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Cuba
The tropical islands of Cuba collectively form the largest of the Caribbean countries. Its sheer beauty with stunning, pure whitesand beaches, dramatic rock formations and picturesque colonial cities blends perfectly with the unique Afro-Latin culture of the compellingly warmhearted Cubans. Seemingly everywhere the salsa and rumba rhythms fill the air while delicious mojitos and the world's finest cigars tantalise the senses. The country is also blessed with possibilities for the more adventurous traveller, including deep-sea treasures for divers, hiking, cycling and horse riding. Cuba's most fascinating appeal however, is its extraordinary variety and unique history, best experienced on a round-trip of the island.
THE BAHAMAS
Cuba Travel Tips
* Time: GMT 5. * Flying Time from UK: Approx 9.5 hours. * Language: The official language is Spanish. English is spoken in most of the larger hotels and tourist areas. * Currency: Cuban Peso Convertible (CUC) £1 = CUC 1.88. In larger tourist areas and airports all major non-US issued credit cards are accepted and currencies exchanged. * Visa Requirements: UK passport holders require a Tourist Card, valid for 30 days, which must be obtained before departure from the UK at the Cuban Consulate, 167 High Holborn, London W1CV 6PA, Tel: 0870 2403675. * Festivals, Events & Busy Times: Carnival in Havana and Santiago de Cuba (July), and New Year are the main holidays in Cuba. * Departure Tax: CUC$25 subject to change. * Tourist Office: Contact Cuba Tourist Board, 154 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8JT. Tel 020 7240 6655 or www.cubatravel.cu For more useful information, see pages 96-97. Cienfuegos & Trinidad Cienfuegos, the Pearl of the South' is an utterly charming city known as the focal point for Cuba's sugar trade as well as for its pretty colonial architecture and attractive bay side location. The beautiful hill town of Trinidad is a definite highlight of any trip to Cuba. Listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in recognition of its rich colonial history dating from 1514, the town is festooned with impressive mansions and pretty cobblestone streets. Trinidad is also just minutes from popular Playa Ancón beach, close to the scenic Escambray Mountains and is also a centre for the country's tobacco industry.
Havana Las Terrazas Viñales Pinar del Rio Pinar del Rio Province Nueva Gerona Isla de la Juventud
Varadero Matanzas Cárdenas Cayo Santa Maria Santa Clara Cayo Coco
Cienfuegos
CUBA
Trinidad
Morón Ciego de Avila
Camagúey Holguin
Caribbean Sea
Bayamo Baracoa Guantánamo Santiago de Cuba
CAYMAN ISLANDS
JAMAICA
Havana A destination in its own right, withered yet characterful Havana is enthralling. The historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is full of resplendent Spanish colonial mansions, cathedrals and castles. There are intriguing museums, a lively arts scene, colourful street markets and a vibrant nightlife. Countless vintage cars fill the streets, giving the place an air of nostalgia. The warm-hearted Cubans relish their passion for music and for life making Havana an intoxicating place to visit. Beach Resorts Varadero & the Cayes Varadero is Cuba's premier beach resort with a stunning setting on the Hicacos Peninsula and miles of beautiful sandy beaches. All inclusive resorts are plentiful offering
everything from golf to water sports including scuba diving and snorkelling. For something a little quieter, Cayo Santa Maria consists of a series of exquisite coral cays fringed by white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. Viñales Valley & Las Terrazas Famed for the most magnificent landscape on the entire island, one should not miss the spectacular limestone formations of the Viñales Valley, providing a fascinating backdrop for Cuba's finest tobacco fields and deep green plains. Nature and wildlife lovers are lured to Las Terrazas, Cuba's most developed eco-resort, where you can partake in horseback riding, hiking on nature trails, soak in thermal pools and visit the remains of 18th century coffee plantations.
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