4 minute read
Journey Styles
CUBA
Cuba is in many ways a typical Caribbean island, by far the largest, but at the same time unique and different from all the other islands. Of course, you find here the white beaches and hidden islands, the exuberant tropical nature, the easy-going life style and joie-de-vivre of the inhabitants. Cuba also means Havana, a unique bucket-list city with colonial architecture, classic American vintage cars in the streets and a surprising nightlife. Beyond Havana, Cuba also has colonial cities like Trinidad or Remedios. And what about the Cuban salsa, cocktails and cigars?
People associate Cuba for Fidel Castro and the Cuban Revolution which is still present and is considered as the backbone of Cuban society. The US embargo against Cuba means that modern times and consumerism are not yet so pronounced. A unique destination at this moment in time which you need to see now before it all changes.
CUBA
COUNTRY
Cuba is the largest island of the Caribbean with a full-length of 1250 km and between 50 and 250 km wide. Cuba has 11 million inhabitants, mostly living in cities like Havana. Cuba is a communist country since 1959 defying the nearby United States. The US has an embargo against Cuba and you will see very few tourists from there. Most visitors come from Canada and Europe, around 4 million per year. You will not find major brands and retail like in other western countries. Without McDonalds eateries and Gucci stores you will find this country surprisingly different and unique.
HIGHLIGHTS
Whoever thinks of Cuba also thinks of white beaches dotted with palm trees. Varadero is a popular destination, easily accessible by bridge roads from the main land. Cuba offers rich and green landscapes with many nature parks all over its extensive territory, most of them in mountainous areas. A tropical jungle is easily accessible by wellmaintained trails and always with the option of a local nature guides’ assistance. The trails usually end at a fresh waterfall where you can swim in. Cuba is home to many endemic birds, and is a paradise for birdwatcherss.
WEATHER
Cuba has sunshine almost every day of the year. Winter (Nov-April) has day temperatures of 20-25 degrees Celsius and summer (May-October) of 25-30 degrees. The difference is the humidity. In the summer the air is a bit heavy and an occasional tropical shower in the late afternoon is possible and refreshing. In the winter air is mostly dry and it rains a lot less. For this reason, most come in this period. As part of the Caribbean in Cuba July till end November is hurricane season. But this is a matter of bad luck and many visitors do come in the summer period.
WINTER
HAVANA 22 SUMMER
26
PEOPLE
Cuban people are hospitable and very social. They feel no barriers in between each other and total strangers talking to one another in the street as they were life-long friends is very normal. Cuba is still a developing country but people think collectively when carrying this burden. Cubans have a positive attitude towards life and are very careful with their appearance. They enjoy life with a passion for music, dance, rum, humor and romance. And they strongly believe you will visit the island to share these feelings with them.
HAVANA
In 2019 Havana celebrated its 500 years and the layers of history are everywhere: The colonial architecture of Old Havana, the grandeur of the waterfront Malecon of the beginning of the 20th Century, the pompous Revolution Square of the socialist era.gI
CLASSIC AMERICAN VINTAGE CARS
Cuba is famous for the presence of American vintage cars. Seen everywhere on the streets, they are used as collective taxis by the locals. Take a ride in one of the convertibles and cruise along the Havana Malecon just like a local. s
CUBAN CIGARS
In the months of December to April, you can visit tobacco plantations and watch the farmers work their fields. We recommend a visit to a cigar factory and try a long Churchill cigar.
RUM AND COCKTAILS
Cuba is the birth place of many cocktails like mojito, daiquiri, and rum coke. Rum being the common denominator and added to other spirits. There are numerous bars and terraces to try these cocktails.the vibrant city indulges all the senses with an abundance
COLONIAL CITIES
Cuba has many historic cities dating back from the colonial times. Trinidad is a must-see but also Remedios is a real beauty. The historic centers are preserved and restored. Many of them are on the UNESCO list of Patrimony of Mankind.you wander through the
colourful spice market. Take in the stunning sights of the historic Red Fort.
VARADERO
Varadero is one of the world’s best beaches. It is a narrow peninsula 20 km long on the north coast. One side has great beaches and here you find all-inclusive hotels in all categories. There is a center with local nightlife, several marinas and a dolphin center.