 tons. It is the third largest indoor statue in the world.


Take some time also to explore Modern Havana, Fifth Avenue and the Miramar residential neighborhood, the most elegant and modern sector of the Capital, where honorable and powerful families of Havana built luxurious residences at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as Catholic temples and sports areas, which are used today. In this town you’ll find the Civic Plaza or Plaza de la Revolución. Large international and multitudinous events have been held there in recent years, such as the Masses officiated by Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis, in 1998, 2012 and 2015, respectively.


Another good stop is Hotel Nacional de Cuba, included among the fifty World Heritage Hotels, where you can enjoy a Cuban cocktail and the incredible sea view on the garden terrace or at the Bar de la Fama.


At Night, our favorite show was at Buena Vista Social Club, where we had some cocktails, appetizers, and enjoyed a life music show with dancers. They were amazingly good, so good, in fact, that we also surrendered and tried to dance to the rhythm of old classic songs!  You will be amazed by the music and dance that Cubans can offer you!


Also consider visiting Viñales Valley National Park, declared a Cultural Landscape protected by UNESCO and a National Natural Monument, which stands out for the beauty of its Mogotes (mountains with rounded tops) and numerous caves. We went to the Prehistoric Mural, a 120-meter work of art painted on the wall of one of its mogotes. Be sure to stop at Los Jazmines Viewpoint, where you can enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the Viñales Valley while sipping a refreshing cocktail and take a boat ride to the depths of the Indian Cave along the underground river.



You can reach Varadero by bus, shuttle, train, or taxi. We chose a bus transfer from Havana which took approximately 2 hours to get there. If you want a little more privacy and to get there faster, taking a taxi will cost around $120 USD direct from Havana to Varadero. This beach is one of the most visited beaches in Cuba, extending over 20 km along the Hicacos Peninsula, offering its visitors an endless summer and all the activities on the way. Varadero offers a better hotel infrastructure with a very wide range, so be careful when you pick a hotel or contact us for advice. Tours can be arranged to be pick you up from the hotel and enjoy a boat adventure, snorkeling, diving into coralline formations, and navigating through caves to find a massive array of tropical fish.

Our favorite excursion was to Cayo Blanco; it took us to another dimension! We took a Catamaran, swam, and enjoyed a Cuban lunch and tropical fruit cocktails while hearing traditional Cuban music in the background. 



I still remember vividly all the rhythm and flavor while exploring Cuba. If you want to go to Cuba you’ll want to choose a good hotel; contact me for advice on booking your trip!

 



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