Introducing Cuba
Defying all logic, the world’s 105th-largest country is also one of its most instantly recognizable. Think psychedelic Che Guevara murals and antediluvian American Buicks, dudes with bongos and old men slapping down dominoes, queues outside ration shops and communist cadres smoking chunky Montecristos. Cuba has a way of going against the grain. It’s all part of its historical make-up, part of its dynamism, part of its intrinsic beauty.
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Travel here not only requires a passport, money and a good sturdy rucksack; it also requires flexibility, creativity, good humor, patience and a healthy sense of adventure. Speaking Spanish, though not a prerequisite, is undoubtedly a huge advantage, and will allow you to travel further and dig deeper than the average tourist.
Linguistic dexterity aside, Cuba remains an easy country to travel in and there are few barriers stopping you from wandering around pretty much how and as you choose. A slight loosening of the screws since Raúl Castro took office in February 2008 has allowed Cubans access to cell phones and entry into tourist hotels, meaning interaction with the locals is now simpler and often surprisingly candid.
Ready to go?
These tours & activities make it easy:
- The perfect introduction to all things Cuban in 8 days
- Take the kids along for a family Cuba discovery
- Hike across Cuba on foot
Last updated: Feb 6, 2012
Tips & articles
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Saddle up for the world’s best cycling routes
1 February 2012
There’s no better way to explore a place than by bike. In honour of our favourite two-wheeled travel companion, here...
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Calling the caf-fiends: great coffee spots
19 January 2012
It inspires passion, opinion and addiction. It’s the world’s second most valuable commodity (after petroleum), and it will almost certainly...
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A dream trip for music lovers
1 December 2011
Plug in the earphones, fire up the iPod and get ready for a round-the-world journey like no other. From good...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Paypal
by chefhagan 15 September 2011
I don't know if this is relevant but I have booked (and paid for with US cc) hotels in Cuba when I was in Cuba via CTN.
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RE: Is Salsa only a dance in Cuba, or does it exist as a condiment?
by Steve_YYZ 15 September 2011
Well, here in Toronto if you want "Cuban" food, the best place to go IMHO is Julie's. http://www.juliescuban.com/ While some dishes have…
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RE: Is Salsa only a dance in Cuba, or does it exist as a condiment?
by Luisa 14 September 2011
When I go to Cuba, I +take+ salsa (I live in Mexico) to alleviate the boredom of eating the food.
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Cuba
Things to do
- All things to do (1,169)
- Activities (65)
- Entertainment (260)
- Restaurants (322)
- Shopping (162)
- Sights (350)
- Tours (10)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Cuba
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1 Las Terrazas
Model village and eco-lodge nestled in reforested UNESCO biosphere
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2 Viñales
Spectacular limestone cliffs, lush green tobacco fields, and an expansive network of caves
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3 Punta Francés
Wrecks, drop-offs, caves and coral reefs, make this one of the Caribbean’s best diving spots
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4 Havana
Old forts, fascinating museums and a kicking Caribbean nightlife
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5 Varadero
Gorgeous beaches, swanky resorts and first-class tourist facilities
Fast Facts about Cuba
- Visa
All visitors require a tourist card (CUC$15), which is usually issued with your plane ticket or can be bought at airports.
- Money
Cuban convertible peso (CUC$) and Cuban peso (CUP; also known as moneda nacional, MN); CUC$1 = US$1.08 = €0.82 = UK £0.76
- Official name
Republic of Cuba
- Departure tax
CUC$25 (cash only)
- Area
110, 860 sq km
- Population
11.3 million
- Famous for
Cigars, rum, Fidel Castro, salsa, classic cars
- Country code
53
- Language
Spanish
- Capital
- Phrase
Qué bolá asere? (What’s up, brother?); chao/chaocito (goodbye/bye)
- Number of cell phones
198,000
Our favourite Cuba Blogs (beta)
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Highlights of Cuba: From Historical Cities to Exotic Beaches
Blog: WildJunket - 25 January 2012
This is a sponsored guest post by Virgin Holidays. As the largest island in the Caribbean, Cuba is as diverse as it is beautiful – from miles and miles of windswept beaches to acres of nature reserves and vibrant cities. A trip to Cuba offers travelers a peek into its rich history and heritage and [...]
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Cowboys and Kids in Cuba – Pure Heaven!
Blog: Vagobond.com - 11 December 2011
Cuba is a kid friendly destination for families.
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Solo Travel Destination: Cuba
Blog: Solo Traveler - 1 November 2011
A Solo Travel Society member recommends Cuba as an interesting Solo Travel Destination for its history, architecture, beaches...and mojitos.
