Cuba head of state and state language. Cuba's participation in international organizations

Brief information about the country

Date of Independence

Official language

Spanish

Form of government

socialist republic

Territory

110,860 km² (104th in the world)

Population

11,061,886 people (77th in the world)

Timezone

Largest cities

Havana, Santiago de Cuba

$114.1 billion (67th in the world)

Internet domain

Telephone code

Cuba or officially Republic of Cuba- a Caribbean country, the main territory of which is the island of Cuba, as well as about 1600 reefs and smaller islands of the Greater Antilles. One of the last strongholds of socialism, a reserved cigar-rum land, dressed in a T-shirt with a portrait of Che and holding a copy of Hemingway under his arm - this is how the overseas tourist sees Freedom Island. And by and large, such a stereotypical image is almost true.

Video: Cuba

general information

Neither the collapse of the USSR, nor the departure of Fidel, nor, finally, American sanctions could lead socialist Cuba astray. Like fifty years ago, Freedom Island stubbornly continues to fight for communist ideals, however, after the death of the Comandante, he does this with less fanaticism. Yes, there is still no freedom of speech, but there is free medicine and education. Moreover, from year to year an increasing number of tourists visit Cuba, which cannot but affect its appearance.

It was thanks to the money of travelers that the unsightly urban landscapes, bearing the imprint of the revolutionary past, finally began to give way to modern buildings, and the shelves of city stores began to slowly fill up with "overseas" products. Today's Cuba is no longer just sugar cane, flowing rum and street salsa, but also a dynamically developing tourist infrastructure, almost Maldivian beaches, as well as amazing diving. Add to this a rich colonial past, almost limitless ecotourism opportunities and a favorable tropical climate, and you can clearly imagine why Liberty Island has become one of the most trendy destinations for most Europeans in recent years.

Cities of Cuba

All cities in Cuba

History of Cuba

The world learned about the existence of Cuba in 1492, after Columbus reached this part of the Caribbean. It is clear that the visit of the Spanish navigator did not bring anything good to the Indians living here, becoming, in fact, only the starting point in the history of the methodical extermination and final enslavement of the indigenous population. For almost 300 years, Liberty Island remained a disenfranchised raw material appendage of Spain, and only since 1823 did the local inhabitants begin to make their first attempts to fight the merciless colonialist.

In 1895, Cuban patriots - not without the support of the ubiquitous United States - managed to win back most of the territories from the mother country. Although the final farewell to the Spanish colonization took place only three years later, after the signing of the Paris Peace Treaty. By this time, Cuba was already listed as a debtor to the United States, which imposed a number of obligations on it. Well, to be more precise, the Island of Freedom agreed to provide its territories for American military bases.

In the 50s of the XX century, the dictatorial regime of Fulgencio Batista was established in Cuba, who immediately found opponents in the person of Fidel Castro. As a result, the country was plunged into the abyss of revolution for almost 5.5 years and emerged from it as a completely socialist state headed by the same Castro. To overcome the consequences of military devastation, the local government began to look for material support on the other side of the ocean, which it eventually received from the USSR. It is worth noting that friendship with the Soviet Union helped Cuba not only restore relative financial stability, but also completely ruin relations with a stronger neighbor, the United States. Frustrated by the current state of affairs, America hastened to impose a trade embargo on Liberty Island, which is still in effect today.

In the early 1990s, after the collapse of the Eastern Bloc, which subsidized Cuba, Castro was faced with the need to reform the economy. In 1993, Cubans were legally allowed to own US dollars. A significant part of the economy fell under the onslaught of the all-powerful American currency, and many manufactured goods and food became available only for dollars. Cubans to whom relatives abroad could send money, and those who worked in foreign companies and the tourist industry, where tips were given in dollars, soon gained an advantage over the rest of the country's citizens. A decade later, the gap between the haves and have-nots widened so much that Castro was forced to take action. Today, all foreign currency must be exchanged for convertible pesos (pesos convertibles) at a high tax on the exchange of dollars.

Legacy of the revolution

As one of the last strongholds of communism on the planet, the country is of constant interest. While the rest of the world is living in the fast pace of the digital age, Cuba is slowly going its own way, with only a minority having access to the Internet. Dinosaurs of the automotive world, mended and repainted American cars from the 1940s and 1950s, clumsily slink along the dimly lit city streets. In rural areas, cars are being replaced by ox-carts, omnibuses, Chinese bicycles and cycle rickshaws. The dwellings are furnished with furniture antiques inherited from the ancestors, and are lit with energy-saving light bulbs that allow you to save money.

Cuba is inseparable from the international politics of the second half of the 20th century. At the age of six, children become young pioneers - the builders of communism. Across the country, giant posters contain incantations from the country's leadership, such as "Socialismo o Muerte" ("Socialism or death") and "Viva la Revolution" ("Long live the revolution"). Portraits of Che Guevara, the revolutionary martyr of the 1960s, can be found everywhere on the walls of shops, institutions and residential buildings.

Under harsh communist rule, the country has always been bursting at the seams. Its economic condition is directly dependent on the global situation, and the situation is further aggravated by the US trade embargo and the damage caused by hurricanes. Many families continue to live in cramped conditions in dilapidated housing, the monthly income of many Cubans in terms of less than 25 US dollars.

The obvious weakness of the Cuban economy and the deprivation of the Cuban people cannot be overlooked. In addition, there is no real freedom of speech, press and movement outside the country on the island, although there are some indulgences under Raul Castro. However, there is not that glaring poverty here, which is striking, say, in Bangladesh, India, Latin American countries. Housing is provided by the state, and you hardly see homeless people sleeping on the streets anywhere in Cuba, and although Cubans do not get all the food they need on coupon books, no one is really starving. All residents of the country have the right to free health care and education. Life expectancy has increased from 57 years in 1958 to 77.7 years in 2011. This is the 57th indicator in the world. The infant mortality rate in Cuba is lower than in the United States and the European Union.

Dilapidation, poverty and restrictions only emphasize the unbending spirit of the Cuban people. These people are characterized by remarkable stamina, patience and love of life, which, it seems, cannot be undermined by any economic hardships. Cubans are extremely friendly and hospitable and always willingly invite guests of the island to their modest homes. Energetic schoolchildren - all in the same uniform - are everywhere: rushing through the streets, playing stickball in the yard, riding homemade skateboards, flying kites.

Cuba today

Modern Cuba is slowly but surely beginning to make concessions to certain capitalist benefits, which seemed completely unthinkable under Fidel. Moreover, here they are no longer so aggressive towards their eternal enemy - the United States. A few years ago, in order to somehow strengthen the shaky state economy, Cuba tried to develop tourism, which seriously changed its appearance.

The number of people wishing to visit the poor but proud island of socialism is only growing every year, which, of course, affects state reforms. Gradually, the country acquires the notorious "elements of the sweet life", contrasting with the picturesque ruins that have been preserved since the time of the revolution. For example, a ban on the import of foreign cars into the country has recently been lifted, thanks to which you can now see quite modern taxis at Havana airport. The coast of Cuba in recent years has been actively built up with luxurious hotel complexes and spa hotels. And even though the level of service in most of these establishments still gives off a “Soviet flavor”, rest here can be called quite civilized and comfortable.

Paradise Island

For many arriving on the island for the first time, Cuba is striking in its dissimilarity to the rest of the Caribbean. The best Cuban poet Nicolas Guillén compared the island to "a long green alligator". What is long, that's for sure - the distance from the "nose" to the "tail" is 1250 km. Comparable in area to England, Cuba is divided into 14 provinces and has about 450 islands and islets called "cayos", which means "reefs" and "keys".

Given its size, it would take at least a month to get to know the whole country. Most start in the capital, Havana, and then travel to the famous tobacco plantations to the west, after which they visit the sugar cane valleys and the most beautiful colonial cities in the central part of the island. The easternmost region, called Oriente, is known for its high mountains and the second largest and most musical city of Santiago de Cuba.

Along the truly Caribbean beaches, mainly the northern coast, a lot of resort hotels have grown. Although many organized tourists still stay closer to the sea, each region of the island has its own charming towns that make people take trips inland.

Cuba's white-sand beaches are delightful, and the long stretches of Varadero coastline in the north are best known. Other beach tourism centers include Guardalavaca, Playa Esmeralda and Coco and Largo Islands. Sailing enthusiasts pay tribute to countless natural harbors, anglers hunt for marlin off the coast, divers explore coral reefs and shipwrecks.

Most tourists prefer a full-service holiday, but the variety of Cuba's attractions also attracts a large number of independent travelers who find a lot of interesting things besides the sea and beaches. At the eastern end of the island rises its highest mountain range, the Sierra Maestro (until 1974 m), the birthplace of many uprisings; in the west, in the province of Pinar del Rio, the green valley of Viña Forest stretches with huge mogotes, steep hills up to 400 m high made of limestone; in the central part of the island are the lush mountains of the Sierra del Escambray and the old sugarcane plantations of the De los Ingenios Valley.

But there are also large and small cities. Havana combines beautiful Spanish colonial architecture with vibrant street life and a range of cultural events and attractions; Trinidad, a shining pearl of the colonial era, draws in beautiful apartment buildings, churches and other buildings on winding cobbled streets; Santiago de Cuba is a colorful cocktail that incorporates elements of Spanish, French and African cultures.

Climate

Cuba belongs to the zone of tropical trade wind climate. As for the seasons, only two weather seasons can be distinguished in this part of the Caribbean: dry (October to April) and rainy, accompanied by quite strong hurricanes (May to September).

Cold is a concept that no Cuban is familiar with. Even in January, the temperature on the island rarely drops below +22 °C. The apotheosis of the heat falls on August, when the thermometer freezes at +28 ° C in the shade. An additional bonus to the ocean winds and tropical stuffiness is high humidity, which often overshadows the first days of travel. But you should not worry about a specific reason: it usually takes no more than a couple of days to get used to the local climatic realities.

Main tourist destinations

What Cuba is really conducive to is a lazy beach holiday: in fact, the entire coastline of the main island is a continuous Bounty beach with starch-white sand and azure shallow waters. If your plans are not only regal reclining on a sun lounger and getting a chocolate tan, try to stay longer in the main city of Cuba - Havana. Firstly, you still won’t deprive yourself of a pleasant beach relaxation, because the city has snatched off a 20-kilometer piece of the sea coast, equipping it in accordance with the tastes of tourists. And secondly, you can fully enjoy the old architecture that the Cuban capital is famous for.

It is worth stopping by Santiago de Cuba to plunge into the typical Caribbean flavor, gain impressions from exploring the historical part of the city (after all, it was from here that the Spanish colonization of the island began) and dance to the incendiary melodies of street musicians. The cradle of the Cuban revolution, Santa Clara, is visited mainly by those who are constantly agitated by the romanticized image of the ex-commandant Che Guevara. For your information, the remains of the Argentine rebel to this day rest in the local mausoleum. The cigar capital of Cuba, Pinar del Rio, is ready to offer its guests not only excursions to tobacco plantations, but also walks through the most picturesque valleys surrounding the city. You can rewind time and return to the colonial era in Trinidad. Some of the local mansions built by the "sugar kings" are even included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Of all the islands of the Cuban archipelago, Cayo Largo, Cayo Caco and Cayo Guillermo are recognized as the most tourist-oriented. The first piece of land is notable for its coral reef and iguanas roaming freely along the coast. There is practically no local population on Cayo Largo, but there are plenty of hotels and bars with visiting staff, as well as clean municipal beaches. It is best to escape from the blues and relieve stress on Cayo Coco. The main feature of the island is a cave disco organized for tourists on Tuesdays. From Cayo Coco, you can cross the sandy dam to the neighboring island - Cayo Guillermo, whose main attraction is the pink flamingos living here. It’s a paradox, but the Cubans themselves are really not allowed here, unless they work in one of the island hotels, so only overseas guests can enjoy fantastic sunsets and all the benefits of the all inclusive system on Cayo Guillermo.

Attractions and entertainment in Cuba

The main historical sights of Cuba are concentrated in Havana and several other large cities. In the capital, first of all, it is worth paying attention to the Old Havana area with its Cathedral of St. Christopher, Prado Boulevard and the Colon Cemetery, dotted with pretentious marble monuments. Contemplation of the Havana Capitol (a recognizable copy of the Washington one) will also give a pleasant experience. It is also interesting to wander around the old city squares, bordered by old colonial-style mansions. Plaza de Armas, Plaza Vieja, Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de San Francisco - all these paved spots are included in the mandatory minimum tourist program.

The tiny town of Remedios is well worth a visit for its Carnival Museum, the Alejandro Garcia Cuturla Music Museum, and the Church of St. John the Baptist. People go to Pinar del Rio to see the Guash Palace, go to a performance at the Milanes Theater and watch the production process of real Cuban cigars at the Francisco Donatien tobacco factory. In Matanzas, Vigia Square, San Severino Castle and Montserrat Chapel are considered must-sees.

Cuba is not Cuba without a mention of old Hemingway. Here the writer is loved, honored, but not missing the opportunity to earn a little on his fame. If you are also not indifferent to the work of old Ham, look at the Finca Vigia estate in the vicinity of San Francisco de Paula (Havana district), to which the genius gave 20 years of his life.

For ecotourists in a country with 14 national parks and more than two dozen biosphere reserves, the possibilities are almost limitless. The best known and most visited protected natural areas are the Bacanao, Deselbaro del Granma, Sierra del Rosario and Topes de Collantes parks.

It is difficult to ignore the Cuban resorts, the most major of which is Holguin. Rest here, though expensive, but fun and prestigious. In addition, the most beautiful beach in the country, Playa Esmeralda, is assigned to the resort. Cheaper and less ostentatious, Varadero has made a name for itself with a vibrant nightlife. The regulars of this paradise are party fans, sex tourists and just lovers of all-inclusive relaxation. Well, travelers who do not belong to any of the above categories can be advised to look into Varadero for an excursion to the Jose Smith sugar factory, where the production of the rum legend, Havana Club, was first launched.

All sights of Cuba

Diving in Cuba

Divers in Cuba live freely without exaggeration. If you wish, you can go in search of underwater adventures directly from the beaches of Havana, Varadero and Santiago de Cuba. The transparency of sea water is high almost everywhere, and the bottom is replete with coral thickets and interesting finds. But it is better, of course, to choose less crowded places, tested by experts. These include the islands of Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo, Juventud and Jardines del Rey. You can also chase exotic fish near the coral reef in the province of Cienfuegos.

There is no shortage of experienced instructors on Liberty Island, but most of them speak only Spanish and a little less English. Russian-speaking diving gurus are found only in Varadero and Jardines del Rey. It is also possible to get training in primary diving skills in Cuba, but it is unlikely that you will be able to acquire a certificate of a more advanced level (PADI).

It is not necessary to bring diving equipment with you. Almost all Cuban diving centers have their own material and technical base: sometimes thoroughly shabby, but quite functional. On average, dive rates range from 30 (daylight hours) to 40 (at night) CUC.

Holidays to celebrate with Cubans

Communist holidays are still in trend on Liberty Island. Here, the First of May and the Day of the Cuban Revolution (January 2) are still celebrated with great pomp. On July 26, a wave of parades and demonstrations in honor of the Day of the National Uprising covers the country. On October 10, all Cuban patriots do not go to work, but gather at the monument to Carlos Manuel Cespedes to lay flowers and express their deep gratitude to the “father of the Motherland”.

Despite the fact that the vast majority of local residents are zealous Catholics, Christmas in Cuba is celebrated quietly, modestly and without traditional gifts. But on New Year's Eve in large cities unimaginable festive chaos reigns, accompanied by intoxicating parties and concerts.

Features of the national mentality

The indigenous population of Cuba lives mostly in poverty, but carefree and cheerful. All these tales about dancing in the middle of the street, amazing talkativeness of locals, prehistoric Cadillacs and Buicks carefully inherited, as well as generous compliments towards white European women have a very real basis. The average Cuban behaves like a typical careless dreamer who dreams all his life about how one day he will get rich, but at the same time he will not agree to leave his usual comfort zone for any treasure. But there is a sacred meaning in such a way of life: to strain yourself in a country where there is a general leveling and revolutions break out from time to time, it is more expensive for yourself. Although scolding their regime in front of the Cubans is a kind of mauvais ton. Despite the fact that local residents have a meager salary, receive food stamps and pay exorbitant prices for white sugar, which they themselves produce, outwardly they look quite content with such an existence.

As for the attitude towards tourists, then, of course, for most Cubans they are just fat wallets, from which, if possible, you need to shake out the maximum. If not everyone, then very many are engaged in a divorce for money on Freedom Island: from the state, which put into circulation a special tourist currency, to petty scammers who deliberately provoke accidents in order to defraud a naive traveler of material compensation. Recently, such an unprecedented phenomenon as the financial stratification of society has begun to be observed in the country: Cubans, involved in the tourism sector and having the opportunity to receive tips in addition to their main income, have become a real elite.

Religion

Catholicism in Cuba is closely intertwined with Afro-Cuban religions, in particular with such as Santeria. Tourists have the opportunity to experience many aspects of these religious practices. In the early 1960s, the government stripped the Catholic Church of much of its power and influence, but masses are still held in churches throughout the island, and since the pope's visit to Cuba in 1998, Catholic services and ceremonies have become more widespread.

Language

The entire population of Cuba speaks Spanish. Recently, in connection with the development of the tourism industry among the islanders, all kinds of courses for studying foreign languages, mainly European ones, have begun to gain popularity. In particular, the staff of luxury hotels and taxi drivers overwhelmingly speak good English. But since there is still a long way to go before mass mastering the language of Shakespeare, it is better to get a paper or electronic Russian-Spanish phrase book before the trip.

Food in Cuba

Spanish, Creole and African motifs are closely intertwined in Cuban cuisine. A favorite side dish here is rice, which often includes black beans or beans. It is served most often with pork or chicken, since beef in Cuba is a pleasure available only to the elite. It is worth trying the Creole ajiaco, which is a meat stew with vegetables and spices. By the way, it is better to look for the most peppery and spicy dishes in the vicinity of Santiago de Cuba.

In some establishments, you can also taste exotic meats (crocodiles, turtles). Quite popular types of dishes include huevos habaneros (a local variety of scrambled eggs with spicy sauce), chicharrones (crispy pork skin chips), pulpet meatloaf and the invariable lobsters, which are inaccessible to a simple Cuban, but are in great demand among the tourist fraternity. For dessert, you should take maduros (fried bananas), caramel cream dulce de leche (an analogue of domestic boiled condensed milk) and churros cookies, which are fried right on the street. In addition, Cuba has an abundance of fruits, so you can meet them not only in the form of desserts, but also as a side dish for meat dishes.

Of the drinks, it is worth appreciating Cuban rum and, of course, the legendary daiquiri, the favorite cocktail of John F. Kennedy and Papa Ham. Tourists drink guarapo cane juice more out of curiosity than pleasure. But local beer enjoys a good reputation. Coffee in Cuba is brewed the strongest, generously flavored with sugar, and sometimes splashing a couple of drops of rum into a cup.

In most hotels where breakfast or three meals a day is provided, the cuisine is more Europeanized. Usually the morning starts with a buffet with all the consequences. If you are looking for a typical Cuban tavern, welcome to the pubs in private houses (paladares), which have recently been actively replaced by classic restaurants.

Money

Theoretically, the currency of the country is the Cuban peso. In fact, there are two types of money in circulation: for the indigenous population, this is the same Cuban peso (CUP), and for tourists, it is a convertible peso or cookie (CUC). 1 cookie is 57.43 rubles, exactly 1 US dollar or 1.18 euros (for 2017).

It is most profitable to exchange euros (no commission) or Canadian dollars in local banks. The worst thing is to convert American currency, since the commission for its exchange can reach up to 20% of the amount. Money exchange is made at the airport, hotels and banks. The latter are open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 15:00, and from 12:00 to 13:30 establishments are closed for a traditional siesta.

The resort areas of the island accept credit cards. Not so long ago, Cuba lifted the ban on the "plastic" of American banks, but failures in the conduct of payment transactions with Mastercard still occur. Protection from such awkward situations will be a supply of cash, which will be gladly accepted in any institution.

It is customary to give tips on Liberty Island. In restaurants, this can be the traditional 10% of the bill. There will be enough change in the bars (in cookies). Porters, maids and street musicians are given no more than 1 cookie.

Note: before leaving, try to blow off all the cookies in stores, or have time to exchange them at the Havana airport. Otherwise, you risk returning home with a pile of useless pieces of paper - convertible pesos are not changed anywhere else.

Travel budget

Compared to the rest of Latin America and other developing countries, Cuba may be surprisingly expensive, but staying on the island will cost you no more than holidays in other Caribbean islands.

Road

Air tickets can become the main item of expenditure, especially for residents of Europe and Asia. It is cheaper to travel during the off-season, from mid-December to mid-April, and with a full service fee.

Accommodation

Hotels in Havana, Santiago and major resorts in Cuba are expensive. At the cost of living, they are comparable to hotels in North America and Europe. In resorts, accommodation on an all-inclusive basis (food, drinks, entertainment) can be a profitable option. Living in private houses (casas particularulares) is cheaper.

Nutrition

Prices in government restaurants range from moderate to high. The most expensive are lobsters and other seafood. An inexpensive alternative is paladares (private restaurants in the homes of Cubans) and food in casas particularulares. Alcohol and beer are cheaper than in Europe.

Tipping in Cuba

In Cuban restaurants, tips are 1-2 cookies per person or 10% of the bill. In bars in Cuba, it is customary to leave a small change (in convertible pesos). Guides expect to receive at least CUC$2 for their services, traveling musicians should be given CUC$1.

toilets

It's wise to carry toilet paper with you at all times, as many of Cuba's toilets don't have it. Where there is paper, they ask for a few cents for its provision - no problem, if only you have a change.

local transport

Urban public transport is cheap and improving, although it remains inefficient and overcrowded. Inexpensive taxis and bisitaxi are the best way to get around in major cities and resorts.

other expenses

The cost of visiting cabarets and discos by Cuban standards is expensive (CUC $ 10-90). The price of drinks in such nightclubs is also much higher than in bars and cafes. Roads and souvenirs such as prestigious hand-made cigars, although they will cost you much less here than outside the country.

Transport

The most convenient way to move between cities and resorts of Cuba is by bus. They go on schedule, and some still differ in their claim to comfort (by Cuban standards). The cheapest deals and breathtaking cars from Astro Bus. Viazul Bus has higher prices, but the buses are newer. Tickets for routes organized by Viazul Bus can be purchased at the railway station ticket offices or on the official website. The Cubans themselves are indifferent to this type of transport and prefer to hitchhike. Stimulate interest in free travel and state laws that require drivers who have free space in the car to pick up "voters".

The main types of urban transport are all the same buses and taxis. It is worth riding the first ones only if you want non-standard adventures. Havana buses are almost always full of passengers, no one announces stops, and payment is made by the “transfer” method. By the way, it is not recommended to clarify the ticket price with the driver, since, most likely, the announced price will be several times higher than the real one. Focus on the amount of 3-5 cookies. If you asked for more, then you were suspected of a traveling capitalist. But on the shuttles and tourist buses of the Varadero resort, it’s worth a ride. By the way, tickets for the last mode of transport are valid for the whole day.

A great alternative to crowded buses is a tourist taxi. Basically, these are quite modern cars, the trip on which is paid according to the meter (about 0.5-1 CUC per kilometer). Ride through Cuban cities and colorful retro cars of all colors of the rainbow, driven by money-hungry private traders. By the way, their fares are more attractive than those of tourist taxis.

Car rent

You can rent a car in Cuba in any major city, but keep in mind that gasoline here is expensive: about 1.20-1.40 CUC / l. To rent a car, you must be 21 years old and have at least one year of driving experience. To conclude a lease agreement, a passport and an international driver's license will be enough.

The rental price is from 45 to 150 cookies per day with no mileage limit. Usually the tourist pays the rent, as well as a mandatory deposit of 150-300 CUC (can be in cash). You will need to buy insurance on the spot, even if you pre-paid for the rental before arriving in the country. If you take the car in one place and want to return it to another, you will have to pay the cost of the return trip. If your car is damaged, you must pay the first few hundred dollars needed to repair it, unless you can prove that the damage was not your fault. Before you accept the car, inspect it for dents and scratches.

The specifics of local roads should also be taken into account: the major highways on the island are of very good quality, which cannot be said about secondary roads, for which dirt and potholes are the norm. Savings on road markings and signs are also typical Cuban know-how.

Useful information: even while driving a rented car, it is unlikely that you will be able to disguise yourself as a real amigo on Cuban roads. Cars in the country are identified by the color of the numbers: yellow ones belong to private owners, blue ones belong to government agencies, and red ones are given out to tourists.

Bicycles for rent

With an underdeveloped public transport system, millions of Cubans use bicycles. Most resorts have bike and moped rentals. Many bikes for rent are old and have only a few gears. Serious cycling enthusiasts who intend to roam the country should bring their own bikes, as well as a good supply of spare parts and tubes.

Communication and Internet

Cellular services in Cuba are provided by the state operator ETESCA, so calls from Liberty Island are not the cheapest. A minute of connection with Russia will cost 1.2 CUC, a call within Cuba - 0.35 CUC. You can buy a local SIM card right at Havana Airport, in Terminal 3. Traveling with your own SIM card is not the most reasonable option, since domestic operators do not yet offer profitable roaming options for Cuba.

Cuba's dialing code is 53. In addition, each area has its own area code (Havana code: 7). To call from a country abroad, dial 119 followed by the country code, area code, and phone number. To call locally, dial the area code first. If calling to another province, first dial the appropriate prefix (0 for calls from Havana and to Havana, 01 for all other provinces), then the area code and the subscriber's number. When calling Cuba, omit 0 or 01. Toll-free country number: 113.

The best hotels in Cuba have a direct dialing system for any calls. In other hotels, direct dialing is valid for calls within the country, but to call abroad, you will have to go through the hotel operator. International calls in Cuba are very expensive. As elsewhere in the world, hotels make their own, very significant margin.

With the Internet in Cuba, too, not everything is going smoothly yet. Wi-Fi can only be found in hotels, and you will have to pay separately for the connection. The speed is usually very low. Mobile Internet from ETESCA does not fly here either: the maximum that you can afford is checking e-mail and searching for information. To get access to the World Wide Web, you will have to buy a special card in one of the kiosks for 4.5 CUC, designed for 1 hour of using the network.

Electricity

Electrical appliances in hotels and Casas Particulares run on either 110V or 220V. Most of Cuba's sockets are designed for flat-prong plugs, but appliances must have round-prong plugs to use some sockets. Have an adapter with you, and you may need a transformer.

Where to stay

The hotel structure on Liberty Island is developing dynamically. The faceless "Soviet" hotel-boxes have been replaced by completely modern complexes. The vast majority of local hotels are comfortable "fours". There are still few five-star accommodation options in Cuba, and even those are located mainly in the capital. On islands and resorts like Varadero, Holguin and Cayo Largo, all hotels operate on an all inclusive basis. Breakfast-only options are more common in Havana. But with the service in Cuba, not everything is going smoothly. But given that the country has made a bet on tourism relatively recently, it can be assumed that over time, the staff of local hotels will also catch up.

In recent years, wealthy tourists have rented entire villas where you can feel like a Spanish planter and enjoy plenty of privacy. Well, backpackers and other lovers of economy still prefer casa particularulares - inexpensive furnished rooms rented by Cuban families. There are several advantages to this type of accommodation. First, it's cheaper than a room in the most seedy hotel. And secondly, this is a great way to get acquainted with the national cuisine, because for a symbolic additional fee, the guest has the opportunity to dine directly with the hosts. Just do not forget to first look at the license of the owner of the selected cash desk. A Cuban who avoids paying taxes on renting a house can grab a fine at any moment, and his guest risks being left without a roof over his head at the most unexpected moment.

Early reservations at Casas Particulares are essential if you plan to visit Kubuu during Christmas, Easter and the New Year holidays, although at other times of the year such foresight will not be superfluous. Hosts often meet their guests at the bus station to show you the way and prevent competitors from poaching you.

If you need to cut costs as much as possible, you can go to campsites, which are very different in this country. There are quite civilized villages with electricity and water designed for tourists, and there are clusters of ordinary huts for less demanding traveling Cubans. You can get information about local campsites, whose main customers are vacationers Cubans, at the Campismo offices operating in large cities. In addition, more than 20 campsites, hotels and parking lots are scattered throughout the country, where tourists are provided with water, electricity and sewerage.

Guides and excursions

Most tourists still arrive in Cuba prepaid for the entire package, often including one or two group tours. If you prefer to travel on your own and find a flight and accommodation package that is cheaper than booking separately or even flying alone, once you are in Cuba, you will not be required to follow the group everywhere. A lot of people check into a resort hotel and go on with their plan.

The easiest and most popular way to get to know Cuba is group tours. However, the trips offered by any tourist hotel often overlook the most interesting aspects of Cuban life. With excursions from any resort, you can see almost the entire island. The mode of organized trips is in most cases flexible, and you can, say, leave a day trip and stay overnight in a city that interests you.

Amateur "guides" offering foreigners casa particularulares or paladar (private hotel and restaurant), cigars or prostitutes operate everywhere in Cuba.

Security

If you do not find fault, then Cuba can be called a completely safe country. Beggars, thieves and petty scammers are here, of course, at every turn, but by and large, nothing threatens the life and health of a tourist in this part of the Caribbean. Just put your most valuable things in the hotel safe and get rid of the habit of carrying large amounts of cash, as well as expensive "SLRs". By the way, about cameras. In Cuba, it is strictly forbidden to take pictures of military equipment and strategic facilities, and it is better to “click” ordinary people with prior permission. You should not tempt fate by walking in the dark in areas with a bad reputation. In Havana, this includes all the lanes that run south from Calle Obispo, as well as the section between Prado Boulevard and the Deauville Hotel.

In the evenings, city streets seem more dangerous than they really are, as they are poorly lit. The place to really watch out for pickpockets is Old Havana, especially Obispo Street and the network of streets south of it all the way to the train station. The central part of Havana, west of the Prado to the Deauville Hotel, also enjoys a poor reputation.

Although tap water is chlorinated, tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled mineral water (agua mineral) is available everywhere and is the preferred drink. The most likely source of food poisoning is the hotel buffet. The food in Cuba is very simple and stomach problems are much less common than in most countries.

People with sensitive skin in the Cuban sun are at risk of getting burned in minutes. Apply sunscreen generously to unprotected areas of the body and be sure to cover your head. Dehydration can also set in very quickly, so drink plenty of water. At seaside resorts, mosquitoes annoy vacationers from dusk to dawn, so use repellents. Air conditioning makes life a lot easier.

It is worth being careful on wild beaches. The coast of Cuba is full of moray eels, poisonous jellyfish and sea urchins. On municipal beaches, these marine inhabitants are successfully fought, but, as a rule, no one pays attention to sparsely populated, abandoned places.

Useful phone numbers:

• 106 - police;
• 105 - fire service;
• 104 ambulance.

Numbers may not work in remote areas of the island, in which case ask the hotel management or owners of private houses to contact Asistur on the telephone numbers above, you will be answered by an employee who speaks English.

Medical service

The Cuban National Health System has made Cubans one of the healthiest nations in the developing world. There are no mandatory vaccinations to visit Cuba, although some doctors still recommend vaccinating against typhoid and hepatitis A.

If you need medical assistance, please contact the hotel. Large resort hotels have their own doctor. All the main resorts of the island have "international clinics" (clinica internacional), which are also in Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Cienfuegos and Trinidad. Health care in Cuba is excellent and free for Cubans. Foreigners have to pay. Treatment will be expensive, and therefore the availability of appropriate insurance is a necessary thing, especially since taking out medical insurance before traveling to Cuba is a mandatory requirement.

Every city has a 24-hour pharmacy (farmacia). The range of medicines is extremely limited. The resorts have well-stocked international pharmacies, but prices can be astronomical.

shopping

There are not so many temptations for a shopaholic in Cuba. By and large, normal shopping centers and supermarkets can only be found in Havana and Varadero. In the provinces, small private shops and social shops still rule the ball. And, nevertheless, it is almost impossible not to succumb to the persuasion of local amigos and leave Liberty Island without souvenirs. The classics of the genre are cigars, rolled by skillful hands of Cubans, and rum. The first can be purchased at the Havana Cigar Museum, the cigar hotel Hostal Conde de Villanueva, the official store of the tobacco factory Real Fabrica de Tabaco Partagas, or Casa del Habano chain stores. The most respected varieties by connoisseurs are Cohiba, Romeo & Julieta and Partagas.

Rum can be bought everywhere, but it is worth considering that its cost directly depends on exposure. Connoisseurs usually hunt for brands such as Havana Club and Carta oro. The most expensive samples of the drink (from $ 100 per bottle) are sold at the Casa del Ron museum store in Varadero. You can look for a "pirate potion" and the Arrechabala Rum Factory, which arranges generous tastings for visitors.

Among the handicrafts that fill all souvenir tents in Cuba, black coral and tortoise shell products, national musical instruments (bongos, tumbadora) and guayaberu shirts stand out. Revolutionary symbols are also still in trend, so T-shirts, caps and mugs with a portrait of Che are worth taking without looking. And the Cubans paint amazing paintings that are very easy to buy, but incredibly difficult to take out of the country without special permission.

For your information: the Tax free system does not work in Cuba.

Cuba for children

Children who love water will be just happy in all the resorts in Cuba. Children over the age of ten can engage in various types of water activities. Several resorts, notably in Cayo Coco, have kids' clubs and some of the best offer babysitting services.

Outside the resorts, opportunities for interesting recreation are limited, and there may also be problems with transport.

Cubans adore children and yours will also be treated with love and attention. Traveling around the island of Cuba will be an unforgettable and educational adventure for young families. If the children are very young, bring the necessary supply of diapers and baby food on the trip, as it will not be easy to find them in Cuba. If you are going to rent a car, purchase a child seat.

clothing

During the day in Cuba, shorts or a skirt, a T-shirt and a bathing suit are usually sufficient. In winter, a sweater or jacket may be needed in the evenings. Fashionable hotels, restaurants and nightclubs require visitors to wear appropriate clothing.

Opening hours

Offices are usually open Mon-Fri 8.00-17.00 with an hour break for lunch, some are open on Saturday mornings 8.00-12.00 (13.00). Banks are usually open Mon-Fri 8.30-15.00.

Museums are open daily, but most have one day off (usually Monday) and close on Sunday at 12.00 or 13.00. The standard opening hours of Cuban museums are from 9.00 (sometimes from 8.00 or 10.00) to 17.00 (sometimes until 16.00 or 18.00).

Restaurants, as a rule, do not work late, most close around 22.00 or even earlier. A pleasant exception is paladares, which usually receive visitors from noon to 23.00 or until midnight.

Difference in time

Time in Cuba is 9 hours behind Moscow time. From the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October, the clock hands are moved forward 1 hour, so in the summer, local time is 8 hours behind Moscow time.

5 things to do in Cuba

• Arrange with one of the local car owners and ride a rare Dodge or Cadillac. Rumor has it that in the foreseeable future, colorful retro cars will replace modern foreign cars from the streets of Havana, which recently began to be imported to Cuba.
• Find old Ham's favorite bar in Havana - "El Floridita" and try all sorts of daiquiri in it. And, of course, don't forget to take a farewell selfie at the counter, hugging the bronze classic.
• Learn how to dance Rumba or Salsa the way they are danced only in Cuba.
• Try the local delicacy - guava marmalade and make sure that sometimes even the most unpretentious desserts can please with amazing taste.
• Buy a real Cuban machete for cutting sugar cane. Well, or at least rent it for a while to take a couple of spectacular shots a la slave on plantations.

Visa information

Russian and Belarusian tourists are allowed to enter Cuba without a visa if the visit does not exceed 30 days. By the way, a permit document will not be required even if a Russian tourist enters the country from the territory of the United States. They are also loyal to the validity of a passport on Liberty Island: the document must be valid at the time of your stay in the country.

When crossing the border, it is customary to present a passport, as well as round-trip plane tickets. Upon arrival, you will have to fill out two copies of the immigration card, one of which, along with an identity card, is presented to the passport service at the airport, and the second is kept for the entire period of stay in the country and is confiscated by the employees of the same service before departure. Another feature: tourists who do not have documents confirming their hotel reservation in Cuba with them may be required to provide proof of solvency (cash, bank statement, credit card).

If you want to stay in Cuba, you will have to pay an additional fee and personally visit the Immigration Office in Havana (Factor y Final, Nuevo Vedado, open 8.30-12.00). Visitors to the country on business will need an official business visa, which can be obtained from the nearest Cuban consulate. It can take several weeks to process a visa, and the applicant is usually required to present an invitation.

Customs

Each tourist traveling to Cuba is allowed to carry 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco, 3 bottles of alcohol, as well as medicines and cosmetics in an amount corresponding to personal needs. It is strictly forbidden to carry drugs, porn products and weapons.

Without fiddling with filling out a declaration, you can take out no more than 1,000 non-convertible pesos or $ 5,000 from Cuba. Cigars, as long as they are purchased from a specialized store that issues export receipts, can be taken with you in unlimited quantities. However, in fact, it will not work to take out more than 50 cigars anyway - the restriction of the Russian customs.

The export of art objects, sea shells and animals is strictly prohibited. Severe rules also apply to crocodile skin products, as well as jewelry. If you still really want to get a leather handbag or stylish jewelry, buy them in those stores that can provide you with an export license. Otherwise, you will have to say goodbye to the acquisitions forever right at the airport.

How to get there

Airports in Cuba are located in Havana, Varadero, Holguin and Santiago de Cuba, while Russian airliners fly only to the capital. Direct flights to the Island of Freedom (Moscow - Havana) are offered so far only by domestic Aeroflot. The average travel time is 12 hours.

Transfer options can be found with the French Air France (via Paris), the Dutch KLM (connecting in Amsterdam), the Spanish Iberia (transfer in Madrid) and the German Condor (via Frankfurt am Main). Transit flights last from 16 to 20 hours.

Organized tourists will be taken by bus to the hotel. Independent travelers can book a transfer through a travel agency or use a taxi before departure from their own country. A taxi ride to the center of Havana will cost CUC$ 20-30 (the return trip usually costs less), and to the center of Santiago - CUC$ 8-10. The road from Jose Marti Airport to the center of the capital takes 40 minutes. When leaving the country from any airport, a tax in the amount of CUC $ 25 is paid.

For your information: due to the large time gap between flights, tourists who are going to fly to Cuba with KLM will have to plan an overnight stay in Amsterdam. To do this, you should take care of a transit visa and hotel reservations in advance.

Airfare low price calendar

Useful sites

Although few Cubans have access to the Internet, Cuba has a surprisingly large online presence. There is a wealth of information available, from websites about the US embargo and restrictions on travel to the country, to recommendations for tourists. Among the resources worthy of attention are the following:

• www.dtcuba.com site of the Directorate of Tourism of the Republic of Cuba;
• www.cubaweb.cu official government site;
• www.cubatravel.cu official tourist site;
• www.casaparticularcuba.org website of the Accommodation Reservation Service;
• www.lahabana.com city guide, an overview of the artistic and cultural life of the Cuban capital.

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"Cuba libre" or Liberty Island. White sand of sunny beaches, endless ocean expanses, vibrant nature, unique architecture, rum and cigars - all this and a little more will tell THERE about Cuba.

General information about Cuba

Location

The free Republic of Cuba is located not far from the shores of the northern and South American continents, separated from them by the waters of the Strait of Florida. The state occupies the islands of Cuba, Youventud and about 1,600 smaller islands with a total area of ​​110,860 km².

The southern coast of the country's main island faces the waters of the Caribbean Sea, while the northwestern and northeastern beaches are washed by the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.

Population

According to the population department of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the population of the republic in 2017 is 11.4 million people.

Currency

The national currency is the Cuban peso CUP, CUC. At the rate of 1 peso = 1 US dollar.

Useful phone numbers

Phone country code: 53
Phone code for Havana : 7
Call from Cuba: 119 - your country code - area code - phone number.
Call to Cuba: 8 - international call code - Cuba code - area code - phone number.
Embassy of the Russian Federation: (+53 7) 204-10-85
Russian Consulate: (+53 2) 268 61 46

emergency services(Havana):

• Police: 116
• Honey. help: 40-50-93
• Firemen: 78-85-41

On the territory of the country:

• National police: 82-01-16
• Firemen: 81-11-15
• Honey. help: 24-28-11

Payment and exchange in Cuba

In tourist areas, convertible pesos are in circulation. Because of the warm relations between the island communist state and the Empire of Good, which is jealous from the other end of the Florida Strait, it is better not to fly with evergreen presidents on vacation. When exchanging US dollars, you may be charged a commission of 10 to 20%. Therefore, already experienced tourists recommend coming here with the Euro. Interestingly, it is almost impossible for a tourist to meet an inconvertible Cuban peso (CUP).

If it is more convenient for you to use Visa/MasterCard cards, please note that:

• Visa is accepted in more establishments than Mastercard;
• When visiting small shops or cafes, it is better to have cash with you, as there may not be a payment terminal;
• Card transactions are taxed at 11.24%.

tourist memo

A stay in Cuba should be as colorful as possible, you may need to add colors to your everyday wardrobe. You have every chance of becoming a fan of Cuban cigars after visiting their homeland, but smoking in public places is prohibited.

If you meet a cow on the way to the beach or during the excursion, be extremely careful. This animal is sacred to Cubans, and the death of a cow in your presence can lead you to unpleasant conversations with representatives of the local police.

It is also important for a tourist to know that photographing government agencies, military equipment, soldiers, and police officers is prohibited. In addition, before photographing a Cuban, be sure to ask him for permission.

What is the Cuban people like?

Cuba is a multinational and multicultural country where the blood and traditions of the peoples of Africa, Spain, Italy, Britain, Germany, Cuban and American Indian tribes, immigrants from China, France, as well as Jews resettled during the First and Second World Wars were mixed.

Local, friendly people. Do not rush to refuse an offer to play dominoes or share a meal. Do not be surprised if you are asked to have a drink in a cafe at your expense. And if the hotel or hostel staff asks you to leave personal hygiene products (razors, shaving foam, etc.), remember that this is due to the high cost and inaccessibility of the latter for poor citizens.

Security on Cuban soil

The people in the communist republic are friendly, but poor. It is better not to show cash and expensive accessories. Watch your belongings so as not to become a victim of petty scammers and pickpockets. At night, walking in poor areas is not recommended due to the high probability of being attacked.

Climate in Cuba, when is the best time to go

The most favorable time for rest is the period from November to April.

Windsurfers will love it in the summer when the biggest waves rise during the rainy season. The dominance of hurricanes between October and November can overshadow the rest, but in fact you can plan a vacation in Cuba at any time of the year.

Due to the small area, you can go around Cuba in a few weeks of rest. So that you do not miss anything important, our website has prepared for you a list of cities and resorts that you must visit.

Capital Havana is a city of opposites. Here, modern skyscrapers stand next to colonial pre-revolutionary mansions in which ordinary people live. The city is full of architectural monuments and interesting places. Havana dazzles with white beaches, treats with gourmet cuisine and lures with the sounds of salsa. The El Floridita bar, one of Ernest Hemingway's favorite places, deserves special attention. If you are not interested in the bar, visit the writer's house museum and then go to the Roma Museum. For those who are not tired of daytime excursions, it is important to know that closer to the night the city turns into one big disco filled with unbridled energy. It's time to visit the Tropicana cabaret show, which has been famous all over the world since 1939.

Santa Clara

Santa Clara a place memorable for the Cuban revolution, where Comandante Che Guevara derailed the armored train of the dictator Batista. The wreckage of the same train remains at the crash site to this day, they are the pride and attraction for the inhabitants of the country. In addition, a mausoleum named after Ernesto Che Guevara was erected here, and if you are an American citizen, then you may not be allowed into it.

Santiago de Cuba

home of street culture Santiago de Cuba. Music on the streets of the town sounds on every corner. By right, this place is considered the cradle of Cuban melodies and rum, because Don Facundo Bacardi was born here.

Trinidad

If it is interesting to see the island as it was in the 18th century, then the city Trinidad is the best place for it. The authentic atmosphere of this place is amazing. Cobbled roads, colonial-style houses, sugar plantations and, preserved echoes of the old days, houses for slaves.

Matanzas

Matanzas the capital of the province of the same name is known for a large number of bridges, for which it was nicknamed the "Cuban Venice". The province of Pinar del Río is interesting to visit, where you can visit the tobacco plantations and admire the views of the Viñales Valley, which received the title of "Cultural Landscape of Humanity" in 1999.

Cuban resorts

Varadero

Varadero- the oldest of the resorts, a popular and truly heavenly place with turquoise ocean waters and snow-white beaches. The resort can be called a classic Russian holiday, everything is always included here. Round-the-clock bars, a buffet table in a restaurant with cuisines from all over the world.

Holguin

Holguin- resort elite business VIP class. Hotels are mostly five-star. Visit this place for the sake of luxury, tranquility and sophistication.

guardavalaca

guardavalaca, one of the best diving resorts, famous for its coral reef. Esmeralda is a place of emerald beaches. For lovers of original parties, it will be interesting to be at the cave disco of Cayo Coco.

juventud

juventud, known as the island of Youth (located 100 km from the island of Cuba) is interesting for its natural reserves. It is said that R. L. Stevenson described the image of Treasure Island from the landscapes of Youthud.

Cayo Largo

Speaking of pirates, it's hard not to mention La Yana - this is an ancient tree located on the island Cayo Largo. According to legend, it served as a guide for pirates of the Caribbean when they buried their stolen gold.

These are just a few of the places you can visit during your stay in this country. Even if you come to Cuba several times a year for several years, this country will always find something to surprise and entice you.

Entertainment and recreation on Liberty Island

The very thing for which thousands of tourists come to rest every year is diving. The underwater world is interesting not only for its beautiful coral reefs, but also for the many sunken ships off the coast. Windsurfers can catch waves off the sandy shores, those who don't want to (or don't know how to swim) dive into the embrace of the ocean in a submarine.

The main monuments of Cuban architecture are concentrated in several of the most famous cities among tourists. In the capital of Cuba, Havana, you can see many cathedrals, including the Cathedral of St. Christopher. And it’s better for you not to brag that you have been to Cuba without visiting the Armory, Cathedral and Old Squares of the capital of the state.

Memorial to Che Guevara in Santa Clara, a cigar factory Francisco Donatien» in Pinar del Rio, caves with cave paintings of Mantanas. On the Isle of Youth is a prison Presidio Modelo", which is a copy of the former place of detention of F. Castro, the prison " Joliet"(Illinois). Natural landscapes and national parks more than make up for the small number of architectural sights; many natural areas of Cuba are under the protection of UNESCO.

Coming to rest in the period from July 15 to August 15, be sure to visit the carnivals that take place in Havana and Santiago de Cuba, as these are unforgettable colorful events full of dance music and colorful dresses. And lovers of smoking will be interested to know about the festival of Cuban cigars of international level taking place at the end of February.

And where are we without shopping, because you need to buy something sort of, truly Cuban - cigars, rum and coffee. Black corals and products from them are popular among tourists. In the shopping centers of Havana or in Casa del Habano chain stores, you will not be deceived and will sell goods of good quality.

National Cuban cuisine

Creole cuisine prevails in Cuba. The main national dishes are prepared from pork and chicken. Meat is prepared in many different ways. Among the national dishes cuisine - "Creole ajiako" - one of the main ones. It is prepared from pork and vegetables with the addition of a good portion of spices. Also you should try:

• lobsters with lemon;
• crocodile meat;
• turtle meat and eggs.

Fresh fruit slices are often served with each course. Delicious and strong coffee is brewed. The main national drink is rum, which is part of almost all local cocktails.

Most restaurants are concentrated in resort and tourist areas, it is recommended to visit them with cash. The cost of a meal for one person in a good establishment is from 30 to 40 pesos, simpler establishments will cost no more than 15 pesos, and in an eatery you will leave a maximum of 5 Cuban coins. Tipping is 10% of the check amount and it is better to give it to the waiters. And if you decide to eat in a bar, you are unlikely to succeed. In colorful Cuban bars you have to drink, and from food you will get the most nuts, well, or chips.

Cuban hotels

The most common hotels in Cuba are 4-star hotels, although for those who do not really plan to stay within four walls, there are a sufficient number of 2- and 3-star hotels. But for lovers of luxury, there is not much to choose from, so there are literally a few hotels in 5 stars. Most of the hotels on the island of freedom represent well-known world chains that operate on the "all inclusive" system. Check-in at a hotel in Cuba takes place at 15:00, check-out is registered at 12:00. Cunning Cubans leave themselves three hours to clean the room before the arrival of the next guests, so you can safely make claims if you find unwanted traces of previous guests.

How to get to Cuba

For a convenient and comfortable flight to Cuba, Good THERE recommends using the services of Aeroflot, which organizes permanent, direct flights Moscow-Havana. If residents of Russia will fly non-stop, then citizens of the CIS countries are recommended to fly through Moscow, or through Europe on the appropriate flights.

A direct flight from Moscow lasts about 12 hours, a flight with transfers through Europe from 16 to 20 hours. Ticket prices start at 55,000 rubles per adult. Cheaper can be obtained through the registration of permits. So with accommodation in a three-star hotel for 7 days and nights, the cost of a tour is on average from 60,000 rubles.

Pros and cons of vacationing on a Cuban island

No matter how heavenly place Cuba seems to you, OK THERE recommends paying attention to negative sides holidays in this beautiful country:

• the sun is much more intense and brighter than the inhabitants of the CIS countries and Russia are used to, in order to avoid sunburn, stock up on sunscreens;
• an evening beach holiday can be spoiled by small insects, protective sprays and creams are a must;
• do not drink raw water, and ask for alcoholic drinks chilled without ice, as Cuban water contains many bacteria that are harmful to an unaccustomed tourist;
• beware of marine life: moray eels, sea snakes and urchins and "Portuguese boats";
• be aware of the poverty of the population, which can provoke individuals to want to rob you if you openly show your valuables and cash.

All these are just warnings, because it is better to prepare in advance so that your vacation is not overshadowed by anything, and you can enjoy positive aspects trips:

• feel the atmosphere of freedom;
• enjoy the white sand beaches;
• soak up the cultural spirit of Cuba by visiting festivals and carnivals;
• admire the beauty of Cuban nature;
• try cigars and rum in their homeland;
• dive into the depths of the ocean to view its treasures;
• meet and chat with new people.

A video about Cuba will complement our article

In Cuba, everyone will find something interesting for themselves. Expand your boundaries, the world is not in our apartments and phones. Travel, feel, learn new things. Good THERE wishes you a pleasant stay on Liberty Island.

Until that significant moment, when the sailors of Columbus landed in Baracoa Bay, Indian tribes lived peacefully on Liberty Island. Colonization brought the complete extermination of the indigenous population and Spanish became the official language of Cuba. Its Cuban variety is called Espanol Cubano. The formation of the language of modern Cubans was influenced by the dialects and dialects of slaves from Africa, imported to work on sugar cane plantations, immigrants from Mexico, from Haiti and from the state of Louisiana.

Some statistics and facts

• The population of Liberty Island is 11.5 million people.
• The Cuban language, despite its many features, is quite understandable for a person who knows Spanish. There are nuances in the number of second person pronouns and in some phonetic features of pronunciation.
• A huge number of people who speak Russian live in Cuba. This is the generation that studied in higher educational institutions during the Soviet era. They still remember the Russian language and willingly help tourists if necessary.
• English is still not held in high esteem on Liberty Island and is spoken mainly by the staff of large hotels in the resort areas of Varadero, Trinidad and Holguin.

Experienced travelers are advised to take a trip to Cuba, especially when it comes to an independent tour, a Russian-Spanish phrasebook.

The language of great discoveries

Spanish is widely spoken in the world by far more than other Romance languages ​​and is second only to Chinese speakers in terms of the number of speakers. More than 548 million inhabitants of our planet speak Spanish.
It is Spanish that is called the language of great discoveries, because it was spoken by the majority of navigators who discovered new continents and islands in the 16th-17th centuries.
The spoken and even written state language of Cuba contains a large number of words that are characteristic only of the local dialect. They are called "cubans". The inhabitants of the island prefer to say "you" even to unfamiliar and older people, but this is not considered disrespectful.

Difficulties in translation

Keeping in mind that English is not very popular, it is worth studying the names of dishes in the official language of Cuba in order to know what to choose on the restaurant menu. It is good if the tourist remembers how the numbers are pronounced in Spanish. This way you will be able to avoid misunderstandings in dealing with taxi drivers and sellers in the market.

The Republic of Cuba is unofficially called the Island of Freedom, and occupies the entire territory of the island of Cuba, which is part of the Greater Antilles. The history of the Republic is closely connected with political events during the Cold War and the confrontation between the United States and the Russian Federation in the political arena, which is due to its favorable location and proximity to the North, South and Central parts of America.

The official name of the Republic of Cuba has two versions of the history of origin. Some scientists believe that this word came from the language of the local Indian tribes, who called the fertile lands so. Others believe that this is exactly what Columbus called this island at the time of its discovery, giving the island the name of a settlement with the same name in Portugal.

Geographic characteristics

The island is located at the junction of three parts of America - North, South and Central. It is the largest island in the West Indies and represents the majority of the territory of the Republic. It also includes adjacent islands and coral reefs from the Greater Antilles.

In terms of territory, Cuba is quite impressive, and occupies 110,860 square kilometers, which stretch from west to east for 250 kilometers. The outlines of the Republic on the map are very reminiscent of a lizard that turned its head towards the Atlantic.

People with mixed national origins live here. When the Spaniards reached the island, the tribes of the Arawak Indians lived on it, as well as those that had moved shortly before that from Haiti. However, in the process of colonization, the indigenous people were practically destroyed, and most of the territory was occupied by the Spaniards and other colonizing peoples. Today, the population of the state is more than 11 million people, of which only about 65% of citizens can be attributed to the white race.

Nature

Rivers and lakes

The rivers on the territory of the Republic are not large. Usually they are quite short and not watery. There are over 600 rivers or streams here, and many of them head north, although there are some that flow south into the Caribbean Sea.

On the banks there are a huge number of swamps, the largest of which is called Zapata. Lakes, like rivers, are small, and most often freshwater, although there are also salty lagoons. The largest lake with fresh water is called Laguna de Leche, and its waters are distinguished by a milky whitish hue, which is due to the content of chalk in the water ...

Sea, bay and ocean surrounding Cuba

The southern part of the territory of the Republic is washed by the Caribbean Sea, and from the northwest the island goes around the Gulf of Mexico. The northeast coast faces the Atlantic Ocean...

Plants and animals

More than 3,000 species of tropical fruit plants and flowers grow in Cuba and the surrounding islands. The forests are both deciduous and evergreen, and it is not uncommon to find mahogany or logwood. In the middle of the 20th century, forest plantations were actively planted, and today more than 30% of the territory is covered with green spaces and forests...

One of the most interesting mammals of Cuba can be noted the almost exterminated already Cuban flint tooth. The island is home to 23 species of bats, as well as many different rodents. Among the birds, parrots and thrushes predominate, as well as flamingos and hummingbirds in large numbers.

Amphibians are represented by alligators and a variety of lizards, including the iguana, as well as turtles and crocodiles. Among the snakes, there are a lot of varieties that are non-venomous and not dangerous to humans. More than 7 thousand species of insects and 500 species of fish complete the fauna of this Republic.

Climate of Cuba

The location in the tropical strip next to the Gulf Stream and warm trade winds provides a fairly warm climate in Cuba. The average temperature in January usually does not fall below 22.5 degrees Celsius, and in August it reaches 27-28 degrees on average. From the beginning of May until October, quite heavy rain showers can be observed, and in autumn hurricanes complete the picture. November to March is the most favorable tourist season...

Resources

Industry and agriculture

The subplatform areas on which the state is located consist mostly of limestone fossils. There are practically no expensive minerals that could bring profit to the Cuban budget in the country. The main types of industry are light, textile and food, heavy industry occupies a very small place in the country.

Fertile lands give rich harvests, therefore agriculture is quite well developed in Cuba. The bulk of the plantations is occupied by sugar cane, but other aspects of agricultural structures are also actively developing. Cuba supplies the world market with a large number of elite cigars and sugar, as well as nickel in quite tangible quantities ...

The state of Cuba occupies the island of the same name and many other smaller ones that are part of the Greater Antilles. At the same time, most of the country is the island of Cuba, whose area is 105,000 square kilometers. And all the other island possessions of the Cuban state account for less than 5% of its area. It is worth noting that after the conflict between the United States and Spain, the American military received the right to a small plot of land in the province of Guantanamo, where to this day there is a world-famous military base with a once secret CIA prison. From all sides, Cuba is washed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea, and the beaches along almost the entire coastline of the country are considered among the best in the world.

Absolutely all beaches in Cuba are free and belong to local municipalities. Only a few hotels have small sections of the coast where there are no local residents.

Where is Cuba located and what is the climate like there

Cuba has an amazing warm and mild climate, due to its geographical location. From the famous American state of Florida, Cuba is separated by a small Strait of Florida, the width of which does not exceed 153 kilometers. A warm current runs along the surface of this strait, which can be considered part of the Gulf Stream. Due to the abundant warm sea currents along the coast of the island, even in winter, the water temperature on the beaches of Cuba does not drop below 22 ° C, and in summer this figure is at the level of 27-29 ° C. In general, the climate in Cuba is tropical trade winds, which in practice means a clear division into two seasons: rainy and dry. Rain falls on Cuba from May to October, and dry and sunny weather can be enjoyed from November to April.

Cuba is separated by a small sea from the Yucatan Peninsula, which is a territory of Mexico. Surrounded by Liberty Island are also such paradises as the Bahamas, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. From these geographical objects, Cuba is separated by small straits with a width of 70 to 160 kilometers.

In clear weather, Florida can be seen from the northern coast of Cuba, as the distance here does not exceed 150 kilometers. America's proximity is also used by illegal immigrants crossing the strait in makeshift ships.

How to get to Cuba from Russia

The total flight time to Fidel's homeland will be about 12 hours. Direct flights from Russia are operated by Transaero and Aeroflot, whose planes arrive in Havana and Varadero, a resort town in the north of Cuba, whose beaches are the best in this part of the world, according to UNESCO. As a rule, you can count on direct regular flights to Cuba only from Moscow and St. Petersburg. Most charter flights also depart from the airports of the capital's air hubs, so travelers should find convenient connecting flights in advance.