Cuba
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General Travel Guide: The Soul of Cuba
Cuba is a journey through time, an experience that defies convention. It is an island where classic cars from the 50s travel through streets flanked by majestic but decadent colonial architecture, and where music escapes from every window. From the endless energy of Havana to the tranquility of its white sand cays and turquoise waters, Cuba offers a fascinating contrast. It is the land of the best tobacco in the world, of the rum that inspired Hemingway and of a revolutionary history that has marked its identity. Get ready for a trip that will stimulate your senses, invite you to dance and connect you with the warmth and resilience of its people.
Capital
Havana
Population
11.326.616
Langue
Español
Sites du patrimoine de l'UNESCO
0
Indices de voyage
📊Indices de voyage
Le meilleur de Cuba
Expériences uniques
Tour Havana in a Classic American Car
One of the most iconic experiences in Cuba. Strolling along the Malecón or Paseo del Prado in a convertible "almendrón" (as locals call these cars) from the 1950s is the perfect way to admire the city's architecture and feel like you're part of a movie.
Visit a Tobacco Plantation in Viñales
Enter the Pinar del Río region to learn first-hand about the cultivation and production process of the famous Cuban cigars. A local farmer will show you how the leaves are dried and how a cigar is rolled by hand, a tradition passed down from generation to generation.
Dancing Salsa in a House of Music
Music is the heart of Cuba. Whether in Havana or Trinidad, visiting a House of Music at night will immerse you in the local festive atmosphere. It doesn't matter if you don't know how to dance, the energy is contagious and there will always be someone willing to teach you the basic steps.
Staying in a Private House
The best way to get to know the authentic Cuba is to stay in a private house. Living with a Cuban family will allow you to learn about their daily life, enjoy delicious homemade food and receive the best advice on what to do and see, directly supporting the local economy.
Get lost in the Cobblestone Streets of Trinidad
Traveling to Trinidad is like entering an open-air museum. Its cobbled streets, pastel-colored houses and colonial squares transport you to another era. Climb the Palacio Cantero tower for a panoramic view of the city and the red roofs.
Have a Canchánchara in your place of origin
In Trinidad, you cannot miss trying Canchánchara, a traditional drink based on brandy, honey and lemon that the mambises (fighters for independence) drank to warm up. It is served in a clay glass and is the perfect cocktail to enjoy local music.
Fusion of Flavors with Creole Seasoning
Cuban gastronomy is the result of a rich fusion of Taíno, Spanish, African and Caribbean influences. It is home-made cuisine, tasty and unpretentious, based on the use of local resources. Pork, chicken, rice, beans and root vegetables (tubers such as cassava or sweet potato) are the stars of the Cuban table.
Cuban gastronomy is the result of a rich fusion of Taíno, Spanish, African and Caribbean influences. It is home-made cuisine, tasty and unpretentious, based on the use of local resources. Pork, chicken, rice, beans and root vegetables (tubers such as cassava or sweet potato) are the stars of the Cuban table.
The Creole Sofrito
The flavor base of many Cuban dishes. It generally consists of garlic, onion, chili (pepper) and sometimes tomato, slowly sautéed in oil to create an aromatic and flavorful base on which stews and sauces are built.
Food in Paladares and Private Houses
'Paladares' are private restaurants, often located in family homes. Eating at a paladar or in the private house where you are staying is the best way to try authentic Cuban homemade cuisine, prepared with care and with fresh ingredients of the day.
Plats Iconiques
Old Clothes
Considered the national dish of Cuba. It is shredded beef stewed in a tasty tomato sauce with peppers, onion and spices. Its name is due to its appearance, which is reminiscent of shreds of old clothing.
Moors and Christians (or Congrí)
A ubiquitous dish consisting of rice cooked together with black beans, the rice taking on the dark color of the beans. Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, congrí usually refers to the mixture with red beans.
Roasted piglet
The festive dish par excellence, especially at Christmas and New Year's Eve. It is a whole pig slowly roasted, often on a spike over hot coals, until the skin is crispy ('chicharrón') and the meat is juicy and tender.
Yuca with Mojo
Cassava, a tuber of indigenous origin, is boiled until tender and served with a garlic 'mojo'. This sauce is prepared with crushed garlic, hot oil, salt and sour orange or lemon juice.
Ajiaco
A strong soup or stew that represents the Cuban mestizaje. It has different types of meats and a wide variety of foods such as corn, cassava, taro and pumpkin, creating a rich and substantial dish.
Fried Cow
Similar to ropa Vieja but without tomato sauce. The beef, previously cooked and shredded, is fried in oil until crispy. Served with sautéed onions and a squeeze of lemon.
Boissons typiques
Rum
The national drink par excellence. Cuba is the birthplace of world-famous rums such as Havana Club or Santiago de Cuba. It can be enjoyed alone, with ice, or as a base for the island's most famous cocktails.
Mojito
The most international Cuban cocktail. A refreshing blend of white rum, mint, sugar, lime juice, ice and sparkling water. La Bodeguita del Medio in Havana is credited with its fame.
Daiquiri
Another iconic cocktail, immortalized by Ernest Hemingway in El Floridita. In its classic version, it is a shaken mixture of white rum, lime juice, sugar and frappe ice, creating a kind of slushie.
Guarapo
The juice extracted directly from sugar cane, an incredibly sweet and refreshing drink. It is sold in street stalls where the cane is passed through a sugar mill (mill) at the moment.
Cuban Coffee
Coffee in Cuba is a ritual. It is prepared strong, dark and served in small cups. It is traditionally sweetened directly in the coffee maker when brewed, creating a layer of sweet foam ('espumita').
Desserts traditionnels
Milk Flan
A very creamy version of flan, often made with condensed milk and evaporated milk, giving it a dense texture. It is served dipped in liquid caramel.
Three Milks
A very spongy cake that is soaked in a mixture of three types of milk: evaporated, condensed and heavy cream. It is an incredibly moist and sweet dessert.
Guava Cupcakes
Small puff pastries filled with pasta or guava jam. Sometimes they also have cream cheese, creating a delicious contrast of flavors.
Yuca fritters
A traditional fry, especially at Christmas. A dough is made from boiled cassava and sweet potato, shaped into a bow or number eight and fried. They are served bathed in a cinnamon syrup.
Que voir par thème
Cuba is an island of contrasts that offers much more than beaches. Its historical, natural and cultural wealth allows you to organize a trip for every type of traveler.
Colonial Cities and Heritage
Travel back in time touring the seven towns founded by the Spanish. Old Havana, with its squares and fortresses; Trinidad, the perfectly preserved city-museum; and Cienfuegos, the 'Pearl of the South' with its French architecture. Other cities like Camagüey, with its labyrinthine layout, and the primate Baracoa, are also gems to discover.
Paradise Beaches and Virgin Keys
The Cuban coasts are home to some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Varadero is the most famous, with its long strip of white sand. But the real magic is found in the keys: Cayo Largo del Sur with Playa Paraíso and Playa Sirena, Cayo Guillermo with the iconic Playa Pilar, and Cayo Santa María are synonymous with turquoise waters and absolute relaxation.
Nature and Rural Landscapes
Cuba is surprisingly green. The Viñales Valley, a World Heritage Site, will captivate you with its mogotes and tobacco fields. The Sierra Maestra, the highest mountain range in the country, offers hiking trails with history. The Zapata Swamp is the largest wetland in the Caribbean, a paradise for bird and crocodile watching.
In the Traces of the Revolution
The history of the 20th century is palpable throughout the island. In Santa Clara, visit the imposing Mausoleum of Che Guevara. In Santiago de Cuba, you can see the Moncada Barracks, where the fighting began. And in the Sierra Maestra is the La Plata Command, the hideout of Fidel Castro and his guerrillas.
Afro-Cuban Music, Art and Culture
Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural world of the island. Strolling through the Callejón de Hamel in Havana is an immersion in Afro-Cuban art and religion. Attend a show at the Gran Teatro de La Habana or the famous Tropicana cabaret. In each city you will find live music, from traditional son to Latin jazz.
Conseils de voyage
Currency and Payments
The official currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP). It is recommended to carry euros or Canadian dollars in cash to exchange, as the US dollar may have a tax. The exchange must be made in banks or official exchange houses (CADECA). Many tourist services and paladares accept direct payments in euros. Credit cards (not issued by US banks) are accepted in large hotels, but it is essential to bring cash.
Tips
Tipping is a very important part of the income of workers in the service sector and is a very widespread custom. A tip of around 10% is expected in restaurants and bars. It is also customary to tip tour guides, musicians, hotel staff, and valets.
Transport
For long distances, the most common option is the tourist bus from the Viazul company. Collective taxis (almendrones that cover fixed routes) are an economical option to move within cities. Renting a private car with driver or a taxi for trips between cities is also a popular and efficient option, although more expensive.
Internet and Connectivity
Internet access in Cuba is limited and more expensive than in other countries. The most common option is to buy a Nauta card from ETECSA (the state company) that gives you a username and password to connect for a limited time at public Wi-Fi points, which are usually in parks and squares. There is also a tourist SIM (Cubacel Tur) that can be purchased online and collected at the airport, offering a package of data, minutes and SMS.
This guide offers you a window into the unique experience that is Cuba. It is a country that invites you to disconnect, to let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of its music and to talk with its people. Every colonial city and every paradisiacal key has a story to tell. We encourage you to explore with an open mind, to be patient with its particularities and to fully immerse yourself in a culture that will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on you. Enjoy your trip to the Pearl of the Caribbean!
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