Cuba attractions and excursions. Cuba from A to Z: holidays in Cuba, maps, visas, tours, resorts, hotels and reviews. Unusual excursions in Cuba

"Cuba libre", or Island of Freedom. White sand sunny beaches, endless ocean expanses, vibrant nature, unique architecture, rum and cigars - all this and a little more will tell you Well THERE about Cuba.

general information about Cuba

Location

The free Republic of Cuba is located near the shores of the North and South American continents, separated from them by the waters of the Strait of Florida. The state occupies the islands of Cuba, Juventud and about 1,600 smaller islands with total area 110,860 km².

The southern coast of the country's main island faces the waters Caribbean Sea, and the northwestern and northeastern beaches washed by the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.

Population

According to data from the Population Division of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the population of the republic in 2017 is 11.4 million people.

Currency

The national currency is the Cuban peso CUP, CUC. At the rate of 1 peso = 1 US dollar.

Useful phone numbers

Country dialing code: 53
Havana telephone code: 7
Call from Cuba: 119 – your country code – area code – phone number.
Call to Cuba: 8 – international call code – Cuba code – area code – phone number.
Russian Embassy: (+53 7) 204-10-85
Consulate of the Russian Federation: (+53 2) 268 61 46

Emergency services(Havana):

• Police: 116
• Honey. help: 40-50-93
• Firefighters: 78-85-41

On the territory of the country:

• National police: 82-01-16
• Firefighters: 81-11-15
• Honey. help: 24-28-11

Payment and exchange in Cuba

In areas intended for tourists, convertible pesos are in circulation. Because of the warm relations between the island communist state and the Empire of Good, which is jealous from the other end of the Florida Strait, it is better not to fly with the evergreen presidents on vacation. When exchanging American dollars, you may be charged a commission of 10 to 20%. Therefore, experienced tourists recommend coming here with Euros. Interestingly, it is almost impossible for a tourist to come across a non-convertible Cuban peso (CUP).

If it is more convenient for you to use Visa/MasterCard cards, please note that:

• Visa is accepted in more establishments than Mastercard;
• When visiting small shops or cafes, it is better to have cash with you, as there may not be a payment terminal;
• Card transactions are subject to a tax of 11.24%.

Tourist reminder

Your stay in Cuba should be as colorful as possible, and you may need to add some color to your everyday wardrobe. You have every chance of becoming a fan of Cuban cigars after visiting their homeland, but smoking in in public places forbidden.

If you encounter a cow on the way to the beach or during an excursion, be extremely careful. This animal is sacred to Cubans, and the death of a cow in your presence can lead to unpleasant conversations with the local police.

It is also important for tourists to know that photographing government institutions military equipment, soldiers, police are prohibited. In addition, before taking a photograph of a Cuban, you should definitely ask his permission.

What are the Cuban people like?

Cuba is a multinational and multicultural country, where the blood and traditions of the peoples of Africa, Spain, Italy, Britain, Germany, Cuban and American Indian tribes, immigrants from China, France, as well as Jews resettled during the First and Second World Wars, are mixed.

Local, friendly people. Do not rush to refuse an offer to play dominoes or share a meal. Don’t be surprised if they ask you to drink in a cafe at your expense. And if hotel or hostel employees ask you to leave personal hygiene products (razors, shaving foam, etc.), remember that this is due to the high cost and inaccessibility of the latter for poor citizens.

Security on Cuban soil

The people in the communist republic are friendly, but poor. It is better not to show cash and expensive accessories. Keep an eye on your belongings to avoid becoming a victim of petty scammers and pickpockets. It is not recommended to walk in poor areas at night due to the high likelihood of being attacked.

Climate in Cuba, when is the best time to go?

The most favorable time for relaxation is from November to April.

Windsurfers will love it in the summer, when the rainy season sees the highest peaks. big waves. The dominance of hurricanes between October and November can overshadow your vacation, but in fact you can plan a vacation in Cuba at any time of the year.

Thanks to small area You can travel around Cuba in a few weeks of vacation. So that you don’t miss anything important, our website has prepared for you a list of cities and resorts that you must visit.

Capital Havana is a city of opposites. Here, modern skyscrapers stand next to colonial pre-revolutionary mansions in which ordinary people live. The city is full of architectural monuments, and interesting places. Havana dazzles with white beaches, treats you to exquisite cuisine and entices you with the sounds of salsa. The El Floridita bar, one of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite places, is especially worth a look. If you're not interested in a bar, visit the writer's house museum and then head to the Roma Museum. For those who are not tired of day excursions, it is important to know that closer to night the city turns into one big disco filled with unbridled energy. It's time to visit the Tropicana cabaret show, which has been famous throughout the world since 1939.

Santa Clara

Santa Clara A memorable place for the Cuban revolution, where Comandante Che Guevara derailed the armored train of the dictator Batista. The wreckage of that same train remains at the crash site to this day, they are a pride and attraction for the residents of the country. In addition, a mausoleum named after Ernesto Che Guevara was erected here, and if you are an American citizen, you may not be allowed into it.

Santiago de Cuba

The birthplace of street culture – Santiago de Cuba. Music on the streets of the town sounds on every corner. This place is rightfully considered the cradle of Cuban melodies and rum, because Don Facundo Bacardi was born here.

Trinidad

If you are interested in seeing the island as it was in the 18th century, then the city Trinidad– the best place for this. The authentic ambience of this place is amazing. Cobblestone roads, colonial-style houses, sugar plantations and slave cabins, all reminiscent of times gone by.

Matanzas

Matanzas the capital of the province of the same name is known for its large number of bridges, for which it was nicknamed the “Cuban Venice.” The province of Pinar del Rio is an interesting place to visit, where you can visit tobacco plantations and admire the views of the Viñales Valley, which received the title of “Cultural Landscape of Humanity” in 1999.

Cuban resorts

Varadero

Varadero- the oldest of the resorts, a popular and truly heavenly place with turquoise ocean waters and snow-white beaches. The resort can be called a classic holiday in Russian style, everything is always included here. 24-hour bars, buffet in a restaurant with cuisines from all over the world.

Holguin

Holguin– elite business VIP class resort. The hotels are mostly five star. People visit this place for luxury, tranquility and sophistication.

Guardavalaka

Guardavalaka, one of best resorts for diving, famous for its coral reef. Esmeralda is a place of emerald beaches. For lovers of original parties, it will be interesting to find yourself in a cave disco on the island of Cayo Coco.

Juventud

Juventud, known as the Island of Youth (located 100 km from the island of Cuba) is interesting for its natural reserves. They say that R. L. Stevenson described the image of “Treasure Island” precisely from the landscapes of Juventud.

Cayo Largo

Speaking about pirates, it’s hard not to mention La Yana - this is an ancient tree located on the island Cayo Largo. According to legend, it served as a landmark for pirates of the Caribbean when they buried their stolen gold.

This is just a small part of the places you can visit during your stay in this country. Even if you come to Cuba several times a year for several years, this country will always find something to surprise and entice you.

Entertainment and relaxation on Liberty Island

The very thing for which thousands of tourists come on vacation every year is diving. The underwater world is interesting not only because of its beauty coral reefs, but also many sunken ships off the coast. Windsurfers can catch waves off the sandy shores, while those who don’t want to (or don’t know how to swim) dive into the ocean’s embrace in a submarine.

The main monuments of Cuban architecture are concentrated in several of the most famous cities among tourists. In the capital of Cuba, Havana, you can see many cathedrals, including Cathedral St. Christopher. And it is better for you not to brag that you have been to Cuba without visiting the Armory, Cathedral and Old Squares of the capital of the state.

Che Guevara Memorial in Santa Clara, cigar factory " Francisco Donatien» in Pinar del Rio, caves with rock paintings of Mantanas. There is a prison on the island of Juventud Presidio Modelo", which is a copy of the former place of detention of F. Castro, the prison " Joliet"(Illinois). Natural landscapes and National parks more than make up for the small number of architectural attractions; many natural areas of Cuba are under the protection of UNESCO.

When you come on vacation from July 15 to August 15, be sure to visit the carnivals that take place in Havana and Santiago de Cuba, as these are unforgettable colorful events full of music, dances and colorful costumes. And smokers will be interested to know about the international festival of Cuban cigars taking place at the end of February.

Where would we be without shopping?, because you need to buy something truly Cuban - cigars, rum and coffee. Black corals and products made from them are popular among tourists. IN shopping centers Havana or Casa del Habano chain stores will not deceive you and will sell goods of proper quality.

National Cuban cuisine

Creole cuisine predominates in Cuba. The main national dishes are prepared from pork and chicken. The meat is prepared in a variety of ways different ways. Among the national dishes cuisines – “Creole ajiaco” is one of the main ones. It is prepared from pork and vegetables with the addition of a good portion of spices. Also you should try:

• lobsters with lemon;
• crocodile meat;
• turtle meat and eggs.

Fresh fruit slices are often served with each dish. They brew delicious and strong coffee. The main national drink is rum, which is included in almost all local cocktails.

Restaurants are mainly concentrated in resort and tourist areas, it is recommended to visit them with cash. Cost of a meal per person in good establishment ranges from 30 to 40 pesos, simpler establishments will cost no more than 15 pesos, and in an eatery you will leave a maximum of 5 Cuban coins. The tip is 10% of the check amount and it is better to give it to the waiters. And if you decide to eat at a bar, you are unlikely to succeed. In colorful Cuban bars you need to drink, and from food you will get the most nuts, or chips.

Cuban hotels

The most common hotels in Cuba are 4-star hotels, although for those who do not particularly plan to stay within four walls, there are a sufficient number of 2 and 3-star hotels. But for lovers of luxury, there is not much to choose from; there are literally only a few 5-star hotels. Most of the hotels on Liberty Island represent well-known global chains that operate according to the " all inclusive"Check-in at a hotel in Cuba occurs at 15:00, check-out is at 12:00. Cunning Cubans leave themselves three hours to clean the room before the arrival of the next guests, so you can safely make a claim if you find unwanted traces of previous guests.

How to get to Cuba

For a convenient and comfortable flight to Cuba, Good THERE recommends using the services of Aeroflot, which organizes regular, direct flights Moscow-Havana. If residents of Russia fly non-stop, then citizens of the CIS countries are recommended to fly through Moscow, or through Europe on appropriate flights.

A direct flight from Moscow lasts about 12 hours, a flight with transfers through Europe from 16 to 20 hours. Ticket prices start from 55,000 rubles per adult. It can be cheaper by purchasing a voucher. So with placement in three star hotel for 7 days and nights, the cost of a trip on average is from 60,000 rubles.

Pros and cons of holidays on the Cuban island

No matter how heavenly a place Cuba may seem to you, Okay THERE recommends paying attention to negative sides holidays in this beautiful country:

• the sun is much more intense and brighter than residents of the CIS countries and Russia are used to, in order to avoid sunburn stock up sunscreens;
• Evening beach holidays can be spoiled by small insects; it is a must to have protective sprays and creams with you;
• do not drink raw water, and ask for chilled alcoholic drinks without ice, since Cuban water contains a lot of bacteria that are harmful to an unaccustomed tourist;
• beware of marine life: moray eels, sea snakes and urchins and “Portuguese man-of-war”;
• Remember the poverty of the population, which may provoke the desire of some individuals to rob you if you openly display your valuables and cash.

All these are just warnings, because it is better to prepare in advance so that your vacation is not overshadowed by anything and you can enjoy positive aspects trips:

• feel the atmosphere of freedom;
• enjoy the snow-white beaches;
• absorb the cultural spirit of Cuba by visiting festivals and carnivals;
• admire the beauty of Cuban nature;
• try cigars and rum in their homeland;
• dive into the depths of the ocean to explore its treasures;
• meet and communicate with new people.

A video about Cuba will complement our article

There is something interesting for everyone in Cuba. Expand your borders, the world is not in our apartments and phones. Travel, feel, learn new things. Fine THERE wishes you a pleasant stay on Liberty Island.

Hot tropical Cuba is one of best places For beach holiday. The Caribbean coast delights tourists with the turquoise color of clear water, snow-white sand and sincere hospitality local residents. The resorts of Havana, Varadero and Villa Clara open the doors of comfortable hotels and always offer quality service.

People come to colorful Cuba for the passionate rhythms of salsa and rumba, and for the constant festive atmosphere that reigns on the streets painted in bright colors. The spirit of freedom, the almost unconditional adoration of the national hero Che Guevara, vintage cars on the streets and a constant siesta make this country unique and unlike others. Well, in Cuba, tourists can expect a celebration of life, dancing, spicy cuisine and an even Caribbean tan.

The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles/day

What to see in Cuba?

The most interesting and Beautiful places, photographs and brief description.

Former Parliament House, built in 1929. Deputies met in it for 30 years until the victory of the Cuban Revolution, after which the Capitol was turned into a conference room and offices for some ministries. The building was built in a pompous and solemn style and at the same time resembles St. Peter's Cathedral in the Vatican and the American Capitol in Washington. The project was developed by the architect Eugenio Piedra.

The main museum of Cuba, housed in the former presidential palace. After the fall of the Batista regime, many elements of the luxurious interior furnishings (such as Tiffany lamps) were removed, but the original furniture and decoration remained. The museum has 30 halls and 9,000 exhibits telling the history of Cuba since the 15th century. The main emphasis, of course, is on the period of the Cuban Revolution.

The theater building is a wonderful example of the colonial baroque style. The construction was carried out by the Belgian architect Paul Belau in 1915, or rather, he reconstructed the old theater building from 1838. The scene is named after Bolshoi Theater Moscow in 1985 at the suggestion of ballet prima Alicia Alonso. You can get inside not only for the concert, but also with a special excursion.

The largest art museum in Cuba, one of the most visited cultural sites in Havana. The exposition has existed since 1913, but only in 1954 a separate building was built for it. IN rich collection The museum presents works of Latin American and European artists of the 18th-21st centuries, as well as exhibits from earlier periods. Many works related to contemporary art are also exhibited.

The main Catholic cathedral of the country, built in a rather original style. The architects moved away from traditional European canons and added a little local flavor. The cathedral has asymmetrical towers, ordinary stone When laying the walls, coral was added, the lines of the facade were smoothed. The remains of Christopher Columbus were kept in the temple for almost 100 years, but then they were sent to Spain.

The world-famous writer spent time in Cuba last years life. At the insistence of his last wife, he bought an estate not far from his favorite bars. The house was turned into a museum in 1962. Everything remained exactly the same as it was during the writer’s lifetime. Almost all the available space is occupied by books in dozens of languages, with bookshelves reaching to the ceiling. The Hemingway couple lived with their many pets.

7. Havana Club Rum Museum

A bar-museum where the visitor will be introduced to the history of the famous drink, the technology of its production and will be offered to taste several varieties. “Havana Club” is the most visited Cuban museum, the number of tourists per year reaches a million people. On weekends, the establishment hosts dances to the accompaniment of an orchestra, and an atmosphere of endless celebration reigns around.

One of the central streets of Havana, stretching from Central Park to the sea promenade. The boulevard appeared at the end of the 18th century and was completely reconstructed and updated in 1929. Colonial-style mansions line the edges of the street; the influence of Spain is clearly felt in the architecture of the houses. Walking along the Prado, with some assumptions, you can imagine that you are somewhere in Madrid or Seville.

The main promenade of Havana, loved by locals and tourists. Extends from the fortress of San Salvador de la Punta to new residential areas. Here you can learn a lot about the unique culture of Cubans, drink aromatic coffee or strong rum, and dance salsa right on the pavement. Elderly Cubans love to fish on the embankment, while young people admire sunsets and make dates.

The main square of Havana, where cultural and government institutions are concentrated. When designing, it was assumed that in the event of an uprising or armed conflict, weapons could be quickly distributed in the square (hence the name - “armas” means “weapons” in Spanish). The place is the heart of Old Havana, in the center there is a monument in honor of the revolutionary Carlos Manuel Cespedes.

A large square in the capital of Cuba, where Fidel Castro often gave hours-long speeches and where rallies of thousands took place. Installed in the middle high tower with an observation deck, along the edges of the buildings there are graphic portraits of Che Guevara and Fidel Castro. Behind observation tower the impressive Palace of the Revolution is located. Due to its size, the area around the square looks a little deserted.

Installed on Revolution Square in 1996. José Martí is a poet, revolutionary and highly respected figure in society. Inside the monument there is a repository of documents, engravings and other relics telling about the life and work of the public figure. The statue is located in front of the observation tower in the middle of the square. The Havana Memorial to José Martí is one of the many monuments to the poet in the country.

The tomb of the great revolutionary Che Guevara, still beloved by all Cubans. The place for the mausoleum was not chosen by chance - the decisive battle of the Cuban Revolution took place in the city of Santa Clara, where the commandant won. The building was built by Cuban volunteers in 1988. The ashes of Che Guevara and his associates, transported from Bolivia, were buried here only in 1997.

Both fortifications rise above the peninsula on the west coast of Havana and guard the passage to the bay. Forts are part historical park Morro Cabanha. El Morro was built by the Spaniards in the 16th-17th centuries to protect their newly acquired possessions, La Cabaña appeared in the 18th century. The building served as a garrison, warehouse and prison at different periods. In the evenings, the lighting of the walls is turned on.

The fort is one of the oldest in Latin America; it originally served as protection against pirate attacks. The fortress was built in the mid-16th century and was repeatedly rebuilt and strengthened over the next two centuries. When defensive functions lost their importance in the 19th century, an archive was organized in the building, then a library and a ceramics museum were located here. In the 2000s. A maritime museum was established in the fortress.

A 17th-century defensive structure erected to protect the city of Santiago de Cuba. Construction works lasted more than 40 years. The fortress was needed to protect the city from English pirates, who constantly attacked Cuban harbors. In the first half of the 20th century, the building was in disrepair, but then it was restored and entered the UNESCO list. Nowadays the castle houses a museum of the history of piracy.

A territory in the North-East of Cuba with a unique tropical ecosystem. In 2001, UNESCO included the park in its protected lists. The area is named after a German explorer who visited the island at the beginning of the 19th century. Tourism in the reserve began to develop relatively recently, after the lands were declared a nature conservation zone. Now the park can be visited as part of a tour.

Protected natural area near the city of Santiago de Cuba. The park is famous for its valley, where there are 200 life-size sculptures of dinosaurs and mammoths. The reserve has an aquarium with a tunnel, from where it is interesting to watch the inhabitants of the Caribbean Sea. Tourists will also be interested in the museum of old cars. There are hotels and beaches in the coastal area of ​​Baconao, but they are not considered the best in Cuba.

The cave is located several tens of kilometers from the resort of Varadero. Its visit is included in many excursions called “jeep safari”. The cave was discovered in the mid-19th century by local shepherds who were looking for lost cattle. Its age, according to various estimates, is approximately 40 thousand years. Tourists can only go 300 meters deeper; the remaining levels are closed to the public.

Valley National Park mountain range Sierra de los Organos. The reserve is taken under UNESCO protection. The territory consists of flat karst formations, flat hills (locals called them “the backs of elephants”), underground rivers, caves and waterfalls. In ancient times, Indian tribes lived in this territory. In the Vinales Valley there is Botanical Garden and the former slave camp of Palenque de los Cimarrones.

Cemetery named after Christopher Columbus in Havana, where cultural and public figures of Cuba who played an important role in the life of the country are buried. The vast area contains thousands of graves, many decorated with beautiful marble monuments. Chapels, statues, mausoleums are scattered everywhere, graves are surrounded by figured fences. The cemetery can be considered as an independent cultural monument.

An engineering structure built in the mid-20th century to shorten the route from Havana to Matanzas. Construction lasted only two years. The bridge is supported by 41 columns more than 100 meters in height, the total length of the structure is more than 300 meters. Nearby equipped Observation deck, overlooking the Yumuri River valley. Here you can have lunch and listen to national Cuban music.

A mansion that previously belonged to an American millionaire. Located on the Hicacos Peninsula. Before the victory of the Cuban Revolution, rich foreigners settled in this area and built luxurious villas for themselves. After 1959, the lands along with the houses were nationalized. From now on, the “Las Americas” restaurant operates at Dupont’s villa; you can enter the mansion itself for money along with a tour.

The main dance show of Cuba since 1939, as well as the main entertainment center where every tourist strives to get to. Located on the territory of Villa Mina. Colorful concerts, costumed performances and performances are held here. The Tropicana team consists of more than 200 dancers, singers, and musicians. During the performance, guests are offered food national cuisine, Cuban rum and a variety of cocktails.

A popular resort with many excellent hotels, fashionable clubs and restaurants with quality cuisine. Tourist infrastructure has been developing since the 30s. XX century. The beaches of Varadero are a kingdom of snow-white sand and azure sea, a triumph of exotic nature. The resort's coastline has been repeatedly recognized as the best in the world. Varadero is popular place holidays for American and European travelers.

Most big Island The Caribbean Sea attracts millions of tourists every year due to its incredible atmosphere, special flavor, interesting story, culture, sights and, of course, luxurious nature.

When you walk around Cuba, you can hear from the squares live music, here and there you can see old retro cars and monuments of colonial architecture on the streets. It seems that time has stood still here. Coastline The island stretches over 3 thousand kilometers and is famous for its gorgeous beaches with turquoise waters and coral reefs. And the big and small cities of Liberty Island amaze with their history. It was here that during the revolution, representatives of culture inspired by the revolution sought refuge: writers, artists, musicians. Today you can come here for quiet and relaxing holiday, go fishing or diving. If a tourist has never been to Cuba before, he needs to decide which places are definitely worth visiting in order to remember the trip for a long time.

Fans of excursions and people who are interested in history should definitely visit the main museum of Cuba - the Museum of the Revolution, which is geographically located in the former presidential palace of Havana. The building has about 30 halls and about 9,000 exhibits that picturesquely demonstrate the color of the country and tell about its history, starting from the 15th century. Of course, special attention is paid here to the revolutionary events of the 50s-60s of the last century. You can also enjoy the luxurious interior design here. Behind the façade of the museum is a glass pavilion with the Granma yacht, which transported Fidel Castro and his team of revolutionaries from Mexico to Cuba. In addition, the museum houses the missiles that shot down an American plane during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Definitely worth a visit National Museum fine arts in Havana, which has been collecting exhibits since 1913. The extensive exhibition features masterpiece paintings by artists Latin America and Europe of the 18th-21st centuries, some exhibits are dated back early period. The best paintings of the Flemish school presented in the exhibition include the works of Anthony van Dyck, P.-P. Rubens, Jan Brueghel the Younger. From Dutch painting - works by Rembrandt, Jan Steen. The works of French painters F.C. Fabre, J.-F. Millet, C. Corot are also presented.

Fans of the works of the famous writer E. Hemingway will definitely enjoy the museum. This is the only house of the prose writer not located in the United States, where Hemingway lived for the last 20 years of his life. Creative work was carried out in the house on such works as “The Old Man and the Sea” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” Well-known facts say that the writer specifically bought an estate not far from his favorite bars. The house was turned into a historical monument in 1962; it has not undergone any changes and remains as it was during Hemingway’s lifetime. Most of the museum's space is occupied by bookshelves that reach almost to the ceiling.

Cuba is a country of rum, locals simply adore this drink. The production of rum under the Havana Club brand began in 1934, and today a museum is opened here. A tourist can learn about the history of the drink and the technology of its production, and will also be able to try the most different types Roma On weekends, you can even dance to the music of a live orchestra at the museum; the atmosphere of relaxation and fun reigns here.

The building itself consists of two floors: on the first there is a workshop where special oak barrels for aging rum are produced, on the second there is a workshop for the production of the drink. For example, the traveler will see a press for squeezing sugar cane, and there is also a real carriage in which the cane is transported from the plantation directly to the workshop.

Havana Cigar Festival

Another association that comes to mind for many people when talking about Cuba is cigars. Real Cuban cigars have an incredible aroma and taste. Every year at the end of February, an international cigar festival is held in Havana. If a tourist goes on a trip to Liberty Island at this time, we definitely recommend visiting it. Concerts and exhibitions from various cigar manufacturers are held here. You can attend seminars or presentations of new products, or go on a trip to a tobacco plantation. Also, be sure to taste new varieties of cigars and take part in the auction. And of course, don’t forget about souvenirs!

Fidel Castro was once a regular guest of the festival.

One of the iconic places for Cubans and tourists is located in the city of Santa Clara. This is the tomb of the great revolutionary Ernesto Che Guevara. If a traveler wants to honor the memory of the famous comandante, he should definitely come here. The location of the mausoleum was not chosen by chance - it was in this city that the decisive battle of the Cuban Revolution took place, where Che Guevara and his comrades won. Cuban volunteers erected the tomb building in 1988. The revolutionary’s ashes were brought from Bolivia only in 1997.

Jardines de la Reina Archipelago

Tourists wishing to see the natural beauty of Cuba or to active recreation, it’s definitely worth visiting the Jardines de la Reina archipelago. This unique place where is the largest national park country, rich in incredible landscapes, lush vegetation and a diverse underwater world. Here you can practice, for example, diving. Local residents are happy to talk about sea turtles that lay their eggs on the island. However, living on the islands is prohibited, so tourists will have to find accommodation somewhere nearby. Most often, travelers choose the local floating hotel “Tartuga”.

The capital of Cuba, Havana, is home to the largest burial site on the continent. However, this fact is not what makes millions of tourists visit the Colon (Christopher Columbus) cemetery. The point is that this a real museum architectural masterpieces. It was opened back in 1886, today there are more than five hundred sculptures, monuments and memorials. Why is the cemetery named after the great discoverer Columbus? Initially, the navigator bequeathed to bury him in India, but after the French expelled the Spaniards from these territories, it was decided to place the ashes of Columbus in Cuba, for which a cemetery was built. But this never happened, and the discoverer continues to rest in Seville. But the cemetery retained its name.

Cabaret "Tropicana"

Those who like to have fun and taste the country's nightlife definitely need to visit the Tropicana establishment, which every Cuban knows. It was opened back in 1931 and became incredibly popular in the 50s of the last century. Grand shows are organized here: three stages are set up in a large garden, where about two hundred dancers and musicians perform. The spectacle is simply stunning; bright, colorful costumes and passionate dances all night long attract tourists from the most different countries. People call the event “paradise under the stars.”

You can breathe fresh air, take a break from the bustle of the city and enjoy the beauty of nature in Vinales National Park. He is an object World Heritage UNESCO. This picturesque green valley with steep hills creates an incredible atmosphere of solitude. At the bottom of the valley is an agricultural area where locals grow fruits, vegetables and tobacco. Here you can go to hiking or ride through the hills on horseback.

Liberty Island Cuba is loved by tourists for its luxurious nature, great beaches and a lot of colonial and revolutionary sights. The white-stone beauty of Havana, the resorts of Varadero and Holguin, rum, cigars and Fidel - all about Cuba: tours, holidays, prices and maps.

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Perhaps some still remember how they deciphered the name of this country 15 years ago: “Communism off the coast of America.” Jokes aside, Cuba really remains one of the few strongholds of a bright socialist ideology with such familiar attributes: the legendary Comandante Che and his lively follower, an external ideological enemy in the person of the States and the unprecedented patriotism of local residents. There are, however, radical differences from the USSR - a steady influx of tourists all year round, hotels with a high level of service and rich entertainment opportunities: diving, snorkeling, yachting and the list goes on. Plus, of course, let's not forget about the famous rum and cigars. The latter, by the way, secretly smoked (and smokes) the same ideologically enemy leadership, despite the embargo on Liberty Island.

Time difference from Moscow

− 7 hours in winter −8 hours

• with Kaliningrad

• with Samara

• with Yekaterinburg

• with Omsk

• with Krasnoyarsk

• with Irkutsk

• with Yakutsk

• with Vladivostok

• from Severo-Kurilsk

• with Kamchatka

Climate

Maps of Cuba

Visa and customs

For tourist trip For a period of up to 30 days, citizens of Russia and Belarus do not require a visa to Cuba. For your own peace of mind, you should take out travel medical insurance in advance for the entire duration of your trip.

To enter Cuba at the border, you need to fill out a migration card (in two copies - the second one is presented upon departure), a return ticket and proof of financial solvency at the rate of 50 USD per day per person (a simple credit card statement will do). Hotel reservations are not required, but be prepared to answer the question of where you plan to stay.

Duty-free import of 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco is allowed; 3 bottles alcoholic drinks; perfumes, medicines and household items - within the limits of personal needs. One photo and video camera (plus 5 cassettes for each) are also imported duty-free. It is prohibited to import drugs, pornography and firearms(with the exception of shotguns for sport hunting belonging to tourists who come to the country for this purpose and have the appropriate permit issued in Cuba upon arrival).

Fans of Cuban cigars should not forget about the following point: although you can take as many cigars from the island as you want, to Russia, according to our customs regulations, you can import no more than 50 pieces.

You can export up to 1000 CUP and up to 5000 USD without a declaration, no more than 23 cigars per person (if the cigars are sealed in packaging with a hologram, purchased in a special store that issues receipts and export permits, you can export as much as you like), goods worth not more than 1000 CUP (jewelry is exported only with a license issued by the store).

Systems Tax free not in socialist Cuba.

The export of animals, cultural property, sea shells, antiques, and precious metals is prohibited. When purchasing jewelry or goods from crocodile skin it is necessary to require an export license from the seller, otherwise the goods will be confiscated upon passage customs control. These licenses are usually issued only in stores. In markets where crocodile leather products cost 3-5 times less, but export licenses are not issued, such goods should not be purchased.

How to get to Cuba

The easiest and fastest way to get to Cuba is direct non-stop regular Aeroflot flights Moscow - Havana (about 12 hours of flight, departure from Sheremetyevo). Other options: transit flight through Paris on an Air flight France to Havana, via Amsterdam with KLM, via Madrid with Iberia, via Frankfurt with Condor to Havana and Varadero and other European carriers. The journey will take from 16 to 20 hours.

Flights from CIS countries are carried out either through Moscow or with connections in European cities.

If tourists fly with KLM, due to inconvenient flight connections, they will have to spend the night in Amsterdam. To do this, you need to apply for a transit visa and also book a hotel in advance. It is more convenient to stay in the center of Amsterdam: the train journey from the airport to the station in the city center is only 20 minutes.

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Transport

Public transport in the country is underdeveloped; the most convenient way is to rent a car. Cubans themselves often use hitchhiking to get around within cities or around the country.

Public transport

Buses are considered the main urban transport, but they can only be recommended for extreme sports enthusiasts: the stops are not marked in any way, it is almost impossible to find them, the buses are jam-packed, and they do not have a clear schedule or routes. Buses - in Havana they are called camallos (due to their resemblance to camels) - stop every 4 blocks. The fare costs 3-5 CUC, it is not recommended to check with the driver - he will suspect you of being a tourist and will charge much more. Prices on the page are as of September 2018.

There are special “tourist” taxis for tourists - these are always modern and serviceable cars. They can be ordered from any hotel or simply by phone; Travel is paid only in dollars. The cost of the trip is from 0.5 to 1 USD for each km of the route. Regular taxis The cars that accept pesos are quite old and there are not many of them. Finally, there are also private “bombers” in Cuba. Their prices are slightly lower than those of state taxi drivers, but there are no guarantees of quality.

Intercity communication

Local residents often hitchhike around the country. In Cuba, there is even a law that government vehicles are required to take hitchhikers on board if there are empty seats in the car. The implementation of this rule is closely monitored by special people, like our traffic cops.

In all major cities Cuba has bus stations from which departures intercity buses. Unlike city transport, they run more or less on schedule. Most a budget option- this is Astro Bus. The bus fleet leaves much to be desired, but a trip from Havana to Varadero will cost only 8-10 CUC. Viazul Bus is a more modern fleet and the buses even have air conditioning. Travel prices are higher: from Havana to Varadero a ticket will cost 8-15 USD. The company has its own website (translated into English) where you can buy tickets online. In other cases, travel cards are purchased at the ticket office at the station, and this must be done in advance.

Rent a Car

Cuba Hotels

Consulate General in Havana: 5-a Avenida esq. a 66, no. 318, Miramar, La Habana,; tel.: 204-10-74, 204-10-85.

Police: 116 and 820-116, ambulance: 242-811, fire brigade: 811-115, airport information desk: 45-31-33.

• Is Cuba suitable for a girl for an individual trip?
• How to call from a Russian number to a local landline in Havana

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Beaches of Cuba

The beaches in Cuba are some of the best on the planet: sandy, with convenient access to the sea, many are marked Blue flag, in addition, they are all municipal and free.

Most hotels on the coast have separate protected areas of the beach where you will hardly find local population. Sun beds and umbrellas are free.

You can safely go to any resort and be satisfied. But if you choose the ideal from the best, then you should pay attention to the following beaches:

The longest beach in Cuba is Varadero: almost 22 km of snow-white sand with sun loungers, umbrellas, beach cafes and other tourist infrastructure. Almost all the beaches here are located at hotels, so they are always clean and there are no suspicious strangers. Varadero is perhaps the most fun and noisy resort in Cuba; there are many discos here, so young and not so party-goers should go here. Varadero is also suitable for tourists who prefer an all-inclusive holiday - most of these hotels are concentrated here.

For family vacation Santa Lucia Beach (about 110 km northeast of the city of Camagüey) is suitable for children. There is a comfortable flat sandy bottom, there are no waves, and since regular buses you can’t get to this beach, there aren’t many people even in high season. These are very calm and beautiful places, but for extreme sports enthusiasts there is also entertainment: diving with sharks.

Cuisine and restaurants of Cuba

Creole cuisine is widespread on the island, the main ingredients of which are pork and chicken, prepared in various ways. One of the most popular national dishes- “Creole ajiaco” - pork with vegetables and big amount spices It’s also worth trying lobsters with lemon, crocodile or turtle meat dishes, and turtle eggs. In Cuba, they cook a lot from fruits and serve them with almost every dish. The coffee they brew here is very strong and sweet.

National drinks are Cuban rum and numerous cocktails based on it: mojito, Cuba Libre, daiquiri and many others.

There are few restaurants in the classical sense of the word in Cuba, and they are all located in tourist areas and resorts. They usually accept credit cards, but glitches are common, so it's best to go with cash (convertible pesos). Average score in good restaurant- approximately 30-40 CUP per person without drinks, in a more budget-friendly one you can spend 10-15 CUP. There are also many pizzerias and hamburger joints in Cuba. You can have a meal there cheaply (2-5 CUP) and often around the clock, but only for cash. Cuban bars are a different story. Most of them are very colorful and have a history; they don’t serve food (maximum nuts and chips), but you should definitely try all the daiquiris.

Guides in Cuba

Entertainment and attractions

There are not as many cultural attractions in Cuba as in other countries; many were destroyed by Spanish colonialists back in the 16th century. The main wealth of the island is natural beauty. Picturesque landscapes, national parks and amazing undersea world- this is what attracts thousands of tourists to Cuba every year.

Historical attractions are concentrated in cities, most of them, of course, in the capital - Havana. The most interesting area from a tourism point of view is Old Havana, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. You should definitely see the Cathedral of St. Christopher, the Havana Capitol - larger in size than Washington. Also interesting are the city squares: the Armory (Plaza de Armas), the Cathedral (Plaza de la Catedral) and the Old (Plaza Vieja), around which ancient buildings and structures are located, as well as the Jose Marti Revolution Square with a memorial and an obelisk . At the top of the latter is the highest observation deck in the city.

The province of Havana will be especially interesting for fans of environmental and adventure tourism; there are many quiet, secluded beaches. The Escaleras de Jaruco area has many caves and steep cliffs: it is good for speleologists. In San Antonio de los Baños you can visit the Museum of Humor, while the coastal village of Santa Cruz del Norte is famous for producing the famous Havana Club rum.

In the city of Santa Clara (province of Villa Clara) there is a Memorial named after. Che Guevara and his remains are kept. In the small town of Remedios, noteworthy are the city's Carnival Museum, the Alejandro García Caturla Music Museum and the main parish church of St. John the Baptist, which is considered one of the most interesting in Cuba.

The city of Pinar del Rio in the province of the same name is interesting for its Museum of Natural Sciences, the Guasch Palace, the Milanes Theater and the Francisco Donatien cigar factory.

Juventud Island is the second largest island in the Cuban archipelago. Here is the famous nature reserve“Los Indios San Felipe” with unique flora and fauna, the Presidio Modelo prison, a copy of the American Joliet prison in Illinois (Fidel Castro served his prison sentence there), national marine park"Punta Frances" and the international dive center "El Colony".

In the province of Matanzas, in addition to caves with rock paintings, it is worth visiting capital of the same name provinces. Must-sees: Vigia Square (the founding site of the city), Liberty Square, Montserrat Chapel (built in the image of a temple in Catalonia), San Severino Castle (due to its size, considered one of the main Spanish fortresses in America) and the ruins of the Triumvirato. - there, in the 19th century, the largest uprising of African slaves in the history of Cuba took place. The main attractions of the Zapata Peninsula: the Taino Indian village in Guama, the crocodile nursery in La Boca, the Santo Tomas and La Salina fauna reserves, as well as Historical Museum in Playa Giron.

New Year (January 1), on the contrary, is celebrated noisily and cheerfully. On this night, beach discos are open, concerts and parties are held, and they approach things on a special scale in big cities.

January 2 marks the most important day in the country - the Day of Liberation and Victory of the Cuban Revolution. This is an official day off throughout the country, solemn processions take place in cities, the president gives a pathetic speech, Cubans congratulate everyone on the street, and it all ends with folk festivities until dawn.

The country is very fond of holidays, a legacy of the communist era. Here, May Day is still celebrated the way it was customary in the Soviet Union - with demonstrations, flowers, cheerful patriotic songs and festivities around the city. On July 26, the National Uprising Day is celebrated, also with parades and demonstrations, and October 10 is Independence Day: the main venue is the monument to Carlos Manuel Cespedes (“Father of the Motherland”, one of the leaders of Cuba’s Ten Years’ War against the Spanish colonialists) in the square in Havana, to to whom flowers are laid. No one works on this day either.

In July and August in Cuba you can visit two carnivals at once - in Havana and Santiago de Cuba.

On weekends from July 15 to August 15, Cuba hosts perhaps the most colorful and fun event of the year: the Havana Carnival. These days, freaks from all over the country gather in the capital, dress up in costumes, dance, drink daiquiris and have fun literally around the clock. Many perform in teams and prepare for the carnival in advance in order to be sure to outshine all other participants in the dance. Another carnival takes place at the end of July in the city of Santiago de Cuba. The scenario is the same: dress up, drink and dance. It is very convenient that both holidays fall at approximately the same time: you can visit both carnivals on one trip.

In the first week of December, one of the most important cultural events for the entire Spanish-speaking population of the planet takes place in Cuba - the Festival of New Latin American Cinema. In terms of prestige, this film award is equal to the Oscar - for directors, actors and other film workers it is a great honor to be awarded this award.

And at the end of February, smokers from all over the world come to Havana, as the International Cuban Cigar Festival takes place here. It lasts 5 days, during which time excursions to factories and tobacco plantations, auctions and competitions are held, as well as concerts, presentations and festive receptions, where you can try a variety of cigars over a glass of wine or rum.

The charm of ancient colonial cities, paradise beaches and lush tropical nature... Compiling short guide on Liberty Island!

1. Havana Vieja

With its cramped streets lined with more than a thousand historic buildings, this neighborhood is perhaps the most striking monument to colonial America. Old Havana amazes with its incredible wealth of fortresses, cathedrals, palaces, monasteries and other buildings built over five centuries, as well as its vibrant and colorful street life. During the restoration program, which has been ongoing here for the third decade, beautiful buildings turned into museums, hotels, restaurants, boutiques and stylish bars. Narrow alleys and paved squares - all within walking distance of each other - have retained the charm of a hot colonial city through the centuries.

2. Jardines del Rey


This archipelago of several hundred islands, known as the "Royal Garden", stretches 200 kilometers along the northern coastal provinces of Ciego de Avila and Camagüey. Three most large islands are connected to Cuba by sandbanks, but only two of them - Sayo Coco and Sayo Guillermo - have tourist infrastructure. These two islands with their snow-white beaches dissolving in clear and warm water are very popular destinations for tourists.

3. Zapata Peninsula


This protected peninsula in its depths is completely covered with swamps and forests teeming with animal life: crocodiles, flamingos, rare parrots. Along the coast, on the contrary, it is framed sandy beaches and coral reefs that attract scuba diving enthusiasts here.

4. Modern Havana


Around the cozy Havana Vieja lies a vibrant, colorful metropolis of two million inhabitants, notable for neighborhoods that reflect all stages of decay. 19th-century barrios intersperse here with 20th-century municipalities and post-revolutionary working-class outskirts. Modest block houses are being replaced by once-elite areas filled with estates in Art Deco, Beaux Arts and Modernist styles, while concrete office blocks, government buildings and 1950s hotels add to the city's retro atmosphere.

5. Holguin


Known as the “City of Squares,” Holguin Resort is spread out around a compact colonial-era center in a highly navigable geometric grid. There are many historical squares, the most famous of which is Parque Calixto García, named after the general who liberated the city from the Spaniards in the 19th century. Thanks to the many small museums, cultural life Holgina is very, very saturated. Here you can also relax by the sea, staying in one of the hotel complexes.

6. Santiago de Cuba


The second largest city in the country has its own unique flavor: it is the most “African” and most musical city in Cuba. Surrounded by mountains, this city was built at the beginning of the 16th century and was the capital of the country for a long time. Its hilly colonial center is filled with outstanding historical buildings and monuments reminiscent of both the colonial era and the revolution. Fidel Castro studied here in his youth, and here he started the Cuban Revolution by organizing the storming of the Moncada barracks. This city is definitely worth a visit in July: during the annual carnival, it is painted in all the colors of the rainbow and filled with music and dancing!

7. Baracoa


Situated along the shores of a wide bay and framed by mountains, Baracoa lies on the very northeastern corner of Cuba. This old City was founded in 1511 and became the first settlement of the island. Afterwards, when Governor Diego Velazquez moved to Santiago, the city experienced a long period of desolation. Residents of the city claim that the local Miel Bay is the first place where Columbus set foot in Cuba, and that the flat-topped mountain he describes is El Yunque, which rises picturesquely above Baracoa. This sleepy town is densely built with wooden houses in the local national style. Baracoa – favorite place among independent travelers.

8. Cordillera de Guaniguanico


A chain of pine-covered mountains originates near Havana and stretches across the entire province of Pilar del Rio. This real paradise for nature lovers: in fact, the entire massif is a national park, under the protection of which many animals that are on the verge of extinction live. To the west the mountains become more impassable. Picturesque rock formations called mogotes rise above lush valleys where tobacco cultivation thrives thanks to the red soil and mild climate. The quintessence of rural life in Cuba is concentrated in the village of Valle de Vinales, which also happens to be an international historical monument. Well, the huge caves within the walls of Mogotes open up a lot of opportunities for speleologists.

9. Trinidad


Founded in 1514 by Diego Velaquez, Trinidad was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the city was a thriving center for the slave trade and sugar production, and its wealthy landowners and merchants painstakingly built opulent homes and estates. The city's cobbled streets are lined with houses painted in light colors and virtually unchanged since the colonial era: Trinidad is one of those cities that time passes by. Unlike most other Cuban cities, Trinidad is located on a hilltop and often receives a refreshing breeze.

10. Camagüey


The cradle of Cuban culture, this city lies in the heart of the island. His historical Center features intricate streets, well-preserved colonial-era squares, ancient churches, monasteries and colorful residential buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries with tiled roofs, patterned window grilles and spacious courtyards, decorated with the main symbol of the city: giant tinahon jugs.