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 13, 2012
Tips & articles
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Saddle up for the world’s best cycling routes
1 May 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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Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel: top 10 countries for 2012
27 April 2012
Which countries will come into their own as travel destinations in 2012? We’ve collated hundreds of ideas from everyone at...
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How to choose a Caribbean island
24 February 2012
The dozens of islands scattered across the Caribbean are a remarkably diverse lot. Pulsing Jamaica has little in common with...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Getting married in Cuba 4 weeks today.
by ttjpdo 28 May 2012
Jorge, while going to TripAdvisor and reading what other guests have had to say about Playa Pesquero is good advice, I think that perhaps…
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RE: Getting married in Cuba 4 weeks today.
by ttjpdo 28 May 2012
Jambo, Gaviota Playa Pesquero is a huge resort (over 900 rooms) with several restaurants, three pools, and of course, a pretty beach.…
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RE: Getting married in Cuba 4 weeks today.
by PorAcaPorAlla 27 May 2012
Hiya JamboJapp, nice routing of the Hibees the other week, distraught old supporter in Belize!!! Whenever I go to Cuba I use this Scottis…
Hotels & Hostels
Top cities in Cuba
Browse more cities in CubaFeatured property
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Villa Marina Tarará
Playas del Este
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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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Busting Some Common Myths About Cuba
Blog: Canada's Adventure Couple - 5 May 2012
For many-many years the Island of freedom was on the top of the list of my must-see places. All these colorful pictures from travel blogs and magazines just kept teasing my imagination on and on. Needless to describe the degree of my excitement when all the tickets were finally booked to Cuba.
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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.
