CUBA
Welcome
Motto: ¡Patria o Muerte, Venceremos!
("Homeland or Death, We Shall Overcome!")
Anthem: La Bayamesa ("The Bayamo Song")
Cuba is an island country in the Caribbean consisting of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Its nearest neighbors are the United States, Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. Cuba is tropical and mostly flat with mountains.
Capital: Havana 23°8′N 82°23′W.
Population: 11,008 million inhabitants.
Gross Domestic Product - GDP (PPP): $254.865 billion.
Official languages: Spanish.
Area: 109,884 km2.
Water (%): 0.
Currency: Cuban peso (CUP).
Safety rating: Ranked 98 on the Global Peace Index with a score of 2.08.
Food
The food and drink of Cuba combines a mixture of Spanish and Afro-Caribbean traditions. Despite being an island, seafood does not play a major role in Cuban cuisine. Instead, the Cuban diet is centred around meats like pork, beef and chicken as well as beans and plantains. Many visitors are surprised to learn that Cuban dishes are not hot and spicy, rather, they are flavoured by onions, garlic and cumin.
Ajiaco
This is the national dish of Cuba, consisting of meat and vegetables in a stew.
Congrís
Known locally as “Moors and Christians”, this dish is made up of black beans and rice.
Lechón
This meal is suckling pig that has been marinated with garlic and onions before being oven roasted or cooked over a spit.
Ropa Vieja
Traditionally made from shredded beef, ropa vieja can also be made with lamb. The meat is cooked with green peppers, tomatoes, onions and garlic in a stew.
Fried Plantains
Green bananas are either mashed, boiled or fried and have a buttery and nutty flavour.
Tamales
Made from cornmeal, tamales are filled with peppers and onions then wrapped in corn leaves and steamed.
Tasajo
This meal consists of fried, dried beef
Drinks
A popular Cuban drink is Guarapo which is made from pressed sugar cane. Cuba is without a doubt known for its rum and mojitos are very popular and are the country’s national cocktail. A mojito is made from light rum, lime juice, fresh mint, sugar and club soda. Regarding Cuban beers, Cristal Bucanero, a pale golden beer nicknamed “the preference of Cuba” and Mayabe, a pale lager beer are often the drink of choice. Cubans tend to drink a lot of coffee, but it is often much stronger than in North America. For a straight shot, people should order café espresso. When it comes to water, visitors are advised to stick to bottled water.
Transportation
Bus
Bus travel in Cuba. Given the relatively low percentage of car owners, Cuba's buses – known as guaguas, or omnibuses when referring to long-distance services – are at the heart of everyday Cuban life. They are by far the most commonly used form of transport, both within the cities and for interprovincial journeys.
Intracity - Gua guas (public buses)
Metro buses or gua guas (pronounced 'wawa') cover the majority of areas in Cuban cities. In Havana, they cover Old and Centro Habana, Vedado, and Miramar; there are 17 main routes, all with a P preceding the number from 1 to 16, and one named P-C. They run about every 10 minutes in peak hours. They're super cheap—they only cost 1CUP (about $0.05). But you'll have to deal with some inconveniences if you choose this method of transportation in Cuba. These buses are very crowded, there's no A/C, and pickpockets are common. You're going to stand out as a foreigner so keep a close eye on your bags and know which stop you need before getting on.
Bici-Taxi
In some cities, particularly Havana and Camaguey, you might spot pedicabs/bicycle taxis. They're obviously slower than riding in a car, but they can be a fun way to do a little sightseeing in Old Havana. If you see one, just flag it down. Your ride will probably cost just a few USD depending on how far you go. As with all other taxis, ask for the price before getting in.
Private Taxis
There's no Uber or Lyft in Cuba. The only way to get from the Havana airport to the city itself is by taking a taxi. There are many types of private taxis in Havana. These are the ones you need to know about when traveling:
- Coco Taxi - Yellow coco taxis are for tourists, black and yellow are for locals (you'll pay in pesos). You can safely negotiate the price ahead of time in either type. You'll spend $5 for most trips within the city, which is a decent price.
- Cuba Taxi - These are state-run taxis. You can ask them to use the meter, but if you negotiate the price ahead of time, it may be cheaper than the metered price.
- Grancar - These are old Chevy's that have been painted yellow. They're the most expensive taxis. A trip in a Grancar will cost the around of $30-50 USD per hour.
Hitchhiking
Locals hitchhike all the time in Cuba. Hitchhiking gained popularity as a mode of transportation in Cuba in the early 1990s during the gasoline shortage when the state required all private vehicles to stop for anyone asking for a ride. While people are no longer obligated to stop, hitchhiking is still common.
Trains
Taking the train when you travel to Cuba can be just as much of an adventure as renting a car, maybe even more so. It's hard to find an accurate schedule and to purchase tickets. Trains are slow and unreliable. Plus, it's generally a 'bring your own toilet paper' situation. Overall, it's not the best form of transportation in Cuba.
Car Rentals
Only 10% of travelers end up renting cars so this can be an adventurous and unique way to explore the country. Why don't most people rent a car? Car rentals are often expensive ($50+ per day) and you run the risk of them breaking down because many have mid to high mileage. Since there are so many other options for transportation in Cuba, most people don't want the hassle of a car.
First, let's bust a myth: you won't be renting old, classic cars from the 1950s.
There are four main companies to rent from: Rex, Havanautos, Via, and Cubacar. They are all owned by the government, so the pricing and car selection are generally the same no matter which company you choose. Most car rental bookings can be made online. Always book well in advance because of availability.
Flying
You can fly between cities in Cuba. Domestic airlines like Aerocaribbean fly between Havana and other cities throughout the island like Holguin and Santiago de Cuba. Almost all flight routes depart or arrive in Havana, the heart of air transportation in Cuba. Flying between Santa Clara and Baracoa, for example, is not possible without a transfer in Havana.
Best things to do
Old Havana
Old Havana is a must visit. You can take a stroll along its numerous streets and be fascinated by its structures, some of which are crumbling, but strangely enough, adds to the charm of Havana.
Che Guevara
Check out the Mausoleo del Che Guevara. Che Guevara was an important figure in Cuba’s history although he was an Argentinian. He performed a number of key roles in Castro’s government.
El Morro
Explore El Morro, a Spanish castle and fortress initially built in 1589. It was once a significant navigational landmark as it guards the entrance of Havana Bay.
José Rodriguez Fuster
Enjoy the sights in Fusterlandia. A community project of Cuban artist, José Rodriguez Fuster, the houses in this neighborhood have been painted or decorated by the said artist. The colorful street art and remarkable murals are a must see.
Camera Obscura
Step inside Camera Obscura and enjoy a live-action view of Havana. Camera Obsura is located on a rooftop above the Plaza Vieja.
Cigars
Take a tour of Alejandro Robaina Tobacco Plantation. Cuba is known for its cigars, and the plantation is where you will learn about the tobacco making process.
Malecon
An 8 kilometer-long sea drive, Malecon is a boulevard where you can watch old Buicks and Chevrolets drive by. A great place to watch the sunset and breathe in the beauty of the bay.
Fabrica de Arte Cubano
Fabrica de Arte Cubano is the coolest place in Havana. You can enjoy dancing, watch live entertainment, or view the artwork by famous or struggling artists.
Playa Paraiso
Refesh at Playa Paraiso located at Cayo Largo. It is one of the most stunning beaches in Cuba. Simply picture perfect.
Dolphins
Swim and interact with the dolphins at the Dolphinarium in Cayo Naranjo. It is a day trip worth experiencing.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Cuba is between November and April. This island has a wonderful Caribbean climate and a long season of loveliness, when the days are warm and sunny and there's very little rain, particularly in Havana and on the coast. The beaches along Cuba's south coast get the best weather on the island.
March to mid-April is the most pleasant months: warm and sunny without summer's humidity or storms. Prices may be slightly lower in January-February, when night-time temperatures drop, but the rain stays away and the sun shines.
The rainy season starts in June and usually lasts until October - November. This season brings heavy but short rain showers, usually at the end of the day. Temperatures are highest on the island during the late summer, with the highest temperatures found toward the eastern part of the island.
Hurricane season normally runs from June to November. It includes heavy rains, and possible flash floods and landslides. Hurricanes may result in disruption of power, communications, water supplies, and potentially flights to and from Cuba.
Quick tips
Pickpocketing and opportunistic thefts are common in Cuba, while armed robberies are far less common. Key information to remember: Cuban customs laws prohibits any imports of pornographic material, narcotics drugs, live animals and firearms.
Havana is a safe city and mostly bereft of violent crime. Pickpocketing is more common but not rampant, and it's mostly avoidable if you take a few basic precautions. Wear a money belt, use safe boxes in hotel rooms and don't flash your cash in public. Many locations will also not have a high standard of running water. You will not necessarily be allowed to flush toilet paper.
Cuba remains a communist country despite recent reforms, and the government does not tolerate any criticism. If you strike up a discussion about politics or the government you'll likely make people uncomfortable, and you could end up being reported to the police for being a subversive foreigner.
Try to avoid these taboos when in Cuba: Spitting on the ground or blowing your nose in public. Taking pictures of anyone (without first asking their permission). Littering (this is not only rude, but it's also against the law).
As a general rule, you should avoid tap water in Cuba and stick to drinking bottled water. This includes mixed drinks made with tap water and beverages containing ice made from tap water (pro tip: when drinking water in Cuba at local restaurants, ask for your drinks without ice).
- Mausoleo del Che Guevara, Cuba Picture: "Hasta la victoria siempre!" -
