In this article you can find some useful tips for your holidays to Cuba. Along many years I have been given advice to clients wanting to visit Cuba so I decided to summarize some of them. I hope you find them useful.
Try not to drink water from the tap. It is fine for locals but not for tourist. You will not have the required antibodies in your organism and will end up going to hospital. I know it sounds drastic but the last thing you want is to spend a week on a clinic instead of a hotel room.
In case you do get sick visit the doctor who is normally based in a room in your same hotel or in another one close by. Ask the concierge of your hotel where and how to find a doctor.
Bring lots of repellent for mosquitoes. It could be very annoying especially in beach resorts like Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Levisa, Cayo Las Brujas, Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, Guardalavaca and Varadero. It is not likely to find mosquitoes in the cities.
Avoid haggling with taxi drivers. All official taxis in Cuba have a taxi metre and you will be surprised how cheap a taxi is. If you instead ask a taxi driver how much is in advance most chances are you are going to be over charged. Just make sure the taxi driver uses the taxi metre.
If you are thinking of buying cigars get them from a government shop their quality is supreme but they are a bit expensive. Prices are from 100.00 CUC to 400.00 CUC for a box of 25 cigars. If you buy them in the black market you can find the same boxes fro 25.00 CUC to 100 CUC but most of them are cigars rejected by the quality control of the factories.
If you want to book a sight seeing trip around Havana the best tour guides are employed by San Cristobal Company. These tours can be organized collective or privately. You can even have a horse and carriage ride along the old streets of Havana Vieja (Old Town).
The best night clubs are Casa de La Musica de Centro Habana, Salon Rojo Capri Hotel, Casa de La Musica de Miramar, Jazz Caf, La Zorra y El Cuevo, El Turquino in Habana Libre Hotel and Habana Caf in Cohiba Hotel.
The best Cuban rum is Habana Club and there is no point in trying to safe some money buying from the black market as the bottles are very cheap on the government run stores. Prices are from 4.00 CUC to 10.00 CUC per bottle.
If you want to know more about this amazing caribbean island or how to make the most out of your holidays to Cuba please contact Jose Mauricio. Visit the link package holidays in Cuba
Written by Jose Mauricio on February 27th, 2010 with no comments.
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In this article I am going to highlight few of the best hotels in Havana. There are numerous options available but I believe these 5 properties below are the best Havana Hotels.
Santa Isabel Hotel
Santa Isabel offers cosy rooms that are decorated in luxurious colonial style. It is here where John Paul II stayed in 1998 when he visited Havana. This Colonial Palace is located only few steps from Havana’s Cathedral and it is just next to where Havana was founded almost 400 years ego.
Saratoga Hotel
The impressive building combines traditional architecture and arrangements with the most modern technology. Its roof terrace with a swimming pool, restaurant area, and bar will allow you to enjoy the breathtaking panorama view over Havana’s silhouette and its harbour.
5 Star NH Parque Central
This 5 star hotel is located in the centre of the old colonial Havana, surrounded by numerous famous buildings, like the Capitol, the “Teatro Garcia Lorca” and the Museum for Modern Arts. Here the elegance of the Spanish colonial style combines with much more modern features. From the terrace and swimming pool bar in the uppermost floor of the hotel, one can enjoy the most spectacular view over old Havana.
Havana - Florida Hotel
At a centric corner of the street Obispo raises majestically the Hotel Florida. Few meters from Plaza de Armas this hotel is surrounded by businesses, art galleries and interesting museums that provide a magic atmosphere in its vicinity. A distinguished ambience and a customized service invite you to discover the magic of the past in the 21st century.
Havana - Raquel Hotel
Another beautiful residence turned into a Hotel. This property displays the best of the Art Nouveau architecture in Havana. It is probably the finest 4 star hotel in Havana. It house a restaurant, bar and very beautiful roof top garden. Among its facilities: room service, wash service, Souvenir shop, fitness Gym, massages, Solarium, Babysitting , bath/WC, shower/tub, hair dryer, air-conditioning, Sat TV, room service, Internet, fax service, telephone, mini bar, safe box.
Before you decide to go for you Cuba holidays make sure you visit Havana Hotels in J.M. Maurette’s Website
Written by J. M. Maurette on January 18th, 2010 with no comments.
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We all know these are difficult days and there is no much money left for holidays and leisure in our pockets. So we have to find cheap alternatives - either that or stay at home and don’t go any where. If you are thinking of going for Cuba Holidays then I am going to give you a hint on how to cut down on the cost.
There are a number of ways to cut down the cost of your holidays to Cuba and today I would like to focus in one in particular. As I mention before hotels in Cuba are not very cheap with the exception of very few 2 or 3 star hotels that are always full and it is very difficult to find rooms available unless you book like a year in advance or so.
There is another option available in Cuba for accommodation. Casas Particulares is the term used to call private rentals in Cuba. These Casas or houses however you prefer to call them rent 1 or 2 rooms for as little as $25.00 per room per night. If you are sharing the room with someone else then it works at $12 to $13.00 per person per night. It really does not get any cheaper than this in Cuba.
There are few things you need to know though. The Cuban government is very strict when it comes to landlords that rent their houses and there are a number of conditions and limitations that you should be aware of before you decide to go for this kind of accommodation.
Tourists are allowed in Casas Particulares as long as they share the house with the Cuban family. There are limitations in terms of how many rooms a landlord can rent and how many passengers on each room.
What I a trying to make you understand here is that you have to be willing to stay with a Cuban family and share its dinning room, balconies, porches and chat to them. If you want total independence you might not be able to find it on a Casa particular.
There are very few houses, villas and apartments that risk rent on an independent basis. You will not find this advertised openly on the web as it is illegal according to the Cuban laws yet you can find few of them especially in Havana. If you want to stay independent on a private house in Cuba the best thing to do is get in touch with the landlords or the webmasters of websites advertising vacation rentals in Cuba.
Before booking your Cuba Holidays. Visit www.quest2cuba.co.uk by Jose Mauricio Maurette for more information on the best locations and Cuba Tours.
Written by Jose Mauricio Maurette on January 12th, 2010 with no comments.
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It seems like Cuba’s once atheist communist government has now taken a close interest to religion, for the second year in a row, Cuba’s Roman Catholic chief has read a Christmas message on national television. In a past broadcast, Cardinal Jaime Ortega showed his appreciation towards the lift of the ban governed by President Barack Obama allowing the Cubans living in America to be able to travel or send money to the Islands families.
A Christmas concert that had taken place at the National Cathedral was proposed to be shown - a representative Orlando Marquez, Havana’s Conference of Bishops confirmed this on behalf of the authorities. The entire communication was aired on the government controlled television in Cuba.
A 67 year old retired mother Elisa Ramos, stated; for the first time in 12 years her son will spend Christmas in Cuba. It’s the greatest thing that has happened to them.
After Jaime Ortega’s broadcast, there have been some growing signs of some improvement between the relationship of the government and the church.
A year ago, President Raul Castro surprisingly united with many believers of faith for the beatification of Friar Jose Olallo Valdes in the city of Camaguey.
Raul Castro replaced his brothers’ Fidel Castro’s position as president in 2008. His first general meeting was with Pope Benedict XVI’s secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone during his trip to Cuba marking the 10th Anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s visit.
Since the power of presidency to Fidel Castro in 1959, religion was not totally ruled out however priests were expelled and religious establishments were closed down. In the early 1990’s, the tension reduced and the government removed any reference to atheism from its organization and allowed believers of all faiths to join the Communist Party. The situation improved later in the year when they had a visit from Pope John Paul II.
Looking to find the best deal on Cuba holidays, then visit www.quest2cuba.co.uk to find the best advice on Cuba.
Written by Aaron Maurette on January 6th, 2010 with no comments.
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Cuba - Peninsula of Guanahacabibes - has been chosen as a base for a research project conducted by Cuban and Spanish Scientists from the Cuban Oceanology Institute and the Spanish University of Oviedo. The Research project intends to widen the documentation of marine life in Cuba. Other areas to be explored are the Cienaga de Zapata near Bay of Pigs and Jardines de La Reina also celebrated for their rich bio diversity.
In an interview conducted by Prensa Latina the Spanish Biology Professor Jesus Ortega from Oviedo University expressed that more than 700 species are yet to be classified in the area known as Guanahacabibes. So far 50 varieties of mollusks have been officially classified and documented as new species.
One of the most significant discoveries in the region is the striking Emiliotia Inmaculatus (tiny mollusck with semi-transparent shell) and the Cubalaskeya Machoi both found at Cueva Pedro( undersea cavern almost 33 meters under sea level).
Similar marine diversity can be found in the Cienaga de Zapata rewarded as the largest wetland in the Caribbean. Zwaps, countless canals and natural water courses are typical of this rugged landscape.
Peninsula de Guanahacabibes and Cienaga de Zapata, both rich in Flora and Fauna, have been declared Protected Area of The Biosphere and the least human interaction can be found in this region which has been accountable for the documentation of 50 percent of all mollusk species discovered in Cuba.
This is a part of Cuba with a shocking wonderful natural wealth, with an enormous species variety still to determine said Cuban ecologist Jose Espinosa, and continued - Cuba might be a centre for plankton larvae that could favour the most needed healing the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean sea.
In the whole of Penisula de Guanahacabibes there is just one tourist resort called Maria la Gorda famous among snorkellers and divers but with restrictions in the way humans interact with the environment.
Learn more about Cuba. Stop by Perucho Ochoa’s site where you can find out all about Cuba holidays and what it can do for you.
Written by Perucho Ochoa on December 29th, 2009 with no comments.
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Cuba is the largest and most beautiful island in the Antilles. This amazing country offers a mix of culture, history, architecture, music and geography that captivates whoever visit it. There are plenty of tour operators offering Cuba holidays. All you need to do is find the one that offers what you are looking for.
Looking for beach holidays? Then seek no further. Cuba has a variety of beach locations that are among the top in the list of the best beaches in the World. Varadero, Cayo Largo, Cayo Coco and Guardalavaca are just some of the best beaches in Cuba with excellent accommodation facilities.
If you want to do something more tailor made such as SCUBA diving or sailing holidays to Cuba our recommendation is to get in touch with a specialist. You will find that there are not many travel agents out there that specialize in this kind of package holidays to Cuba.
If you are more into cultural package holidays to Cuba then why not visit Havana. Without a shadow of doubt the capital of Cuba will keep you very busy visiting museums, cigar factories, monuments, beautiful squares and cafes. Other interesting locations worth mentioning are Trinidad, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba. This last location is particularly famous for its Caribbean touch and its musical traditions.
Cuba’s main exports are coffee, rum and cigars, and these make up a good proportion of souvenirs bought too. Also popular are local crafts, widely available in souvenir shops, and usually hotel shops too. A great selection of goods, that will make interesting souvenirs of your Cuban holiday.
You could have a tailor made programme designed just for you. Ask a specialist to put something together for you. Let him know what are your preferences and he/she will get back to you with some good options. Don’t expect it to be necessarily expensive. In some cases tailor made packages are cheaper than the average beach package holiday.
We have a dedicated team of travel advisors all Cubans which is very important in our opinion when it comes to organizing tailor made holidays and recommending the best places. We take pride in our customer service and the quality of our tours.
Jose Garces is the Director of Quest World Travel Ltd and a specialist in organizing holidays to Cuba. If you require further info about Cuba you can visit: Info on Cuba
Written by Jose Garces on December 26th, 2009 with no comments.
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Waking up, going over to the window and seeing the unmistakable blue of a tropical sea. There’s no better therapy, no better way of greeting the day. While on your Cuba Holidays, this is a daily experience, and you can enjoy it not only in a beach hotel but also in one of the more luxurious hotels in the city and even up in a mountain retreat. Here, the sea is a living presence; in those few places where you can’t see it, you can still smell and sense it.
There is an average of 330 sunny days a year, with few clouds. The main tourist resorts (including the ones on the cays) have international airports, and the excellent hotel infrastructure is complemented with a wide range of extra hotel facilities (car and bus rentals, marinas, scuba-diving centers, shops, beauty parlors, fitness centers, etc.), entertainment during the day and at night, excursions to nearby cities, medical attention, and special family and honeymoon Cuba holiday packages.
Lands of legends and myths, thousands of tiny islands enclose a fascinating mini-world in which the conditions have been created for having a daring adventure. Cuba has several marinas or sports ports that offer all of the services you need for having a delightful stay.
The high degree of conservation of its coral formations and beaches attests to its cleanliness. It has a gentle subtropical climate, the product of warm water cooled by The trade winds, so temperatures range between 75.2 and 84.2 F. (24 and 29 C.).
There are places-anonymous as yet or little known-virgin beaches which are not the exception but rather the rule. Large or small, they are waiting to be discovered on the Guanahacabibes Peninsula, a preserve of the biosphere; the coasts in the center and eastern parts of the country; and in tranquil Baracoa, at the eastern extreme of the island. You can enjoy them to the full in complete safety. There’s nothing quite like walking along a beach for hours with nothing to disturb you.
In 1985, the French oceanologist Jacques-Yves Cousteau’s crew was very impressed by Cuba’s seabed-most of all, by their exploration of the Cristobal Colon, a Spanish ship which was sunk during the naval battle that was fought just off Santiago de Cuba in i8g8. According to the divers, who have worked all over the world, few other places are as well preserved or have such a wealth of marine life. His colleagues waxed so enthusiastic that Cousteau, then 75, decided to put on an aqualung and see for himself. He wasn’t disappointed.
Caves, profusely decorated vertical walls, tunnels, cliffs and channels offer endless options for scuba diving both during the day and at night…. Experiences go from simple observation to swimming near large fish in complete safety.
Cuba undoubtedly is one of the most stunning tourist destinations in the World. Add the irrefutable fact of a super rich culture and you have the perfect formula for an unforgettable holiday.
Jose Maurette is the Director of Quest World Travel Ltd and a specialist in organizing holidays to Cuba. Visit www.quest2cuba.co.uk for further information on the best Havana hotels.
Written by Jose Garces on December 24th, 2009 with no comments.
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In a recent publication Santiago de Cuba famous for its music and endless revolutions has been chosen as one of the best destination in the world and a top city location for Cuba holidays in the year 2010
Rated within the top 10 destinations in the world by the prestigious Frommers Publications, Santiago de Cuba is the best place to see what is like to live in Cuba in modern days.
“Santiago is a culturally rich and scenic city that retains the intimate, friendly feel of a provincial capital, with peaceful neighborhoods where men play dominoes outdoors on hilly streets,” the website said.
It also acknowledged that the subsequent 12 months might be a period of a great deal of changes for tourism in Cuba, a suggestion echoed recently by Rough Guides.
Reuters informed that the travel source is urging travelers to trip to the country now before visitors begin to flock in from the US.
Santiago de Cuba is also the birth place of the world famous Bacardi Rum. First founded by Don Facundo Bacardi in 1862, the drink has since become renowned around the world and is now produced in Puerto Rico.
Even though Santiago has an international airport there are no flights from Europe arriving to this city therefore the best way to get to Santiago is by flying into Holguin City which is located 3 hours drive or alternatively to fly into Havana and then take a domestic flight.
There is no better time in the year to visit Santiago than when the Carnivals are taking place. The week comprising the 26 of July for over 100 years have seen the streets of Santiago filled with joyful locals enjoying the best of the Cuban music and of course the best of the Cuban Rums.
Before booking your Cuba Holidays. Visit www.quest2cuba.co.uk by Jose Mauricio Maurette for more information on the best Cuba Tours.
Written by Jose Garces on December 23rd, 2009 with no comments.
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In this post I want to introduce you to an alternative to safe money for your Cuba holidays. You have probably been looking around already and maybe you have some quotes from few agents. I bet you find them expensive.
One element that increases the cost of a holiday package is definitely the transportation. When you want to visit few locations cause you want to get to know the real Cuba. Most travel agents out there will use taxi transfers in their quotes and when you hear the price then you start thinking maybe is best if I stick to 1 or 2 places to make it cheap.
In this respect my advice is to take Viazul buses if you are travelling on a budget. With terminals in almost every location in Cuba Viazul can safe you hundreds of pounds or CUC’s
So that you have an idea of how much money you can safe let’s take for instance a taxi transfer from Havana to Trinidad. This journey takes about 5 hours and it will cost you around 250 CUC if you travel by taxi. Instead with viazul a ticket will cost you just 25 CUC.
Just imagine how much money you could be safe if you were to visit places like Havana, Vi?ales Valley, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara or Trinidad. Very easily the amount of money safe could be around 800 CUC if instead of taking taxis you use VIAZUL terminals.
Viazul buses are quite new and comfortable. They have large coaches with 40 seats, WC, air con, television and catering services.
People don’t realise how long distances are in Cuba when they look at a map of the island. Cuba looks so tiny compared t the mass of Continent that surrounds it but it is well over 1200 km long from west to east.
Of course a taxi is more comfortable and if you decide to go for this option then you will just have to wait at the lobby of your hotel to be taken to the next one. But be ready to fork out a good lump of money for your holidays
Before you arrange your Cuba holidays please make sure to read on Cuba facts blog.
Written by Jose Garces on December 22nd, 2009 with no comments.
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If you have come to read this write up I am assuming that you are interested in organizing your next trip to Cuba. Well that makes me very happy. What I intend to do in this article is to guide you through the best possible combinations of centres in order to make the most out of your experience in Cuba.
What Cuba has to offer in terms of tourism can not be found in many places in the world. This fascinating island is the biggest in the Caribbean Sea and has definitely been blessed by nature. Mountain range, large valleys, rivers and lakes and of beautiful turquoise water beaches make its geography one to enjoy. But there is more to it than its landscape. Cuba has a very unique culture, a stunning colonial architecture, and impressive history one of the most talked about political system in Latin America.
If you are considering to just relax for the most part of your holiday and then leave some days to explore what Cuba has to offer in terms of Culture then a twin centre holiday is probably what you are looking for. There are lots of possibilities and I will emphasize in this write up which in my view are the most interesting ones.
Havana and Varadero: Perfect recipe for persons who are not attracted by the idea of having to travel long hours on the road. Located only 80 miles from Havana City, Varadero can be reached in less than 2 hours. Havana, well it will where you will be doing most of your sightseeing, exploring museums, soaking up the atmosphere of the real Cuba, having a drive in a very old American Car, enjoying a Mojito or tasting a nice cigar. Varadero instead will be the place to relax and enjoy its beaches and all inclusive facilities.
Viales and Cayo Cayo Levisa: Both areas are located within Pinar del Rio Province. This suggestion is mainly for those who love to be in direct contact with nature and do not like to stay in huge spoiled all inclusive beach resorts. Pinar del Rio is famous for having the most picturesque landscapes of Cuba. It is also the land for the best tobacco in the world. Cayo Levisa it is a beach location only an hour if not less far from Viales Valley by taxi and to get to almost virgin island you need to get on a boat for about 20 minutes. There are only 42 rooms very basic but with all the facilities that you can expect within your room.
Havana and Cayo Ensenachos: Cayo Ensenachos is located in the very center of the island on the north coast and it is a perfect hide away destination. Its hotel, the only one in this tiny island is by far the most luxurious hotel in a beach location in Cuba. To get there options are, you take a taxi for about 5 hours or you take a flight for 50 minutes both from Havana.
You can do as many destinations as you want obviously depending on few factors like duration of your holidays and how long you are willing to travel but a twin centre combination it is always a very relaxing way to get to know Cuba.
Jose Mauricio is a reservation consultant specialist in organizing Cuba holidays and Multi centre holidays to Cuba. He has been involved in travel and tourism in Cuba for the last 15 years.
Written by Jose Garces on December 21st, 2009 with no comments.
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