Planing my Trip

Been reading the forum for a couple of weeks now in preperation for my trip next Spring, so thanks to all for the great information! Four of us are flying to Mexico City then Interjet to Havana. We have a rough itinerary of 3 nights in Trinadad, 3 nights in Vinales, and 3 nights in Havana and will be sorting out hotels/casas soon. I still have a couple of questions tho, so thanks in advance for the help.

I would like to try to reserve the first night casa/hotel in all three localations prior to leaving, is this something I could do over the internet, (yo hablar poco Espanol) or would a travel agent like some of the ones mentioned here be a better idea?

Kinda freaked out about not being able to use any kind of plastic, and the idea of carrying around all cash doesn't thrill me. I was going to get some AmEx travelers checks as a back up, and had even thought about trying to open u... more »

Biofuel in Cuba

Is this old news?

BBC World has during the last week repeatedly brought news that Havana Energy as part of Esencia Group has established joint venture biomass power energy industry in Cuba that will convert sugar cane waste and marabú into power plant energy.

The energy plant will be established in conjunction with the Ciro Redondo sugar plant in Ciego de Avila. Escencia Group is involved also in tourism and real estate in Cuba.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-20656930

Playa Jibacoa or Cayo Blanco: which one has better snorkeling?

Hi everybody,

I'd love to hear personal opinions about your preference between Playa Jibacoa (close to Havana) and Cayo Blanco (25 km from Playa Ancon) in terms of snorkeling: if you have been to both, which one has the best snorkeling and why?

I've received insightful info about Playa Ancon itself, which doesn't seem to have impressive snorkeling, but not much about Cayo Blanco, which is often offered as a day snorkeling/diving tour from Playa Ancon/Trinidad. The LP guidebook writes that over there snorkeling is great. My question would be whether or not it's better than Playa Jibacoa.

Thank you so much for your opinion. Very much appreciated, folks.

Cuban spam...

Is anyone else getting email spam from Cuba? I'm getting a bunch of stuff lately... bars, restaurants, paladars, etc. I haven't had any for over a year, now several a week are dribbling in...

Cheers,
Terry

Rent a car in cuba // good or bad idea??

Hi everybody,

has anyone experience with renting a car in Cuba. How is the driving? How are the streets? What about petrol (expensive? available or waiting for hours??). I know from other countries that there is the problem of breaking into cars (expecially tourist cars). What about Cuba?

Any experiences, advices??

Thanks, Aron

i think I am bypassing Santiago...would love your opinions

I really, REALLY was looking forward to Santiago, but I think we are going to bypass after reading this. We are actively trying to concieve and I just can't risk it in case we succeed while we're there. Am I being paranoid, or smart? We were planning on heading through there mid Feb. I wanted to go spend money and bring donations to help, but I want to keep healthy, especially if we have a little bean in my belly. Opinions, please.

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/12/08/3133744/cuba-stays-silent-about-deadly.html

HavanaHospital--Who knows what this is about?

Have any of you had any direct experience with the services being offered on www.havanahospital.com/services.htm ?
Or know anything about this organization?

visa available again through US charter companies

ABC is selling the Visa again, but for $75!!!! I asked why it was so much more and my agent said that is what Washington is telling them to sell them for. So, my assumption is Washington is getting a cut. I 110% am against the embargo and would wait in Havana's airport for a week to get my visa before I will allow the government to make a penny from our trip. She said that we could decide against that option and she could call ahead and someone would be waiting at the airport with our visa. Visa's are still $20, right?

I also asked if we would have to convert to a family visa once we arrive and she said the rules have changed for that and don't need to do that anymore. So that's good!