Cuba
Cuba, officially the Republic of Cuba, is a country comprising the island of Cuba, as well as Isla de la Juventud and several minor archipelagos. Cuba is located where the northern Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic Ocean
Less than four hours from Canada, the minute you arrive, you feel as if you’ve been transported back to the 1950s.
Cuba is a country with a complicated, yet fascinating history. For years, the trade embargo prevented US citizens from visiting the Caribbean Island. But in 2016, everything changed when the restrictions were lifted.
And although the rules changed yet again in 2019, visiting the mysterious island is not impossible. Before you plan a visit, make sure to check on regulations and restrictions in place, as things are subject to change.
Canadian easy to travel there, USA you have to look for information.
Havana
The history of Havana is truly fascinating, and in it, you can find interesting museums, impressive restoration projects, and a magnificent artistic and cultural heritage. Paintings, murals, Cuban music rumbas, the wonderful feeling in the fun Havana streets, and the colorful murals will delight your senses.
With classic convertibles lining the streets, crumbling Spanish facades, and live street music on every corner, it’s no wonder it has become so popular with tourists from all over the world.
You will discover, behind every corner, all that this wonderful city can offer: from the street
One of the more attractive aspects of Havana is to see how everyday life pans out in the city: happy children playing baseball in the street, street troubadours, a group of people doing maintenance on a Plymouth from 1955 in the middle of the street…and above all, enjoying life.
Castillo de la Real Fuerza Castle
The Castillo de la Real Fuerza Castle is a great sample of military architecture during the Spain’s rule over the Caribbean. It is located in the Plaza de Armas Square in Ols Havana facing the sea. The Castle, as well as the rest of the old city’s fortifications, has been declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The Castillo de la Real Fuerza Castle is the oldest fortress still preserved in all the Americas. It was built between 1558 and 1577, in the same location where a fort was destroyed by French pirates in 1555.
Only 48 hours in Havana: You should visit
1*Castillo de la Real Fuerza Castle
2*Old Havana is located in the east of the city, facing the bay, is the supposed masterpiece of the city, located where the town was initially founded.
is the historic center of the city, a fantastic place to stay to learn about the purest Havana tradition. It is a very safe and quiet area, surrounded by picturesque sites such as monuments, museums, churches, etc. During your stay here you can enjoy the magnificent colonial heritage that makes Havana a museum city.
3*The Havana Club Rum Museum is right in front of Havana harbor. This museum offers an interesting guided tour exhibiting the complex rum-making process in old machines. This tour is available in Spanish, English, French, German and Italian. It explains the entire process, from the manufacturing white oak barrels to the rum’s fermentation and ageing process, as well as a scale-model copy of a sugar mill
Varadero
Varadero, a town in Cuba covering Cuba’s narrow Hicacos Peninsula, is a popular beach resort town. Along its 20km of Atlantic Ocean coastline and a golf course. Near the peninsula’s eastern tip is Reserva Ecológica Varahicacos, a preserve with trails and an ancient burial cave.
The most beautiful beaches are there.
A few years back, I travel from Vancouver to Montreal on a cold day to take a plane to Varadero, Cuba with my family from back east.
My first sisters and mother trip to the sun altogether. The resort was brand new when we were there, the food was excellent. Everything was paradise.
We went back to the same place the following year and it was a disaster. Never been back.
Good To Know
*Language: The official language of Cuba is Spanish
*Currency: The official currency of Cuba is the Cuban Peso
*Credit Cards and ATMs: At the moment, no Canadian credit or debit card can be used in Cuba. Bring your money, it is very hard to exchange your money, even at the hotel.
*Plugs: In Cuba, the power plugs are type A, B, C, and L, the standard voltage is 110 / 220 V, and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.
*Safety: I never felt unsafe there. Cuba is generally safer than many other countries. Petty theft, especially at the beach or in hotel rooms, can be common, but small preventative measures work wonders. The same goes for pickpocketing.
*Be careful walking or sitting on the beach, peoples want to sell you everything from jewelry to clothes to oil. They are very persistent.
*Tipping is not a necessity, but a peso for the bartender is courteous. -Drinking is free in an all-inclusive
*The temperate there’s not necessarily a right or wrong time to visit. But some seasons are colder or wet.